This is a modern-English version of The World English Bible (WEB), Complete, originally written by Anonymous. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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THE WORLD ENGLISH BIBLE (WEB)



INDEX

THE OLD TESTAMENT


THE NEW TESTAMENT














THE OLD TESTAMENT





Genesis

1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.

1:1 In the beginning, God created the skies and the land. 1:2 The earth was shapeless and void. Darkness covered the deep waters, and God's Spirit was moving over the surface of the waters.

1:3 God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 1:4 God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness. 1:5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. There was evening and there was morning, one day.

1:3 God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 1:4 God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God separated the light from the darkness. 1:5 God named the light Day, and the darkness he named Night. There was evening and there was morning, one day.

1:6 God said, "Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." 1:7 God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 1:8 God called the expanse sky. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.

1:6 God said, "Let there be a space in the middle of the waters, to separate the waters below from the waters above." 1:7 God created the space and separated the waters underneath it from the waters above; and it happened just as He said. 1:8 God named the space sky. There was evening, and there was morning, the second day.

1:9 God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear;" and it was so. 1:10 God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters he called Seas. God saw that it was good. 1:11 God said, "Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with its seed in it, on the earth;" and it was so. 1:12 The earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with its seed in it, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. 1:13 There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

1:9 God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear;" and it happened. 1:10 God named the dry land Earth, and the gathering of the waters he named Seas. God saw that it was good. 1:11 God said, "Let the earth produce grass, plants that yield seeds, and fruit trees that bear fruit with seeds in them, according to their kinds, on the earth;" and it happened. 1:12 The earth produced grass, plants yielding seeds according to their kinds, and trees bearing fruit, with seeds in them, according to their kinds; and God saw that it was good. 1:13 There was evening, and there was morning, a third day.

1:14 God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years; 1:15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of sky to give light on the earth;" and it was so. 1:16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 1:17 God set them in the expanse of sky to give light to the earth, 1:18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. 1:19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

1:14 God said, "Let there be lights in the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be used for signs, seasons, days, and years; 1:15 and let them give light on the earth;" and it happened. 1:16 God created two great lights: the brighter one to lead the day, and the dimmer one to lead the night. He also made the stars. 1:17 God placed them in the sky to illuminate the earth, 1:18 and to govern over the day and night, and to separate light from darkness. God saw that it was good. 1:19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

1:20 God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of sky." 1:21 God created the large sea creatures, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good. 1:22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." 1:23 There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

1:20 God said, "Let the waters be filled with all kinds of living creatures, and let birds fly over the earth in the vast sky." 1:21 God created the huge sea animals and every living creature that moves in the waters, each according to its kind, and every bird with wings according to its kind. God saw that it was good. 1:22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the seas with your kind, and let birds multiply on the earth." 1:23 There was evening, and there was morning, the fifth day.

1:24 God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;" and it was so. 1:25 God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good.

1:24 God said, "Let the earth produce living creatures, including livestock, reptiles, and wild animals, each according to their kind;" and it happened. 1:25 God created the wild animals, livestock, and everything that crawls on the ground, each according to its kind. God saw that it was good.

1:26 God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 1:27 God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them. 1:28 God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 1:29 God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. 1:30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;" and it was so.

1:26 God said, "Let’s make humans in our image, to be like us. They will rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the livestock, all the earth, and every creepy creature that crawls on the ground." 1:27 God created humans in his own image. In his image, he created them; male and female, he created them. 1:28 God blessed them and said, "Be productive, multiply, fill the earth, and take charge of it. Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth." 1:29 God said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the entire earth, and every tree that produces fruit with seeds. That will be your food. 1:30 To every animal on the earth, every bird in the sky, and every living thing that crawls on the ground, I have given every green plant for food;" and it was so.

1:31 God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

1:31 God looked at all that he had created, and, indeed, it was very good. There was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day.

2:1 The heavens and the earth were finished, and all their vast array. 2:2 On the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 2:3 God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and made.

2:1 The skies and the land were complete, and everything in them. 2:2 On the seventh day, God completed his work that he had done; and he took a break on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 2:3 God blessed the seventh day and made it special because he rested on it from all his work that he had created and made.

2:4 This is the history of the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Yahweh God made the earth and the heavens. 2:5 No plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprung up; for Yahweh God had not caused it to rain on the earth. There was not a man to till the ground, 2:6 but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground. 2:7 Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 2:8 Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 2:9 Out of the ground Yahweh God made every tree to grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the middle of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 2:10 A river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it was parted, and became four heads. 2:11 The name of the first is Pishon: this is the one which flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; 2:12 and the gold of that land is good. There is aromatic resin and the onyx stone. 2:13 The name of the second river is Gihon: the same river that flows through the whole land of Cush. 2:14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel: this is the one which flows in front of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 2:15 Yahweh God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 2:16 Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die."

2:4 This is the story of how the heavens and the earth were created, on the day that Yahweh God made them. 2:5 No plants had yet grown in the fields, and no herbs had sprouted because Yahweh God hadn't caused it to rain on the earth. There was no one to farm the land, 2:6 but a mist rose from the earth and watered the ground. 2:7 Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into his nostrils; and man became a living being. 2:8 Yahweh God planted a garden in the east, in Eden, and placed the man he had formed there. 2:9 From the ground, Yahweh God made every tree that was beautiful to look at and good for food; the tree of life was also in the middle of the garden, along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 2:10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it split into four branches. 2:11 The first is called Pishon; this river flows through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold; 2:12 and the gold in that land is good. There are also aromatic resin and onyx stones. 2:13 The second river is named Gihon; it's the one that flows through the whole land of Cush. 2:14 The third river is called Hiddekel; this one flows in front of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 2:15 Yahweh God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and take care of it. 2:16 Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

2:18 Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." 2:19 Out of the ground Yahweh God formed every animal of the field, and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 2:20 The man gave names to all livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for man there was not found a helper suitable for him. 2:21 Yahweh God caused a deep sleep to fall on the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 2:22 He made the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, into a woman, and brought her to the man. 2:23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." 2:24 Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh. 2:25 They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

2:18 God said, "It’s not good for man to be alone; I will make a suitable helper for him." 2:19 From the ground, God made every animal in the field and every bird in the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would name them. Whatever the man named each living creature became its name. 2:20 The man named all the livestock, the birds of the sky, and every animal in the field; but he couldn’t find a suitable helper for himself. 2:21 So God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh in its place. 2:22 He made the rib that God had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. 2:23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be called Woman because she was taken out of Man." 2:24 Therefore, a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and they will become one flesh. 2:25 The man and his wife were both naked and felt no shame.

3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, "Has God really said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'"

3:1 Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'"

3:2 The woman said to the serpent, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat, 3:3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'"

3:2 The woman said to the serpent, "We can eat the fruit from the trees in the garden, 3:3 but from the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, 'You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.'"

3:4 The serpent said to the woman, "You won't surely die, 3:5 for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

3:4 The snake said to the woman, "You definitely won't die, 3:5 because God knows that when you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you'll be like God, knowing right from wrong."

3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. 3:7 The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 3:8 They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.

3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it too. 3:7 Their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 3:8 They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid from Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.

3:9 Yahweh God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"

3:9 God called out to the man and asked him, "Where are you?"

3:10 The man said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."

3:10 The man said, "I heard you in the garden, and I was scared because I was bare, so I hid."

3:11 God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

3:11 God asked, "Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?"

3:12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."

3:12 The man said, "The woman you gave to be with me, she gave me some of the fruit from the tree, and I ate it."

3:13 Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"

3:13 God said to the woman, "What have you done?"

The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

The woman said, "The snake tricked me, and I ate."

3:14 Yahweh God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock, and above every animal of the field. On your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel."

3:14 God said to the serpent, "Because you did this, you are cursed more than all the livestock and every wild animal. You will crawl on your belly and eat dust all your life. 3:15 I will create hostility between you and the woman, and between your descendants and hers. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

3:16 To the woman he said, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. In pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

3:16 To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pain during childbirth. You will experience pain as you give birth to children. You will long for your husband, and he will have authority over you."

3:17 To Adam he said, "Because you have listened to your wife's voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 3:18 Thorns also and thistles will it bring forth to you; and you will eat the herb of the field. 3:19 By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

3:17 He said to Adam, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from, the ground is cursed because of you. You'll struggle to make a living from it all your life. 3:18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you'll eat the plants from the field. 3:19 You'll work hard for your food until you go back to the ground, because you were taken from it. You are dust, and to dust, you will return."

3:20 The man called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 3:21 Yahweh God made coats of skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.

3:20 The man named his wife Eve because she was the mother of everyone. 3:21 Yahweh God made leather garments for Adam and his wife and dressed them.

3:22 Yahweh God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he put forth his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever..." 3:23 Therefore Yahweh God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed Cherubs at the east of the garden of Eden, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

3:22 God said, "Look, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, if he reaches out his hand and takes from the tree of life, eats, and lives forever..." 3:23 So God sent him out of the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 3:24 He drove out the man and placed Cherubs at the east of the garden of Eden, along with a flaming sword that turned in every direction, to guard the way to the tree of life.

4:1 The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, "I have gotten a man with Yahweh's help." 4:2 Again she gave birth, to Cain's brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 4:3 As time passed, it happened that Cain brought an offering to Yahweh from the fruit of the ground. 4:4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, 4:5 but he didn't respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 4:6 Yahweh said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 4:7 If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don't do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it." 4:8 Cain said to Abel, his brother, "Let's go into the field." It happened when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.

4:1 The man was intimate with his wife Eve. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain, saying, "I've brought a man into the world with Yahweh's help." 4:2 She then gave birth to Cain's brother Abel. Abel was a shepherd, while Cain was a farmer. 4:3 As time went on, Cain presented an offering to Yahweh from the produce of the land. 4:4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn from his flock, along with their fat. Yahweh accepted Abel and his offering, 4:5 but he did not accept Cain and his offering. Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. 4:6 Yahweh said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why has your face fallen? 4:7 If you do well, won't you be accepted? If you don't do well, sin is waiting at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must control it." 4:8 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." While they were out in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

4:9 Yahweh said to Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?"

4:9 God asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"

He said, "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?"

He said, "I don't know. Am I responsible for my brother?"

4:10 Yahweh said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries to me from the ground. 4:11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 4:12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won't yield its strength to you. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth."

4:10 God said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground. 4:11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hands. 4:12 From now on, when you farm the ground, it won't give you its strength. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."

4:13 Cain said to Yahweh, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. 4:14 Behold, you have driven me out this day from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth. It will happen that whoever finds me will kill me."

4:13 Cain said to God, "My punishment is too much for me to handle. 4:14 Look, you have banished me from the ground today. I will be away from your presence and become a fugitive and a wanderer on earth. Anyone who finds me will kill me."

4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should strike him.

4:15 God said to him, "So anyone who kills Cain will face vengeance seven times over." God set a mark on Cain so that anyone who came across him wouldn't harm him.

4:16 Cain went out from Yahweh's presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 4:17 Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. 4:19 Lamech took two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 4:20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 4:21 His brother's name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe. 4:22 Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. Tubal Cain's sister was Naamah. 4:23 Lamech said to his wives,

4:16 Cain moved away from Yahweh and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 4:17 Cain had a relationship with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city and named it after his son, Enoch. 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. 4:19 Lamech took two wives: one was named Adah, and the other was named Zillah. 4:20 Adah had a son named Jabal, who was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 4:21 His brother, Jubal, was the father of all who play the harp and flute. 4:22 Zillah also had a son named Tubal Cain, the maker of every metal tool, both brass and iron. Tubal Cain's sister was Naamah. 4:23 Lamech said to his wives,

"Adah and Zillah, hear my voice.
You wives of Lamech, listen to my speech,
for I have slain a man for wounding me,
a young man for bruising me.
4:24 If Cain will be avenged seven times,
truly Lamech seventy-seven times."

4:25 Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, "for God has appointed me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." 4:26 There was also born a son to Seth, and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on Yahweh's name.

4:25 Adam had relations with his wife again. She gave birth to a son and named him Seth, "for God has given me another child in place of Abel, whom Cain killed." 4:26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time, people began to call on the name of Yahweh.

5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him in God's likeness. 5:2 He created them male and female, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. 5:3 Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 5:4 The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of sons and daughters. 5:5 All the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years, then he died.

5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. On the day that God created humanity, He made them in His own image. 5:2 He created them male and female, blessed them, and called their name Adam, on the day they were created. 5:3 Adam lived for one hundred thirty years and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 5:4 After Adam became the father of Seth, he lived for eight hundred more years and had other sons and daughters. 5:5 In total, Adam lived for nine hundred thirty years before he died.

5:6 Seth lived one hundred five years, and became the father of Enosh. 5:7 Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:8 All the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then he died.

5:6 Seth lived for one hundred five years and became the father of Enosh. 5:7 After becoming the father of Enosh, Seth lived for eight hundred seven more years and had more sons and daughters. 5:8 Seth's total lifespan was nine hundred twelve years, and then he died.

5:9 Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan. 5:10 Enosh lived after he became the father of Kenan, eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:11 All the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then he died.

5:9 Enosh lived for ninety years and became the father of Kenan. 5:10 After becoming the father of Kenan, Enosh lived for another eight hundred fifteen years and had other sons and daughters. 5:11 The total lifespan of Enosh was nine hundred five years, and then he died.

5:12 Kenan lived seventy years, and became the father of Mahalalel. 5:13 Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of sons and daughters 5:14 and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then he died.

5:12 Kenan lived for seventy years and became the father of Mahalalel. 5:13 After becoming the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived for another eight hundred forty years and had more sons and daughters 5:14. In total, Kenan lived for nine hundred ten years, and then he died.

5:15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Jared. 5:16 Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:17 All the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then he died.

5:15 Mahalalel lived for sixty-five years and became the father of Jared. 5:16 Mahalalel lived eight hundred thirty years after becoming the father of Jared and had other sons and daughters. 5:17 In total, Mahalalel lived for eight hundred ninety-five years, and then he died.

5:18 Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, and became the father of Enoch. 5:19 Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:20 All the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.

5:18 Jared lived for one hundred sixty-two years and became the father of Enoch. 5:19 After becoming the father of Enoch, Jared lived for eight hundred more years and had other sons and daughters. 5:20 In total, Jared lived for nine hundred sixty-two years, and then he died.

5:21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. 5:22 Enoch walked with God after he became the father of Methuselah three hundred years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:23 All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years. 5:24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

5:21 Enoch lived for sixty-five years and became the father of Methuselah. 5:22 After becoming Methuselah's father, Enoch walked with God for three hundred years and had other sons and daughters. 5:23 The total years of Enoch's life were three hundred sixty-five. 5:24 Enoch walked with God, and then he was gone, for God took him.

5:25 Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, and became the father of Lamech. 5:26 Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:27 All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.

5:25 Methuselah lived for one hundred eighty-seven years and became Lamech's father. 5:26 After becoming Lamech's father, Methuselah lived for seven hundred eighty-two more years and had sons and daughters. 5:27 In total, Methuselah lived nine hundred sixty-nine years before he died.

5:28 Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of a son, 5:29 and he named him Noah, saying, "This same will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, because of the ground which Yahweh has cursed." 5:30 Lamech lived after he became the father of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and became the father of sons and daughters. 5:31 All the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years, then he died.

5:28 Lamech lived for one hundred eighty-two years and became the father of a son, 5:29 who he named Noah, saying, "This one will bring us comfort in our work and the hardships we face because of the ground that the Lord has cursed." 5:30 After becoming Noah's father, Lamech lived for five hundred ninety-five more years and had other sons and daughters. 5:31 In total, Lamech lived for seven hundred seventy-seven years before he died.

5:32 Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

5:32 Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

6:1 It happened, when men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them, 6:2 that God's sons saw that men's daughters were beautiful, and they took for themselves wives of all that they chose. 6:3 Yahweh said, "My Spirit will not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; yet will his days be one hundred twenty years." 6:4 The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God's sons came in to men's daughters. They bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

6:1 It happened when people started to multiply on the earth and daughters were born to them, 6:2 that God's sons saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they chose wives from among them. 6:3 The Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are flesh; their days will be one hundred twenty years." 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth during those times, and even afterward, when God's sons went to the daughters of men. They had children with them. Those were the ancient mighty men, men of great renown.

6:5 Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6:6 Yahweh was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart. 6:7 Yahweh said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the surface of the ground; man, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them." 6:8 But Noah found favor in Yahweh's eyes.

6:5 God saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every thought in their hearts was only evil all the time. 6:6 God was regretful that he had created humans on the earth, and it troubled him deeply. 6:7 God said, "I will wipe out the humans I have made from the face of the land; this includes humans, animals, creeping creatures, and birds in the sky; for I regret having made them." 6:8 But Noah found grace in God's eyes.

6:9 This is the history of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God. 6:10 Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 6:11 The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 6:12 God saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

6:9 This is the story of Noah's family. Noah was a good man, the only decent person in his time. He had a close relationship with God. 6:10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 6:11 The world was sinful in God's eyes, and it was full of violence. 6:12 God looked at the world and saw that it was corrupt, because everyone had turned away from the right path.

6:13 God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 6:14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. 6:15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship will be three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 6:16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels. 6:17 I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die. 6:18 But I will establish my covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 6:19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 6:20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort shall come to you, to keep them alive. 6:21 Take with you of all food that is eaten, and gather it to yourself; and it will be for food for you, and for them." 6:22 Thus Noah did. According to all that God commanded him, so he did.

6:13 God said to Noah, "The end of all living things has come before me because the earth is filled with violence. Look, I will destroy them along with the earth. 6:14 Build an ark from cypress wood. Make rooms in the ark and seal it inside and out with tar. 6:15 This is how you should construct it: the ark will be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 6:16 You should make a roof for the ark, and complete it so that it rises a cubit above. Set the door of the ark on its side and make it with three decks: lower, middle, and upper. 6:17 I, myself, am bringing a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all living things that breathe under the sky. Everything on the earth will die. 6:18 But I will establish my covenant with you. You and your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives will enter the ark with you. 6:19 Of every living thing, bring two of every kind into the ark to keep them alive with you. They should be male and female. 6:20 From the birds according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every sort will come to you to keep them alive. 6:21 Bring food for yourself and for them, and gather it to yourself; it will be for food for you and for them." 6:22 Noah did everything God commanded him; he obeyed.

7:1 Yahweh said to Noah, "Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation. 7:2 You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the male and his female. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the male and his female. 7:3 Also of the birds of the sky, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive on the surface of all the earth. 7:4 In seven days, I will cause it to rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. Every living thing that I have made, I will destroy from the surface of the ground."

7:1 God said to Noah, "Bring your whole family into the ark, because I’ve noticed your goodness in this generation. 7:2 You should take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, both male and female. For the unclean animals, take two, a male and a female. 7:3 Also, for the birds in the sky, take seven pairs, male and female, to keep their species alive across the earth. 7:4 In seven days, I will make it rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. I will wipe out every living thing I have made from the face of the ground."

7:5 Noah did everything that Yahweh commanded him.

7:5 Noah did everything that the Lord commanded him.

7:6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth. 7:7 Noah went into the ship with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, because of the waters of the flood. 7:8 Clean animals, animals that are not clean, birds, and everything that creeps on the ground 7:9 went by pairs to Noah into the ship, male and female, as God commanded Noah. 7:10 It happened after the seven days, that the waters of the flood came on the earth. 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst open, and the sky's windows were opened. 7:12 The rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.

7:6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. 7:7 Noah entered the ark with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives because of the floodwaters. 7:8 Clean animals, unclean animals, birds, and everything that crawls on the ground 7:9 came to Noah in pairs, male and female, as God commanded him. 7:10 After seven days, the floodwaters came upon the earth. 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, all the springs of the great deep burst open, and the windows of the sky were opened. 7:12 It rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights.

7:13 In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, entered into the ship; 7:14 they, and every animal after its kind, all the livestock after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. 7:15 They went to Noah into the ship, by pairs of all flesh with the breath of life in them. 7:16 Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; and Yahweh shut him in. 7:17 The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the earth. 7:18 The waters prevailed, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters. 7:19 The waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered. 7:20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. 7:21 All flesh died that moved on the earth, including birds, livestock, animals, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 7:22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died. 7:23 Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including man, livestock, creeping things, and birds of the sky. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ship. 7:24 The waters prevailed on the earth one hundred fifty days.

7:13 On the same day, Noah, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, his wife, and his sons' three wives entered the ship; 7:14 they brought with them every animal by its kind, all the livestock according to their species, every creeping creature on the earth by its kind, and every bird by its kind, every kind of bird. 7:15 They came to Noah in the ship, two by two of all living beings that had the breath of life in them. 7:16 Those who entered were male and female of all living things, just as God commanded him; and Yahweh shut him in. 7:17 The flood lasted forty days on the earth. The waters rose and lifted the ship, raising it above the ground. 7:18 The waters surged and increased significantly on the earth, and the ship floated on the surface of the waters. 7:19 The waters rose dramatically over the earth. All the high mountains under the entire sky were covered. 7:20 The waters rose fifteen cubits higher, covering the mountains. 7:21 All living beings that moved on the earth died, including birds, livestock, wild animals, every creeping creature, and all humans. 7:22 Every living thing that had breath in its nostrils, all that lived on dry land, died. 7:23 Every living thing on the ground was wiped out, including humans, livestock, creeping creatures, and birds of the sky. They were all gone from the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the ship remained. 7:24 The waters prevailed on the earth for one hundred fifty days.

8:1 God remembered Noah, all the animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ship; and God made a wind to pass over the earth. The waters subsided. 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained. 8:3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased. 8:4 The ship rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on Ararat's mountains. 8:5 The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

8:1 God remembered Noah, the animals, and all the livestock that were with him on the ship; and God sent a wind over the earth. The waters started to go down. 8:2 The springs of the deep and the windows of the sky were shut, and the rain from the sky stopped. 8:3 The waters kept receding from the earth. After one hundred fifty days, the waters had decreased. 8:4 The ship came to rest in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 8:5 The waters kept going down until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible.

8:6 It happened at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ship which he had made, 8:7 and he sent forth a raven. It went back and forth, until the waters were dried up from the earth. 8:8 He sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from the surface of the ground, 8:9 but the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him into the ship; for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. He put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her to him into the ship. 8:10 He stayed yet another seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ship. 8:11 The dove came back to him at evening, and, behold, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off. So Noah knew that the waters were abated from the earth. 8:12 He stayed yet another seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she didn't return to him any more.

8:6 After forty days, Noah opened the window of the ark he had built, 8:7 and sent out a raven. It flew back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8:8 He then sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the ground, 8:9 but the dove found no place to land, so she returned to him in the ark because the waters still covered the whole earth. He reached out his hand, grabbed her, and brought her back into the ark. 8:10 He waited another seven days and sent the dove out again. 8:11 The dove came back at evening, and in her beak was an olive leaf she had plucked. So Noah understood that the waters had receded from the earth. 8:12 He waited another seven days and sent out the dove again; this time, she didn't return.

8:13 It happened in the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ship, and looked. He saw that the surface of the ground was dried. 8:14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry.

8:13 In the six hundred first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters had dried up from the earth. Noah took off the covering of the ship and looked. He saw that the ground was dry. 8:14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, the earth was completely dry.

8:15 God spoke to Noah, saying, 8:16 "Go out of the ship, you, and your wife, and your sons, and your sons' wives with you. 8:17 Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, including birds, livestock, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply on the earth."

8:15 God said to Noah, 8:16 "Get out of the ship, you and your wife, your sons, and your sons' wives. 8:17 Bring with you every living thing that is with you, including all the animals, birds, and every creeping thing that moves on the ground, so they can thrive and grow in number on the earth."

8:18 Noah went forth, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives with him. 8:19 Every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, whatever moves on the earth, after their families, went out of the ship.

8:18 Noah went out with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives. 8:19 Every animal, every crawling creature, and every bird that moves on the ground, each according to its kind, exited the ship.

8:20 Noah built an altar to Yahweh, and took of every clean animal, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 8:21 Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake, because the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I ever again strike everything living, as I have done. 8:22 While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

8:20 Noah built an altar to the Lord, took every clean animal and every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 8:21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of humanity, since the thoughts of their hearts are evil from childhood; nor will I ever again destroy all living things as I did before. 8:22 As long as the earth exists, planting and harvesting, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will continue."

9:1 God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 9:2 The fear of you and the dread of you will be on every animal of the earth, and on every bird of the sky. Everything that the ground teems with, and all the fish of the sea are delivered into your hand. 9:3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you. As the green herb, I have given everything to you. 9:4 But flesh with its life, its blood, you shall not eat. 9:5 I will surely require your blood of your lives. At the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of man, even at the hand of every man's brother, I will require the life of man. 9:6 Whoever sheds man's blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image. 9:7 Be fruitful and multiply. Bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it."

9:1 God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. 9:2 Every animal on the earth and every bird in the sky will fear you and dread you. Everything that moves on the ground and all the fish in the sea are under your control. 9:3 Every living creature is yours for food. Just as I gave you green herbs, I have given you everything. 9:4 But you must not eat flesh with its lifeblood still in it. 9:5 I will hold you accountable for your lifeblood. I will demand it from every animal, and from each human, I will require the life of another human. 9:6 Whoever takes a human life will have their life taken by another human, because God made humans in His own image. 9:7 Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth abundantly and multiply in it."

9:8 God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying, 9:9 "As for me, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your offspring after you, 9:10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the livestock, and every animal of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ship, even every animal of the earth. 9:11 I will establish my covenant with you: all flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood, neither will there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth." 9:12 God said, "This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 9:13 I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth. 9:14 It will happen, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud, 9:15 and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 9:16 The rainbow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." 9:17 God said to Noah, "This is the token of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."

9:8 God said to Noah and his sons, 9:9 "I am making a covenant with you and your descendants, 9:10 as well as every living creature with you: the birds, the livestock, and every animal on earth that came out of the ship, including all creatures on the land. 9:11 I will make this covenant with you: never again will all life be destroyed by floodwaters, and there won’t be another flood to wipe out the earth." 9:12 God continued, "This is the sign of the covenant I’m making with you and every living creature for future generations: 9:13 I am placing my rainbow in the clouds, and it will serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 9:14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 9:15 and I will remember my covenant with you and every living creature on earth. The waters will never again become a flood to destroy all life. 9:16 The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it to remember the everlasting covenant between me and every living creature on earth." 9:17 God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on earth."

9:18 The sons of Noah who went forth from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan. 9:19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these, the whole earth was populated.

9:18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan. 9:19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from them, the entire earth was populated.

9:20 Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. 9:21 He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent. 9:22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 9:23 Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their father's nakedness. 9:24 Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done to him. 9:25 He said,

9:20 Noah started farming and planted a vineyard. 9:21 He drank some of the wine and got drunk, exposing himself in his tent. 9:22 Ham, the father of Canaan, noticed his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 9:23 Shem and Japheth took a garment, put it over their shoulders, walked in backward, and covered their father's nakedness. They turned their faces away so they wouldn't see their father’s nakedness. 9:24 Noah woke up from his drunkenness and realized what his youngest son had done to him. 9:25 He said,

"Canaan is cursed.
He will be servant of servants to his brothers."

9:26 He said,

He said,

"Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem.
Let Canaan be his servant.
9:27 May God enlarge Japheth.
Let him dwell in the tents of Shem.
Let Canaan be his servant."

9:28 Noah lived three hundred fifty years after the flood. 9:29 All the days of Noah were nine hundred fifty years, then he died.

9:28 Noah lived for three hundred fifty years after the flood. 9:29 His total years were nine hundred fifty, and then he died.

10:1 Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.

10:1 Now this is the story of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They had sons after the flood.

10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 10:3 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 10:4 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 10:5 Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in their nations.

10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 10:3 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 10:4 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 10:5 From these, the islands of the nations were divided among their lands, each according to their language, their families, and their nations.

10:6 The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 10:7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 10:8 Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a mighty one in the earth. 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before Yahweh. Therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Yahweh." 10:10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 10:11 Out of that land he went forth into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, 10:12 and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (the same is the great city). 10:13 Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 10:14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines descended from), and Caphtorim.

10:6 The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 10:7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 10:8 Cush was the father of Nimrod. He started to become a powerful figure on the earth. 10:9 He was a great hunter before Yahweh. That's why people say, "Like Nimrod, a great hunter before Yahweh." 10:10 The start of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 10:11 From that land, he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, 10:12 and Resen, which is located between Nineveh and Calah (this is the great city). 10:13 Mizraim was the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 10:14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines descended), and Caphtorim.

10:15 Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth, 10:16 the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite, 10:17 the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, 10:18 the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad. 10:19 The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you go toward Gerar, to Gaza; as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, to Lasha. 10:20 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their languages, in their lands, in their nations.

10:15 Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth, 10:16 the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite, 10:17 the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, 10:18 the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. Later, the families of the Canaanites spread out. 10:19 The territory of the Canaanites stretched from Sidon, toward Gerar, to Gaza; moving toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, to Lasha. 10:20 These are the sons of Ham, according to their families, languages, lands, and nations.

10:21 To Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth, to him also were children born. 10:22 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. 10:23 The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 10:24 Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber. 10:25 To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother's name was Joktan. 10:26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 10:27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 10:28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 10:29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 10:30 Their dwelling was from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. 10:31 These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their languages, in their lands, after their nations.

10:21 Shem, the ancestor of all the children of Eber and the older brother of Japheth, also had children. 10:22 The sons of Shem are Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. 10:23 The sons of Aram are Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 10:24 Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber. 10:25 Eber had two sons: one was named Peleg, because during his time the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan. 10:26 Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 10:27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 10:28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 10:29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 10:30 Their territory extended from Mesha toward Sephar, in the eastern mountains. 10:31 These are the descendants of Shem, grouped by their families, languages, lands, and nations.

10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations. Of these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

10:32 These are the families of Noah's sons, organized by their generations and nations. From these, the nations were spread across the earth after the flood.

11:1 The whole earth was of one language and of one speech. 11:2 It happened, as they traveled east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they lived there. 11:3 They said one to another, "Come, let's make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. 11:4 They said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let's make ourselves a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth."

11:1 Everyone on earth spoke the same language and used the same words. 11:2 As they journeyed east, they discovered a plain in the land of Shinar, and they settled there. 11:3 They said to each other, "Come on, let's make bricks and bake them really well." They used bricks instead of stone and tar for mortar. 11:4 They said, "Come on, let's build a city and a tower that reaches the sky, and let's create a name for ourselves so we won't be scattered all over the earth."

11:5 Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. 11:6 Yahweh said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is what they begin to do. Now nothing will be withheld from them, which they intend to do. 11:7 Come, let's go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." 11:8 So Yahweh scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city. 11:9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of all the earth. From there, Yahweh scattered them abroad on the surface of all the earth.

11:5 God came down to look at the city and the tower that the people were building. 11:6 God said, "Look, they are one group of people with one language, and this is just the beginning of what they can do. Now nothing will be impossible for them if they keep going like this. 11:7 Let’s go down and confuse their language so they won’t understand each other." 11:8 So God scattered them from there across the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. 11:9 That’s why it was called Babel, because that’s where God confused the language of the whole earth. From there, God scattered them across the earth.

11:10 This is the history of the generations of Shem. Shem was one hundred years old and became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood. 11:11 Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:10 This is the history of the generations of Shem. Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood. 11:11 Shem lived five hundred years after becoming the father of Arpachshad and had other sons and daughters.

11:12 Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah. 11:13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:12 Arpachshad lived for thirty-five years and had a son named Shelah. 11:13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he had Shelah, and he had other sons and daughters.

11:14 Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber: 11:15 and Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:14 Shelah lived for thirty years and became the father of Eber. 11:15 After becoming the father of Eber, Shelah lived for four hundred three more years and had more sons and daughters.

11:16 Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg. 11:17 Eber lived four hundred thirty years after he became the father of Peleg, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:16 Eber lived for thirty-four years and became the father of Peleg. 11:17 Eber lived four hundred thirty years after becoming the father of Peleg and had more sons and daughters.

11:18 Peleg lived thirty years, and became the father of Reu. 11:19 Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:18 Peleg lived for thirty years and became the father of Reu. 11:19 Peleg lived for two hundred nine more years after he had Reu, and had sons and daughters.

11:20 Reu lived thirty-two years, and became the father of Serug. 11:21 Reu lived two hundred seven years after he became the father of Serug, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:20 Reu lived for thirty-two years and became the father of Serug. 11:21 Reu lived for two hundred seven more years after he had Serug and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:22 Serug lived thirty years, and became the father of Nahor. 11:23 Serug lived two hundred years after he became the father of Nahor, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:22 Serug lived for thirty years and became the father of Nahor. 11:23 Serug lived two hundred more years after having Nahor and had other sons and daughters.

11:24 Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah. 11:25 Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of sons and daughters.

11:24 Nahor lived for twenty-nine years and became the father of Terah. 11:25 Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah and had more sons and daughters.

11:26 Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

11:26 Terah lived for seventy years and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

11:27 Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became the father of Lot. 11:28 Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldees. 11:29 Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran who was also the father of Iscah. 11:30 Sarai was barren. She had no child. 11:31 Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife. They went forth from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan. They came to Haran and lived there. 11:32 The days of Terah were two hundred five years. Terah died in Haran.

11:27 This is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran was the father of Lot. 11:28 Haran died before his father Terah in the land where he was born, Ur of the Chaldeans. 11:29 Abram and Nahor took wives. Abram's wife's name was Sarai, and Nahor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah. 11:30 Sarai was unable to have children. 11:31 Terah took his son Abram, Lot, the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai, his daughter-in-law, Abram's wife. They left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. They arrived in Haran and settled there. 11:32 Terah lived for two hundred five years. Terah died in Haran.

12:1 Now Yahweh said to Abram, "Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. 12:2 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed."

12:1 Now the Lord said to Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land I will show you. 12:2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous. You will be a blessing. 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse anyone who curses you. Through you, all the families of the earth will be blessed."

12:4 So Abram went, as Yahweh had spoken to him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran. 12:5 Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother's son, all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls whom they had gotten in Haran, and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan. Into the land of Canaan they came. 12:6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. The Canaanite was then in the land.

12:4 So Abram went, just as Yahweh had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 12:5 Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all their possessions they had collected, and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. They arrived in the land of Canaan. 12:6 Abram traveled through the land to the site at Shechem, to the oak tree of Moreh. The Canaanites were already living in the land.

12:7 Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your seed."

12:7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your seed."

He built an altar there to Yahweh, who appeared to him. 12:8 He left from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Yahweh and called on the name of Yahweh. 12:9 Abram traveled, going on still toward the South.

He built an altar there to the Lord, who appeared to him. 12:8 He then left for the mountain east of Bethel and set up his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There, he built another altar to the Lord and called on His name. 12:9 Abram continued traveling south.

12:10 There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land. 12:11 It happened, when he had come near to enter Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at. 12:12 It will happen, when the Egyptians will see you, that they will say, 'This is his wife.' They will kill me, but they will save you alive. 12:13 Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you."

12:10 There was a famine in the land. Abram went down to Egypt to live there as a foreigner, because the famine was severe in the land. 12:11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai, his wife, "Look, I know you’re a beautiful woman. 12:12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' They will kill me, but they will let you live. 12:13 Please say you’re my sister, so that things will go well for me because of you, and my life may be spared because of you."

12:14 It happened that when Abram had come into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 12:15 The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. 12:16 He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels. 12:17 Yahweh plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 12:18 Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this that you have done to me? Why didn't you tell me that she was your wife? 12:19 Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her to be my wife? Now therefore, see your wife, take her, and go your way."

12:14 When Abram arrived in Egypt, the Egyptians noticed that the woman was very beautiful. 12:15 The princes of Pharaoh saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's palace. 12:16 He treated Abram well because of her. He acquired sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels. 12:17 The Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 12:18 Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? 12:19 Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her to be my wife? Now, here is your wife; take her and go."

12:20 Pharaoh commanded men concerning him, and they brought him on the way with his wife and all that he had.

12:20 The Pharaoh ordered men to take him, and they brought him along with his wife and everything he owned.

13:1 Abram went up out of Egypt: he, his wife, all that he had, and Lot with him, into the South. 13:2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 13:3 He went on his journeys from the South even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 13:4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. There Abram called on the name of Yahweh. 13:5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 13:6 The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together: for their substance was great, so that they could not live together. 13:7 There was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite lived in the land at that time. 13:8 Abram said to Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives. 13:9 Isn't the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left."

13:1 Abram left Egypt with his wife, everything he owned, and Lot, heading into the South. 13:2 Abram was very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold. 13:3 He traveled from the South all the way to Bethel, to the spot where he had set up his tent at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 13:4 to the place of the altar he had built there before. There, Abram called on the name of Yahweh. 13:5 Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. 13:6 The land couldn't support both of them living together because their possessions were so large that they couldn’t coexist. 13:7 There was a conflict between Abram's herdsmen and Lot's herdsmen, and the Canaanites and Perizzites were living in the land at that time. 13:8 Abram said to Lot, "Please, let’s not have any conflict between you and me, or between my herdsmen and yours, because we are relatives. 13:9 Isn't the entire land in front of you? Please separate yourself from me. If you head left, I'll go right. If you go right, I'll go left."

13:10 Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar. 13:11 So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves the one from the other. 13:12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13:13 Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.

13:10 Lot looked up and saw that the entire Jordan Valley was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as you head toward Zoar. 13:11 So Lot chose the Jordan Valley for himself. Lot traveled east, and they went their separate ways. 13:12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived in the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13:13 The men of Sodom, however, were very wicked and sinners against Yahweh.

13:14 Yahweh said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, "Now, lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 13:15 for all the land which you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring forever. 13:16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then your seed may also be numbered. 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its breadth; for I will give it to you."

13:14 God said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Now, lift up your eyes and look from where you are, north, south, east, and west. 13:15 For all the land you see, I will give to you and your descendants forever. 13:16 I will make your descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can count the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be counted. 13:17 Get up and walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you."

13:18 Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.

13:18 Abram set up his tent and moved to live near the oak trees of Mamre, located in Hebron, and built an altar there for Yahweh.

14:1 It happened in the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar, Arioch, king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Tidal, king of Goiim, 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and with Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar). 14:3 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea). 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled. 14:5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 14:6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. 14:7 They returned, and came to En Mishpat (the same is Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar. 14:8 The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar) went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim; 14:9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five. 14:10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills. 14:11 They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way. 14:12 They took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

14:1 It was during the time of Amraphel, king of Shinar, Arioch, king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Tidal, king of Goiim, 14:2 that they went to war against Bera, king of Sodom, Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (which is also known as Zoar). 14:3 All these kings joined forces in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea). 14:4 They had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year, they rebelled. 14:5 In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer returned with his allies and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 14:6 as well as the Horites in their Mount Seir, up to Elparan, which is near the wilderness. 14:7 They then came back and went to En Mishpat (also known as Kadesh), where they attacked all the territory of the Amalekites and the Amorites living in Hazazon Tamar. 14:8 The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (which is also Zoar) went out to face them; they arranged their forces for battle in the valley of Siddim, 14:9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against five. 14:10 The valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell into them, while those who survived fled to the hills. 14:11 They took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with all their food, and went on their way. 14:12 They also captured Lot, Abram's nephew, who lived in Sodom, along with his belongings, and left.

14:13 One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. Now he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were allies of Abram. 14:14 When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan. 14:15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 14:16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative, Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

14:13 Someone who escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. He was living near the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, who was the brother of Eshcol and Aner; they were allies of Abram. 14:14 When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he gathered his trained men, who were born in his household, three hundred eighteen in total, and chased after them as far as Dan. 14:15 He split his group into two at night, he and his servants, attacked them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is to the left of Damascus. 14:16 He returned with all the goods and also brought back his relative Lot, along with his possessions, and the women and people.

14:17 The king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 14:18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. 14:19 He blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand."

14:17 The king of Sodom went out to meet him after he returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (which is called the King's Valley). 14:18 Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and he was a priest of God Most High. 14:19 He blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, ruler of heaven and earth: 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hands."

Abram gave him a tenth of all.

Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

14:21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself."

14:21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and you can keep the goods for yourself."

14:22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 14:23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.' 14:24 I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion."

14:22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I swear to Yahweh, God Most High, creator of heaven and earth, 14:23 that I will not take a single thread or a sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can't say, 'I made Abram wealthy.' 14:24 I will accept nothing from you except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share."

15:1 After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

15:1 After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very large reward."

15:2 Abram said, "Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" 15:3 Abram said, "Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir."

15:2 Abram said, "Lord Yahweh, what will you give me since I'm childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer from Damascus?" 15:3 Abram said, "Look, you haven't given me any children, and the one who's born in my house is my heir."

15:4 Behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, "This man will not be your heir, but he who will come forth out of your own body will be your heir." 15:5 Yahweh brought him outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Abram, "So shall your seed be." 15:6 He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness. 15:7 He said to him, "I am Yahweh who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give you this land to inherit it."

15:4 Look, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This man will not be your heir, but the one who comes from your own body will be your heir." 15:5 The Lord brought him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can count them." He said to Abram, "So will your descendants be." 15:6 He trusted in the Lord, and the Lord credited it to him as righteousness. 15:7 He said to him, "I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess it."

15:8 He said, "Lord Yahweh, how will I know that I will inherit it?"

15:8 He said, "Lord God, how will I know that I will inherit it?"

15:9 He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 15:10 He brought him all of these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn't divide the birds. 15:11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

15:9 He said to him, "Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 15:10 He brought him all of these, cut them in half, and placed each half opposite the other; but he didn’t cut the birds. 15:11 The birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, and Abram chased them away.

15:12 When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. Now terror and great darkness fell on him. 15:13 He said to Abram, "Know for sure that your seed will live as foreigners in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them. They will afflict them four hundred years. 15:14 I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward they will come out with great wealth, 15:15 but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried in a good old age. 15:16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full." 15:17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 15:18 In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates: 15:19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 15:20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 15:21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."

15:12 As the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell over Abram, and terror and great darkness enveloped him. 15:13 He said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will live as outsiders in a land that isn’t theirs and will be enslaved. They will be oppressed for four hundred years. 15:14 I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward, they will leave with great wealth, 15:15 but you will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. 15:16 In the fourth generation, they will return here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its limit." 15:17 When the sun went down and it was dark, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed between those pieces. 15:18 On that day, Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants, I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates: 15:19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 15:20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 15:21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."

16:1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 16:2 Sarai said to Abram, "See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my handmaid. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 16:3 Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife. 16:4 He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. 16:5 Sarai said to Abram, "This wrong is your fault. I gave my handmaid into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes. Yahweh judge between me and you."

16:1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not given him any children. She had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 16:2 Sarai said to Abram, "Look, Yahweh has prevented me from having children. Please sleep with my servant. Maybe I can have a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 16:3 Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived in the land of Canaan for ten years, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife. 16:4 He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she realized that she was pregnant, she began to look down on her mistress. 16:5 Sarai said to Abram, "This is your fault. I gave my servant to you, and now that she’s pregnant, I’m being treated with contempt. May Yahweh judge between you and me."

16:6 But Abram said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes." Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.

16:6 But Abram said to Sarai, "Look, your servant is your responsibility. Do with her what seems right to you." Sarai treated her badly, and she ran away from her.

16:7 The angel of Yahweh found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. 16:8 He said, "Hagar, Sarai's handmaid, where did you come from? Where are you going?"

16:7 The angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the desert, by the fountain on the way to Shur. 16:8 He said, "Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from? Where are you going?"

She said, "I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai."

She said, "I am running away from my mistress Sarai."

16:9 The angel of Yahweh said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands." 16:10 The angel of Yahweh said to her, "I will greatly multiply your seed, that they will not be numbered for multitude." 16:11 The angel of Yahweh said to her, "Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction. 16:12 He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him. He will live opposite all of his brothers."

16:9 The angel of the Lord said to her, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her." 16:10 The angel of the Lord told her, "I will greatly increase your descendants, so they will be too many to count." 16:11 The angel of the Lord said to her, "Look, you are pregnant and will have a son. You are to name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your suffering. 16:12 He will be like a wild donkey among people. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand will be against him. He will live in hostility toward all his brothers."

16:13 She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees," for she said, "Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?" 16:14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

16:13 She named the Lord who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees," for she said, "Have I really survived after seeing Him?" 16:14 So the well was named Beer Lahai Roi. Look, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

16:15 Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16:16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

16:15 Hagar had a son for Abram. Abram named his son Ishmael, the one Hagar had. 16:16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.

17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty. Walk before me, and be blameless. 17:2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."

17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be faithful. 17:2 I will establish my covenant with you and greatly increase your numbers."

17:3 Abram fell on his face. God talked with him, saying, 17:4 "As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of a multitude of nations. 17:5 Neither will your name any more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 17:6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you. 17:7 I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your seed after you. 17:8 I will give to you, and to your seed after you, the land where you are traveling, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. I will be their God."

17:3 Abram fell on his face. God spoke with him, saying, 17:4 "As for me, look, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of many nations. 17:5 Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you the father of many nations. 17:6 I will make you very fruitful, and I will make nations from you. Kings will come from you. 17:7 I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your descendants after you. 17:8 I will give you and your descendants after you the land you are traveling through, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession. I will be their God."

17:9 God said to Abraham, "As for you, you will keep my covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations. 17:10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised. 17:11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you. 17:12 He who is eight days old will be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the house, or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your seed. 17:13 He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 17:14 The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant."

17:9 God said to Abraham, "You and your descendants will keep my covenant throughout your generations. 17:10 This is my covenant that you will uphold, between me and you and your descendants after you. Every male among you must be circumcised. 17:11 You need to be circumcised in the skin of your foreskin. This will be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 17:12 Every male who is eight days old must be circumcised among you, including those born in your household or bought from a foreigner who is not your descendant. 17:13 Those who are born in your household and those you purchase must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh as an everlasting agreement. 17:14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the skin of his foreskin will be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant."

17:15 God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name will be Sarah. 17:16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her."

17:15 God said to Abraham, "Regarding Sarai, your wife, you should no longer call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 17:16 I will bless her, and I will give you a son through her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her."

17:17 Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, "Will a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?" 17:18 Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"

17:17 Then Abraham fell on his face, laughed, and said to himself, "Can a child be born to someone who's a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who's ninety, really give birth?" 17:18 Abraham said to God, "I wish Ishmael could live in your sight!"

17:19 God said, "No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him. 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 17:21 But my covenant I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year."

17:19 God said, "No, but Sarah, your wife, will have a son. You will name him Isaac.. I will make my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants. 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Look, I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 17:21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will have for you at this time next year."

17:22 When he finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 17:23 Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him. 17:24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 17:25 Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 17:26 In the same day both Abraham and Ishmael, his son, were circumcised. 17:27 All the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

17:22 After he finished talking with him, God left Abraham. 17:23 Abraham took his son Ishmael, all the men born in his household, and those he had purchased; every male in Abraham's household was circumcised that same day, just as God had instructed him. 17:24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised. 17:25 Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old at the time of his circumcision. 17:26 That same day, both Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 17:27 All the men of his household, including those born in the household and those bought from foreigners, were circumcised along with him.

18:1 Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 18:2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 18:3 and said, "My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don't go away from your servant. 18:4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 18:5 I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant."

18:1 Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 18:2 He looked up and saw three men standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent entrance and bowed down to the ground, 18:3 and said, "My lord, if I have found favor in your eyes, please don't pass by your servant. 18:4 Let me get you some water to wash your feet, and you can rest under the tree. 18:5 I will bring you a bit of bread so you can be refreshed. After that, you may go on your way, since you have come to your servant."

They said, "Very well, do as you have said."

They said, "Alright, do what you said."

18:6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly make ready three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes." 18:7 Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. 18:8 He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.

18:6 Abraham rushed into the tent to find Sarah, and said, "Quickly prepare three measures of flour, knead it, and make some bread." 18:7 Abraham ran to the herd, brought back a tender, high-quality calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to prepare it. 18:8 He took butter, milk, and the prepared calf, setting it before them. He stood by them under the tree as they ate.

18:9 They said to him, "Where is Sarah, your wife?

18:9 They asked him, "Where is Sarah, your wife?"

He said, "See, in the tent."

He said, "Look, in the tent."

18:10 He said, "I will certainly return to you when the season comes round. Behold, Sarah your wife will have a son."

18:10 He said, "I will definitely come back to you when the time comes. Look, Sarah your wife will have a son."

Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. It had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 18:12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

Sarah listened at the tent door, which was behind him. 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, past the age of having children. 18:12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I've gotten so old, will I still have pleasure, with my husband also being old?"

18:13 Yahweh said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Will I really bear a child, yet I am old?' 18:14 Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son."

18:13 God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child now that I'm old?' 18:14 Is anything impossible for God? At the right time, I will come back to you, and when that time comes, Sarah will have a son."

18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, "I didn't laugh," for she was afraid.

18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, "I didn't laugh," because she was scared.

He said, "No, but you did laugh."

He said, "No, but you definitely laughed."

18:16 The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way. 18:17 Yahweh said, "Will I hide from Abraham what I do, 18:18 seeing that Abraham has surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him? 18:19 For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him." 18:20 Yahweh said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know."

18:16 The men got up from there and looked towards Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them off. 18:17 Yahweh said, "Should I keep from Abraham what I’m about to do, 18:18 considering that Abraham has become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him? 18:19 I've known him so that he will instruct his children and his household after him to keep the way of Yahweh, doing what is right and just; so that Yahweh can fulfill what he promised Abraham." 18:20 Yahweh said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin is extremely serious, 18:21 I will go down now and see if their actions are as bad as the reports I’ve received. If not, I will know."

18:22 The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh. 18:23 Abraham drew near, and said, "Will you consume the righteous with the wicked? 18:24 What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it? 18:25 Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?"

18:22 The men turned away and headed toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. 18:23 Abraham approached and said, "Will you really wipe out the righteous along with the wicked? 18:24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you destroy it and not spare it for the sake of the fifty righteous people who are there? 18:25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous along with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked the same. That would be unthinkable. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth act justly?"

18:26 Yahweh said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake." 18:27 Abraham answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, who am but dust and ashes. 18:28 What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?"

18:26 Yahweh said, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the whole city for their sake." 18:27 Abraham replied, "Look, I’ve taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, even though I’m just dust and ashes. 18:28 What if there are five less than fifty righteous? Will you destroy the whole city because of five?"

He said, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."

He said, "I won't destroy it if I find forty-five there."

18:29 He spoke to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?"

18:29 He spoke to him once more and said, "What if there are forty people there?"

He said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."

He said, "I won't do it for the sake of the forty."

18:30 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?"

18:30 He said, "Oh, please don't let the Lord be upset, and I will speak. What if there are thirty people found there?"

He said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."

He said, "I won't do it if I find thirty there."

18:31 He said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?"

18:31 He said, "Look, I've decided to talk to the Lord. What if there are twenty people found there?"

He said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."

He said, "I won't destroy it for the sake of the twenty."

18:32 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?"

18:32 He said, "Oh, please don’t let the Lord be upset, and I’ll speak just one more time. What if there are ten people found there?"

He said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."

He said, "I won't destroy it for the sake of the ten."

18:33 Yahweh went his way, as soon as he had finished communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

18:33 God went on his way after finishing his conversation with Abraham, and Abraham went back to his place.

19:1 The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed himself with his face to the earth, 19:2 and he said, "See now, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you will rise up early, and go on your way."

19:1 The two angels arrived in Sodom in the evening. Lot was sitting at the city gate. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed with his face to the ground. 19:2 He said, "Please, my lords, come to your servant's house, stay the night, wash your feet, and you can leave early in the morning."

They said, "No, but we will stay in the street all night."

They said, "No, but we’ll stay out in the street all night."

19:3 He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. 19:5 They called to Lot, and said to him, "Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them."

19:3 He insisted strongly, and they went in with him and entered his house. He prepared a feast for them, baking unleavened bread, and they ate. 19:4 But before they went to bed, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every part. 19:5 They called out to Lot and said, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them."

19:6 Lot went out to them to the door, and shut the door after him. 19:7 He said, "Please, my brothers, don't act so wickedly. 19:8 See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to you. Only don't do anything to these men, because they have come under the shadow of my roof."

19:6 Lot went out to them at the door and closed the door behind him. 19:7 He said, "Please, my brothers, don't do something so wrong. 19:8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do whatever you want with them. Just don't harm these men, since they have taken refuge under my roof."

19:9 They said, "Stand back!" They said, "This one fellow came in to live as a foreigner, and he appoints himself a judge. Now will we deal worse with you, than with them!" They pressed hard on the man Lot, and drew near to break the door. 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and brought Lot into the house to them, and shut the door. 19:11 They struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

19:9 They shouted, "Get back!" They shouted, "This guy came here as a stranger, and now he thinks he can judge us. Are we going to treat you worse than them?" They pushed hard against Lot and were about to break down the door. 19:10 But the men reached out and pulled Lot into the house, shutting the door behind them. 19:11 They struck the men outside the house with blindness, both the little ones and the big ones, so they were exhausted trying to find the door.

19:12 The men said to Lot, "Do you have anybody else here? Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whoever you have in the city, bring them out of the place: 19:13 for we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it."

19:12 The men said to Lot, "Do you have anyone else here? Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and anyone else you have in the city, bring them out of here: 19:13 because we are going to destroy this place, since the outcry against its people has become so loud before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent us to wipe it out."

19:14 Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, "Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city."

19:14 Lot went out and talked to his sons-in-law, who were set to marry his daughters, and said, "Hurry up! Get out of this place because the Lord is going to destroy the city."

But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking. 19:15 When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, "Get up! Take your wife, and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city." 19:16 But he lingered; and the men grabbed his hand, his wife's hand, and his two daughters' hands, Yahweh being merciful to him; and they took him out, and set him outside of the city. 19:17 It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, "Escape for your life! Don't look behind you, and don't stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!"

But to his sons-in-law, he seemed to be joking. 19:15 When morning came, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Wake up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be destroyed along with the city." 19:16 But he hesitated, and the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and his two daughters’ hands, the Lord being merciful to him; and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 19:17 Once they had brought them out, he said, "Flee for your life! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere on the plain. Escape to the mountains, or you will be destroyed!"

19:18 Lot said to them, "Oh, not so, my lord. 19:19 See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown to me in saving my life. I can't escape to the mountain, lest evil overtake me, and I die. 19:20 See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn't it a little one?), and my soul will live."

19:18 Lot said to them, "Oh, not at all, my lord. 19:19 Look, your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown incredible kindness by saving my life. I can't run to the mountains, or else I'll be caught by the disaster and die. 19:20 Look, this city is close enough to escape to, and it’s a small one. Please let me run there (isn't it small?), and my life will be spared."

19:21 He said to him, "Behold, I have granted your request concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 19:22 Hurry, escape there, for I can't do anything until you get there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

19:21 He said to him, "Look, I've granted your request about this too; I won’t destroy the city you mentioned. 19:22 Quick, escape there, because I can’t do anything until you arrive." So the city was named Zoar.

19:23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 19:24 Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky. 19:25 He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew on the ground. 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

19:23 The sun had risen over the earth when Lot arrived in Zoar. 19:24 Then the Lord rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah from the sky. 19:25 He destroyed those cities, the entire plain, all the people in the cities, and everything that grew on the ground. 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.

19:27 Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Yahweh. 19:28 He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and looked, and saw that the smoke of the land went up as the smoke of a furnace.

19:27 Abraham got up early in the morning to the spot where he had stood before the Lord. 19:28 He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw that the smoke from the land was rising like the smoke from a furnace.

19:29 It happened, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

19:29 When God destroyed the cities in the plain, He remembered Abraham and sent Lot out from the destruction when He overturned the cities where Lot lived.

19:30 Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar. He lived in a cave with his two daughters. 19:31 The firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. 19:32 Come, let's make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve our father's seed." 19:33 They made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father. He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she arose. 19:34 It came to pass on the next day, that the firstborn said to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine again, tonight. You go in, and lie with him, that we may preserve our father's seed." 19:35 They made their father drink wine that night also. The younger went and lay with him. He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she got up. 19:36 Thus both of Lot's daughters were with child by their father. 19:37 The firstborn bore a son, and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 19:38 The younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben Ammi. He is the father of the children of Ammon to this day.

19:30 Lot moved out of Zoar and lived in the mountains with his two daughters because he was afraid to stay in Zoar. They lived in a cave. 19:31 The older daughter said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there's no man on earth to come to us the way men do." 19:32 "Let's make our father drink wine, and we can sleep with him to preserve our father's line." 19:33 They made their father drink wine that night, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He didn't know when she lay down or when she got up. 19:34 The next day, the older daughter said to the younger, "Look, I slept with our father last night. Let's make him drink wine again tonight. You go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our father's line." 19:35 They made their father drink wine that night too. The younger daughter went in and slept with him. He didn't know when she lay down or when she got up. 19:36 So both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. 19:37 The older daughter had a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 19:38 The younger daughter also had a son and named him Ben Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.

20:1 Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in Gerar. 20:2 Abraham said about Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, "Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken. For she is a man's wife."

20:1 Abraham traveled from there toward the southern region and settled between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in Gerar. 20:2 Abraham told others that Sarah was his sister. Abimelech, the king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her. 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a nighttime dream and said to him, "Look, you are a dead man because of the woman you’ve taken. She is another man’s wife."

20:4 Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, "Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation? 20:5 Didn't he tell me, 'She is my sister?' She, even she herself, said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands have I done this."

20:4 Now Abimelech had not been with her. He said, "Lord, are you really going to destroy a righteous nation? 20:5 Didn't he say to me, 'She is my sister?' She even said, 'He is my brother.' I acted with integrity in my heart and innocence in my hands."

20:6 God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn't allow you to touch her. 20:7 Now therefore, restore the man's wife. For he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you don't restore her, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours."

20:6 God spoke to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that you've acted with a pure heart in this, and I also kept you from sinning against me. That's why I didn't let you touch her. 20:7 Now, return the man's wife. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will survive. If you don't return her, be certain that you will die, you and everyone with you."

20:8 Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared. 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!" 20:10 Abimelech said to Abraham, "What did you see, that you have done this thing?"

20:8 Abimelech got up early in the morning, called all his servants, and shared everything that had happened with them. The men were really afraid. 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said, "What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you’ve brought such great sin upon me and my kingdom? You’ve treated me in ways that shouldn’t be done!" 20:10 Abimelech asked Abraham, "What were you thinking when you did this?"

20:11 Abraham said, "Because I thought, 'Surely the fear of God is not in this place. They will kill me for my wife's sake.' 20:12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. 20:13 It happened, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'"

20:11 Abraham said, "I thought, 'There’s no fear of God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.' 20:12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, my father's daughter but not my mother's; and she became my wife. 20:13 It happened when God made me wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is the kindness you should show me. Wherever we go, say that I’m your brother.'"

20:14 Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his wife, to him. 20:15 Abimelech said, "Behold, my land is before you. Dwell where it pleases you." 20:16 To Sarah he said, "Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes to all that are with you. In front of all you are vindicated."

20:14 Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah, his wife, to him. 20:15 Abimelech said, "Look, my land is available to you. Live wherever you want." 20:16 To Sarah he said, "Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. This is to let everyone know that you are vindicated."

20:17 Abraham prayed to God. God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children. 20:18 For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

20:17 Abraham prayed to God. God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they had children. 20:18 For Yahweh had completely shut the wombs of Abimelech's household because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

21:1 Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken. 21:2 Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 21:3 Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 21:4 Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 21:5 Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him. 21:6 Sarah said, "God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me." 21:7 She said, "Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age."

21:1 The Lord visited Sarah as He had promised, and He did what He said He would do for her. 21:2 Sarah became pregnant and gave birth to a son for Abraham when he was old, at the exact time God had mentioned to him. 21:3 Abraham named his son, who was born to him through Sarah, Isaac. 21:4 Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, just as God had commanded him. 21:5 Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born. 21:6 Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter. Everyone who hears will laugh with me." 21:7 She asked, "Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have given him a son in his old age."

21:8 The child grew, and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 21:9 Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 21:10 Therefore she said to Abraham, "Cast out this handmaid and her son! For the son of this handmaid will not be heir with my son, Isaac."

21:8 The child grew up and was weaned. Abraham threw a huge party on the day Isaac was weaned. 21:9 Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had given birth to for Abraham, mocking. 21:10 So she said to Abraham, "Get rid of this servant girl and her son! The son of this servant girl will not share the inheritance with my son, Isaac."

21:11 The thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight on account of his son. 21:12 God said to Abraham, "Don't let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your handmaid. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For from Isaac will your seed be called. 21:13 I will also make a nation of the son of the handmaid, because he is your seed." 21:14 Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 21:15 The water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. 21:16 She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept. 21:17 God heard the voice of the boy.

21:11 Abraham was very upset about this because of his son. 21:12 God told Abraham, "Don't let this upset you because of the boy and your servant. Listen to whatever Sarah says to you, because your descendants will come from Isaac. 21:13 I will also make a nation from the son of the servant, since he is your child." 21:14 Abraham got up early the next morning, took some bread and a water bottle, gave them to Hagar, placed them on her shoulder, and sent her and the child away. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 21:15 When the water in the bottle was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 21:16 She went and sat down a short distance away, about a bowshot away, because she said, "I don't want to see the child die." She sat across from him, raised her voice, and cried. 21:17 God heard the boy's voice.

The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, "What ails you, Hagar? Don't be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 21:18 Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation."

The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What's wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy's voice where he is. 21:18 Get up, pick up the boy, and hold him in your arms. I will make him a great nation."

21:19 God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink. 21:20 God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer. 21:21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother took a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.

21:19 God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy a drink. 21:20 God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer as he got older. 21:21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother found him a wife from the land of Egypt.

21:22 It happened at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do. 21:23 Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner."

21:22 At that time, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, talked to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in everything you do. 21:23 So, please make a promise to me here by God that you won’t treat me, my son, or my grandson dishonestly. Just as I’ve been kind to you, you should be kind to me and to the land where you've lived as a foreigner."

21:24 Abraham said, "I will swear." 21:25 Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. 21:26 Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this thing. Neither did you tell me, neither did I hear of it, until today."

21:24 Abraham said, "I swear." 21:25 Abraham brought up an issue with Abimelech about a water well that Abimelech's servants had forcefully taken away. 21:26 Abimelech replied, "I have no idea who did this. You didn't mention it to me, and I only just found out about it today."

21:27 Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant. 21:28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 21:29 Abimelech said to Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves mean?"

21:27 Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech. They made a covenant together. 21:28 Abraham set aside seven ewe lambs from the flock. 21:29 Abimelech asked Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs that you’ve set aside mean?"

21:30 He said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well." 21:31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore there. 21:32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and called there on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God. 21:34 Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.

21:30 He said, "Take these seven ewe lambs from me as a witness that I have dug this well." 21:31 So he named that place Beersheba, because they both swore an oath there. 21:32 They made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech got up with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God. 21:34 Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines for many days.

22:1 It happened after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!"

22:1 After these events, God tested Abraham and called out to him, "Abraham!"

He said, "Here I am."

He said, "I'm here."

22:2 He said, "Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Isaac, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of."

22:2 He said, "Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I will show you."

22:3 Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son. He split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went to the place of which God had told him. 22:4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place far off. 22:5 Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go yonder. We will worship, and come back to you." 22:6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. He took in his hand the fire and the knife. They both went together. 22:7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, "My father?"

22:3 Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two young men with him, along with his son Isaac. He chopped the wood for the burnt offering, then set out for the place God had told him about. 22:4 On the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place from a distance. 22:5 Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship and then come back to you." 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. He carried the fire and the knife in his hands. They both went together. 22:7 Isaac spoke to Abraham, his father, and said, "My father?"

He said, "Here I am, my son."

He said, "I’m here, kid."

He said, "Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

He said, "Here's the fire and the wood, but where's the lamb for the burnt offering?"

22:8 Abraham said, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they both went together. 22:9 They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood. 22:10 Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.

22:8 Abraham said, "God will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they both went together. 22:9 They arrived at the place God had indicated. Abraham built the altar there, arranged the wood, tied up his son Isaac, and placed him on the altar, on the wood. 22:10 Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to sacrifice his son.

22:11 The angel of Yahweh called to him out of the sky, and said, "Abraham, Abraham!"

22:11 The angel of the Lord called out to him from the sky, saying, "Abraham, Abraham!"

He said, "Here I am."

He said, "I'm here."

22:12 He said, "Don't lay your hand on the boy, neither do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."

22:12 He said, "Don't touch the boy or do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you haven't held back your son, your only son, from me."

22:13 Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 22:14 Abraham called the name of that place Yahweh Will Provide. As it is said to this day, "On Yahweh's mountain, it will be provided."

22:13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. He went and took the ram, and offered it as a burnt sacrifice instead of his son. 22:14 Abraham named that place Yahweh Will Provide. It is still said today, "On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided."

22:15 The angel of Yahweh called to Abraham a second time out of the sky, 22:16 and said, "I have sworn by myself, says Yahweh, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 22:17 that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your seed greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your seed will possess the gate of his enemies. 22:18 In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

22:15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from the sky, 22:16 and said, "I have sworn by myself, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 22:17 that I will bless you abundantly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly like the stars in the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. 22:18 Through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

22:19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. Abraham lived at Beersheba.

22:19 So Abraham went back to his young men, and they got up and went together to Beersheba. Abraham lived in Beersheba.

22:20 It happened after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, "Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 22:21 Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22:22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel." 22:23 Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother. 22:24 His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

22:20 After these events, Abraham was told, "Look, Milcah has also had children with your brother Nahor: 22:21 Uz, his firstborn, Buz, his brother, Kemuel, the father of Aram, 22:22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel." 22:23 Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight children to Nahor, Abraham's brother. 22:24 His concubine, named Reumah, also had Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

23:1 Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years. This was the length of Sarah's life. 23:2 Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 23:3 Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spoke to the children of Heth, saying, 23:4 "I am a stranger and a foreigner living with you. Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight."

23:1 Sarah lived for one hundred twenty-seven years. This was the duration of Sarah's life. 23:2 Sarah passed away in Kiriath Arba (also known as Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. 23:3 Abraham got up from beside his deceased wife and spoke to the Hittites, saying, 23:4 "I am a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a burial site so I can bury my dead out of my sight."

23:5 The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 23:6 "Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb. Bury your dead."

23:5 The Hethites replied to Abraham, saying, 23:6 "Listen to us, my lord. You are a respected leader among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you a tomb. Bury your dead."

23:7 Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. 23:8 He talked with them, saying, "If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 23:9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me among you for a possession of a burying-place."

23:7 Abraham stood up and bowed to the people of the land, the Hittites. 23:8 He spoke to them, saying, "If you agree that I should bury my dead away from my sight, please listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf, 23:9 to sell me the cave of Machpelah, which is his, at the edge of his field. Let him sell it to me at the full price, so that it becomes my property as a burial place."

23:10 Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 23:11 "No, my lord, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead."

23:10 Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittite people. Ephron the Hittite responded to Abraham in front of the Hittites and everyone who entered the city gate, saying, 23:11 "No, my lord, listen to me. I’m giving you the field, along with the cave in it. In front of my people, I’m giving it to you. Bury your dead."

23:12 Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land. 23:13 He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, "But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

23:12 Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. 23:13 He spoke to Ephron in front of the crowd, saying, "Please listen to me. I will pay the price for the field. Accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

23:14 Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 23:15 "My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead."

23:14 Ephron replied to Abraham, saying, 23:15 "My lord, hear me out. What does a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver mean to us? So go ahead and bury your dead."

23:16 Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants' standard.

23:16 Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham gave Ephron the silver amount he had mentioned in front of the Hittite people, four hundred shekels of silver, based on the standard used by local merchants.

23:17 So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded 23:18 to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city. 23:19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan. 23:20 The field, and the cave that is in it, were deeded to Abraham for a possession of a burying place by the children of Heth.

23:17 So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, located before Mamre, along with the cave in it and all the trees within the field and its borders, was officially granted 23:18 to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before everyone entering the city gate. 23:19 After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan. 23:20 The field and the cave within it were granted to Abraham as a burial site by the Hittites.

24:1 Abraham was old, and well stricken in age. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in all things. 24:2 Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, who ruled over all that he had, "Please put your hand under my thigh. 24:3 I will make you swear by Yahweh, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live. 24:4 But you shall go to my country, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac."

24:1 Abraham was old and well advanced in years. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in every way. 24:2 Abraham said to his servant, the oldest in his household, who was in charge of everything he owned, "Please put your hand under my thigh. 24:3 I want you to swear by Yahweh, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you won’t choose a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live. 24:4 Instead, go to my homeland and my relatives, and bring back a wife for my son Isaac."

24:5 The servant said to him, "What if the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?"

24:5 The servant said to him, "What if the woman doesn't want to come with me to this land? Should I bring your son back to the land you started from?"

24:6 Abraham said to him, "Beware that you don't bring my son there again. 24:7 Yahweh, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house, and from the land of my birth, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, 'I will give this land to your seed.' He will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. 24:8 If the woman isn't willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath. Only you shall not bring my son there again."

24:6 Abraham said to him, "Make sure you don't take my son back there again. 24:7 The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's house and from my homeland, who spoke to me and promised me, saying, 'I will give this land to your seed.' He will send His angel ahead of you, and you will get a wife for my son from there. 24:8 If the woman isn't willing to go with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Just don't take my son back there again."

24:9 The servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter. 24:10 The servant took ten camels, of his master's camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master's with him. He arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. 24:11 He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water. 24:12 He said, "Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 24:13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water. The daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. 24:14 Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, 'Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,' and she will say, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,'--let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."

24:9 The servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham, his master, and swore to him regarding this matter. 24:10 The servant took ten camels from his master and left, bringing along a variety of his master's good things. He set out for Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. 24:11 He made the camels kneel outside the city by the well of water in the evening, at the time when women go out to draw water. 24:12 He prayed, "Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show kindness to my master Abraham. 24:13 Look, I am standing by the spring of water. The daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. 24:14 Let it happen that the young woman to whom I say, 'Please lower your pitcher so I can drink,' and she replies, 'Drink, and I'll also give your camels a drink'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. This will be the sign that you have shown kindness to my master."

24:15 It happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder. 24:16 The young lady was very beautiful to look at, a virgin, neither had any man known her. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher, and came up. 24:17 The servant ran to meet her, and said, "Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher."

24:15 While he was still speaking, Rebekah came out, the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Milcah, Nahor's wife, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder. 24:16 The young woman was very beautiful and a virgin; no man had ever been with her. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher, and came back up. 24:17 The servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher."

24:18 She said, "Drink, my lord." She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him drink. 24:19 When she had done giving him drink, she said, "I will also draw for your camels, until they have done drinking." 24:20 She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.

24:18 She said, "Drink, my lord." She rushed over, lowered her pitcher into her hand, and offered him a drink. 24:19 Once she finished giving him a drink, she said, "I’ll also draw water for your camels, until they’ve finished drinking." 24:20 She hurried, emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw water, taking care of all his camels.

24:21 The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made his journey prosperous or not. 24:22 It happened, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold, 24:23 and said, "Whose daughter are you? Please tell me. Is there room in your father's house for us to lodge in?"

24:21 The man stared at her intently, staying quiet, to see if Yahweh had made his journey successful or not. 24:22 As the camels finished drinking, the man took a golden ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten shekels of gold, 24:23 and asked, "Whose daughter are you? Please let me know. Is there space in your father's house for us to stay?"

24:24 She said to him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor." 24:25 She said moreover to him, "We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in."

24:24 She told him, "I'm the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Milcah, whom she had with Nahor." 24:25 She added, "We have plenty of straw and feed, and there's space for us to stay."

24:26 The man bowed his head, and worshiped Yahweh. 24:27 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me in the way to the house of my master's relatives."

24:26 The man lowered his head and worshiped Yahweh. 24:27 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has been faithful and true to my master. For me, Yahweh has guided me to the home of my master's family."

24:28 The young lady ran, and told her mother's house about these words. 24:29 Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban. Laban ran out to the man, to the spring. 24:30 It happened, when he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, "This is what the man said to me," that he came to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring. 24:31 He said, "Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels."

24:28 The young woman ran and told her mother about these words. 24:29 Rebekah had a brother named Laban. Laban ran out to the man at the spring. 24:30 When he saw the ring and bracelets on his sister's arms, and heard Rebekah tell him, "This is what the man said to me," he approached the man who was standing by the camels at the spring. 24:31 He said, "Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why are you standing outside? I've prepared the house and space for the camels."

24:32 The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 24:33 Food was set before him to eat, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told my message."

24:32 The man entered the house and unloaded the camels. He provided straw and feed for the camels, along with water to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him. 24:33 Food was prepared for him, but he said, "I won't eat until I've delivered my message."

He said, "Speak on."

He said, "Go ahead."

24:34 He said, "I am Abraham's servant. 24:35 Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 24:36 Sarah, my master's wife, bore a son to my master when she was old. He has given all that he has to him. 24:37 My master made me swear, saying, 'You shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 24:38 but you shall go to my father's house, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son.' 24:39 I said to my master, 'What if the woman will not follow me?' 24:40 He said to me, 'Yahweh, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you, and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son of my relatives, and of my father's house. 24:41 Then will you be clear from my oath, when you come to my relatives. If they don't give her to you, you shall be clear from my oath.' 24:42 I came this day to the spring, and said, 'Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go-- 24:43 behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes forth to draw, to whom I will say, "Give me, I pray you, a little water from your pitcher to drink," 24:44 and she will tell me, "Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,"--let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my master's son.' 24:45 Before I had done speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, 'Please let me drink.' 24:46 She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.' So I drank, and she made the camels drink also. 24:47 I asked her, and said, 'Whose daughter are you?' She said, 'The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her hands. 24:48 I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter for his son. 24:49 Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. If not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left."

24:34 He said, "I am Abraham's servant. 24:35 The Lord has greatly blessed my master. He has become very wealthy. He’s given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 24:36 Sarah, my master's wife, had a son for my master when she was old. He has given everything he has to him. 24:37 My master made me swear, saying, 'You must not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 24:38 but you shall go to my father's house and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son.' 24:39 I asked my master, 'What if the woman does not want to come with me?' 24:40 He said to me, 'The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you and help you succeed. You must take a wife for my son from my relatives and my father’s household. 24:41 Then you will be released from my oath when you go to my relatives. If they don’t give her to you, you will be released from my oath.' 24:42 I came today to the spring and said, 'Lord, God of my master Abraham, please make my journey successful. 24:43 Look, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it be that the young woman who comes out to draw water and I say to her, "Please give me a little water to drink from your pitcher," 24:44 and she says to me, "Drink, and I will also draw water for your camels,"—let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master’s son.' 24:45 Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. I said to her, 'Please give me a drink.' 24:46 She hurried and lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, 'Drink, and I will also water your camels.' So I drank, and she also watered the camels. 24:47 I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' She replied, 'I am the daughter of Bethuel, son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore.' I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms. 24:48 I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who guided me in the right direction to get my master’s brother’s daughter for his son. 24:49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me. If not, let me know, so I can turn either to the right or to the left."

24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered, "The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can't speak to you bad or good. 24:51 Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go, and let her be your master's son's wife, as Yahweh has spoken."

24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, "This is from the Lord. We can't say anything bad or good about it. 24:51 Look, Rebekah is here with you. Take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has said."

24:52 It happened that when Abraham's servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth to Yahweh. 24:53 The servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and her mother. 24:54 They ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed all night. They rose up in the morning, and he said, "Send me away to my master."

24:52 When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before Yahweh. 24:53 The servant brought out silver and gold jewelry, along with clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave valuable gifts to her brother and her mother. 24:54 They ate and drank, he and the men with him, and stayed the night. In the morning, he said, "Send me back to my master."

24:55 Her brother and her mother said, "Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that she will go."

24:55 Her brother and her mother said, "Let the young lady stay with us for a few days, at least ten. After that she can leave."

24:56 He said to them, "Don't hinder me, seeing Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master."

24:56 He said to them, "Don't hold me back, since the Lord has made me successful. Send me off so I can go to my master."

24:57 They said, "We will call the young lady, and ask her." 24:58 They called Rebekah, and said to her, "Will you go with this man?"

24:57 They said, "Let's ask the young woman." 24:58 They called Rebekah and asked her, "Will you go with this man?"

She said, "I will go."

She said, "I'll go."

24:59 They sent away Rebekah, their sister, with her nurse, Abraham's servant, and his men. 24:60 They blessed Rebekah, and said to her, "Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your seed possess the gate of those who hate them."

24:59 They sent Rebekah, their sister, away with her nurse, along with Abraham's servant and his men. 24:60 They blessed Rebekah and said to her, "Our sister, may you become the mother of countless thousands, and may your descendants take over the gates of their enemies."

24:61 Rebekah arose with her ladies. They rode on the camels, and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 24:62 Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he lived in the land of the South. 24:63 Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming. 24:64 Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel. 24:65 She said to the servant, "Who is the man who is walking in the field to meet us?"

24:61 Rebekah got up with her attendants. They rode on camels and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah and went on his way. 24:62 Isaac had come from the direction of Beer Lahai Roi, as he lived in the southern region. 24:63 Isaac went out to reflect in the field in the evening. He looked up and saw that there were camels approaching. 24:64 Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she got down from the camel. 24:65 She asked the servant, "Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?"

The servant said, "It is my master."

The servant said, "It's my boss."

She took her veil, and covered herself. 24:66 The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 24:67 Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

She put on her veil and covered herself. 24:66 The servant told Isaac everything he had done. 24:67 Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. Isaac found comfort after his mother's death.

25:1 Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah. 25:2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 25:3 Jokshan became the father of Sheba, and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 25:4 The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 25:5 Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac, 25:6 but to the sons of Abraham's concubines, Abraham gave gifts. He sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, to the east country. 25:7 These are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. 25:8 Abraham gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 25:9 Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre, 25:10 the field which Abraham purchased of the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with Sarah, his wife. 25:11 It happened after the death of Abraham that God blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.

25:1 Abraham married another woman named Keturah. 25:2 She had six children with him: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 25:3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 25:4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 25:5 Abraham gave everything he had to Isaac, 25:6 but he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from Isaac while he was still alive, east to the eastern country. 25:7 These are the years of Abraham's life that he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. 25:8 Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man fulfilled with years, and was gathered to his people. 25:9 Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre, 25:10 the field that Abraham bought from the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. 25:11 After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer Lahai Roi.

25:12 Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bore to Abraham. 25:13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 25:14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 25:15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations. 25:17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people. 25:18 They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.

25:12 This is the history of the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham, whom Hagar the Egyptian, the maid of Sarah, bore to Abraham. 25:13 Here are the names of Ishmael's sons, listed in order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 25:14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 25:15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and here are their names, along with their villages and encampments: twelve princes according to their nations. 25:17 Ishmael lived for one hundred thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. 25:18 They lived from Havilah to Shur, which is before Egypt, as you head toward Assyria. He settled near all his relatives.

25:19 This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 25:20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian, to be his wife. 25:21 Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 25:22 The children struggled together within her. She said, "If it be so, why do I live?" She went to inquire of Yahweh. 25:23 Yahweh said to her,

25:19 This is the story of the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 25:20 Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian from Paddan Aram, and sister of Laban the Syrian. 25:21 Isaac prayed to Yahweh for his wife because she couldn't have children. Yahweh listened to him, and Rebekah became pregnant. 25:22 The babies struggled with each other inside her. She said, "If this is the way it is, why am I even alive?" She went to seek guidance from Yahweh. 25:23 Yahweh told her,

Two nations are in your womb.
Two peoples will be separated from your body.
The one people will be stronger than the other people.
The elder will serve the younger.

25:24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25:25 The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau. 25:26 After that, his brother came out, and his hand had hold on Esau's heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

25:24 When her time to give birth came, there were twins in her womb. 25:25 The first one emerged completely red, like a hairy coat. They named him Esau. 25:26 After that, his brother came out, with his hand grabbing Esau's heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.

25:27 The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 25:28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. 25:29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 25:30 Esau said to Jacob, "Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am famished." Therefore his name was called Edom.

25:27 The boys grew up. Esau was a skilled hunter, a man of the outdoors. Jacob was more of a homebody, living in tents. 25:28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed the game he brought home. Rebekah favored Jacob. 25:29 Jacob was cooking some stew when Esau came in from the field, feeling very hungry. 25:30 Esau said to Jacob, "Please give me some of that red stew; I'm starving." That's why he was named Edom.

25:31 Jacob said, "First, sell me your birthright."

25:31 Jacob said, "First, sell me your birthright."

25:32 Esau said, "Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?"

25:32 Esau said, "Look, I’m about to die. What good is the birthright to me?"

25:33 Jacob said, "Swear to me first."

Jacob said, "Promise me first."

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate, drank, got up, and left. So Esau disregarded his birthright.

26:1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar. 26:2 Yahweh appeared to him, and said, "Don't go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about. 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For to you, and to your seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 26:4 I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and will give to your seed all these lands. In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed, 26:5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws."

26:1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that occurred during Abraham's time. Isaac went to Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 26:2 Yahweh appeared to him and said, "Don’t go down to Egypt. Live in the land I will show you. 26:3 Stay in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. For you and your descendants, I will give all these lands, and I will fulfill the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 26:4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and give your descendants all these lands. Through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed, 26:5 because Abraham listened to my voice and followed my requirements, commandments, statutes, and laws."

26:6 Isaac lived in Gerar. 26:7 The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, "She is my sister," for he was afraid to say, "My wife," lest, he thought, "the men of the place might kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to look at." 26:8 It happened, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. 26:9 Abimelech called Isaac, and said, "Behold, surely she is your wife. Why did you say, 'She is my sister?'"

26:6 Isaac was living in Gerar. 26:7 The locals asked him about his wife. He replied, "She’s my sister," because he was afraid to say, "My wife," thinking that the men of that place might kill him for Rebekah, since she was gorgeous. 26:8 After he had been there for a while, Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, looked out from a window and saw Isaac hugging Rebekah, his wife. 26:9 Abimelech called out to Isaac and said, "Clearly she’s your wife. Why did you say, 'She is my sister?'"

Isaac said to him, "Because I said, 'Lest I die because of her.'"

Isaac said to him, "Because I said, 'I might die because of her.'"

26:10 Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us!"

26:10 Abimelech said, "What have you done to us? Someone from my people could have easily slept with your wife, and you would have made us all guilty!"

26:11 Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, "He who touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death."

26:11 Abimelech ordered all the people, saying, "Anyone who touches this man or his wife will definitely be put to death."

26:12 Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year one hundred times what he planted. Yahweh blessed him. 26:13 The man grew great, and grew more and more until he became very great. 26:14 He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied him. 26:15 Now all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped, and filled with earth. 26:16 Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go from us, for you are much mightier than we."

26:12 Isaac planted crops in that land and reaped a hundred times what he planted that same year. God blessed him. 26:13 He became very prosperous and continued to grow in wealth until he was extremely wealthy. 26:14 He had many flocks, herds, and a large household. The Philistines became envious of him. 26:15 All the wells that his father Abraham's servants had dug were stopped up and filled with dirt by the Philistines. 26:16 Abimelech said to Isaac, "Leave us, for you are far more powerful than we are."

26:17 Isaac departed from there, encamped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there.

26:17 Isaac left that place, set up camp in the valley of Gerar, and settled there.

26:18 Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father. For the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham. He called their names after the names by which his father had called them. 26:19 Isaac's servants dug in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. 26:21 They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. He called its name Sitnah. 26:22 He left that place, and dug another well. They didn't argue over that one. He called it Rehoboth. He said, "For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land."

26:18 Isaac reopened the wells of water that his father Abraham had dug because the Philistines had blocked them up after Abraham died. He named them after the names his father had given them. 26:19 Isaac's workers dug in the valley and discovered a well with fresh spring water. 26:20 The herdsmen from Gerar argued with Isaac's workers, claiming, "The water belongs to us." He named the well Esek because they disputed with him. 26:21 They dug another well, and there was a dispute over that one too. He named it Sitnah. 26:22 He moved on from that place and dug another well. No one argued over that one. He called it Rehoboth, saying, "Now Yahweh has provided space for us, and we will thrive in the land."

26:23 He went up from there to Beersheba. 26:24 Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, "I am the God of Abraham your father. Don't be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your seed for my servant Abraham's sake."

26:23 He traveled from there to Beersheba. 26:24 God appeared to him that same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Don't be afraid, for I am with you, and I will bless you and increase your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham."

26:25 He built an altar there, and called on the name of Yahweh, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac's servants dug a well.

26:25 He built an altar there, called on the name of the Lord, and set up his tent there. It was there that Isaac's servants dug a well.

26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army. 26:27 Isaac said to them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?"

26:26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar, along with his friend Ahuzzath and Phicol, the commander of his army. 26:27 Isaac asked them, "Why are you here? You dislike me and have already sent me away."

26:28 They said, "We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you, 26:29 that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace.' You are now the blessed of Yahweh."

26:28 They said, "We clearly saw that God was with you. We said, 'Let’s make a promise between us, and let’s create a covenant with you, 26:29 that you won’t harm us, just as we haven’t harmed you and have treated you well, sending you away in peace.' You are now blessed by God."

26:30 He made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 26:31 They rose up some time in the morning, and swore one to another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 26:32 It happened the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had dug, and said to him, "We have found water." 26:33 He called it Shibah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

26:30 He threw them a party, and they ate and drank. 26:31 They got up the next morning and made promises to each other. Isaac sent them away, and they left him in peace. 26:32 On that same day, Isaac's servants came and told him about the well they had dug, saying, "We found water." 26:33 He named it Shibah.. So the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

26:34 When Esau was forty years old, he took as wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 26:35 They grieved Isaac's and Rebekah's spirits.

26:34 When Esau turned forty, he got married to Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 26:35 They caused great distress to Isaac and Rebekah.

27:1 It happened, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, "My son?"

27:1 It happened that when Isaac got old and his eyesight faded, so he couldn't see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, "My son?"

He said to him, "Here I am."

He said to him, "I'm here."

27:2 He said, "See now, I am old. I don't know the day of my death. 27:3 Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and take me venison. 27:4 Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die."

27:2 He said, "Look, I'm old now. I don’t know when I’ll die. 27:3 So please, grab your weapons, your quiver, and your bow, and head out to the field to get me some game. 27:4 Prepare me a tasty meal, something I love, and bring it to me so I can eat and bless you before I die."

27:5 Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 27:6 Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, "Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 27:7 'Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless you before Yahweh before my death.' 27:8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you. 27:9 Go now to the flock, and get me from there two good kids of the goats. I will make them savory food for your father, such as he loves. 27:10 You shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death."

27:5 Rebekah heard Isaac talking to his son Esau. Esau went out to the field to hunt for game and bring it back. 27:6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, "Listen, I heard your father talking to your brother Esau, saying, 27:7 'Bring me some game and prepare a tasty meal for me to eat, so that I can bless you before Yahweh before I die.' 27:8 So now, my son, do exactly what I tell you. 27:9 Go to the flock and get me two choice young goats. I will prepare them as a tasty meal for your father, just the way he likes it. 27:10 You will bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before his death."

27:11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, "Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 27:12 What if my father touches me? I will seem to him as a deceiver, and I would bring a curse on myself, and not a blessing."

27:11 Jacob said to his mother Rebekah, "Look, my brother Esau is hairy, and I am smooth-skinned. 27:12 What if my father touches me? I’ll seem like a fraud to him, and I'll end up with a curse instead of a blessing."

27:13 His mother said to him, "Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice, and go get them for me."

27:13 His mother said to him, "Put the curse on me, my son. Just listen to me and go get them for me."

27:14 He went, and got them, and brought them to his mother. His mother made savory food, such as his father loved. 27:15 Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her younger son. 27:16 She put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck. 27:17 She gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

27:14 He went, got them, and brought them back to his mother. His mother cooked the tasty food that his father loved. 27:15 Rebekah took Esau's good clothes, her older son, that were in the house and put them on Jacob, her younger son. 27:16 She put the skins of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 27:17 She gave the delicious food and the bread she had made to her son Jacob.

27:18 He came to his father, and said, "My father?"

27:18 He went to his dad and said, "Dad?"

He said, "Here I am. Who are you, my son?"

He said, "Here I am. Who are you, my son?"

27:19 Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me."

27:19 Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau, your firstborn. I've done what you asked me to do. Please get up, sit down, and eat my game so that you can bless me."

27:20 Isaac said to his son, "How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?"

27:20 Isaac said to his son, "How did you find it so fast, my son?"

He said, "Because Yahweh your God gave me success."

He said, "Because the Lord your God gave me success."

27:21 Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not."

27:21 Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come closer so I can touch you, my son, to see if you really are my son Esau or not."

27:22 Jacob went near to Isaac his father. He felt him, and said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau." 27:23 He didn't recognize him, because his hands were hairy, like his brother, Esau's hands. So he blessed him. 27:24 He said, "Are you really my son Esau?"

27:22 Jacob approached his father Isaac. He felt him and said, "The voice sounds like Jacob, but the hands feel like Esau's." 27:23 He didn’t recognize him because his hands were hairy, just like his brother Esau's. So he blessed him. 27:24 He asked, "Are you really my son Esau?"

He said, "I am."

He said, "I'm."

27:25 He said, "Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless you."

27:25 He said, "Bring it over to me, and I will eat some of my son's game so that I can bless you."

He brought it near to him, and he ate. He brought him wine, and he drank. 27:26 His father Isaac said to him, "Come near now, and kiss me, my son." 27:27 He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said,

He brought it close to him, and he ate. He poured him some wine, and he drank. 27:26 His father Isaac said to him, "Come over here now, and give me a kiss, my son." 27:27 He went over and kissed him. He smelled the scent of his clothes, blessed him, and said,

"Behold, the smell of my son
is as the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed.
27:28 God give you of the dew of the sky,
of the fatness of the earth,
and plenty of grain and new wine.
27:29 Let peoples serve you,
and nations bow down to you.
Be lord over your brothers.
Let your mother's sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you.
Blessed be everyone who blesses you."

27:30 It happened, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob had just gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 27:31 He also made savory food, and brought it to his father. He said to his father, "Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that your soul may bless me."

27:30 It happened right after Isaac finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had just left his father's presence, that his brother Esau came in from hunting. 27:31 He also prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. He said to his father, "Please get up and eat some of your son's game, so that you can bless me."

27:32 Isaac his father said to him, "Who are you?"

27:32 Isaac, his father, asked him, "Who are you?"

He said, "I am your son, your firstborn, Esau."

He said, "I’m your son, your firstborn, Esau."

27:33 Isaac trembled violently, and said, "Who, then, is he who has taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? Yes, he will be blessed."

27:33 Isaac shook with fear and said, "Who, then, is the one who brought me game and I ate it all before you arrived, and I blessed him? Yes, he will be blessed."

27:34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me, even me also, my father."

27:34 When Esau heard his father's words, he let out a loud and painful cry and said to his father, "Bless me too, my father."

27:35 He said, "Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing."

27:35 He said, "Your brother came with trickery and has stolen your blessing."

27:36 He said, "Isn't he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing." He said, "Haven't you reserved a blessing for me?"

27:36 He said, "Isn't he called Jacob for a reason? He has cheated me out of my rights twice now. He took my birthright. Look, now he's taken my blessing." He asked, "Haven't you saved a blessing for me?"

27:37 Isaac answered Esau, "Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers have I given to him for servants. With grain and new wine have I sustained him. What then will I do for you, my son?"

27:37 Isaac replied to Esau, "Look, I’ve made him your master, and I’ve given all his brothers to him as servants. I’ve provided for him with grain and new wine. So what can I do for you, my son?"

27:38 Esau said to his father, "Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, my father." Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

27:38 Esau said to his father, "Do you really have only one blessing, Dad? Bless me too, please." Esau raised his voice and cried.

27:39 Isaac his father answered him,

Isaac, his dad, answered him,

"Behold, of the fatness of the earth will be your dwelling,
and of the dew of the sky from above.
27:40 By your sword will you live, and you will serve your brother.
It will happen, when you will break loose,
that you shall shake his yoke from off your neck."

27:41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, "The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob."

27:41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing their father gave him. Esau thought to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are coming soon. Then I will kill my brother Jacob."

27:42 The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, "Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 27:43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran. 27:44 Stay with him a few days, until your brother's fury turns away; 27:45 until your brother's anger turn away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send, and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?"

27:42 The words of Esau, her older son, were told to Rebekah. She sent for Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, "Look, your brother Esau is comforting himself by planning to kill you. 27:43 So now, my son, listen to me. Get up and run away to Laban, my brother, in Haran. 27:44 Stay with him for a few days, until your brother calms down; 27:45 until your brother's anger against you fades, and he forgets what you did to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?"

27:46 Rebekah said to Isaac, "I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good will my life do me?"

27:46 Rebekah said to Isaac, "I'm tired of my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women, like these, from this land, what good will my life be?"

28:1 Isaac called Jacob, blessed him, and commanded him, "You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 28:2 Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother's father. Take a wife from there from the daughters of Laban, your mother's brother. 28:3 May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples, 28:4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your seed with you, that you may inherit the land where you travel, which God gave to Abraham."

28:1 Isaac called Jacob, blessed him, and said, "Do not marry any of the daughters of Canaan. 28:2 Get up, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of your mother's father, Bethuel. Find a wife there from the daughters of Laban, your mother's brother. 28:3 May God Almighty bless you, make you fruitful, and multiply you so that you become a great nation, 28:4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and your descendants, so that you may inherit the land where you travel, which God gave to Abraham."

28:5 Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, Rebekah's brother, Jacob's and Esau's mother.

28:5 Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Syrian, who was Rebekah's brother, and Jacob's and Esau's mother.

28:6 Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan Aram, to take him a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he gave him a command, saying, "You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan," 28:7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Paddan Aram. 28:8 Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan didn't please Isaac, his father. 28:9 Esau went to Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.

28:6 Now Esau noticed that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan Aram to find a wife from there, and that during the blessing, he instructed him, saying, "You must not marry any of the daughters of Canaan," 28:7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and mother and went to Paddan Aram. 28:8 Esau realized that the daughters of Canaan were not favored by Isaac, his father. 28:9 Esau went to Ishmael and, in addition to the wives he already had, he took Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, who was the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.

28:10 Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 28:11 He came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. 28:12 He dreamed. Behold, a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 28:13 Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, "I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. The land whereon you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed. 28:14 Your seed will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed. 28:15 Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken of to you."

28:10 Jacob left Beersheba and headed toward Haran. 28:11 He arrived at a certain place and stayed there for the night because the sun had set. He took a stone from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep. 28:12 He dreamed. There was a stairway set on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven. The angels of God were going up and down on it. 28:13 The LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham and the God of your father Isaac. The land where you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 28:14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and the east, to the north and the south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 28:15 Look, I am with you and will protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you."

28:16 Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, "Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn't know it." 28:17 He was afraid, and said, "How dreadful is this place! This is none other than God's house, and this is the gate of heaven."

28:16 Jacob woke up from his sleep and said, "Wow, God is really here, and I didn't realize it." 28:17 He was afraid and said, "How scary is this place! This is definitely God's house, and this is the entrance to heaven."

28:18 Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top. 28:19 He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 28:20 Jacob vowed a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on, 28:21 so that I come again to my father's house in peace, and Yahweh will be my God, 28:22 then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God's house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give the tenth to you."

28:18 Jacob got up early in the morning, and took the stone he had used as a pillow, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on its top. 28:19 He named that place Bethel, although the city was originally called Luz. 28:20 Jacob made a promise, saying, "If God is with me, protects me on my journey, provides me with food to eat and clothes to wear, 28:21 and brings me back to my father's house safely, and if Yahweh becomes my God, 28:22 then this stone I've set up as a pillar will be God's house. I will definitely give you a tenth of everything you give me."

29:1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east. 29:2 He looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well's mouth was large. 29:3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well's mouth in its place. 29:4 Jacob said to them, "My relatives, where are you from?"

29:1 Then Jacob continued on his journey and arrived in the land of the eastern people. 29:2 He saw a well in the field, and noticed three flocks of sheep resting nearby. They used the well to water the flocks. The stone covering the well was large. 29:3 All the flocks were gathered there. They rolled the stone away from the well, watered the sheep, and then put the stone back in place over the well. 29:4 Jacob asked them, "Hey, relatives, where are you from?"

They said, "We are from Haran."

They said, "We're from Haran."

29:5 He said to them, "Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?"

29:5 He asked them, "Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?"

They said, "We know him."

They said, "We know him."

29:6 He said to them, "Is it well with him?"

29:6 He asked them, "Is he doing okay?"

They said, "It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep."

They said, "That's great. Look, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep."

29:7 He said, "Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them."

29:7 He said, "Look, it’s still the middle of the day, not time to round up the livestock. Water the sheep, and go feed them."

29:8 They said, "We can't, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep."

29:8 They said, "We can't do it until all the flocks are together and they move the stone from the well's opening. Then we can water the sheep."

29:9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them. 29:10 It happened, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 29:11 Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 29:12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son. She ran and told her father.

29:9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel arrived with her father's sheep, since she took care of them. 29:10 When Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother, and the sheep belonging to Laban, his mother's brother, he went over, rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well, and watered Laban's flock. 29:11 Jacob kissed Rachel, raised his voice, and cried. 29:12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother and Rebekah's son. She ran to tell her father.

29:13 It happened, when Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things. 29:14 Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. He lived with him for a month. 29:15 Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?"

29:13 When Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him, hugged him, kissed him, and took him to his home. Jacob shared everything with Laban. 29:14 Laban said to him, "You are truly my own flesh and blood." He stayed with him for a month. 29:15 Then Laban said to Jacob, "Since you are my brother, should you work for free? Tell me, what do you want as your pay?"

29:16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 29:17 Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive. 29:18 Jacob loved Rachel. He said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter."

29:16 Laban had two daughters. The older one was named Leah, and the younger one was named Rachel. 29:17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in appearance and attractive. 29:18 Jacob loved Rachel. He said, "I will work for you for seven years to marry Rachel, your younger daughter."

29:19 Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me."

29:19 Laban said, "It's better for me to give her to you than to another guy. Stay with me."

29:20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her.

29:20 Jacob worked for seven years for Rachel. It felt like just a few days to him because of his love for her.

29:21 Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her."

29:21 Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my time is up, so I can be with her."

29:22 Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 29:23 It happened in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. He went in to her. 29:24 Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid to his daughter Leah for a handmaid. 29:25 It happened in the morning that, behold, it was Leah. He said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Didn't I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"

29:22 Laban gathered all the men from the area and threw a feast. 29:23 That evening, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to him. He went in to her. 29:24 Laban gave Zilpah, his maidservant, to his daughter Leah as a handmaid. 29:25 In the morning, when he woke up, it was Leah. He said to Laban, "What have you done to me? Didn't I work for you to get Rachel? Why have you fooled me?"

29:26 Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. 29:27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me yet seven other years."

29:26 Laban said, "We don't do things like that here; we give the younger after the firstborn. 29:27 Complete the week for this one, and we'll give you the other as well for the work you will do with me for another seven years."

29:28 Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife. 29:29 Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah, his handmaid, to be her handmaid. 29:30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

29:28 Jacob did that and completed her week. He married Rachel, his daughter. 29:29 Laban gave Rachel, his daughter, Bilhah, his maidservant, to be her maidservant. 29:30 He also went to Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and worked for him for another seven years.

29:31 Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 29:32 Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, "Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction. For now my husband will love me." 29:33 She conceived again, and bore a son, and said, "Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this son also." She named him Simeon. 29:34 She conceived again, and bore a son. Said, "Now this time will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore was his name called Levi. 29:35 She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, "This time will I praise Yahweh." Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

29:31 God saw that Leah was unloved, so He opened her womb, while Rachel remained infertile. 29:32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son, whom she named Reuben, because she said, "God has noticed my pain. Now my husband will love me." 29:33 She became pregnant again and had another son. She said, "God has heard that I am unloved, so He has given me this son too." She named him Simeon. 29:34 She became pregnant again and had a son. She said, "Now, my husband will be attached to me because I have given him three sons." That’s why he was named Levi. 29:35 She became pregnant again and had a son. She said, "This time, I will praise God." So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.

30:1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I will die."

30:1 When Rachel realized she wasn't giving Jacob any children, she began to envy her sister. She said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I’ll be dead."

30:2 Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, "Am I in God's place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?"

30:2 Jacob was angry with Rachel and said, "Am I in God's place, who has kept you from having children?"

30:3 She said, "Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her." 30:4 She gave him Bilhah her handmaid as wife, and Jacob went in to her. 30:5 Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacob a son. 30:6 Rachel said, "God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son." Therefore called she his name Dan. 30:7 Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son. 30:8 Rachel said, "With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed." She named him Naphtali.

30:3 She said, "Look, my maid Bilhah. Go to her so she can bear children for me, and I can also have kids through her." 30:4 She gave him Bilhah her handmaid as a wife, and Jacob went to her. 30:5 Bilhah became pregnant and gave Jacob a son. 30:6 Rachel said, "God has judged me and has heard my voice, and has given me a son." So she named him Dan. 30:7 Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, became pregnant again and gave Jacob a second son. 30:8 Rachel said, "I have fought hard with my sister and have won." She named him Naphtali.

30:9 When Leah saw that she had finished bearing, she took Zilpah, her handmaid, and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 30:10 Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, bore Jacob a son. 30:11 Leah said, "How fortunate!" She named him Gad. 30:12 Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, bore Jacob a second son. 30:13 Leah said, "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy." She named him Asher.

30:9 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 30:10 Zilpah, Leah's servant, had a son with Jacob. 30:11 Leah said, "How lucky!" She named him Gad. 30:12 Zilpah, Leah's servant, had another son with Jacob. 30:13 Leah said, "I am so happy, because the other women will call me happy." She named him Asher.

30:14 Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, "Please give me some of your son's mandrakes."

30:14 Reuben went during the wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field. He brought them to his mother, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, "Please give me some of your son's mandrakes."

30:15 She said to her, "Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes, also?"

30:15 She said to her, "Is it no big deal that you’ve taken my husband? Are you also going to take my son's mandrakes?"

Rachel said, "Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son's mandrakes."

Rachel said, "So he will spend the night with you tonight for your son's mandrakes."

30:16 Jacob came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, "You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes."

30:16 Jacob came back from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, saying, "You have to come in to me; I’ve definitely paid you with my son's mandrakes."

He lay with her that night. 30:17 God listened to Leah, and she conceived, and bore Jacob a fifth son. 30:18 Leah said, "God has given me my hire, because I gave my handmaid to my husband." She named him Issachar. 30:19 Leah conceived again, and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 30:20 Leah said, "God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my husband will live with me, because I have borne him six sons." She named him Zebulun. 30:21 Afterwards, she bore a daughter, and named her Dinah.

He spent the night with her. 30:17 God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Jacob’s fifth son. 30:18 Leah said, "God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband." She named him Issachar. 30:19 Leah became pregnant again and had a sixth son with Jacob. 30:20 Leah said, "God has blessed me with a great gift. Now my husband will stay with me because I have given him six sons." She named him Zebulun. 30:21 Later, she had a daughter and named her Dinah.

30:22 God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her, and opened her womb. 30:23 She conceived, bore a son, and said, "God has taken away my reproach." 30:24 She named him Joseph, saying, "May Yahweh add another son to me."

30:22 God remembered Rachel, and He listened to her and opened her womb. 30:24 She named him Joseph, saying, "May Yahweh give me another son."

30:25 It happened, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, "Send me away, that I may go to my own place, and to my country. 30:26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service with which I have served you."

30:25 After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, "Please send me away so I can return to my own home and country. 30:26 Give me my wives and children, for whom I have worked for you, and let me go; you know how hard I've worked for you."

30:27 Laban said to him, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake." 30:28 He said, "Appoint me your wages, and I will give it."

30:27 Laban said to him, "If I've found favor with you, please stay here, because I can tell that Yahweh has blessed me because of you." 30:28 He replied, "Set my pay, and I'll accept it."

30:29 He said to him, "You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me. 30:30 For it was little which you had before I came, and it has increased to a multitude. Yahweh has blessed you wherever I turned. Now when will I provide for my own house also?"

30:29 He said to him, "You know how I've worked for you and how your animals have thrived under my care. 30:30 You had very little before I arrived, and now you have a lot. God has blessed you wherever I went. So when will I be able to take care of my own family too?"

30:31 He said, "What shall I give you?"

30:31 He asked, "What do you want me to give you?"

Jacob said, "You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it. 30:32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire. 30:33 So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be counted stolen."

Jacob said, "You don't have to give me anything. If you do this one thing for me, I’ll take care of your flock and look after it. 30:32 Today, I’ll go through all your flock, separating out every speckled and spotted animal, and every black sheep, along with the spotted and speckled goats. That will be my payment. 30:33 Then, in the future, my honest actions will speak for me when you come to check on my payment. Any animal that isn't speckled and spotted among the goats, or black among the sheep, that ends up with me will be considered stolen."

30:34 Laban said, "Behold, I desire it to be according to your word."

30:34 Laban said, "Look, I want it to be as you say."

30:35 That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 30:36 He set three days' journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.

30:35 That day, he separated the male goats that were marked and spotted, along with all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and handed them over to his sons. 30:36 He put three days' distance between himself and Jacob, while Jacob took care of the rest of Laban's flocks.

30:37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond, plane tree, peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink. 30:39 The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. 30:40 Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in the flock of Laban: and he put his own droves apart, and didn't put them into Laban's flock. 30:41 It happened, whenever the stronger of the flock conceived, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods; 30:42 but when the flock were feeble, he didn't put them in. So the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. 30:43 The man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

30:37 Jacob grabbed some fresh rods from poplar, almond, and plane trees, peeling white streaks into them to show the white that was in the rods. 30:38 He placed the peeled rods in front of the flocks in the water troughs where they came to drink. The animals conceived when they came to drink. 30:39 The flocks mated while looking at the rods, and they gave birth to streaked, speckled, and spotted young. 30:40 Jacob separated the lambs, directing the flocks’ attention towards the streaked and all the black ones from Laban’s herd, setting his own animals apart, and didn’t mix them with Laban’s flock. 30:41 Whenever the stronger animals conceived, Jacob placed the rods in front of them in the troughs so they would mate while looking at the rods; 30:42 but when the weaker ones were mating, he didn’t put the rods out. So, the weaker ones belonged to Laban, and the stronger ones were Jacob's. 30:43 The man prospered greatly, accumulating large flocks, female and male servants, along with camels and donkeys.

31:1 He heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, "Jacob has taken away all that was our father's. From that which was our father's, has he gotten all this wealth." 31:2 Jacob saw the expression on Laban's face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 31:3 Yahweh said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you."

31:1 He overheard Laban's sons saying, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father. All this wealth comes from what was our father's." 31:2 Jacob noticed Laban's expression, and it was clear that he no longer looked at him the same way. 31:3 God said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your relatives, and I will be with you."

31:4 Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 31:5 and said to them, "I see the expression on your father's face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. 31:6 You know that I have served your father with all of my strength. 31:7 Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn't allow him to hurt me. 31:8 If he said this, 'The speckled will be your wages,' then all the flock bore speckled. If he said this, 'The streaked will be your wages,' then all the flock bore streaked. 31:9 Thus God has taken away your father's livestock, and given them to me. 31:10 It happened during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. 31:11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I said, 'Here I am.' 31:12 He said, 'Now lift up your eyes, and behold, all the male goats which leap on the flock are streaked, speckled, and grizzled, for I have seen all that Laban does to you. 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land of your birth.'"

31:4 Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah to meet him in the field where his flock was, 31:5 and said to them, "I can tell by your father's expression that he's not treating me the same way as before; but the God of my father has been with me. 31:6 You know that I have worked for your father with all my strength. 31:7 Your father has cheated me and changed my pay ten times, but God never let him harm me. 31:8 If he said, 'The speckled ones will be your pay,' then all the flock gave birth to speckled young. If he said, 'The streaked ones will be your pay,' then all the flock gave birth to streaked young. 31:9 So God has taken away your father's livestock and given them to me. 31:10 During mating season, I looked up and saw in a dream that the male goats leaping on the flock were streaked, speckled, and spotted. 31:11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I replied, 'Here I am.' 31:12 He said, 'Now look up and see that all the male goats leaping on the flock are streaked, speckled, and spotted, for I have seen everything that Laban is doing to you. 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now get up, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.'"

31:14 Rachel and Leah answered him, "Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? 31:15 Aren't we accounted by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and has also quite devoured our money. 31:16 For all the riches which God has taken away from our father, that is ours and our children's. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do."

31:14 Rachel and Leah replied to him, "Is there even any share or inheritance for us in our father's house? 31:15 Aren't we seen as outsiders by him? For he has sold us, and has also completely consumed our money. 31:16 All the wealth that God has taken from our father is ours and our children's. So, whatever God has told you, go ahead and do it."

31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels, 31:18 and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. 31:19 Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father's.

31:17 Then Jacob got up and put his sons and wives on the camels, 31:18 and he took all his livestock and possessions that he had accumulated, including the animals he had acquired in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. 31:19 Meanwhile, Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole the teraphim that belonged to her father.

31:20 Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn't tell him that he was running away. 31:21 So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.

31:20 Jacob tricked Laban the Syrian by not telling him he was leaving. 31:21 So he escaped with everything he owned. He got up, crossed the river, and headed toward the mountain of Gilead.

31:22 Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. 31:23 He took his relatives with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead. 31:24 God came to Laban, the Syrian, in a dream of the night, and said to him, "Take heed to yourself that you don't speak to Jacob either good or bad."

31:22 Laban was informed on the third day that Jacob had escaped. 31:23 He gathered his relatives and chased after him for seven days. He caught up with him in the mountains of Gilead. 31:24 God appeared to Laban, the Syrian, in a nighttime dream and told him, "Be careful not to say anything good or bad to Jacob."

31:25 Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead. 31:26 Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? 31:27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn't tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp; 31:28 and didn't allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. 31:29 It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Take heed to yourself that you don't speak to Jacob either good or bad.' 31:30 Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father's house, but why have you stolen my gods?"

31:25 Laban caught up with Jacob. Jacob had set up his tent in the mountains, and Laban and his relatives camped in the mountains of Gilead. 31:26 Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You deceived me and took my daughters like captives! 31:27 Why did you sneak away and trick me? You didn’t even tell me so I could send you off with joy, with music, tambourines, and harps; 31:28 and you didn’t let me say goodbye to my sons and daughters? You’ve acted foolishly. 31:29 I could hurt you, but the God of your father warned me last night, telling me, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, good or bad.' 31:30 Now you want to leave because you really miss your father's house, but why did you steal my gods?"

31:31 Jacob answered Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I said, 'Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.' 31:32 Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it." For Jacob didn't know that Rachel had stolen them.

31:31 Jacob replied to Laban, "I was afraid because I thought, 'You might take your daughters away from me by force.' 31:32 Whoever you find with your gods will not live. In front of our relatives, identify what belongs to you and take it." Jacob didn’t realize that Rachel had stolen the idols.

31:33 Laban went into Jacob's tent, into Leah's tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn't find them. He went out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel's saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt about all the tent, but didn't find them. 31:35 She said to her father, "Don't let my lord be angry that I can't rise up before you; for the manner of women is on me." He searched, but didn't find the teraphim.

31:33 Laban entered Jacob's tent, then Leah's tent, and the tents of the two female servants, but he couldn't find them. He left Leah's tent and went into Rachel's tent. 31:34 Rachel had taken the teraphim, placed them in the camel's saddle, and was sitting on them. Laban searched the entire tent but didn't find them. 31:35 She told her father, "Please don't be angry that I can't stand up in front of you; it's that time of the month for me." He searched but didn't find the teraphim.

31:36 Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, "What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me? 31:37 Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two. 31:38 These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven't eaten the rams of your flocks. 31:39 That which was torn of animals, I didn't bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 31:40 This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes. 31:41 These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 31:42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night."

31:36 Jacob was upset and argued with Laban. Jacob replied to Laban, "What have I done wrong? What is my sin that you have chased after me so fiercely? 31:37 Now that you’ve searched through all my belongings, what of your stuff have you found? Present it here before my relatives and yours so they can judge between us. 31:38 For twenty years, I’ve been with you. Your ewes and female goats have not lost their young, and I haven’t eaten any of the rams from your flocks. 31:39 If an animal was torn by a beast, I didn’t bring it to you; I accepted the loss myself. You held me responsible for it, whether it was stolen during the day or at night. 31:40 This is what I dealt with: during the day, the heat consumed me, and the frost at night; my sleep vanished from my eyes. 31:41 For twenty years, I’ve been in your household. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flock, and you’ve changed my wages ten times. 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had not been with me, you would have certainly sent me away with nothing. God has seen my struggles and the hard work I put in, and He rebuked you last night."

31:43 Laban answered Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne? 31:44 Now come, let us make a covenant, you and I; and let it be for a witness between me and you."

31:43 Laban replied to Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and everything you see belongs to me. What can I do today for these daughters of mine or for their children? 31:44 Now let's make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between us."

31:45 Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. 31:46 Jacob said to his relatives, "Gather stones." They took stones, and made a heap. They ate there by the heap. 31:47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 31:48 Laban said, "This heap is witness between me and you this day." Therefore it was named Galeed 31:49 and Mizpah, for he said, "Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another. 31:50 If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, no man is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you." 31:51 Laban said to Jacob, "See this heap, and see the pillar, which I have set between me and you. 31:52 May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. 31:53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us." Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. 31:54 Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain. 31:55 Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his place.

31:45 Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 31:46 Jacob said to his relatives, "Gather stones." They collected stones and made a pile. They ate there by the pile. 31:47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha,, but Jacob called it Galeed.. 31:48 Laban said, "This pile serves as a witness between you and me today." That's why it was named Galeed. 31:49 It was also called Mizpah, for he said, "May the Lord watch between you and me when we are apart from each other." 31:50 If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives besides my daughters, no one is with us; understand that God is witness between you and me." 31:51 Laban said to Jacob, "Look at this pile and the pillar I’ve set between you and me. 31:52 May this pile and this pillar be a witness that I won’t cross this pile to harm you, and you won’t cross this pile and pillar to harm me. 31:53 The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, will judge between us." Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. 31:54 Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to share bread. They ate bread and spent the night on the mountain. 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up, kissed his sons and daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his home.

32:1 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 32:2 When he saw them, Jacob said, "This is God's army." He called the name of that place Mahanaim.

32:1 Jacob continued on his journey, and the angels of God encountered him. 32:2 When he saw them, Jacob exclaimed, "This is God's army." He named that place Mahanaim.

32:3 Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. 32:4 He commanded them, saying, "This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: 'This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now. 32:5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.'" 32:6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau. Not only that, but he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him." 32:7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies; 32:8 and he said, "If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape." 32:9 Jacob said, "God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh, who said to me, 'Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,' 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 32:11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and strike me, and the mothers with the children. 32:12 You said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your seed as the sand of the sea, which can't be numbered because there are so many.'"

32:3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to Esau, his brother, in the land of Seir, the territory of Edom. 32:4 He instructed them, saying, "This is what you should say to my lord, Esau: 'This is your servant, Jacob, speaking. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban and have stayed until now. 32:5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I’ve sent this message to let my lord know, hoping to find favor in your sight.'" 32:6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We went to your brother Esau. Not only that, but he’s coming to meet you, and he has four hundred men with him." 32:7 Jacob was very scared and distressed. He divided the people with him, along with the flocks, herds, and camels, into two groups; 32:8 and he said, "If Esau attacks one group and destroys it, then the other group that’s left can escape." 32:9 Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh, who told me, 'Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will treat you well,' 32:10 I don’t deserve the least of all the kindness and the truth that you’ve shown me, your servant; because I crossed this Jordan with just my staff, and now I’ve become two groups. 32:11 Please save me from my brother’s hand, from the hand of Esau, because I’m afraid he’ll come and attack me, along with the mothers and children. 32:12 You promised, 'I will definitely do you good, and make your descendants as numerous as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because there are so many.'"

32:13 He lodged there that night, and took from that which he had with him, a present for Esau, his brother: 32:14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 32:15 thirty milk camels and their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 32:16 He delivered them into the hands of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, "Pass over before me, and put a space between herd and herd." 32:17 He commanded the foremost, saying, "When Esau, my brother, meets you, and asks you, saying, 'Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?' 32:18 Then you shall say, 'They are your servant, Jacob's. It is a present sent to my lord, Esau. Behold, he also is behind us.'" 32:19 He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, "This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him. 32:20 You shall say, 'Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.'" For, he said, "I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me."

32:13 He stayed there that night and took a gift for his brother Esau from what he had with him: 32:14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 32:15 thirty milk camels and their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten foals. 32:16 He gave them to his servants, separating each herd, and said to them, "Go ahead of me and create some distance between each herd." 32:17 He instructed the first group, saying, "When Esau, my brother, meets you and asks, 'Who do you belong to? Where are you headed? What are these in front of you?' 32:18 you will answer, 'They belong to your servant, Jacob. It's a gift sent to my lord, Esau. Look, he's coming right behind us.'" 32:19 He also told the second group, the third, and all the others following the herds, "This is what you should say to Esau when you see him. 32:20 You will say, 'And also, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.'" For he thought, "I will calm him down with the gift that goes ahead of me, and afterward, I will see his face. Maybe he will accept me."

32:21 So the present passed over before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp.

32:21 So the current moment slipped away, and he spent that night in the camp.

32:22 He rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok. 32:23 He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had. 32:24 Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day. 32:25 When he saw that he didn't prevail against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was strained, as he wrestled. 32:26 The man said, "Let me go, for the day breaks."

32:22 That night, he got up and took his two wives, two maids, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 32:23 He brought them across the stream and sent over everything he had. 32:24 Jacob was left alone and wrestled with a man there until dawn. 32:25 When the man saw that he couldn't win, he touched Jacob's hip socket, and Jacob's hip was dislocated as he wrestled. 32:26 The man said, "Let me go, because dawn is breaking."

Jacob said, "I won't let you go, unless you bless me."

Jacob said, "I won't let you go unless you bless me."

32:27 He said to him, "What is your name?"

32:27 He asked him, "What's your name?"

He said, "Jacob." 32:28 He said, "Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed."

He said, "Jacob." 32:28 He said, "From now on, your name will be Israel because you have struggled with God and humans, and you've won."

32:29 Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name."

32:29 Jacob asked him, "Can you tell me your name?"

He said, "Why is it that you ask what my name is?" He blessed him there.

He asked, "Why do you want to know my name?" He blessed him there.

32:30 Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, he said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." 32:31 The sun rose on him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. 32:32 Therefore the children of Israel don't eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip.

32:30 Jacob named the place Peniel: because he said, "I have seen God face to face, and I’m still alive." 32:31 The sun rose on him as he crossed Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. 32:32 That’s why the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip, which is at the socket of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the socket of Jacob's thigh at the sinew of the hip.

33:1 Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two handmaids. 33:2 He put the handmaids and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 33:3 He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

33:1 Jacob looked up and saw that Esau was approaching with four hundred men. He divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. 33:2 He placed the maidservants and their children in the front, Leah and her children behind them, and Rachel and Joseph at the back. 33:3 He went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he got closer to his brother.

33:4 Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. 33:5 He lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, "Who are these with you?"

33:4 Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they cried together. 33:5 He looked up and saw the women and children, and asked, "Who are these with you?"

He said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant." 33:6 Then the handmaids came near with their children, and they bowed themselves. 33:7 Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

He said, "The children that God has graciously given to your servant." 33:6 Then the maidservants came forward with their kids, and they bowed down. 33:7 Leah also came forward with her children, and they bowed down. After them, Joseph came forward with Rachel, and they bowed down.

33:8 Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?"

33:8 Esau asked, "What do you mean by all these people I ran into?"

Jacob said, "To find favor in the sight of my lord."

Jacob said, "To earn my lord's favor."

33:9 Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours."

33:9 Esau said, "I've got plenty, my brother; you keep what you have."

33:10 Jacob said, "Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 33:11 Please take the gift that I brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." He urged him, and he took it.

33:10 Jacob said, "Please, no. If I have found favor in your eyes, then accept my gift from me, because I have seen your face like seeing the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 33:11 Please take the gift I brought you, because God has been generous to me, and I have more than enough." He insisted, and he accepted it.

33:12 Esau said, "Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before you."

33:12 Esau said, "Let's set off on our journey, and I'll lead the way."

33:13 Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. 33:14 Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord to Seir."

33:13 Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are delicate and that the flocks and herds with me have young ones. If they’re pushed too hard for even one day, all the flocks will die. 33:14 Please let my lord go ahead of his servant, and I will follow at a gentle pace, taking into account the speed of the livestock in front of me and the pace of the children, until I reach my lord in Seir."

33:15 Esau said, "Let me now leave with you some of the folk who are with me."

33:15 Esau said, "Let me leave some of the people who are with me."

He said, "Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord."

He said, "Why? I hope to gain my lord's favor."

33:16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 33:17 Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

33:16 So Esau went back that day on his way to Seir. 33:17 Jacob moved on to Succoth, built himself a house, and set up pens for his livestock. That's why the place is called Succoth.

33:18 Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city. 33:19 He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money. 33:20 He erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel.

33:18 Jacob arrived peacefully in the city of Shechem, located in the land of Canaan, after coming from Paddan Aram; and he set up camp outside the city. 33:19 He purchased the piece of land where he pitched his tent from the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred coins. 33:20 He built an altar there and named it El Elohe Israel.

34:1 Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 34:2 Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her. He took her, lay with her, and humbled her. 34:3 His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady. 34:4 Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, "Get me this young lady as a wife."

34:1 Dinah, Leah's daughter whom she had with Jacob, went out to meet the women of the area. 34:2 Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite and the prince of that land, saw her. He took her, slept with her, and violated her. 34:3 He became attached to Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and he loved her, speaking gently to her. 34:4 Shechem told his father, Hamor, "Get me this young woman as my wife."

34:5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held his peace until they came. 34:6 Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to talk with him. 34:7 The sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it. The men were grieved, and they were very angry, because he had done folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; a which thing ought not to be done. 34:8 Hamor talked with them, saying, "The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. 34:9 Make marriages with us. Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. 34:10 You shall dwell with us, and the land will be before you. Live and trade in it, and get possessions in it."

34:5 Jacob found out that his daughter Dinah had been violated, while his sons were out in the fields with the livestock. He stayed quiet until they returned. 34:6 Hamor, Shechem's father, went to Jacob to discuss the matter. 34:7 When Jacob's sons heard about it, they came in from the fields. They were upset, and extremely angry because Shechem had acted disgracefully in Israel by sleeping with Jacob's daughter; something that shouldn't have happened. 34:8 Hamor spoke to them, saying, "My son Shechem is in love with your daughter. Please let her be his wife. 34:9 Form alliances with us. Give us your daughters in marriage, and take our daughters for yourselves. 34:10 You can live among us, and the land is open to you. Settle down, trade in it, and acquire property in it."

34:11 Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give. 34:12 Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife."

34:11 Shechem said to her father and her brothers, "Please, let me win your approval, and I’ll do whatever you ask. 34:12 Set a high bride price, and I’ll pay whatever you want, just give me the young woman as my wife."

34:13 The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit, and spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their sister, 34:14 and said to them, "We can't do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us. 34:15 Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised; 34:16 then will we give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 34:17 But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our sister, and we will be gone."

34:13 The sons of Jacob responded to Shechem and his father Hamor with deception, saying, because he had violated Dinah, their sister, 34:14 "We can't do this; we can't give our sister to someone who isn't circumcised, because that would be an insult to us. 34:15 We’ll agree to this only under one condition: if every male among you is circumcised like we are. 34:16 Then we’ll give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves, and we’ll live together and become one people. 34:17 But if you don’t agree to be circumcised, we will take our sister, and leave."

34:18 Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor's son. 34:19 The young man didn't wait to do this thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter, and he was honored above all the house of his father. 34:20 Hamor and Shechem, his son, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the men of their city, saying, 34:21 "These men are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. For behold, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. 34:22 Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised. 34:23 Won't their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let us give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us."

34:18 Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor's son. 34:19 The young man didn't hesitate to act on this because he was infatuated with Jacob's daughter, and he was respected above all in his father's household. 34:20 Hamor and Shechem, his son, went to the city gate and spoke to the men of their city, saying, 34:21 "These men are friendly to us. So let them settle in the land and do business here. Look, the land is spacious enough for them. Let’s take their daughters as wives and give them our daughters. 34:22 The only condition for the men to agree to live with us and become one people is if every male among us is circumcised, just like they are. 34:23 Won't their livestock and possessions and all their animals belong to us? We just need to agree to their terms, and they will stay with us."

34:24 All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem his son; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city. 34:25 It happened on the third day, when they were sore, that two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed all the males. 34:26 They killed Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went away. 34:27 Jacob's sons came on the dead, and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 34:28 They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, that which was in the city, that which was in the field, 34:29 and all their wealth. They took captive all their little ones and their wives, and took as plunder everything that was in the house. 34:30 Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house."

34:24 Everyone who left the city gate listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male who went out was circumcised. 34:25 On the third day, when they were in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took their sword, entered the unsuspecting city, and killed all the males. 34:26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and left. 34:27 Jacob's sons came upon the dead and looted the city because they had dishonored their sister. 34:28 They took their flocks, herds, donkeys, everything in the city, and what was in the fields, 34:29 along with all their wealth. They captured all the children and their wives and plundered everything that was in the house. 34:30 Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have made things difficult for me, turning me into a target for the people of this land, among the Canaanites and Perizzites. I am outnumbered. They’ll band together against me and attack, and I will be destroyed, along with my household."

34:31 They said, "Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?"

34:31 They said, "Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?"

35:1 God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother."

35:1 God said to Jacob, "Get up, go to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar to God, who showed up to you when you were running away from your brother Esau."

35:2 Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, change your garments. 35:3 Let us arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went."

35:2 Then Jacob said to his family and everyone with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods you have, purify yourselves, and change your clothes. 35:3 Let's get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me when I was in trouble and was with me on my journey."

35:4 They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. 35:5 They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn't pursue the sons of Jacob. 35:6 So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. 35:7 He built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there God was revealed to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 35:8 Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and its name was called Allon Bacuth.

35:4 They gave Jacob all the foreign gods in their possession and the rings they had in their ears; Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. 35:5 As they traveled, a sense of fear from God fell upon the nearby cities, and they didn't chase after Jacob's sons. 35:6 Jacob arrived at Luz (which is called Bethel) in the land of Canaan, along with everyone with him. 35:7 He built an altar there and named the place El Beth El, because that's where God revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. 35:8 Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, passed away and was buried beneath Bethel under the oak; the place was named Allon Bacuth.

35:9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan Aram, and blessed him. 35:10 God said to him, "Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel." He named him Israel. 35:11 God said to him, "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and kings will come out of your body. 35:12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your seed after you will I give the land."

35:9 God appeared to Jacob again when he returned from Paddan Aram and blessed him. 35:10 God said to him, "Your name is Jacob. You will no longer be called Jacob, but your name will be Israel." He named him Israel. 35:11 God said to him, "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a group of nations will come from you, and kings will descend from you. 35:12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you."

35:13 God went up from him in the place where he spoke with him. 35:14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he spoke with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. 35:15 Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him "Bethel."

35:13 God left him at the spot where He had spoken with him. 35:14 Jacob erected a stone pillar at the location where God had talked to him. He poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil. 35:15 Jacob named the place where God spoke with him "Bethel."

35:16 They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. 35:17 When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid, for now you will have another son."

35:16 They were on their way from Bethel. They still had a ways to go to Ephrath, and Rachel was in labor. It was tough for her. 35:17 While she was experiencing difficulty, the midwife told her, "Don’t worry, you’re about to have another son."

35:18 It happened, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. 35:19 Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem). 35:20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel's grave to this day. 35:21 Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 35:22 It happened, while Israel lived in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father's concubine, and Israel heard of it.

35:18 As she was dying, she named him Benoni,, but his father named him Benjamin.. 35:19 Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (which is Bethlehem). 35:20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. This pillar is still known as Rachel's grave to this day. 35:21 Israel traveled and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 35:22 While Israel was living in that land, Reuben went and slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine, and Israel heard about it.

Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 35:23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 35:24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 35:25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel's handmaid): Dan and Naphtali. 35:26 The sons of Zilpah (Leah's handmaid): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. 35:27 Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as foreigners.

Now Jacob had twelve sons. 35:23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 35:24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 35:25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel's maid): Dan and Naphtali. 35:26 The sons of Zilpah (Leah's maid): Gad and Asher. These are Jacob's sons, born to him in Paddan Aram. 35:27 Jacob went to his father Isaac at Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as outsiders.

35:28 The days of Isaac were one hundred eighty years. 35:29 Isaac gave up the spirit, and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.

35:28 Isaac lived for one hundred eighty years. 35:29 He passed away and was reunited with his ancestors, old and satisfied with life. His sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.

36:1 Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). 36:2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, the Hivite; 36:3 and Basemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebaioth. 36:4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel. 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan. 36:6 Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob. 36:7 For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn't bear them because of their livestock. 36:8 Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.

36:1 This is the history of Esau's descendants (also known as Edom). 36:2 Esau married women from the daughters of Canaan: Adah, the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 36:3 and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. 36:4 Adah had a son named Eliphaz with Esau. Basemath had Reuel. 36:5 Oholibamah gave birth to Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, born to him in the land of Canaan. 36:6 Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and everyone in his household, along with his livestock, all his animals, and everything he had accumulated in Canaan, and moved to a region away from his brother Jacob. 36:7 Their combined possessions were too large for them to live together, and the land they were traveling through couldn't support them because of their livestock. 36:8 Esau settled in the mountainous region of Seir. Esau is Edom.

36:9 This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir: 36:10 these are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau. 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 36:12 Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau's son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the sons of Adah, Esau's wife. 36:13 These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau's wife. 36:14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

36:9 This is the history of the generations of Esau, the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir: 36:10 these are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, Esau's wife; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, Esau's wife. 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. 36:12 Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son; she gave birth to Amalek. These are the sons of Adah, Esau's wife. 36:13 These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau's wife. 36:14 These are the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: she gave birth to Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

36:15 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 36:16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek: these are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah. 36:17 These are the sons of Reuel, Esau's son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah: these are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Basemath, Esau's wife. 36:18 These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau's wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah: these are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife. 36:19 These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

36:15 These are the leaders of the descendants of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 36:16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek: these are the leaders who came from Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah. 36:17 These are the sons of Reuel, Esau's son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah: these are the leaders who came from Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Basemath, Esau's wife. 36:18 These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau's wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah: these are the leaders who came from Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife. 36:19 These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their leaders.

36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 36:21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. 36:22 The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan's sister was Timna. 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 36:24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the donkeys of Zibeon his father. 36:25 These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah. 36:26 These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 36:27 These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. 36:28 These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 36:29 These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah, 36:30 chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan: these are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the residents of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 36:21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the leaders who descended from the Horites, the descendants of Seir in the land of Edom. 36:22 The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan's sister was Timna. 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 36:24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the wilderness while tending to the donkeys of his father Zibeon. 36:25 These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, Anah's daughter. 36:26 These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 36:27 These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. 36:28 These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 36:29 These are the leaders descended from the Horites: leader Lotan, leader Shobal, leader Zibeon, leader Anah, 36:30 leader Dishon, leader Ezer, and leader Dishan: these are the leaders who came from the Horites, according to their leaders in the land of Seir.

36:31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel. 36:32 Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah. 36:33 Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place. 36:34 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. 36:36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place. 36:38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 36:39 Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

36:31 These are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom, before any king ruled over the Israelites. 36:32 Bela, the son of Beor, ruled in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah. 36:33 Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah from Bozrah, took over his reign. 36:34 Jobab died, and Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the fields of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. 36:36 Hadad died, and Samlah from Masrekah took over his reign. 36:37 Samlah died, and Shaul from Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place. 36:38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, the son of Achbor, took over his reign. 36:39 Baal Hanan, the son of Achbor, died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

36:40 These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth, 36:41 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, 36:42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, 36:43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.

36:40 Here are the names of the leaders who descended from Esau, organized by their families, territories, and names: leader Timna, leader Alvah, leader Jetheth, 36:41 leader Oholibamah, leader Elah, leader Pinon, 36:42 leader Kenaz, leader Teman, leader Mibzar, 36:43 leader Magdiel, and leader Iram. These are the leaders of Edom, based on where they lived in their land. This is Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites.

37:1 Jacob lived in the land of his father's travels, in the land of Canaan. 37:2 This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. 37:4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn't speak peaceably to him.

37:1 Jacob lived in the area where his father had traveled, in the land of Canaan. 37:2 This is the story of Jacob's family. Joseph, at seventeen years old, was taking care of the flock with his brothers. He was a young man with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. Joseph brought a bad report about them to their father. 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. 37:4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, and they hated him and could not speak to him kindly.

37:5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. 37:6 He said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 37:7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf."

37:5 Joseph had a dream, and he shared it with his brothers, which made them hate him even more. 37:6 He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had: 37:7 we were gathering bundles of grain in the field, and my bundle rose up and stood tall; then your bundles all gathered around and bowed down to my bundle."

37:8 His brothers said to him, "Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?" They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. 37:9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me." 37:10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?" 37:11 His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

37:8 His brothers said to him, "Are you really going to rule over us? Are you really going to have authority over us?" They hated him even more because of his dreams and his words. 37:9 He had another dream and told it to his brothers, saying, "Listen, I had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me." 37:10 He shared it with his father and brothers. His father scolded him, saying, "What is this dream you had? Are your mother and I and your brothers really going to bow down to you on the ground?" 37:11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept this in mind.

37:12 His brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. 37:13 Israel said to Joseph, "Aren't your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." He said to him, "Here I am."

37:12 His brothers went to take care of their father's sheep in Shechem. 37:13 Israel said to Joseph, "Aren't your brothers looking after the sheep in Shechem? Come, and I’ll send you to them." He replied, "Here I am."

37:14 He said to him, "Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again." So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 37:15 A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, "What are you looking for?"

37:14 He said to him, "Go now, check if your brothers and the flock are doing okay, and let me know." So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem. 37:15 A man found him, and look, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, "What are you looking for?"

37:16 He said, "I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock."

37:16 He said, "I'm looking for my brothers. Can you please tell me where they're taking care of the flock?"

37:17 The man said, "They have left here, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'"

37:17 The man said, "They've left here because I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.'"

Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan. 37:18 They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. 37:19 They said one to another, "Behold, this dreamer comes. 37:20 Come now therefore, and let's kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, 'An evil animal has devoured him.' We will see what will become of his dreams."

Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. 37:18 They saw him from a distance, and before he got close to them, they plotted to kill him. 37:19 They said to each other, "Look, here comes that dreamer. 37:20 Come on, let's kill him and throw him into one of the pits, and we'll tell everyone that a wild animal killed him. Then we'll see what happens to his dreams."

37:21 Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, "Let's not take his life." 37:22 Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him"--that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. 37:23 It happened, when Joseph came to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him; 37:24 and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.

37:21 Reuben heard this and rescued him from their hands, saying, "Let's not kill him." 37:22 Reuben told them, "Don't spill any blood. Just throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don't harm him”—he wanted to save him from their hands and bring him back to their father. 37:23 When Joseph arrived at his brothers, they took off his coat, the special coat with many colors that he was wearing; 37:24 and then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

37:25 They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 37:26 Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 37:27 Come, and let's sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh." His brothers listened to him. 37:28 Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They brought Joseph into Egypt.

37:25 They sat down to eat bread, and when they looked up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to Egypt. 37:26 Judah said to his brothers, "What good does it do to kill our brother and hide his blood? 37:27 Let's sell him to the Ishmaelites instead, and not lay a hand on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers agreed. 37:28 Midianite merchants passed by, and they pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.

37:29 Reuben returned to the pit; and saw that Joseph wasn't in the pit; and he tore his clothes. 37:30 He returned to his brothers, and said, "The child is no more; and I, where will I go?" 37:31 They took Joseph's coat, and killed a male goat, and dipped the coat in the blood. 37:32 They took the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, "We have found this. Examine it, now, whether it is your son's coat or not."

37:29 Reuben went back to the pit and noticed that Joseph was not there; he ripped his clothes in despair. 37:30 He went back to his brothers and said, "The boy is gone; what am I supposed to do?" 37:31 They took Joseph's coat, killed a goat, and soaked the coat in its blood. 37:32 They brought the coat of many colors to their father and said, "We found this. Please check if it's your son's coat."

37:33 He recognized it, and said, "It is my son's coat. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces." 37:34 Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 37:35 All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, "For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning." His father wept for him. 37:36 The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard.

37:33 He recognized it and said, "This is my son's coat. A wild animal has killed him. Joseph must be torn to pieces." 37:34 Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son for many days. 37:35 All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he wouldn't be comforted. He said, "I will mourn for my son until I join him in the grave." His father wept for him. 37:36 The Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard.

38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 38:2 Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her, and went in to her. 38:3 She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er. 38:4 She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan. 38:5 She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him. 38:6 Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 38:7 Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh. Yahweh killed him. 38:8 Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her, and raise up seed to your brother." 38:9 Onan knew that the seed wouldn't be his; and it happened, when he went in to his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. 38:10 The thing which he did was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and he killed him also. 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house, until Shelah, my son, is grown up;" for he said, "Lest he also die, like his brothers." Tamar went and lived in her father's house.

38:1 During that time, Judah left his brothers and visited a man from Adullam named Hirah. 38:2 There, Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua. He took her as his wife and slept with her. 38:3 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, whom he named Er. 38:4 She became pregnant again and had another son, whom she named Onan. 38:5 Then she had another son and named him Shelah; he was at Chezib when she gave birth to him. 38:6 Judah arranged a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 38:7 Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord put him to death. 38:8 Judah said to Onan, "Sleep with your brother's wife and fulfill your duty as a brother-in-law, so she can have children for your brother." 38:9 Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his, so whenever he slept with her, he spilled his semen on the ground to avoid giving offspring to his brother. 38:10 What he did was wicked in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord also killed him. 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, "Stay a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah is grown up," for he thought, "I don't want him to die like his brothers." Tamar went and lived in her father's house.

38:12 After many days, Shua's daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. 38:13 It was told Tamar, saying, "Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep." 38:14 She took off of her the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she wasn't given to him as a wife. 38:15 When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 38:16 He turned to her by the way, and said, "Please come, let me come in to you," for he didn't know that she was his daughter-in-law.

38:12 After many days, Shua's daughter, the wife of Judah, passed away. Judah was consoled and went up to Timnah with his friend Hirah, the Adullamite, to shear his sheep. 38:13 Tamar was informed, "Look, your father-in-law is going to Timnah to shear his sheep." 38:14 She removed her widow's garments, covered herself with a veil, wrapped herself up, and sat at the gate of Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah; for she noticed that Shelah had grown up, but she had not been given to him as a wife. 38:15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because her face was covered. 38:16 He approached her and said, "Please come, let me be with you," not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law.

She said, "What will you give me, that you may come in to me?"

She said, "What will you give me so that you can come to me?"

38:17 He said, "I will send you a kid of the goats from the flock."

38:17 He said, "I will send you a young goat from the herd."

She said, "Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?"

She said, "Will you give me a promise until you send it?"

38:18 He said, "What pledge will I give you?"

38:18 He said, "What promise will I make to you?"

She said, "Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand."

She said, "Your ring and your cord, and the staff in your hand."

He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him. 38:19 She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. 38:20 Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand, but he didn't find her. 38:21 Then he asked the men of her place, saying, "Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the road?"

He gave them to her and came into her, and she became pregnant by him. 38:19 She got up, left, took off her veil, and put on the clothes of mourning. 38:20 Judah sent a goat kid through his friend, the Adullamite, to retrieve the pledge from the woman, but he couldn’t find her. 38:21 Then he asked the men in her area, "Where is the prostitute who was at Enaim by the road?"

They said, "There has been no prostitute here."

They said, "There hasn't been any prostitute here."

38:22 He returned to Judah, and said, "I haven't found her; and also the men of the place said, 'There has been no prostitute here.'" 38:23 Judah said, "Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this kid, and you haven't found her."

38:22 He came back to Judah and said, "I couldn't find her; the locals also said, 'There hasn't been any prostitute here.'" 38:23 Judah replied, "Let her keep it to avoid bringing shame on us. Look, I sent this kid, and you still haven't found her."

38:24 It happened about three months later, that it was told Judah, saying, "Tamar, your daughter-in-law, has played the prostitute; and moreover, behold, she is with child by prostitution."

38:24 About three months later, Judah was informed, "Tamar, your daughter-in-law, has acted like a prostitute, and look, she is pregnant from her prostitution."

Judah said, "Bring her forth, and let her be burnt." 38:25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, "By the man, whose these are, I am with child." She also said, "Please discern whose are these--the signet, and the cords, and the staff."

Judah said, "Bring her out, and let her be burned." 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law, saying, "I am pregnant by the man who owns these." She also said, "Please identify whose these are—the signet, the cords, and the staff."

38:26 Judah acknowledged them, and said, "She is more righteous than I, because I didn't give her to Shelah, my son."

38:26 Judah recognized them and said, "She's more in the right than I am because I didn’t give her to my son Shelah."

He knew her again no more. 38:27 It happened in the time of her travail, that behold, twins were in her womb. 38:28 When she travailed, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, "This came out first." 38:29 It happened, as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out, and she said, "Why have you made a breach for yourself?" Therefore his name was called Perez. 38:30 Afterward his brother came out, that had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

He no longer recognized her. 38:27 During her labor, she gave birth to twins. 38:28 As she was in labor, one baby stuck out his hand, and the midwife tied a red thread around it, saying, "This one came out first." 38:29 When he pulled his hand back, his brother was born, and she said, "Why did you create a breach for yourself?" So, he was named Perez. 38:30 Later, his brother came out, the one with the red thread on his hand, and he was named Zerah.

39:1 Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. 39:2 Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 39:3 His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand. 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 39:5 It happened from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of Yahweh was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. 39:6 He left all that he had in Joseph's hand. He didn't concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate.

39:1 Joseph was taken to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was successful. He was in the house of his Egyptian master. 39:3 His master noticed that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful. 39:4 Joseph gained his master's favor. He served him, and his master made him overseer of his house, putting everything he owned under Joseph's care. 39:5 From the moment he made Joseph overseer of his house and everything he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, and the Lord's blessing was on everything he had, both in the house and in the field. 39:6 He left everything he owned in Joseph's care. He didn’t worry about anything except for the food he ate.

Joseph was well-built and handsome. 39:7 It happened after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, "Lie with me."

Joseph was good-looking and fit. 39:7 After these events, his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Sleep with me."

39:8 But he refused, and said to his master's wife, "Behold, my master doesn't know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 39:9 He isn't greater in this house than I, neither has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"

39:8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master doesn’t know what happens in the house, and he has entrusted everything he has to me. 39:9 He is not greater in this house than I am, and he hasn’t withheld anything from me except you, because you are his wife. So how can I commit this great wrongdoing and sin against God?"

39:10 As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn't listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 39:11 About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 39:12 She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!"

39:10 As she talked to Joseph every day, he didn’t pay attention to her or spend time with her. 39:11 At that time, he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men were there. 39:12 She grabbed his coat and said, "Come to bed with me!"

He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. 39:13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 39:14 she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, "Behold, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 39:15 It happened, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and ran outside." 39:16 She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 39:17 She spoke to him according to these words, saying, "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 39:18 and it happened, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and ran outside."

He left his clothes in her hand and ran outside. 39:13 When she noticed that he had left his clothes with her and had run outside, 39:14 she called the men of her household and said, "Look, he brought a Hebrew here to mock us. He came in to lie with me, and I screamed loudly. 39:15 When he heard me scream, he left his clothes with me and ran outside." 39:16 She kept his clothes with her until her husband came home. 39:17 She told him what happened, saying, "The Hebrew servant you brought to us tried to mock me, 39:18 and when I screamed, he left his clothes with me and ran outside."

39:19 It happened, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, "This is what your servant did to me," that his wrath was kindled. 39:20 Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 39:21 But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 39:22 The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 39:23 The keeper of the prison didn't look after anything that was under his hand, because Yahweh was with him; and that which he did, Yahweh made it prosper.

39:19 When his master heard what his wife said to him, "This is what your servant did to me," he became angry. 39:20 Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were held, and he was kept there. 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness, giving him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 39:22 The warden put all the prisoners in Joseph’s charge, and he was responsible for everything that happened there. 39:23 The warden didn’t worry about anything under Joseph’s care because the Lord was with him, and whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.

40:1 It happened after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 40:2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 40:3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 40:4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days. 40:5 They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. 40:6 Joseph came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad. 40:7 He asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in custody in his master's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?"

40:1 After this, the butler and the baker for the king of Egypt upset their boss, the king of Egypt. 40:2 Pharaoh was furious with his chief cupbearer and chief baker. 40:3 He put them in custody at the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was held. 40:4 The captain of the guard put them in Joseph's care, and he looked after them. They spent many days in prison. 40:5 Both men had dreams on the same night, each according to the meaning of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison. 40:6 Joseph visited them in the morning and noticed that they were upset. 40:7 He asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in custody, "Why do you look so sad today?"

40:8 They said to him, "We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it."

40:8 They said to him, "We've had a dream, and there's no one who can explain it."

Joseph said to them, "Don't interpretations belong to God? Please tell it to me."

Joseph said to them, "Aren't interpretations God's alone? Please share it with me."

40:9 The chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, "In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me, 40:10 and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. 40:11 Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand."

40:9 The chief cupbearer shared his dream with Joseph, saying, "In my dream, I saw a vine right in front of me, 40:10 and there were three branches on the vine. It looked like it blossomed, its flowers bloomed, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. 40:11 I had Pharaoh's cup in my hand; I squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh's cup, and I handed the cup to Pharaoh."

40:12 Joseph said to him, "This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 40:13 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh's cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cupbearer. 40:14 But remember me when it will be well with you, and show kindness, please, to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 40:15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon."

40:12 Joseph said to him, "Here's what it means: the three branches represent three days. 40:13 In three days, Pharaoh will lift your spirits and restore you to your position. You'll serve Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just like you did when you were his cupbearer. 40:14 But please remember me when things go well for you, and show me some kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh so that he can help get me out of this place. 40:15 I was taken from the land of the Hebrews, and I haven't done anything wrong to deserve being put in this dungeon."

40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, "I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head. 40:17 In the uppermost basket there was all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head."

40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I also had a dream, and in it, I saw three baskets of fresh bread on my head. 40:17 In the top basket, there were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating from the basket on my head."

40:18 Joseph answered, "This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days. 40:19 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you." 40:20 It happened the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 40:21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand; 40:22 but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 40:23 Yet the chief cupbearer didn't remember Joseph, but forgot him.

40:18 Joseph answered, "This is what it means. The three baskets represent three days. 40:19 In three days, Pharaoh will lift your head off you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh." 40:20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he held a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker among his servants. 40:21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position and handed the cup back to Pharaoh; 40:22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted for them. 40:23 However, the chief cupbearer didn’t remember Joseph and forgot him.

41:1 It happened at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and behold, he stood by the river. 41:2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 41:3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 41:4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 41:5 He slept and dreamed a second time: and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 41:6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 41:7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 41:8 It happened in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt's magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

41:1 At the end of two complete years, Pharaoh had a dream: and there he was, standing by the river. 41:2 Suddenly, seven healthy and fat cows came up out of the river and began to graze on the grass. 41:3 Then, seven other cows came up after them from the river, looking ugly and thin, and they stood by the fat cows at the edge of the river. 41:4 The thin and ugly cows ate the seven healthy and fat cows. So Pharaoh woke up. 41:5 He fell back asleep and dreamed again: this time, seven heads of grain sprouted on one stalk, healthy and good. 41:6 Then, seven thin heads of grain, scorched by the east wind, grew up after them. 41:7 The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven healthy and full ones. Pharaoh woke up, and it was just a dream. 41:8 In the morning, he was troubled, so he called for all of Egypt's magicians and wise men. Pharaoh explained his dreams to them, but no one could interpret them for him.

41:9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I remember my faults today. 41:10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker. 41:11 We dreamed a dream in one night, I and he. We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. 41:12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. To each man according to his dream he interpreted. 41:13 It happened, as he interpreted to us, so it was: he restored me to my office, and he hanged him."

41:9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "I remember my mistakes today. 41:10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 41:11 We both had dreams in one night. Each of us had dreams that needed interpretation. 41:12 There was a young man with us, a Hebrew who worked for the captain of the guard. We shared our dreams with him, and he interpreted them for us, each according to his own dream. 41:13 What he interpreted came true: he restored me to my position, and he hanged the baker."

41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh. 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."

41:14 Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the dungeon. He shaved, changed his clothes, and went in to see Pharaoh. 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I’ve had a dream, and there’s no one who can interpret it. I’ve heard that you can interpret dreams."

41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It isn't in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

41:16 Joseph replied to Pharaoh, saying, "It's not me. God will give Pharaoh a peaceful answer."

41:17 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, "In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river: 41:18 and behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, fat and sleek. They fed in the marsh grass, 41:19 and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness. 41:20 The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle, 41:21 and when they had eaten them up, it couldn't be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 41:22 I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good: 41:23 and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 41:24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me."

41:17 The Pharaoh said to Joseph, "In my dream, I was standing by the river: 41:18 and then, seven strong and healthy cows came up out of the river. They grazed in the tall grass, 41:19 and then, seven other cows followed them, weak and really ugly and thin, unlike anything I've ever seen in all of Egypt. 41:20 The thin and ugly cows ate the first seven healthy cows, 41:21 and after they had eaten them, you couldn't tell they had eaten anything at all because they still looked as ugly as before. Then I woke up. 41:22 In my dream, I saw seven heads of grain growing on one stalk, full and healthy: 41:23 and then, seven more heads of grain, withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them. 41:24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy heads of grain. I told the magicians about it, but no one could give me an explanation."

41:25 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh. 41:26 The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. 41:27 The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine. 41:28 That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh. What God is about to do he has shown to Pharaoh. 41:29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt. 41:30 There will arise after them seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 41:31 and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous. 41:32 The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

41:25 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dream you had is one and the same. God is revealing to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 41:26 The seven healthy cows represent seven years, and the seven healthy heads of grain represent seven years. The dream is one. 41:27 The seven skinny and ugly cows that came up after them also represent seven years, and the seven empty heads of grain that were scorched by the east wind represent seven years of famine. 41:28 That’s what I mentioned to Pharaoh. God is showing Pharaoh what he is about to do. 41:29 Look, there will be seven years of abundance across all of Egypt. 41:30 After that, there will be seven years of famine, and all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will devastate the land, 41:31 and the abundance will no longer be remembered because of the famine that will follow; it will be extremely severe. 41:32 The dream was repeated to Pharaoh because the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will quickly bring it about.

41:33 "Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 41:34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt's produce in the seven plenteous years. 41:35 Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 41:36 The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; that the land not perish through the famine."

41:33 "So now, Pharaoh should find a smart and wise person and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 41:34 Pharaoh should do this and assign supervisors over the land to collect one-fifth of Egypt's produce during the seven years of abundance. 41:35 They should gather all the food from these good years and store grain under Pharaoh's authority in the cities, keeping it safe. 41:36 This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine that will come to Egypt, so that the land doesn’t perish from hunger."

41:37 The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 41:38 Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?" 41:39 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you. 41:40 You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you." 41:41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." 41:42 Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck, 41:43 and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, "Bow the knee!" He set him over all the land of Egypt. 41:44 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt." 41:45 Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-Paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

41:37 This was viewed favorably by Pharaoh and all his officials. 41:38 Pharaoh asked his servants, "Can we find anyone like this, a man who has the Spirit of God in him?" 41:39 Pharaoh told Joseph, "Since God has revealed all this to you, there is no one as wise and discreet as you. 41:40 You will be in charge of my entire household, and my people will follow your instructions. The only position above you will be mine." 41:41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Look, I have put you in charge of all the land of Egypt." 41:42 He took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph's hand, dressed him in fine linen robes, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 41:43 He had him ride in the second chariot he owned, and they shouted before him, "Bow down!" He made Joseph in charge of all the land of Egypt. 41:44 Pharaoh told Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and no one will raise a hand or foot in all Egypt without your approval." 41:45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as a wife. Joseph then went out across the land of Egypt.

41:46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 41:47 In the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth abundantly. 41:48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was around every city, he laid up in the same. 41:49 Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number. 41:50 To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. 41:51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house." 41:52 The name of the second, he called Ephraim: "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

41:46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. After leaving Pharaoh's presence, Joseph traveled throughout all of Egypt. 41:47 During the seven years of abundance, the earth produced a lot of food. 41:48 He collected all the food from those seven years in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities; the produce from the fields around each city was stored in those same cities. 41:49 Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea, so much that he stopped counting because it was countless. 41:50 Before the year of famine arrived, Joseph had two sons whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 41:51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardships and my father's house." 41:52 He named the second one Ephraim: "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

41:53 The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end. 41:54 The seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 41:55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do." 41:56 The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 41:57 All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

41:53 The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end. 41:54 The seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted. There was famine across all lands, but Egypt had bread. 41:55 When the people of Egypt ran out of food, they cried out to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph. Do whatever he tells you." 41:56 The famine covered the entire earth. Joseph opened all the storage houses and sold grain to the Egyptians. The famine was intense in Egypt. 41:57 People from all countries came to Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain because the famine was severe everywhere.

42:1 Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?" 42:2 He said, "Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die." 42:3 Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 42:4 But Jacob didn't send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers; for he said, "Lest perhaps harm happen to him." 42:5 The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. 42:6 Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph's brothers came, and bowed themselves down to him with their faces to the earth. 42:7 Joseph saw his brothers, and he recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. He said to them, "Where did you come from?"

42:1 Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and he said to his sons, "Why are you staring at each other?" 42:2 He continued, "Look, I’ve heard there’s grain in Egypt. Go there and buy some for us so we can live and not die." 42:3 Joseph's ten brothers went to buy grain from Egypt. 42:4 But Jacob didn't send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with them; he said, "I’m worried something might happen to him." 42:5 The sons of Israel went to buy among those who came, because there was a famine in the land of Canaan. 42:6 Joseph was the governor of the land. It was he who sold to all the people there. When Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. 42:7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but acted like a stranger and spoke harshly to them. He asked, "Where did you come from?"

They said, "From the land of Canaan to buy food."

They said, "We're going to Canaan to buy food."

42:8 Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn't recognize him. 42:9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land."

42:8 Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn't recognize him. 42:9 Joseph remembered the dreams he had about them and said to them, "You are spies! You've come to see the vulnerability of the land."

42:10 They said to him, "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. 42:11 We are all one man's sons; we are honest men. Your servants are not spies."

42:10 They said to him, "No, my lord, we’ve come to buy food. 42:11 We're all sons of one man; we’re honest men. Your servants are not spies."

42:12 He said to them, "No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land."

42:12 He told them, "No, but you have come to see the land's vulnerability."

42:13 They said, "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more."

42:13 They said, "We are your servants, twelve brothers, the sons of one man from the land of Canaan; and look, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer with us."

42:14 Joseph said to them, "It is like I told you, saying, 'You are spies.' 42:15 By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go forth from here, unless your youngest brother comes here. 42:16 Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies." 42:17 He put them all together into custody for three days.

42:14 Joseph said to them, "As I told you, you're spies." 42:15 "You will be tested this way. I swear by Pharaoh's life, you won't leave here unless your youngest brother comes." 42:16 "Send one of you to get your brother, and you’ll be held here so that your words can be verified, to see if you're telling the truth. Otherwise, I swear by Pharaoh's life, you are definitely spies." 42:17 He kept them all in custody for three days.

42:18 Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this, and live, for I fear God. 42:19 If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses. 42:20 Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won't die."

42:18 Joseph said to them on the third day, "Do this and you'll survive, because I fear God. 42:19 If you're honest men, let one of your brothers stay in prison while you take grain back for your families. 42:20 Bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words can be confirmed, and you won't die."

They did so. 42:21 They said one to another, "We are certainly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us, and we wouldn't listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us." 42:22 Reuben answered them, saying, "Didn't I tell you, saying, 'Don't sin against the child,' and you wouldn't listen? Therefore also, behold, his blood is required." 42:23 They didn't know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. 42:24 He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes. 42:25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them food for the way. So it was done to them.

They did so. 42:21 They said to each other, "We're definitely guilty about our brother because we saw the distress in his soul when he begged us, and we didn’t listen. That’s why this trouble has come upon us." 42:22 Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you, 'Don't harm the kid,' and you wouldn’t listen? This is why his blood is on our hands." 42:23 They didn't realize that Joseph understood them, because there was an interpreter between them. 42:24 He turned away from them and wept. Then he came back, talked to them, took Simeon from among them, and had him bound in front of their eyes. 42:25 Then Joseph ordered that their bags be filled with grain, that each man's money be put back in his sack, and that they be given provisions for the journey. So it was done for them.

42:26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there. 42:27 As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey food in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. 42:28 He said to his brothers, "My money is restored! Behold, it is in my sack!" Their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling one to another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us?" 42:29 They came to Jacob their father, to the land of Canaan, and told him all that had happened to them, saying, 42:30 "The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country. 42:31 We said to him, 'We are honest men. We are no spies. 42:32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.' 42:33 The man, the lord of the land, said to us, 'By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way. 42:34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. So I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.'"

42:26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain and left. 42:27 As one of them opened his sack to feed his donkey in the inn, he saw his money. Look, it was in the mouth of his sack! 42:28 He said to his brothers, "My money has been returned! Look, it's in my sack!" Their hearts sank, and they turned to each other in fear, saying, "What has God done to us?" 42:29 They went to Jacob, their father, in the land of Canaan, and told him everything that happened to them, saying, 42:30 "The man, the ruler of the land, spoke harshly to us and accused us of being spies. 42:31 We said to him, 'We are honest men. We are not spies. 42:32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no longer with us, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of Canaan.' 42:33 The man, the ruler of the land, said to us, 'This is how I will prove that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, take grain for the famine in your homes, and go on your way. 42:34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but honest men. I will give you back your brother, and you can trade in the land.'"

42:35 It happened as they emptied their sacks, that behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack. When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 42:36 Jacob, their father, said to them, "You have bereaved me of my children! Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin away. All these things are against me."

42:35 As they unloaded their sacks, they discovered that each man's money was inside his sack. When they and their father saw the money, they were scared. 42:36 Jacob, their father, said to them, "You've deprived me of my children! Joseph is gone, Simeon is gone, and now you want to take Benjamin away. Everything is working against me."

42:37 Reuben spoke to his father, saying, "Kill my two sons, if I don't bring him to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him to you again."

42:37 Reuben spoke to his father, saying, "Kill my two sons if I don’t bring him back to you. Trust me with him, and I’ll make sure he returns to you."

42:38 He said, "My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol."

42:38 He said, "My son can't go with you; his brother is dead, and he's the only one I have left. If anything happens to him on the journey you’re taking, it will bring me to my grave in sorrow."

43:1 The famine was severe in the land. 43:2 It happened, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, "Go again, buy us a little more food."

43:1 The famine was intense in the land. 43:2 After they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father told them, "Go back and buy us some more food."

43:3 Judah spoke to him, saying, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.' 43:4 If you'll send our brother with us, we'll go down and buy you food, 43:5 but if you'll not send him, we'll not go down, for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.'"

43:3 Judah said to him, "The man firmly told us, 'You won't see my face unless your brother is with you.' 43:4 If you send our brother with us, we'll go down and get food for you, 43:5 but if you don't send him, we won't go down, because the man said to us, 'You won't see my face unless your brother is with you.'"

43:6 Israel said, "Why did you treat me so badly, telling the man that you had another brother?"

43:6 Israel said, "Why did you treat me so poorly by telling the man that you had another brother?"

43:7 They said, "The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'"

43:7 They said, "The man asked us directly about ourselves and our family, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' We just answered his questions. How could we have known he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'"

43:8 Judah said to Israel, his father, "Send the boy with me, and we'll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones. 43:9 I'll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don't bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever, 43:10 for if we hadn't delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now."

43:8 Judah said to Israel, his father, "Send the boy with me, and we'll go, so that we can live and not die, both we and you, and our little ones as well. 43:9 I'll take responsibility for him. You'll hold me accountable. If I don't bring him back to you and present him to you, then let me take the blame forever, 43:10 because if we hadn't waited so long, we would have already made a second trip by now."

43:11 Their father, Israel, said to them, "If it must be so, then do this. Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds; 43:12 and take double money in your hand, and take back the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 43:13 Take your brother also, get up, and return to the man. 43:14 May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."

43:11 Their father, Israel, said to them, "If it has to be this way, then do this. Take some of the best fruits from the land in your bags, and bring a gift for the man—some balm, some honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds; 43:12 and take double the money with you, and bring back the money that was returned in the mouths of your sacks. Maybe it was just a mistake. 43:13 Take your brother with you, get up, and go back to the man. 43:14 May God Almighty show you kindness before the man, so that he will send back your other brother and Benjamin. If I lose my children, I lose them."

43:15 The men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. 43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and make ready; for the men will dine with me at noon."

43:15 The men accepted the gift and took double the money along with Benjamin. They set off for Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. 43:16 When Joseph saw that Benjamin was with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Bring the men into the house, prepare an animal for slaughter, and get everything ready; they will eat with me at noon."

43:17 The man did as Joseph commanded, and the man brought the men to Joseph's house. 43:18 The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, "Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, we're brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys." 43:19 They came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house, 43:20 and said, "Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food. 43:21 When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand. 43:22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don't know who put our money in our sacks."

43:17 The man did what Joseph asked, and he took the men to Joseph's house. 43:18 The men were scared because they had been brought to Joseph's house. They said, "We’re being brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time; he wants to find a reason to accuse us, attack us, and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys." 43:19 They approached the steward of Joseph's house and spoke to him at the entrance, 43:20 saying, "Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. 43:21 When we got to the lodging place, we opened our sacks and, look, each man's money was at the top of his sack—our money in full amount. We have brought it back with us. 43:22 We have also brought other money with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks."

43:23 He said, "Peace be to you. Don't be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money." He brought Simeon out to them. 43:24 The man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys fodder. 43:25 They made ready the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

43:23 He said, "Peace be with you. Don't worry. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasures in your sacks. I received your payment." He brought Simeon out to them. 43:24 The man brought the men into Joseph's house, gave them water, and they washed their feet. He also provided fodder for their donkeys. 43:25 They prepared the present for Joseph's arrival at noon because they heard they would be having a meal there.

43:26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down to him to the earth. 43:27 He asked them of their welfare, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?"

43:26 When Joseph got home, they brought him the gift they had in their hands into the house and bowed down to him. 43:27 He asked how they were doing and said, "Is your father well, the old man you mentioned? Is he still alive?"

43:28 They said, "Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive." They bowed the head, and did homage. 43:29 He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?" He said, "God be gracious to you, my son." 43:30 Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there. 43:31 He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, "Serve the meal."

43:28 They said, "Your servant, our father, is doing well. He is still alive." They bowed their heads and showed respect. 43:29 He looked up and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother that you told me about?" He replied, "God bless you, my son." 43:30 Joseph hurried away, feeling a strong emotional pull towards his brother; he looked for a place to cry. He went to his room and wept there. 43:31 He washed his face and came out, collected himself, and said, "Serve the meal."

43:32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians, that ate with him, by themselves, because the Egyptians don't eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 43:33 They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled one with another. 43:34 He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.

43:32 They served him separately, and served them separately, and the Egyptians who ate with him separately, because the Egyptians don’t eat bread with the Hebrews, since it’s considered an abomination by the Egyptians. 43:33 They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his age, and the men were amazed at each other. 43:34 He sent portions to them from his table, but Benjamin's portion was five times larger than any of theirs. They drank and had a great time with him.

44:1 He commanded the steward of his house, saying, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. 44:2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, with his grain money." He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 44:3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 44:4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, "Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, 'Why have you rewarded evil for good? 44:5 Isn't this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.'" 44:6 He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them.

44:1 He instructed the steward of his house, saying, "Fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man's money at the top of his sack. 44:2 Place my cup, the silver cup, in the youngest one's sack along with his grain money." He did as Joseph had commanded. 44:3 When morning arrived, the men and their donkeys were sent on their way. 44:4 After they had exited the city and were not too far off, Joseph said to his steward, "Hurry, go after the men. When you catch up to them, ask them, 'Why have you returned evil for good? 44:5 Isn’t this the cup from which my master drinks and by which he truly divines? You have done wrong in this.'" 44:6 He caught up with them and delivered these words.

44:7 They said to him, "Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! 44:8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your lord's house? 44:9 With whoever of your servants it be found, let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondservants."

44:7 They said to him, "Why does my lord say things like this? It’s unthinkable that your servants would do something like that! 44:8 Look, the money we found in our sacks, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. So why would we steal silver or gold from your lord's house? 44:9 If any of your servants is found with it, let him die, and we’ll be my lord's servants as well."

44:10 He said, "Now also let it be according to your words: he with whom it is found will be my bondservant; and you will be blameless."

44:10 He said, "Alright, it will be as you said: whoever it is found with will be my servant; and you will be in the clear."

44:11 Then they hurried, and every man took his sack down to the ground, and every man opened his sack. 44:12 He searched, beginning with the eldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 44:13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.

44:11 Then they rushed, and each man put his sack down on the ground and opened it. 44:12 He searched, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 44:13 Then they ripped their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and went back to the city.

44:14 Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, and he was still there. They fell on the ground before him. 44:15 Joseph said to them, "What deed is this that you have done? Don't you know that such a man as I can indeed divine?"

44:14 Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph's house, where he was still present. They bowed down to him on the ground. 44:15 Joseph addressed them, "What have you done? Do you not realize that I can actually predict the future?"

44:16 Judah said, "What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? Or how will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord's bondservants, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found."

44:16 Judah said, "What are we going to tell my lord? What can we say? How can we defend ourselves? God has revealed the wrongdoing of your servants. Look, we are all slaves to my lord, including the one in whose hand the cup was found."

44:17 He said, "Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my bondservant; but as for you, go up in peace to your father."

44:17 He said, "I would never do that. The person who has the cup, he will be my servant; as for you, go back home peacefully to your father."

44:18 Then Judah came near to him, and said, "Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord's ears, and don't let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh. 44:19 My lord asked his servants, saying, 'Have you a father, or a brother?' 44:20 We said to my lord, 'We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.' 44:21 You said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.' 44:22 We said to my lord, 'The boy can't leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.' 44:23 You said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.' 44:24 It happened when we came up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 44:25 Our father said, 'Go again, buy us a little food.' 44:26 We said, 'We can't go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man's face, unless our youngest brother is with us.' 44:27 Your servant, my father, said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons: 44:28 and the one went out from me, and I said, "Surely he is torn in pieces;" and I haven't seen him since. 44:29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.' 44:30 Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the boy's life; 44:31 it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol. 44:32 For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, 'If I don't bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever.' 44:33 Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, a bondservant to my lord; and let the boy go up with his brothers. 44:34 For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn't with me?--lest I see the evil that will come on my father."

44:18 Then Judah approached him and said, "Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a moment to you, and don’t let your anger be directed at your servant; for you are just like Pharaoh. 44:19 My lord asked his servants, 'Do you have a father or a brother?' 44:20 We responded to my lord, 'We have a father, an old man, and a young child from his old age; his brother is dead, and he is the only one left from his mother; and his father loves him.' 44:21 You told your servants, 'Bring him to me, so I can look at him.' 44:22 We said to my lord, 'The boy can't leave his father, for if he does, his father will die.' 44:23 You told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will never see my face again.' 44:24 When we returned to your servant our father, we conveyed your words. 44:25 Our father said, 'Go back and buy us some food.' 44:26 We replied, 'We can't go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down, for we can’t see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.' 44:27 Your servant, our father, said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons: 44:28 one went out and I said, "Surely he has been torn to pieces," and I haven't seen him since. 44:29 If you take this one away from me and something happens to him, you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.' 44:30 So when I go to your servant my father and the boy isn't with us, since his life is tied up with the boy's life; 44:31 when he sees that the boy is no longer there, he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to the grave. 44:32 For your servant guaranteed the boy to my father, saying, 'If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before my father forever.' 44:33 So please let your servant stay instead of the boy, as a slave to my lord, and let the boy go up with his brothers. 44:34 For how can I go up to my father if the boy isn’t with me? I can’t face the tragedy that will come upon my father."

45:1 Then Joseph couldn't control himself before all those who stood before him, and he cried, "Cause every man to go out from me!" No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 45:2 He wept aloud. The Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard. 45:3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Does my father still live?"

45:1 Then Joseph couldn't hold back any longer in front of everyone there, and he shouted, "Everyone, leave me!" No one was left with him as Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. 45:2 He cried loudly. The Egyptians heard, and Pharaoh's household heard. 45:3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?"

His brothers couldn't answer him; for they were terrified at his presence. 45:4 Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please."

His brothers couldn't respond to him because they were scared of him. 45:4 Joseph said to his brothers, "Please, come closer to me."

They came near. "He said, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 45:5 Now don't be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 45:6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance. 45:8 So now it wasn't you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 45:9 Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, 'This is what your son Joseph says, "God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don't wait. 45:10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children's children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 45:11 There I will nourish you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have."' 45:12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 45:13 You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here." 45:14 He fell on his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 45:15 He kissed all his brothers, and wept on them. After that his brothers talked with him.

They approached him. "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 45:5 Don't be upset or blame yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to save lives. 45:6 The famine has been in the land for two years, and there are still five more years to come with no plowing or harvest. 45:7 God sent me here to ensure that there would be survivors in the land and to keep you alive through a big rescue. 45:8 So, it wasn't you who brought me here, but God. He has made me like a father to Pharaoh, the lord of all his house, and the ruler over all of Egypt. 45:9 Go quickly and tell my father, 'This is what your son Joseph says: "God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come to me without delay. 45:10 You will live in the land of Goshen, close to me, you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and everything you own. 45:11 I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead. Otherwise, you, your household, and everything you have will become poor."' 45:12 Look, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth speaking to you. 45:13 Tell my father about all my honor in Egypt and everything you have witnessed. Hurry and bring my father down here." 45:14 He embraced his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept in his embrace. 45:15 He kissed all his brothers and wept over them. After that, his brothers spoke with him.

45:16 The report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, "Joseph's brothers have come." It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. 45:17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this. Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan. 45:18 Take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.' 45:19 Now you are commanded: do this. Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. 45:20 Also, don't concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all of the land of Egypt is yours."

45:16 The news reached Pharaoh's palace, saying, "Joseph's brothers have arrived." This made Pharaoh and his servants very happy. 45:17 Pharaoh told Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this: load your animals and head to Canaan. 45:18 Bring your father and your families back to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will enjoy the richness of the land.' 45:19 Now I’m telling you: do this. Take wagons from Egypt for your children and your wives, and bring your father back with you. 45:20 Also, don’t worry about your stuff, because the best of the land of Egypt is yours."

45:21 The sons of Israel did so. Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. 45:22 He gave each one of them changes of clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothing. 45:23 To his father, he sent after this manner: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way. 45:24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, "See that you don't quarrel on the way."

45:21 The sons of Israel did just that. Joseph provided them with wagons as Pharaoh had instructed and gave them supplies for their journey. 45:22 He gave each of them new clothes, but to Benjamin, he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five new outfits. 45:23 To his father, he sent the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best goods from Egypt and ten female donkeys carrying grain, bread, and supplies for his father during the trip. 45:24 After sending his brothers off, he told them, "Make sure you don't argue on the way."

45:25 They went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan, to Jacob their father. 45:26 They told him, saying, "Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt." His heart fainted, for he didn't believe them. 45:27 They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived. 45:28 Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."

45:25 They left Egypt and went to the land of Canaan, to their father Jacob. 45:26 They told him, saying, "Joseph is still alive, and he’s in charge of all of Egypt." His heart sank because he didn't believe them. 45:27 They shared with him all the words Joseph had said to them. When he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to bring him, Jacob’s spirit revived. 45:28 Israel said, "That’s enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go see him before I die."

46:1 Israel traveled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. 46:2 God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob!"

46:1 Israel set out with everything he owned and arrived in Beersheba, where he made sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. 46:2 God addressed Israel in a nighttime vision, saying, "Jacob, Jacob!"

He said, "Here I am."

He said, "I’m here."

46:3 He said, "I am God, the God of your father. Don't be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation. 46:4 I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Joseph will close your eyes."

46:3 He said, "I am God, the God of your father. Don't be afraid to go to Egypt, because I will make you a great nation there. 46:4 I will go with you to Egypt. I will definitely bring you back again. Joseph will be there when you pass away."

46:5 Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob, their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 46:6 They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt--Jacob, and all his seed with him, 46:7 his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and he brought all his seed with him into Egypt.

46:5 Jacob set out from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel loaded Jacob, their father, along with their children and wives, into the wagons that Pharaoh had sent for them. 46:6 They brought their livestock and possessions that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they arrived in Egypt—Jacob and all his family with him, 46:7 his sons, his grandsons, his daughters, and his granddaughters, and he brought all his family with him into Egypt.

46:8 These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 46:10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. 46:11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 46:12 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 46:13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Iob, and Shimron. 46:14 The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 46:15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty-three. 46:16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 46:17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 46:18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls. 46:19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife: Joseph and Benjamin. 46:20 To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 46:21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 46:22 These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen. 46:23 The son of Dan: Hushim. 46:24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 46:25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob: all the souls were seven. 46:26 All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt, who were his direct descendants, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were sixty-six. 46:27 The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.

46:8 These are the names of the children of Israel who entered Egypt, along with Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. 46:9 The sons of Reuben are Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 46:10 The sons of Simeon include Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 46:11 The sons of Levi are Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 46:12 The sons of Judah are Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez are Hezron and Hamul. 46:13 The sons of Issachar are Tola, Puvah, Iob, and Shimron. 46:14 The sons of Zebulun are Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 46:15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, along with his daughter Dinah. The total number of his sons and daughters was thirty-three. 46:16 The sons of Gad are Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 46:17 The sons of Asher include Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah are Heber and Malchiel. 46:18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah, and she bore these to Jacob, totaling sixteen souls. 46:19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife, are Joseph and Benjamin. 46:20 Joseph had two sons in the land of Egypt: Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 46:21 The sons of Benjamin are Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 46:22 These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob, totaling fourteen souls. 46:23 The son of Dan is Hushim. 46:24 The sons of Naphtali are Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 46:25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel, and she bore these to Jacob, totaling seven souls. 46:26 All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt, who were his direct descendants, not including Jacob's sons' wives, totaled sixty-six. 46:27 The sons of Joseph, born to him in Egypt, were two souls. In total, all the souls of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.

46:28 He sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 46:29 Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 46:30 Israel said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive."

46:28 He sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show him the way to Goshen, and they arrived in the land of Goshen. 46:29 Joseph got his chariot ready and went to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He introduced himself, hugged him, and cried on his neck for a long time. 46:30 Israel said to Joseph, "Now I can die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive."

46:31 Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father's house, "I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, 'My brothers, and my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 46:32 These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.' 46:33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, 'What is your occupation?' 46:34 that you shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:' that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians."

46:31 Joseph said to his brothers and his father's household, "I will go to Pharaoh and tell him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were in Canaan, have come to me. 46:32 These men are shepherds because they have taken care of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds, and everything they own.' 46:33 When Pharaoh calls you and asks, 'What is your occupation?' 46:34 you should say, 'Your servants have been shepherds from our youth until now, both we and our fathers:' so that you can live in the land of Goshen, because every shepherd is considered an abomination by the Egyptians."

47:1 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, "My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen." 47:2 From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 47:3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?"

47:1 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, "My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and everything they have, have come from the land of Canaan; and look, they are in the land of Goshen." 47:2 He took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. 47:3 Pharaoh asked his brothers, "What do you do for a living?"

They said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers." 47:4 They said to Pharaoh, "We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen."

They said to Pharaoh, "We are shepherds, just like our fathers." 47:4 They told Pharaoh, "We've come to live here as foreigners because there's no pasture for your servants' flocks. The famine is really bad in Canaan. So please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen."

47:5 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. 47:6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock."

47:5 The Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Your father and brothers have arrived. 47:6 The land of Egypt is open to you. Settle your father and brothers in the best area. Let them live in the land of Goshen. If you know any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock."

47:7 Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 47:8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, "How many are the days of the years of your life?"

47:7 Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him to Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 47:8 Pharaoh asked Jacob, "How many years have you lived?"

47:9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage." 47:10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

47:9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, "I’ve lived for 130 years, and the days of my life have been few and filled with trouble. They don’t compare to the days my ancestors lived during their lifetimes." 47:10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh and left his presence.

47:11 Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 47:12 Joseph nourished his father, his brothers, and all of his father's household, with bread, according to their families.

47:11 Joseph settled his father and his brothers in the land of Egypt, giving them property in the best part of the land, in the region of Rameses, as Pharaoh had ordered. 47:12 Joseph provided for his father, his brothers, and everyone in his father's household, supplying them with bread according to their family needs.

47:13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 47:14 Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. 47:15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, "Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails."

47:13 There was no bread anywhere in the land; because the famine was really severe, the people of Egypt and Canaan were weak from starvation. 47:14 Joseph collected all the money found in Egypt and Canaan for the grain they had bought, and brought the money to Pharaoh's house. 47:15 When the money ran out in Egypt and Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, "Give us bread, why should we die in front of you? Our money is gone."

47:16 Joseph said, "Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone."

47:16 Joseph said, "Hand over your livestock, and I'll provide food for your animals if you're out of money."

47:17 They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 47:18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, "We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord's. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 47:19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won't be desolate."

47:17 They brought their animals to Joseph, and in return, Joseph gave them bread for the horses, flocks, herds, and donkeys. He fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 47:18 When that year ended, they came to him in the second year and said, "We won't hide from my lord that all our money is gone, and the herds of livestock belong to my lord. There’s nothing left in front of my lord except for our bodies and our land. 47:19 Why should we die before you, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seeds so we can live and not die, and so the land won’t become desolate."

47:20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh's. 47:21 As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. 47:22 Only he didn't buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn't sell their land. 47:23 Then Joseph said to the people, "Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 47:24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones."

47:20 So Joseph purchased all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, since the Egyptians sold their fields because the famine was severe, and the land became Pharaoh's. 47:21 As for the people, he relocated them to cities from one end of Egypt to the other. 47:22 He didn't buy the land of the priests, since the priests had a share from Pharaoh and consumed what Pharaoh gave them. That’s why they didn’t sell their land. 47:23 Then Joseph said to the people, "Look, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Here is seed for you, and you shall plant the land. 47:24 When the harvest comes, you will give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be yours for seed, for your food, for the food of your households, and for food for your little ones."

47:25 They said, "You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."

47:25 They said, "You’ve saved our lives! Please let us find favor in your eyes, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."

47:26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn't become Pharaoh's.

47:26 Joseph established a rule in Egypt that to this day, Pharaoh gets one-fifth of the harvest. Only the priests' land didn't become Pharaoh's.

47:27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly. 47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 47:29 The time drew near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, "If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don't bury me in Egypt, 47:30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place."

47:27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen; they settled there, prospered, and multiplied greatly. 47:28 Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years. So, the total years of Jacob's life were one hundred forty-seven. 47:29 As the time came for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, "If I have found favor in your eyes, please place your hand under my thigh and promise to treat me with kindness and truth. Don't bury me in Egypt, 47:30 but when I pass away, carry me out of Egypt and bury me in the place where my ancestors are buried."

He said, "I will do as you have said."

He said, "I will do what you asked."

47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to him. Israel bowed himself on the bed's head.

47:31 He said, "Promise me," and he promised him. Israel leaned on the head of the bed.

48:1 It happened after these things, that someone said to Joseph, "Behold, your father is sick." He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 48:2 Someone told Jacob, and said, "Behold, your son Joseph comes to you," and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 48:3 Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 48:4 and said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your seed after you for an everlasting possession.' 48:5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 48:6 Your issue, who you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 48:7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem)."

48:1 After these events, someone told Joseph, "Look, your father is sick." He took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, with him. 48:2 Someone informed Jacob, saying, "Look, your son Joseph is coming to see you," and Israel gathered strength and sat up in bed. 48:3 Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, 48:4 saying, 'Look, I will make you fruitful and multiply you. I will make you the father of a great nation, and I will give this land to your descendants after you as a lasting possession.' 48:5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in Egypt before I came to you, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be my sons, just like Reuben and Simeon. 48:6 Any children you have after them will be yours. They will be named after their brothers when it comes to their inheritance. 48:7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, still some distance from Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (which is Bethlehem)."

48:8 Israel saw Joseph's sons, and said, "Who are these?"

48:8 Israel saw Joseph's sons and asked, "Who are these?"

48:9 Joseph said to his father, "They are my sons, whom God has given me here."

48:9 Joseph said to his father, "These are my sons that God has given me here."

He said, "Please bring them to me, and I will bless them." 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn't see. He brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 48:11 Israel said to Joseph, "I didn't think I would see your face, and behold, God has let me see your seed also." 48:12 Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 48:13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near to him. 48:14 Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 48:15 He blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, 48:16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

He said, "Please bring them to me, and I'll bless them." 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so he couldn't see. He brought them close to him; and he kissed them and embraced them. 48:11 Israel said to Joseph, "I never thought I would see your face, and yet God has allowed me to see your children too." 48:12 Joseph took them from between his knees, and he bowed his face to the ground. 48:13 Joseph took both boys, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them close to him. 48:14 Israel stretched out his right hand and placed it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, knowing what he was doing, since Manasseh was the firstborn. 48:15 He blessed Joseph and said, "The God whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked before, the God who has fed me all my life to this day, 48:16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless these boys, and let my name be called upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow into a great multitude in the midst of the earth."

48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. 48:18 Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father; for this is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head."

48:17 When Joseph saw that his father was placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was upset. He took his father’s hand and tried to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 48:18 Joseph said to his father, "No, my father; this is the firstborn; please put your right hand on his head."

48:19 His father refused, and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his seed will become a multitude of nations." 48:20 He blessed them that day, saying, "In you will Israel bless, saying, 'God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh'" He set Ephraim before Manasseh. 48:21 Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 48:22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow."

48:19 His father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He will become a nation and he will be great. However, his younger brother will be even greater, and his descendants will become numerous nations." 48:20 He blessed them that day, saying, "In you, Israel will bless, saying, 'God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.'" He placed Ephraim before Manasseh. 48:21 Israel said to Joseph, "Look, I am dying, but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of your ancestors. 48:22 Furthermore, I have given you one portion more than your brothers, which I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."

49:1 Jacob called to his sons, and said: "Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.

49:1 Jacob called to his sons and said: "Come together so I can tell you what will happen to you in the future.

49:2 Assemble yourselves, and hear, you sons of Jacob.
Listen to Israel, your father.
49:3 "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength;
excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.
49:4 Boiling over as water, you shall not excel;
because you went up to your father's bed,
then defiled it. He went up to my couch.
49:5 "Simeon and Levi are brothers.
Their swords are weapons of violence.
49:6 My soul, don't come into their council.
My glory, don't be united to their assembly;
for in their anger they killed men.
In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.
49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce;
and their wrath, for it was cruel.
I will divide them in Jacob,
and scatter them in Israel.
49:8 "Judah, your brothers will praise you.
Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies.
Your father's sons will bow down before you.
49:9 Judah is a lion's cub.
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He stooped down, he crouched as a lion,
as a lioness.
Who will rouse him up?
49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until he comes to whom it belongs.
To him will the obedience of the peoples be.
49:11 Binding his foal to the vine,
his donkey's colt to the choice vine;
he has washed his garments in wine,
his robes in the blood of grapes.
49:12 His eyes will be red with wine,
his teeth white with milk.
49:13 "Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea.
He will be for a haven of ships.
His border will be on Sidon.
49:14 "Issachar is a strong donkey,
lying down between the saddlebags.
49:15 He saw a resting place, that it was good,
the land, that it was pleasant.
He bows his shoulder to the burden,
and becomes a servant doing forced labor.
49:16 "Dan will judge his people,
as one of the tribes of Israel.
49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way,
an adder in the path,
That bites the horse's heels,
so that his rider falls backward.
49:18 I have waited for your salvation, Yahweh.
49:19 "A troop will press on Gad,
but he will press on their heel.
49:20 "Asher's food will be rich.
He will yield royal dainties.
49:21 "Naphtali is a doe set free,
who bears beautiful fawns.
49:22 "Joseph is a fruitful vine,
a fruitful vine by a spring.
His branches run over the wall.
49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him,
shot at him, and persecute him:
49:24 But his bow remained strong.
The arms of his hands were made strong,
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
(from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),
49:25 even by the God of your father, who will help you;
by the Almighty, who will bless you,
with blessings of heaven above,
blessings of the deep that lies below,
blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
49:26 The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of your ancestors,
above the boundaries of the ancient hills.
They will be on the head of Joseph,
on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.
49:27 "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf.
In the morning he will devour the prey.
At evening he will divide the spoil."

49:28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them and blessed them. He blessed everyone according to his blessing. 49:29 He instructed them, and said to them, "I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 49:30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place. 49:31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and there I buried Leah: 49:32 the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth." 49:33 When Jacob made an end of charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the spirit, and was gathered to his people.

49:28 These are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them and blessed them. He blessed each of them according to his individual blessing. 49:29 He told them, "I'm about to join my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that's in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 49:30 in the cave that's in the field of Machpelah, which is near Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. 49:31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and that's where I buried Leah: 49:32 the field and the cave in it were purchased from the Hittites." 49:33 When Jacob finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

50:1 Joseph fell on his father's face, wept on him, and kissed him. 50:2 Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. 50:3 Forty days were fulfilled for him, for that is how many the days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for him for seventy days.

50:1 Joseph fell on his father's face, cried over him, and kissed him. 50:2 Joseph instructed his servants, the doctors, to embalm his father; and the doctors embalmed Israel. 50:3 Forty days were required for him, as that is how long it takes to embalm. The Egyptians mourned for him for seventy days.

50:4 When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, 50:5 'My father made me swear, saying, "Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan." Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.'"

50:4 After the days of mourning for him were over, Joseph addressed the palace staff, saying, "If I have found favor in your sight, please tell Pharaoh, 50:5 'My father made me swear, saying, "I'm about to die. Bury me in the grave I prepared for myself in the land of Canaan." So, I ask you to let me go and bury my father, and then I will return.'"

50:6 Pharaoh said, "Go up, and bury your father, just like he made you swear."

50:6 Pharaoh said, "Go ahead and bury your father, just as you promised."

50:7 Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, all the elders of the land of Egypt, 50:8 all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father's house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen. 50:9 There went up with him both chariots and horsemen. It was a very great company. 50:10 They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and sore lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days. 50:11 When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians." Therefore, its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. 50:12 His sons did to him just as he commanded them, 50:13 for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field, for a possession of a burial site, from Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre. 50:14 Joseph returned into Egypt--he, and his brothers, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

50:7 Joseph went to bury his father, and with him went all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, all the elders of the land of Egypt, 50:8 and all the household of Joseph, along with his brothers and their father's family. They left behind only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds in the land of Goshen. 50:9 Along with him were chariots and horsemen. It was a very large group. 50:10 They arrived at the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they mourned with a very deep and intense lamentation. He grieved for his father for seven days. 50:11 When the people of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the floor of Atad, they said, "This is a serious mourning by the Egyptians." Therefore, it was named Abel Mizraim, which means "bitter mourning," beyond the Jordan. 50:12 His sons did exactly as he had instructed them, 50:13 for his sons took him into the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah that Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site, near Mamre. 50:14 After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and everyone who had gone with him.

50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all of the evil which we did to him." 50:16 They sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father commanded before he died, saying, 50:17 'You shall tell Joseph, "Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you."' Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 50:18 His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, "Behold, we are your servants." 50:19 Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive. 50:21 Now therefore don't be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones." He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father had died, they said, "Maybe Joseph will hold a grudge against us and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him." 50:16 They sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Before he died, your father commanded us to tell you, 50:17 'Please forgive your brothers for their disobedience and their sin, because they did you wrong.' Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph cried when they spoke to him. 50:18 His brothers also came and fell down before him, saying, "Look, we are your servants." 50:19 Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid; am I in the place of God? 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 50:21 So don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." He reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

50:22 Joseph lived in Egypt, he, and his father's house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years. 50:23 Joseph saw Ephraim's children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph's knees. 50:24 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." 50:25 Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." 50:26 So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

50:22 Joseph lived in Egypt, along with his father's family. Joseph lived to be one hundred ten years old. 50:23 Joseph saw the children of Ephraim to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also born while Joseph was still alive. 50:24 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am dying, but God will definitely visit you and bring you out of this land to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." 50:25 Joseph made the children of Israel swear an oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you must carry my bones up from here." 50:26 So Joseph died at one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:1 After "God," the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet) as a grammatical marker.

[1] back to 1:1 After "God," the Hebrew includes the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet) as a grammatical marker.

[2] back to 5:2 "Adam" and "Man" are spelled with the exact same consonants in Hebrew, so this can be correctly translated either way.

[2] back to 5:2 "Adam" and "Man" have the same consonants in Hebrew, so it can be accurately translated in either way.

[3] back to 12:7 or, offspring

kids or, offspring

[4] back to 16:14 Beer Lahai Roi means "well of the one who lives and sees me."

[4] back to 16:14 Beer Lahai Roi means "the well of the one who sees me and lives."

[5] back to 17:19 Isaac means "he laughs."

Isaac means "he laughs."

[6] back to 19:22 Zoar means "little."

Zoar means "little."

[7] back to 21:3 Isaac means "He laughs."

Isaac means "He laughs."

[8] back to 21:31 Beersheba can mean "well of the oath" or "well of seven."

[8] back to 21:31 Beersheba can mean "the well of the oath" or "the well of seven."

[9] back to 22:14 or, Yahweh-Jireh, or, Yahweh-Seeing

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Yahweh-Jireh, or, Yahweh-Seeing

[10] back to 24:7 or, offspring

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, kids

[11] back to 26:33 Shibah means "oath" or "seven."

Shibah means "oath" or "seven."

[12] back to 26:33 Beersheba means "well of the oath" or "well of the seven"

[12] back to 26:33 Beersheba means "well of the oath" or "well of the seven."

[13] back to 30:24 Joseph means "may he add."

Joseph means "may he increase."

[14] back to 31:19 teraphim were household idols that may have been associated with inheritance rights to the household property.

[14] back to 31:19 Teraphim were household idols that might have been linked to inheritance rights for the family property.

[15] back to 31:47 "Jegar Sahadutha" means "Witness Heap" in Aramaic.

[15] back to 31:47 "Jegar Sahadutha" translates to "Witness Heap" in Aramaic.

[16] back to 31:47 "Galeed" means "Witness Heap" in Hebrew.

[16] back to 31:47 "Galeed" translates to "Witness Heap" in Hebrew.

[17] back to 32:30 Peniel means "face of God."

Peniel means "face of God."

[18] back to 33:17 succoth means shelters or booths.

succoth means shelters or tents.

[19] back to 33:20 El Elohe Israel means "God, the God of Israel" or "The God of Israel is mighty."

[19] back to 33:20 El Elohe Israel means "God, the God of Israel" or "The God of Israel is powerful."

[20] back to 34:17 Hebrew has, literally, "daughter"

Hebrew literally means "daughter"

[21] back to 35:18 "Benoni" means "son of my trouble."

[21] back to 35:18 "Benoni" means "son of my trouble."

[22] back to 35:18 "Benjamin" means "son of my right hand."

[22] back to 35:18 "Benjamin" means "son of my right hand."

[23] back to 37:35 Sheol is the place of the dead.

[23] back to 37:35 Sheol is the realm of the dead.

[24] back to 38:29 Perez means "breaking out."

Perez means "breaking free."

[25] back to 38:30 Zerah means "scarlet" or "brightness."

Zerah means "red" or "bright."

[26] back to 41:51 "Manasseh" sounds like the Hebrew for "forget."

[26] back to 41:51 "Manasseh" is similar to the Hebrew word for "forget."

[27] back to 41:52 "Ephraim" sounds like the Hebrew for "twice fruitful."

[27] back to 41:52 "Ephraim" means "twice fruitful" in Hebrew.














Exodus

1:1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel, who came into Egypt (every man and his household came with Jacob): 1:2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 1:3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 1:4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 1:5 All the souls who came out of Jacob's body were seventy souls, and Joseph was in Egypt already. 1:6 Joseph died, as did all his brothers, and all that generation. 1:7 The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

1:1 Here are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt (each man and his family with Jacob): 1:2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 1:3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 1:4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 1:5 The total number of people who came from Jacob was seventy, and Joseph was already in Egypt. 1:6 Joseph died, as well as all his brothers and that entire generation. 1:7 The children of Israel were very fertile, grew rapidly, multiplied, and became incredibly powerful; the land was filled with them.

1:8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who didn't know Joseph. 1:9 He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. 1:10 Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies, and fight against us, and escape out of the land." 1:11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses. 1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They were grieved because of the children of Israel. 1:13 The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, 1:14 and they made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.

1:8 A new king came to power in Egypt who did not know Joseph. 1:9 He said to his people, "Look, the Israelites are more numerous and stronger than we are. 1:10 Let’s be clever about this, so they don’t end up multiplying even more. If a war breaks out, they might join our enemies and fight against us, escaping from the land." 1:11 So, they appointed slave drivers to oppress them with heavy burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses. 1:12 But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread. The Egyptians became distressed because of the Israelites. 1:13 The Egyptians enforced harsh labor on the Israelites, 1:14 making their lives bitter with hard work, mixing mortar and making bricks, and in all kinds of fieldwork—everything they did, they made them do with cruelty.

1:15 The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah, 1:16 and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live." 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and didn't do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive. 1:18 The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?"

1:15 The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 1:16 and he said, "When you help the Hebrew women give birth and see them on the delivery stool, if it's a boy, you must kill him; but if it's a girl, she can live." 1:17 But the midwives feared God and didn’t follow the king of Egypt’s orders; they kept the baby boys alive. 1:18 The king of Egypt called the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?"

1:19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them."

1:19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, "The Hebrew women are different from the Egyptian women; they are strong and give birth before the midwife arrives."

1:20 God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty. 1:21 It happened, because the midwives feared God, that he gave them families. 1:22 Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "You shall cast every son who is born into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive."

1:20 God was kind to the midwives, and the people increased and became very powerful. 1:21 Because the midwives respected God, he blessed them with families. 1:22 Pharaoh ordered all his people, saying, "You must throw every newborn son into the river, but you must keep every daughter alive."

2:1 A man of the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi as his wife. 2:2 The woman conceived, and bore a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 2:3 When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket for him, and coated it with tar and with pitch. She put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank. 2:4 His sister stood far off, to see what would be done to him. 2:5 Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe at the river. Her maidens walked along by the riverside. She saw the basket among the reeds, and sent her handmaid to get it. 2:6 She opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children."

2:1 A man from the tribe of Levi went and married a woman from the same tribe. 2:2 The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. 2:3 When she could no longer hide him, she took a basket made of papyrus, coated it with tar and pitch, placed the child inside, and set it among the reeds by the riverbank. 2:4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. 2:5 Pharaoh's daughter came down to the river to bathe, and her attendants walked along the riverside. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to fetch it. 2:6 She opened it, saw the child, and noticed that the baby was crying. She felt compassion for him and said, "This must be one of the Hebrew children."

2:7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?"

2:7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Should I go get a nurse from the Hebrew women so she can take care of the child for you?"

2:8 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go."

2:8 The Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go."

The maiden went and called the child's mother. 2:9 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages."

The girl went and called the child's mother. 2:9 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away, and care for him for me, and I will pay you."

The woman took the child, and nursed it. 2:10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, and said, "Because I drew him out of the water."

The woman took the child and breastfed him. 2:10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, and said, "Because I pulled him out of the water."

2:11 It happened in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brothers, and looked at their burdens. He saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his brothers. 2:12 He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

2:11 During that time, when Moses was all grown up, he went out to see his fellow Hebrews and observed their struggles. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 2:12 He glanced around and, seeing that no one was watching, he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand.

2:13 He went out the second day, and behold, two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. He said to him who did the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow?"

2:13 He went out on the second day, and look, two Hebrew men were fighting with each other. He said to the one who was in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your friend?"

2:14 He said, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?"

2:14 He said, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Are you going to kill me like you did the Egyptian?"

Moses was afraid, and said, "Surely this thing is known." 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

Moses was scared and said, "This must be known." 2:15 When Pharaoh heard about this, he wanted to kill Moses. But Moses ran away from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down by a well.

2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 2:17 The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 2:18 When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, "How is it that you have returned so early today?"

2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 2:17 The shepherds came and chased them away, but Moses stepped in and helped them, watering their flock. 2:18 When they returned to Reuel, their father, he asked, "Why are you back so early today?"

2:19 They said, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock."

2:19 They said, "An Egyptian saved us from the shepherds, and he also drew water for us and gave the flock a drink."

2:20 He said to his daughters, "Where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread."

2:20 He said to his daughters, "Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Call him so he can have something to eat."

2:21 Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter. 2:22 She bore a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land."

2:21 Moses was happy to stay with the man. He gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. 2:22 She had a son, and he named him Gershom, because he said, "I have lived as an outsider in a strange land."

2:23 It happened in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 2:24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 2:25 God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them.

2:23 During those many days, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites sighed because of their oppression. They cried out, and their cries reached God due to their suffering. 2:24 God heard their groaning and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 2:25 God saw the Israelites and was concerned for them.

3:1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God's mountain, to Horeb. 3:2 The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3:3 Moses said, "I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."

3:1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he took the flock to the back of the wilderness, arriving at God's mountain, Horeb. 3:2 The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire from the middle of a bush. He looked, and there it was, the bush was on fire, but it was not being consumed. 3:3 Moses said, "I will go over and see this amazing sight, why the bush isn't burning up."

3:4 When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses! Moses!"

3:4 When Yahweh saw that he had turned aside to look, God called to him from the middle of the bush and said, "Moses! Moses!"

He said, "Here I am."

He said, "I'm here."

3:5 He said, "Don't come close. Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place you are standing on is holy ground." 3:6 Moreover he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."

3:5 He said, "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals, because the ground you're standing on is holy." 3:6 He also said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."

Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God.

Moses covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

3:7 Yahweh said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 3:8 I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey; to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 3:9 Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 3:10 Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring forth my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."

3:7 Yahweh said, "I have definitely seen the suffering of my people in Egypt, and I’ve heard their cries because of their oppressors, for I know their pain. 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey; to the territory of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3:9 Now, look, the cries of the Israelites have reached me. I have also seen the oppression the Egyptians are inflicting on them. 3:10 So now, go, and I will send you to Pharaoh so that you can bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt."

3:11 Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

3:11 Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

3:12 He said, "Certainly I will be with you. This will be the token to you, that I have sent you: when you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."

3:12 He said, "Of course, I will be with you. This will be the sign for you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

3:13 Moses said to God, "Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you;' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What should I tell them?"

3:13 Moses said to God, "Look, when I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what should I tell them?"

3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," and he said, "You shall tell the children of Israel this: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 3:15 God said moreover to Moses, "You shall tell the children of Israel this, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations. 3:16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, "I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt; 3:17 and I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey."' 3:18 They will listen to your voice, and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall tell him, 'Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh, our God.' 3:19 I know that the king of Egypt won't give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand. 3:20 I will put forth my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in its midst, and after that he will let you go. 3:21 I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed. 3:22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her who visits her house, jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons, and on your daughters. You shall despoil the Egyptians.

3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," and he said, "You will tell the people of Israel this: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 3:15 God further instructed Moses, "You will tell the people of Israel this: 'Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and this is my memorial for all generations. 3:16 Go and gather the elders of Israel, and tell them, 'Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, "I have truly seen what has been done to you in Egypt; 3:17 and I have said, I will bring you out of the suffering in Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey."' 3:18 They will listen to you, and you and the elders of Israel will go to the king of Egypt, and you will tell him, 'Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please, let us go three days' journey into the wilderness so we can sacrifice to Yahweh, our God.' 3:19 I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, not even by a powerful hand. 3:20 I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will perform in its midst, and after that, he will let you go. 3:21 I will grant this people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, and when you leave, you will not go empty-handed. 3:22 Each woman will ask her neighbor and anyone visiting her house for silver jewelry, gold jewelry, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. You will plunder the Egyptians.

4:1 Moses answered, "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice; for they will say, 'Yahweh has not appeared to you.'"

4:1 Moses replied, "But look, they won't believe me or listen to what I say; they'll say, 'The Lord didn't show up for you.'"

4:2 Yahweh said to him, "What is that in your hand?"

4:2 Yahweh asked him, "What's that in your hand?"

He said, "A rod."

He said, "A stick."

4:3 He said, "Throw it on the ground."

4:3 He said, "Just throw it on the ground."

He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it.

He threw it on the ground, and it turned into a snake; and Moses ran away from it.

4:4 Yahweh said to Moses, "Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail."

4:4 Yahweh told Moses, "Reach out your hand and grab it by the tail."

He put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand.

He reached out his hand, grabbed it, and it turned into a rod in his hand.

4:5 "That they may believe that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." 4:6 Yahweh said furthermore to him, "Now put your hand inside your cloak."

4:5 "So they will believe that Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has shown Himself to you." 4:6 Yahweh then said to him, "Now put your hand inside your cloak."

He put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

He reached into his cloak, and when he pulled his hand out, look, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

4:7 He said, "Put your hand inside your cloak again."

4:7 He said, "Put your hand back inside your cloak."

He put his hand inside his cloak again, and when he took it out of his cloak, behold, it had turned again as his other flesh.

He put his hand inside his cloak again, and when he took it out, it had turned back into flesh like the other one.

4:8 "It will happen, if they will neither believe you nor listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 4:9 It will happen, if they will not believe even these two signs, neither listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river, and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take out of the river will become blood on the dry land."

4:8 "It will happen that if they neither believe you nor listen to the first sign, they will believe the second sign. 4:9 If they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you should take some water from the river and pour it onto the dry land. The water you take from the river will turn to blood on the dry land."

4:10 Moses said to Yahweh, "Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."

4:10 Moses said to God, "Oh, Lord, I'm not a very good speaker, not now or even before you spoke to me; I struggle with my words and have a hard time articulating."

4:11 Yahweh said to him, "Who made man's mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn't it I, Yahweh? 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak."

4:11 God said to him, "Who made humans' mouths? Or who makes someone mute, deaf, seeing, or blind? Isn't it me, God? 4:12 So go now, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say."

4:13 He said, "Oh, Lord, please send someone else."

4:13 He said, "Oh, God, please send someone else."

4:14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Moses, and he said, "What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes forth to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 4:15 You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 4:16 He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God. 4:17 You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs."

4:14 The anger of Yahweh was ignited against Moses, and He said, "What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Look, he is coming to meet you. When he sees you, he will be happy in his heart. 4:15 You will speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what to do. 4:16 He will be your spokesperson to the people; and it will happen that he will act as your mouth, and you will be like God to him. 4:17 You will take this rod in your hand, with which you will perform the signs."

4:18 Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive."

4:18 Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said, "Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt and see if they’re still alive."

Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."

Jethro said to Moses, "Take care."

4:19 Yahweh said to Moses in Midian, "Go, return into Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead."

4:19 God said to Moses in Midian, "Go back to Egypt, because all the men who wanted to kill you are dead."

4:20 Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God's rod in his hand. 4:21 Yahweh said to Moses, "When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. 4:22 You shall tell Pharaoh, 'Thus says Yahweh, Israel is my son, my firstborn, 4:23 and I have said to you, "Let my son go, that he may serve me;" and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.'"

4:20 Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. He had God's staff in his hand. 4:21 Yahweh said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, make sure you perform all the miracles I have given you the power to do before Pharaoh, but I will make his heart stubborn, and he won’t let the people go. 4:22 You will tell Pharaoh, 'This is what Yahweh says: Israel is my son, my firstborn. 4:23 I told you, "Let my son go so he can serve me," but you refused to let him go. Look, I will kill your son, your firstborn.'"

4:24 It happened on the way at a lodging place, that Yahweh met him and wanted to kill him. 4:25 Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me."

4:24 On the way to a place to stay, God confronted him and wanted to kill him. 4:25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, cut off her son's foreskin, and threw it at his feet; and she said, "You are certainly a blood-related husband to me."

4:26 So he let him alone. Then she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood," because of the circumcision.

4:26 So he left him alone. Then she said, "You are a blood bridegroom," because of the circumcision.

4:27 Yahweh said to Aaron, "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses."

4:27 God told Aaron, "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses."

He went, and met him on God's mountain, and kissed him. 4:28 Moses told Aaron all the words of Yahweh with which he had sent him, and all the signs with which he had instructed him. 4:29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. 4:30 Aaron spoke all the words which Yahweh had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 4:31 The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

He went and met him on God's mountain and kissed him. 4:28 Moses told Aaron everything Yahweh had sent him to say, along with all the signs he had been instructed to perform. 4:29 Moses and Aaron gathered all the elders of the Israelites together. 4:30 Aaron conveyed all the words Yahweh had given to Moses and performed the signs in front of the people. 4:31 The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the Israelites and seen their suffering, they bowed their heads and worshiped.

5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'"

5:1 Later, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go so they can hold a feast for me in the wilderness.'"

5:2 Pharaoh said, "Who is Yahweh, that I should listen to his voice to let Israel go? I don't know Yahweh, and moreover I will not let Israel go."

5:2 Pharaoh said, "Who is Yahweh, that I should pay attention to him and let Israel go? I don't know Yahweh, and what's more, I will not let Israel go."

5:3 They said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh, our God, lest he fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword."

5:3 They said, "The God of the Hebrews has come to meet us. Please let us travel three days into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, our God, or else He might strike us with disease or with the sword."

5:4 The king of Egypt said to them, "Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!" 5:5 Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens." 5:6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, 5:7 "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. 5:8 The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' 5:9 Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor therein; and don't let them pay any attention to lying words."

5:4 The king of Egypt said to them, "Why are you, Moses and Aaron, stopping the people from their work? Get back to your tasks!" 5:5 Pharaoh said, "Look, the population of the land is growing, and you're making them take a break from their work." 5:6 That same day, Pharaoh ordered the taskmasters and their officers, saying, 5:7 "You will no longer supply the people with straw to make bricks like before. Let them go gather their own straw. 5:8 You must still require the same number of bricks from them as before; don't reduce their quota, because they're lazy; that's why they keep saying, 'Let us go and make sacrifices to our God.' 5:9 Make their work even harder so they have to focus on it, and don’t let them listen to these false claims."

5:10 The taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, This is what Pharaoh says: "I will not give you straw. 5:11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished." 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 5:13 The taskmasters were urgent saying, "Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!" 5:14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, "Why haven't you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?"

5:10 The foremen of the people went out, along with their supervisors, and they talked to the people, saying, This is what Pharaoh says: "I won’t provide you with straw. 5:11 You need to go find straw for yourselves wherever you can, because your workload won’t be reduced at all." 5:12 So the people scattered all over Egypt to collect stubble for straw. 5:13 The foremen were insistent, saying, "Complete your daily work quota just like when you had straw!" 5:14 The supervisors of the Israelites, whom Pharaoh’s foremen had put in charge of them, were beaten and asked, "Why haven’t you met your quota yesterday and today, making bricks like before?"

5:15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants? 5:16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, 'Make brick!' and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people."

5:15 Then the leaders of the children of Israel came and pleaded with Pharaoh, saying, "Why are you treating your servants like this? 5:16 We're not given any straw, and they tell us, 'Make bricks!' and look, your servants are being beaten; but the problem is with your own people."

5:17 But he said, "You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to Yahweh.' 5:18 Go therefore now, and work, for no straw shall be given to you, yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks!"

5:17 But he said, "You're just being lazy! You're just being lazy! That's why you say, 'Let's go and offer sacrifices to Yahweh.' 5:18 So go now and get to work, because you won't be given any straw, but you still need to produce the same number of bricks!"

5:19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble, when it was said, "You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!"

5:19 The leaders of the Israelites realized they were in a tough spot when they were told, "You must not reduce your daily brick quota!"

5:20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: 5:21 and they said to them, "May Yahweh look at you, and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."

5:20 They encountered Moses and Aaron, who were blocking their path as they left Pharaoh: 5:21 and they said to them, "May Yahweh see what you've done and judge you, because you've made us repulsive in Pharaoh's eyes and in the eyes of his officials, provoking them to kill us."

5:22 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me? 5:23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people; neither have you delivered your people at all."

5:22 Moses went back to Yahweh and said, "Lord, why have you caused this trouble for these people? Why did you send me? 5:23 Since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has made things worse for these people; and you haven't rescued your people at all."

6:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh, for by a strong hand he shall let them go, and by a strong hand he shall drive them out of his land."

6:1 God said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for he will let them go with a strong hand, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."

6:2 God spoke to Moses, and said to him, "I am Yahweh; 6:3 and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Yahweh I was not known to them. 6:4 I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. 6:5 Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant. 6:6 Therefore tell the children of Israel, 'I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments: 6:7 and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 6:8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Yahweh.'"

6:2 God spoke to Moses and said, "I am Yahweh; 6:3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but I was not known to them by my name Yahweh. 6:4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land where they traveled and lived as foreigners. 6:5 I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians enslave, and I have remembered my covenant. 6:6 So tell the Israelites, 'I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, free you from their slavery, and redeem you with an outstretched arm and great judgments. 6:7 I will take you as my people, and I will be your God, and you will know that I am Yahweh your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 6:8 I will bring you into the land I promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am Yahweh.'"

6:9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn't listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

6:9 Moses talked to the children of Israel, but they didn't listen to him because they were in deep distress and suffering from harsh slavery.

6:10 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:11 "Go in, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land."

6:10 God said to Moses, "Go in and talk to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and tell him to let the people of Israel leave his land."

6:12 Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, "Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?" 6:13 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a command to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

6:12 Moses said to Yahweh, "Look, the people of Israel haven't listened to me. So how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I have uncircumcised lips?" 6:13 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, giving them a command for the people of Israel and for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

6:14 These are the heads of their fathers' houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 6:15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 6:16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years. 6:17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. 6:19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. 6:20 Amram took Jochebed his father's sister to himself as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were a hundred and thirty-seven years. 6:21 The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 6:22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri. 6:23 Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 6:24 The sons of Korah: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites according to their families. 6:26 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom Yahweh said, "Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies." 6:27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.

6:14 These are the leaders of their families. The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 6:15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 6:16 These are the names of the sons of Levi by their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; Levi lived to be one hundred thirty-seven years old. 6:17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, by their families. 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel; Kohath lived to be one hundred thirty-three years old. 6:19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their generations. 6:20 Amram married Jochebed, his father's sister, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; Amram lived to be one hundred thirty-seven years old. 6:21 The sons of Izhar: Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. 6:22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. 6:23 Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 6:24 The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 6:25 Eleazar, Aaron's son, married one of the daughters of Putiel and she bore him Phinehas. These are the leaders of the families of the Levites by their family lines. 6:26 This is Aaron and Moses, to whom Yahweh said, "Bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their divisions." 6:27 These are the ones who spoke to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. These are Moses and Aaron.

6:28 It happened on the day when Yahweh spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 6:29 that Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "I am Yahweh. Speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I speak to you."

6:28 It happened on the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 6:29 that the Lord said to Moses, "I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, everything I say to you."

6:30 Moses said before Yahweh, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?"

6:30 Moses said to Yahweh, "Look, I have uncircumcised lips, and how will Pharaoh listen to me?"

7:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 7:2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 7:3 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 7:4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my armies, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 7:5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I stretch forth my hand on Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them."

7:1 The Lord said to Moses, "Look, I have made you like God to Pharaoh; and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 7:2 You will say everything I command you; and Aaron, your brother, will talk to Pharaoh so that he lets the Israelites go out of his land. 7:3 I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn and perform many signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. 7:4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will bring my hand down on Egypt and lead my people, the Israelites, out of the land of Egypt with great acts of judgment. 7:5 The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them."

7:6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Yahweh commanded them, so they did. 7:7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

7:6 Moses and Aaron did just that. They followed what Yahweh told them to do. 7:7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three when they talked to Pharaoh.

7:8 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 7:9 "When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, 'Perform a miracle!' then you shall tell Aaron, 'Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.'"

7:8 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 7:9 "When Pharaoh asks you to perform a miracle, tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, so it becomes a snake.'"

7:10 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as Yahweh had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments. 7:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. 7:13 Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.

7:10 Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh, following Yahweh's instructions. Aaron threw down his staff in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it turned into a snake. 7:11 Then Pharaoh summoned his wise men and magicians. They did the same with their magic tricks. 7:12 Each of them threw down their staffs, and they became snakes, but Aaron's staff swallowed their staffs. 7:13 Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to listen to them, as Yahweh had predicted.

7:14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go. 7:15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning. Behold, he goes out to the water; and you shall stand by the river's bank to meet him; and the rod which was turned to a serpent you shall take in your hand. 7:16 You shall tell him, 'Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, "Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:" and behold, until now you haven't listened. 7:17 Thus says Yahweh, "In this you shall know that I am Yahweh. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 7:18 The fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall become foul; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from the river."'" 7:19 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your rod, and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their ponds of water, that they may become blood; and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.'"

7:14 God said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is hard. He refuses to let the people go. 7:15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning. He’s going out to the water; you should stand by the riverbank to meet him, and take the rod that turned into a serpent in your hand. 7:16 Tell him, 'God, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you with this message: "Let my people go so they can serve me in the wilderness." And look, you haven't listened up to now. 7:17 This is what God says: "You will know that I am God. I will strike the waters in the river with the rod in my hand, and they will turn to blood. 7:18 The fish in the river will die, and the river will become disgusting; and the Egyptians will hate to drink water from it." 7:19 God said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your rod and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers, streams, pools, and all their ponds—so that they may turn to blood; and there will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, in both wooden and stone containers.'"

7:20 Moses and Aaron did so, as Yahweh commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 7:21 The fish that were in the river died; and the river became foul, and the Egyptians couldn't drink water from the river; and the blood was throughout all the land of Egypt. 7:22 The magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 7:23 Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he lay even this to heart. 7:24 All the Egyptians dug around the river for water to drink; for they couldn't drink of the water of the river. 7:25 Seven days were fulfilled, after Yahweh had struck the river.

7:20 Moses and Aaron did exactly as Yahweh instructed; he raised the rod and struck the waters in the river, right in front of Pharaoh and his officials; and all the waters in the river turned to blood. 7:21 The fish in the river died; the river became foul, and the Egyptians couldn’t drink the water from it; and blood was everywhere in the land of Egypt. 7:22 The magicians of Egypt performed the same tricks with their sorcery; Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them; as Yahweh had said. 7:23 Pharaoh went back to his house and didn’t even give this any thought. 7:24 All the Egyptians dug around the river for water to drink, because they couldn’t drink any of the water from the river. 7:25 Seven days passed after Yahweh had struck the river.

8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, "This is what Yahweh says, 'Let my people go, that they may serve me. 8:2 If you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your borders with frogs: 8:3 and the river shall swarm with frogs, which shall go up and come into your house, and into your bedchamber, and on your bed, and into the house of your servants, and on your people, and into your ovens, and into your kneading troughs: 8:4 and the frogs shall come up both on you, and on your people, and on all your servants.'" 8:5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch forth your hand with your rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.'" 8:6 Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. 8:7 The magicians did in like manner with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.

8:1 God spoke to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him, 'This is what God says: Let my people go so they can serve me. 8:2 If you refuse to let them go, I will bring frogs all over your territory: 8:3 and the river will be filled with frogs that will enter your house, your bedroom, your bed, your servants' homes, your people, your ovens, and your kneading bowls: 8:4 and the frogs will come up on you, your people, and all your servants.'" 8:5 God said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Raise your hand with your staff over the rivers, streams, and pools, and bring frogs up on the land of Egypt.'" 8:6 Aaron raised his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 8:7 The magicians did the same with their magic and brought frogs onto the land of Egypt.

8:8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat Yahweh, that he take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to Yahweh."

8:8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Please ask Yahweh to remove the frogs from me and my people; then I will let the people go so they can offer sacrifices to Yahweh."

8:9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "I give you the honor of setting the time that I should pray for you, and for your servants, and for your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, and remain in the river only."

8:9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "You can decide when I should pray for you, your servants, and your people, so that the frogs are removed from you and your homes, and stay only in the river."

8:10 He said, "Tomorrow."

8:10 He said, "Tomorrow."

He said, "Be it according to your word, that you may know that there is none like Yahweh our God. 8:11 The frogs shall depart from you, and from your houses, and from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only."

He said, "Let it be as you have said, so you may know that there is no one like Yahweh our God. 8:11 The frogs will leave you, your houses, your servants, and your people. They will stay in the river only."

8:12 Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to Yahweh concerning the frogs which he had brought on Pharaoh. 8:13 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields. 8:14 They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.

8:12 Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, and Moses cried out to Yahweh about the frogs that He had sent to Pharaoh. 8:13 Yahweh did what Moses asked, and the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. 8:14 They piled them up in heaps, and the land smelled terrible. 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a break, he hardened his heart and didn't listen to them, just as Yahweh had said.

8:16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.'" 8:17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were lice on man, and on animal; all the dust of the earth became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 8:18 The magicians tried with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they couldn't. There were lice on man, and on animal. 8:19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.

8:16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Lift up your rod and strike the dust of the earth so that it turns into lice all over the land of Egypt.'" 8:17 They did as instructed; Aaron raised his hand with his rod and struck the dust, and lice appeared on both people and animals; all the dust of the earth turned into lice across the land of Egypt. 8:18 The magicians tried to use their magic to produce lice, but they couldn't. Lice were on both people and animals. 8:19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the work of God," but Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he ignored them, just as Yahweh had said.

8:20 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, he comes forth to the water; and tell him, 'This is what Yahweh says, "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 8:21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. 8:22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am Yahweh in the midst of the earth. 8:23 I will put a division between my people and your people: by tomorrow shall this sign be."'" 8:24 Yahweh did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses: and in all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies.

8:20 God said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning and stand in front of Pharaoh; look, he’s coming out to the water. Tell him, 'This is what God says: "Let my people go, so they can worship me. 8:21 But if you refuse to let them go, I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, your people, and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and so will the ground where they are. 8:22 I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people live, so that no swarms of flies will be there; this way you will know that I am God in the middle of the land. 8:23 I will make a distinction between my people and your people. By tomorrow this sign will happen."’ 8:24 God did this; there were terrible swarms of flies in Pharaoh's house and in the houses of his officials, and all over the land of Egypt, the land was ruined because of the swarms of flies.

8:25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God in the land!"

8:25 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Go, make sacrifices to your God in this land!"

8:26 Moses said, "It isn't appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Yahweh our God. Behold, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and won't they stone us? 8:27 We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh our God, as he shall command us."

8:26 Moses said, "That's not right; we can't do that because we would be sacrificing what the Egyptians find offensive to Yahweh our God. Look, if we sacrifice what the Egyptians see as an abomination right in front of them, won't they stone us? 8:27 We're going to travel three days into the wilderness to sacrifice to Yahweh our God, as he has instructed us."

8:28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Yahweh your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me."

8:28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go so you can sacrifice to Yahweh your God in the wilderness, but don’t go too far away. Pray for me."

8:29 Moses said, "Behold, I go out from you, and I will pray to Yahweh that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; only don't let Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Yahweh." 8:30 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh. 8:31 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. There remained not one. 8:32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he didn't let the people go.

8:29 Moses said, "Look, I'm leaving you now, and I will pray to Yahweh to take away the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people tomorrow. Just don’t let Pharaoh act deceitfully anymore by refusing to let the people go to sacrifice to Yahweh." 8:30 Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to Yahweh. 8:31 Yahweh did what Moses asked and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. Not a single fly was left. 8:32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time too, and he didn’t let the people go.

9:1 Then Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 9:2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still, 9:3 behold, the hand of Yahweh is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence. 9:4 Yahweh will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel."'" 9:5 Yahweh appointed a set time, saying, "Tomorrow Yahweh shall do this thing in the land." 9:6 Yahweh did that thing on the next day; and all the livestock of Egypt died, but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died. 9:7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn't let the people go.

9:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go so they can serve me. 9:2 If you refuse to let them go and keep them here, 9:3 look, the Lord's hand is on your livestock in the field, on the horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks with a severe plague. 9:4 The Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; nothing will die of all that belongs to the Israelites."' 9:5 The Lord set a specific time, saying, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land." 9:6 The Lord did that the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died, but not one of the livestock of the Israelites died. 9:7 Pharaoh sent and discovered that not a single livestock of the Israelites was dead. But Pharaoh's heart was stubborn, and he didn't let the people go.

9:8 Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9:9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt."

9:8 God said to Moses and Aaron, "Grab some ashes from the furnace and have Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in front of Pharaoh. 9:9 It will turn into fine dust across all of Egypt and will cause sores to break out on both people and animals throughout the land."

9:10 They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal. 9:11 The magicians couldn't stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians. 9:12 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken to Moses.

9:10 They gathered ashes from the furnace and went to Pharaoh. Moses sprinkled the ashes into the air, and they turned into painful boils on both people and animals. 9:11 The magicians couldn't stand in front of Moses because of the boils; the boils affected the magicians and all the Egyptians. 9:12 Yahweh made Pharaoh's heart stubborn, and he didn't listen to them, just as Yahweh had told Moses.

9:13 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 9:14 For this time I will send all my plagues against your heart, against your officials, and against your people; that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 9:15 For now I would have put forth my hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth; 9:16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth; 9:17 as you still exalt yourself against my people, that you won't let them go. 9:18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now. 9:19 Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn't brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die."'"

9:13 Yahweh told Moses, "Get up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh. Tell him, 'This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go so they can worship me. 9:14 This time, I will unleash all my plagues on you, your officials, and your people, so you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 9:15 If I wanted, I could have already struck you and your people with disease and wiped you off the earth; 9:16 but I have kept you around to show you my power and to make sure my name is known throughout all the earth; 9:17 because you continue to defy my people and refuse to let them go. 9:18 Look, tomorrow at this time, I will send a severe hailstorm, such as has not been seen in Egypt since it was founded until now. 9:19 So, command that all your livestock and everything you have in the fields be brought into shelter. Any person or animal found in the fields and not brought home will be hit by the hail and will die."'"

9:20 Those who feared the word of Yahweh among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses. 9:21 Whoever didn't regard the word of Yahweh left his servants and his livestock in the field.

9:20 Those who were afraid of the word of the Lord among Pharaoh's servants made their servants and livestock go inside the houses. 9:21 Whoever ignored the word of the Lord left his servants and livestock in the field.

9:22 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch forth your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt."

9:22 God said to Moses, "Raise your hand toward the sky, so that hail can fall on all the land of Egypt, on people, on animals, and on every plant in the fields, throughout the land of Egypt."

9:23 Moses stretched forth his rod toward the heavens, and Yahweh sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashed down to the earth. Yahweh rained hail on the land of Egypt. 9:24 So there was very severe hail, and lightning mixed with the hail, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 9:25 The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field. 9:26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.

9:23 Moses raised his staff to the sky, and God sent thunder, hail, and lightning that flashed down to the earth. God poured hail over the land of Egypt. 9:24 The hail was extremely severe, with lightning mixed in, like nothing that had ever happened in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 9:25 The hail hit everything in the fields across Egypt, both people and livestock; it struck every plant in the fields and shattered every tree. 9:26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was there no hail.

9:27 Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 9:28 Pray to Yahweh; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer."

9:27 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said to them, "I've messed up this time. Yahweh is just, and my people and I are in the wrong. 9:28 Please pray to Yahweh; we've had enough of the loud thunder and hail. I'll let you go, and you won't have to stay any longer."

9:29 Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Yahweh's. 9:30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you don't yet fear Yahweh God."

9:29 Moses said to him, "As soon as I leave the city, I will raise my hands to the Lord. The thunder will stop, and there won’t be any more hail; so you can know that the earth belongs to the Lord. 9:30 But I can tell that you and your servants still don’t fear the Lord God."

9:31 The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom. 9:32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had not grown up. 9:33 Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. 9:34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 9:35 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he didn't let the children of Israel go, just as Yahweh had spoken through Moses.

9:31 The flax and barley were hit, since the barley was ripe and the flax was blooming. 9:32 But the wheat and spelt weren’t affected, as they hadn’t fully grown. 9:33 Moses left the city from Pharaoh and raised his hands to Yahweh; and the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain didn’t fall on the ground. 9:34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had stopped, he continued to sin and hardened his heart, along with his servants. 9:35 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go, just as Yahweh had said through Moses.

10:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs in the midst of them, 10:2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your son's son, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Yahweh."

10:1 God said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh because I have made his heart stubborn, along with the hearts of his officials, so that I can show these signs among them, 10:2 and so you can tell your son and your grandson about what I've done in Egypt and the signs I've performed there; that you may know that I am God."

10:3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, "This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 10:4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, 10:5 and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won't be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field. 10:6 Your houses shall be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as neither your fathers nor your fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.'" He turned, and went out from Pharaoh.

10:3 Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go so they can serve me. 10:4 If you refuse to let my people go, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your land, 10:5 and they will cover the ground so completely that no one will be able to see the earth. They will eat what’s left after the hail and consume every tree that grows in your fields. 10:6 Your houses will be filled, along with the houses of all your servants and all the Egyptians; such a thing hasn’t been seen by your ancestors or their ancestors since the day they were on the earth until now.'" He turned and left Pharaoh.

10:7 Pharaoh's servants said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Yahweh, their God. Don't you yet know that Egypt is destroyed?"

10:7 Pharaoh's servants said to him, "How long will this man be a trap for us? Let the people go so they can worship Yahweh, their God. Don't you realize that Egypt is ruined?"

10:8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, "Go, serve Yahweh your God; but who are those who will go?"

10:8 Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh, and he asked them, "Go, serve Yahweh your God; but who exactly is going with you?"

10:9 Moses said, "We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast to Yahweh."

10:9 Moses said, "We will go with our young and old; with our sons and daughters, with our flocks and herds; we need to celebrate a feast for Yahweh."

10:10 He said to them, "Yahweh be with you if I will let you go with your little ones! See, evil is clearly before your faces. 10:11 Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Yahweh; for that is what you desire!" They were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

10:10 He said to them, "May Yahweh be with you if I let you take your kids with you! Look, evil is right in front of you. 10:11 No way! Go now, you men, and serve Yahweh; that's what you really want!" They were forced out of Pharaoh's presence.

10:12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left." 10:13 Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and Yahweh brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all the night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 10:14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. 10:15 For they covered the surface of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened, and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. There remained nothing green, either tree or herb of the field, through all the land of Egypt. 10:16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, "I have sinned against Yahweh your God, and against you. 10:17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that he may also take away from me this death."

10:12 God said to Moses, "Reach out your hand over the land of Egypt to bring on the locusts, so they can swarm the land and eat all the plants left by the hail." 10:13 Moses raised his rod over the land of Egypt, and God sent a strong east wind across the land all day and through the night; by morning, the east wind had brought the locusts. 10:14 The locusts covered all of Egypt and settled across the entire region. They were extremely numerous. There had never been locusts like them before, and there would never be again. 10:15 They darkened the land as they covered every inch, eating all the plants and the fruit from the trees that had survived the hail. Nothing green remained, neither trees nor any plants, throughout all of Egypt. 10:16 Then Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "I have sinned against God and against you. 10:17 Please forgive my sin once more, and pray to your God to take away this death from me."

10:18 He went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh. 10:19 Yahweh turned an exceeding strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt. 10:20 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he didn't let the children of Israel go.

10:18 He left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord. 10:19 The Lord sent a powerful west wind that swept up the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left in all of Egypt. 10:20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he still refused to let the Israelites go.

10:21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt." 10:22 Moses stretched forth his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 10:23 They didn't see one another, neither did anyone rise from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

10:21 God said to Moses, "Reach out your hand toward the sky so that darkness covers the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be sensed." 10:22 Moses reached out his hand toward the sky, and for three days, there was a dense darkness throughout all of Egypt. 10:23 People couldn’t see each other, and no one left their homes for three days; however, all the Israelites had light in their homes.

10:24 Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you."

10:24 Pharaoh called to Moses and said, "Go, worship Yahweh. Just leave your flocks and herds here. Let your kids go with you too."

10:25 Moses said, "You must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh our God. 10:26 Our livestock also shall go with us. There shall not a hoof be left behind, for of it we must take to serve Yahweh our God; and we don't know with what we must serve Yahweh, until we come there."

10:25 Moses said, "You also need to give us sacrifices and burnt offerings so we can offer them to Yahweh our God. 10:26 Our livestock will go with us too. Not a single hoof will be left behind because we need it to serve Yahweh our God; and we don’t know what we’ll need to serve Yahweh until we get there."

10:27 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he wouldn't let them go. 10:28 Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!"

10:27 But God hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he refused to let them go. 10:28 Pharaoh said to him, "Get out of my sight! Watch yourself; if you see my face again, you will die!"

10:29 Moses said, "You have spoken well. I will see your face again no more."

10:29 Moses said, "You've spoken well. I won't see your face again."

11:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether. 11:2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold." 11:3 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

11:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "I'm going to send one more plague on Pharaoh and Egypt; after that, he will let you go. When he does, he'll kick you out completely. 11:2 Tell the people to ask their neighbors, men and women alike, for silver and gold jewelry." 11:3 Yahweh made the Israelites respected by the Egyptians. Also, Moses was highly regarded in Egypt, both by Pharaoh's officials and the people.

11:4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: 'About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 11:5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock. 11:6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more. 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won't even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 11:8 All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, "Get out, with all the people who follow you;" and after that I will go out.'" He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

11:4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: 'Around midnight, I will go through Egypt, 11:5 and all the firstborn in Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh on his throne to the firstborn of the female servant at the mill, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 11:6 There will be a great wail throughout the land of Egypt, like nothing that has ever been or ever will be again. 11:7 But for the Israelites, not a dog will bark or make a sound—against people or animals; this way you will see that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 11:8 All your officials will come to me and bow down, saying, 'Please leave with all the people who follow you;' and after that, I will go out.'" He left Pharaoh in a rage.

11:9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won't listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 11:10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he didn't let the children of Israel go out of his land.

11:9 God said to Moses, "Pharaoh won't pay attention to you, so that my miracles can be increased in the land of Egypt." 11:10 Moses and Aaron performed all these miracles before Pharaoh, and God made Pharaoh stubborn, so he didn't let the Israelites leave his land.

12:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 12:2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you. 12:3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household; 12:4 and if the household is too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to what everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 12:6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening. 12:7 They shall take some of the blood, and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it. 12:8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs. 12:9 Don't eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted with fire; with its head, its legs and its inner parts. 12:10 You shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire. 12:11 This is how you shall eat it: with your waist girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh's Passover. 12:12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh. 12:13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 12:14 This day shall be to you for a memorial, and you shall keep it a feast to Yahweh: throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.

12:1 God spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 12:2 "This month will be the start of your months. It will be the first month of the year for you. 12:3 Tell all the people of Israel, 'On the tenth day of this month, each man must take a lamb for his family, a lamb for each household; 12:4 and if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next door shall take one, according to the number of people. You should count for the lamb based on what everyone can eat. 12:5 Your lamb must be without blemish, a male a year old. You can take it from the sheep or from the goats. 12:6 Keep it until the fourteenth day of the month; then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 12:7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they shall eat it. 12:8 They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted with fire, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12:9 Don’t eat it raw or boiled in water, but roasted with fire, including its head, its legs, and its inner parts. 12:10 Don’t leave any of it until morning; whatever remains until morning must be burned. 12:11 This is how you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it quickly: it is God’s Passover. 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both humans and animals. I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt: I am God. 12:13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no destructive plague will strike you when I strike the land of Egypt. 12:14 This day shall be a memorial for you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to God: throughout your generations, you shall celebrate it as a permanent regulation.

12:15 "'Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 12:16 In the first day there shall be to you a holy convocation, and in the seventh day a holy convocation; no manner of work shall be done in them, except that which every man must eat, that only may be done by you. 12:17 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this same day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations by an ordinance forever. 12:18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty first day of the month at evening. 12:19 Seven days shall there be no yeast found in your houses, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a foreigner, or one who is born in the land. 12:20 You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.'"

12:15 "For seven days, you must eat unleavened bread; on the first day, remove all yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats leavened bread from the first day to the seventh will be cut off from Israel. 12:16 On the first day, you are to have a holy gathering, and again on the seventh day; no work shall be done on these days, except for what everyone needs to eat—you may prepare only that. 12:17 You must observe the feast of unleavened bread, for on this day I brought your armies out of Egypt. Therefore, you should celebrate this day across your generations as a lasting ordinance. 12:18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day in the evening, you will eat unleavened bread until the evening of the twenty-first day of the month. 12:19 For seven days, no yeast should be found in your houses; anyone who eats leavened bread will be cut off from the community of Israel, whether they are a foreigner or a native born. 12:20 You are not to eat anything leavened. In all your homes, you shall eat unleavened bread.'"

12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, "Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover. 12:22 You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 12:23 For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two doorposts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you. 12:24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 12:25 It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. 12:26 It will happen, when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this service?' 12:27 that you shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of Yahweh's Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.'"

12:21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Select lambs for your families and prepare the Passover. 12:22 You will take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood from the basin, and smear the blood on the doorframe and two doorposts; none of you should leave your house until morning. 12:23 For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the doorframe and the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over that door and will not let the destroyer enter your homes to strike you. 12:24 You are to keep this ceremony as a lasting ordinance for you and your children forever. 12:25 When you enter the land that the Lord will give you, just as he promised, you must observe this ritual. 12:26 When your children ask you, 'What does this ritual mean to you?' 12:27 you will tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when he struck down the Egyptians but spared our homes.'"

The people bowed their heads and worshiped. 12:28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

The people lowered their heads and worshiped. 12:28 The Israelites did exactly as Yahweh had instructed Moses and Aaron.

12:29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of livestock. 12:30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 12:31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said! 12:32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!"

12:29 At midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's firstborn who was seated on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of the livestock. 12:30 Pharaoh got up that night along with all his officials and all the Egyptians; and there was a loud wailing in Egypt, for there wasn't a house without someone dead. 12:31 He summoned Moses and Aaron during the night and said, "Get up, leave my people, you and the Israelites; go and worship the Lord as you said! 12:32 Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and go; and bless me too!"

12:33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We are all dead men." 12:34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 12:35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 12:36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians.

12:33 The Egyptians were urging the people to leave the land quickly, saying, "We are all going to die." 12:34 The people took their dough before it could rise, with their kneading bowls wrapped up in their clothes on their shoulders. 12:35 The Israelites followed Moses' instructions and asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry, as well as clothing. 12:36 God gave the people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, so they gave them what they requested. They plundered the Egyptians.

12:37 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children. 12:38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock. 12:39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it wasn't leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn't wait, neither had they prepared for themselves any food. 12:40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 12:41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the armies of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 12:42 It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

12:37 The Israelites traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not including children. 12:38 A mixed group also went with them, bringing flocks, herds, and a lot of livestock. 12:39 They baked unleavened bread from the dough they had brought out of Egypt; it wasn't leavened because they were hurried out of Egypt and didn't have time to prepare any food for themselves. 12:40 The Israelites lived in Egypt for four hundred thirty years. 12:41 At the end of those four hundred thirty years, on that very day, all the armies of Yahweh left the land of Egypt. 12:42 This night is to be celebrated in honor of Yahweh for bringing them out of Egypt. This is the night of Yahweh to be observed by all the Israelites for generations to come.

12:43 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover. There shall no foreigner eat of it, 12:44 but every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. 12:45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 12:46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it. 12:47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 12:48 When a stranger shall live as a foreigner with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 12:49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you." 12:50 All the children of Israel did so. As Yahweh commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 12:51 It happened the same day, that Yahweh brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

12:43 God said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the rule for Passover. No outsider may eat it, 12:44 but every servant you buy with money must be circumcised before he can eat it. 12:45 An outsider and a hired worker are not allowed to eat it. 12:46 It must be eaten in one house; you must not take any of the meat outside the house, and you must not break any of its bones. 12:47 All the people of Israel must follow this. 12:48 If a foreigner lives among you and wants to keep the Passover for God, all the males in his household must be circumcised, and then he can join in and keep it; he will be like a native-born citizen: but no uncircumcised person may eat it. 12:49 There will be one law for the native-born and for the foreigner living among you." 12:50 All the Israelites did just as God had commanded Moses and Aaron. 12:51 On that very day, God brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.

13:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 13:2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine."

13:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 13:2 "Set apart for me all the firstborn, whatever is born first from the womb among the Israelites, both humans and animals. They belong to me."

13:3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. 13:4 This day you go forth in the month Abib. 13:5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. 13:6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to Yahweh. 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and no leavened bread shall be seen with you, neither shall there be yeast seen with you, in all your borders. 13:8 You shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'It is because of that which Yahweh did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.' 13:9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt. 13:10 You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

13:3 Moses told the people, "Remember this day, the day you left Egypt, the land of slavery; for Yahweh brought you out of this place with a powerful hand. You must not eat any leavened bread. 13:4 This day marks your departure in the month of Abib. 13:5 When Yahweh brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which He promised to your ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey, you must observe this festival in this month. 13:6 For seven days, you are to eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day, there will be a feast for Yahweh. 13:7 You must eat unleavened bread for the full seven days, and no leavened bread or yeast should be found anywhere in your territory. 13:8 On that day, you should tell your son, 'It is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.' 13:9 This will be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder between your eyes, so that the law of Yahweh remains in your mouth; for Yahweh brought you out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 13:10 Therefore, you must observe this ordinance at its appointed time every year.

13:11 "It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, as he swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it you, 13:12 that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn which you have that comes from an animal. The males shall be Yahweh's. 13:13 Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons. 13:14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall tell him, 'By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; 13:15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.' 13:16 It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt."

13:11 "When Yahweh brings you into the land of the Canaanites, just as He promised you and your ancestors, and gives it to you, 13:12 you must set apart for Yahweh everything that first opens the womb, including every firstborn male animal. The males belong to Yahweh. 13:13 You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb; if you don't redeem it, you must break its neck. You must also redeem all your firstborn sons. 13:14 In the future, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' you will tell him, 'With a mighty hand, Yahweh brought us out of Egypt, from slavery. 13:15 When Pharaoh was stubborn and refused to let us go, Yahweh killed all the firstborn in Egypt, both human and animal. That's why I sacrifice to Yahweh all the firstborn males, but I redeem all my firstborn sons.' 13:16 This will be a sign on your hand and a reminder between your eyes: for with a mighty hand, Yahweh brought us out of Egypt."

13:17 It happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God didn't lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;" 13:18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 13:19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you." 13:20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 13:21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 13:22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn't depart from before the people.

13:17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God didn't lead them through the land of the Philistines, even though it was the quickest route. God thought, "If the people see war, they might change their minds and head back to Egypt." 13:18 Instead, God guided the people around through the wilderness toward the Red Sea; and the Israelites left Egypt fully armed. 13:19 Moses took Joseph's bones with him, because Joseph had made the Israelites swear, saying, "God will surely bring you to a better place, and you must carry my bones up from here with you." 13:20 They started their journey from Succoth and set up camp in Etham, at the edge of the wilderness. 13:21 Yahweh went ahead of them during the day in a pillar of cloud to guide them, and at night in a pillar of fire to provide light, so they could travel both day and night: 13:22 the pillar of cloud during the day and the pillar of fire at night never left the front of the people.

14:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 14:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 14:3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, 'They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.' 14:4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so.

14:1 God talked to Moses, saying, 14:2 "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and set up camp in front of Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, facing Baal Zephon. You should camp right by the sea. 14:3 Pharaoh will think the Israelites are trapped in the land and boxed in by the wilderness. 14:4 I will make Pharaoh stubborn, and he will pursue them; and I will gain glory over Pharaoh and all his armies; and the Egyptians will know that I am God." They did as instructed.

14:5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 14:6 He made ready his chariot, and took his army with him; 14:7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them. 14:8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand. 14:9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

14:5 The king of Egypt was informed that the people had escaped; and Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about the Israelites and said, "What have we done? Why did we let Israel go from serving us?" 14:6 He got his chariot ready and took his army with him; 14:7 he took six hundred elite chariots, along with all the chariots of Egypt, and officers for each one. 14:8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, so he chased after the Israelites; for the Israelites went out with confidence. 14:9 The Egyptians pursued them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his cavalry, and his army; and they caught up with them camping by the sea, near Pihahiroth, in front of Baal Zephon.

14:10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh. 14:11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt? 14:12 Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

14:10 When Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians coming after them, and they were terrified. The Israelites cried out to Yahweh. 14:11 They said to Moses, "Did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness because there weren't enough graves in Egypt? Why have you done this to us and led us out of Egypt? 14:12 Didn't we tell you in Egypt to leave us alone so we could serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."

14:13 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. 14:14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."

14:13 Moses told the people, "Don’t be afraid. Stand firm, and watch the salvation of the Lord, which He will achieve for you today: the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you just need to stay calm."

14:15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. 14:16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground. 14:17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 14:18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen." 14:19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 14:20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn't come near the other all the night.

14:15 God said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people of Israel to move forward. 14:16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide it, so that the people of Israel can walk through the sea on dry ground. 14:17 Look, I will make the Egyptians stubborn, and they will follow them in; I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh, his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. 14:18 The Egyptians will know that I am God when I have gained glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen." 14:19 The angel of God, who had been in front of the Israelite camp, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud shifted from in front of them and stood behind them. 14:20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; it was a cloud and darkness for the Egyptians, but it gave light at night to the Israelites: and they did not come near each other all night long.

14:21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 14:22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 14:23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 14:24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army. 14:25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!"

14:21 Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord made the sea recede with a strong east wind all night, turning it into dry land, and the waters split. 14:22 The Israelites stepped into the center of the sea on dry ground, with the waters forming a wall on their right and left. 14:23 The Egyptians chased after them into the middle of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen. 14:24 It was during the morning watch that the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw them into confusion. 14:25 He took off their chariot wheels, making it difficult for them to drive, and the Egyptians shouted, "Let's run away from the Israelites, because the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians!"

14:26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." 14:27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 14:28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 14:29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 14:30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 14:31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in his servant Moses.

14:26 God said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so the waters can come back and drown the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen." 14:27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its full force as morning came; the Egyptians fled toward it. God caused the Egyptians to be thrown into the sea. 14:28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and horsemen, including all of Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. Not a single one of them survived. 14:29 But the Israelites walked on dry land in the middle of the sea, with the waters acting as a wall on their right and left. 14:30 This way, God saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 14:31 Israel witnessed the great deed that God had done against the Egyptians, and the people feared God; they trusted in God and in His servant Moses.

15:1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said,

15:1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,

"I will sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously.
The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
15:2 Yah is my strength and song.
He has become my salvation.
This is my God, and I will praise him;
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
15:3 Yahweh is a man of war.
Yahweh is his name.
15:4 He has cast Pharaoh's chariots and his army into the sea.
His chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.
15:5 The deeps cover them.
They went down into the depths like a stone.
15:6 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power.
Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces.
15:7 In the greatness of your excellency, you overthrow those who rise up against you.
You send forth your wrath. It consumes them as stubble.
15:8 With the blast of your nostrils, the waters were piled up.
The floods stood upright as a heap.
The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea.
15:9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue. I will overtake. I will divide the spoil.
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.'
15:10 You blew with your wind.
The sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
15:11 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
fearful in praises, doing wonders?
15:12 You stretched out your right hand.
The earth swallowed them.
15:13 "You, in your loving kindness, have led the people that you have redeemed.
You have guided them in your strength to your holy habitation.
15:14 The peoples have heard.
They tremble.
Pangs have taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.
15:15 Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed.
Trembling takes hold of the mighty men of Moab.
All the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.
15:16 Terror and dread falls on them.
By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone--
until your people pass over, Yahweh,
until the people pass over who you have purchased.
15:17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance,
the place, Yahweh, which you have made for yourself to dwell in;
the sanctuary, Lord, which your hands have established.
15:18 Yahweh shall reign forever and ever."

15:19 For the horses of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and Yahweh brought back the waters of the sea on them; but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea. 15:20 Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances. 15:21 Miriam answered them,

15:19 The Pharaoh's horses and his chariots and horsemen entered the sea, but the Lord returned the waters of the sea over them; however, the Israelites walked on dry land through the middle of the sea. 15:20 Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. 15:21 Miriam responded to them,

"Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously.
The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

15:22 Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 15:23 When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah. 15:24 The people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" 15:25 Then he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them; 15:26 and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."

15:22 Moses led Israel away from the Red Sea, and they entered the wilderness of Shur; they traveled for three days in the wilderness but found no water. 15:23 When they arrived at Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters there because they were bitter. So, the place was named Marah.. 15:24 The people complained against Moses, asking, "What are we going to drink?" 15:25 Then he cried out to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, which then became sweet. There he established a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them; 15:26 and he said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of Yahweh your God, and do what is right in his eyes, and pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."

15:27 They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

15:27 They arrived at Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they set up camp there by the water.

16:1 They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 16:2 The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness; 16:3 and the children of Israel said to them, "We wish that we had died by the hand of Yahweh in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

16:1 They started their journey from Elim, and all the people of Israel arrived at the wilderness of Sin, which lies between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they left Egypt. 16:2 The entire community of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness; 16:3 and the people of Israel said to them, "We wish we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to starve this entire assembly to death."

16:4 Then said Yahweh to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law, or not. 16:5 It shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily."

16:4 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Look, I will send down bread from heaven for you, and the people will go out and gather enough for each day, so I can test them to see if they will follow my laws or not. 16:5 On the sixth day, they will prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as what they gather each day."

16:6 Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, "At evening, then you shall know that Yahweh has brought you out from the land of Egypt; 16:7 and in the morning, then you shall see the glory of Yahweh; because he hears your murmurings against Yahweh. Who are we, that you murmur against us?" 16:8 Moses said, "Now Yahweh shall give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you; because Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh." 16:9 Moses said to Aaron, "Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, 'Come near before Yahweh, for he has heard your murmurings.'" 16:10 It happened, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of Yahweh appeared in the cloud. 16:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:12 "I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, 'At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread: and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God.'"

16:6 Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, "In the evening, you will realize that Yahweh has brought you out of the land of Egypt; 16:7 and in the morning, you will see the glory of Yahweh; because He hears your complaints against Yahweh. Who are we, that you complain against us?" 16:8 Moses said, "Now Yahweh will provide you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning, bread to satisfy you; because Yahweh hears your complaints which you make against Him. And who are we? Your complaints are not against us, but against Yahweh." 16:9 Moses said to Aaron, "Tell the whole congregation of the people of Israel, 'Come near before Yahweh, for He has heard your complaints.'" 16:10 As Aaron spoke to the entire congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of Yahweh appeared in the cloud. 16:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:12 "I have heard the complaints of the people of Israel. Tell them, 'In the evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will have enough bread: and you will know that I am Yahweh your God.'"

16:13 It happened at evening that quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. 16:14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 16:15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, "What is it?" For they didn't know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat." 16:16 This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: "Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, you shall take it, every man for those who are in his tent." 16:17 The children of Israel did so, and gathered some more, some less. 16:18 When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They gathered every man according to his eating. 16:19 Moses said to them, "Let no one leave of it until the morning." 16:20 Notwithstanding they didn't listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was angry with them. 16:21 They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to his eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted. 16:22 It happened that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one, and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 16:23 He said to them, "This is that which Yahweh has spoken, 'Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.'" 16:24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses asked, and it didn't become foul, neither was there any worm in it. 16:25 Moses said, "Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. Today you shall not find it in the field. 16:26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none." 16:27 It happened on the seventh day, that some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 16:28 Yahweh said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 16:29 Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day." 16:30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

16:13 That evening, quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning, there was dew all around the camp. 16:14 When the dew was gone, there was something small and round on the surface of the wilderness, as tiny as frost on the ground. 16:15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" They didn't know what it was. Moses told them, "It’s the bread that Yahweh has given you to eat." 16:16 This is what Yahweh has commanded: "Gather as much of it as you need; an omer per person, according to the number of people in your tent." 16:17 The Israelites did as directed, gathering some more and some less. 16:18 When they measured it by an omer, those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered a small amount had enough. They gathered according to their needs. 16:19 Moses said to them, "Don't leave any of it until morning." 16:20 However, they didn’t listen to Moses, and some of them left it until morning. It bred worms and went bad, and Moses was angry with them. 16:21 They gathered it every morning, each according to their needs. When the sun got hot, it melted. 16:22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each person, and all the leaders of the congregation went and told Moses. 16:23 He said to them, "This is what Yahweh has said: 'Tomorrow is a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil; and anything left over, save it for yourselves to keep until the morning.'" 16:24 They kept it until morning as Moses instructed, and it didn’t spoil, nor were there any worms in it. 16:25 Moses said, "Eat this today, for today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. You won’t find it in the field today. 16:26 You will gather it for six days, but on the seventh day, it’s the Sabbath. There won’t be any." 16:27 On the seventh day, some of the people went out to gather, but they found nothing. 16:28 Yahweh said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 16:29 Look, Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, so he gives you on the sixth day the bread for two days. Stay in your place. Don’t go out of your place on the seventh day." 16:30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

16:31 The house of Israel called its name Manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. 16:32 Moses said, "This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, 'Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.'" 16:33 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a pot, and put an omer-full of manna in it, and lay it up before Yahweh, to be kept throughout your generations." 16:34 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 16:35 The children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. 16:36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

16:31 The people of Israel named it Manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. 16:32 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh has commanded, 'Keep an omer full of it for your generations, so they can see the bread I provided for you in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt.'" 16:33 Moses told Aaron, "Take a pot, put an omer full of manna in it, and keep it before Yahweh to be preserved for your generations." 16:34 As Yahweh instructed Moses, Aaron kept it before the Testimony. 16:35 The Israelites ate the manna for forty years until they reached a land where people lived. They ate the manna until they arrived at the borders of the land of Canaan. 16:36 An omer is one-tenth of an ephah.

17:1 All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to Yahweh's commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 17:2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink."

17:1 The entire community of the Israelites traveled from the wilderness of Sin, following their journeys as Yahweh had commanded, and set up camp at Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 17:2 So the people argued with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink."

Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?"

Moses asked them, "Why are you arguing with me? Why are you putting Yahweh to the test?"

17:3 The people were thirsty for water there; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?"

17:3 The people were desperate for water there; and they complained to Moses, saying, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, just to let us, our children, and our livestock die of thirst?"

17:4 Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, "What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

17:4 Moses cried out to Yahweh, saying, "What should I do with these people? They are about to stone me."

17:5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 17:6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 17:7 He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, "Is Yahweh among us, or not?"

17:5 The Lord said to Moses, "Go ahead of the people, and take the elders of Israel with you. Take the staff you used to strike the Nile, and go. 17:6 Look, I will stand before you on the rock at Horeb. You will strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so the people can drink." Moses did this in front of the elders of Israel. 17:7 He named the place Massah, and Meribah, because the Israelites argued, and because they tested the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord with us or not?"

17:8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 17:9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us, and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God's rod in my hand." 17:10 So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 17:11 It happened, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset. 17:13 Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 17:14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky." 17:15 Moses built an altar, and called its name Yahweh our Banner. 17:16 He said, "Yah has sworn: 'Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'"

17:8 Then Amalek showed up and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 17:9 Moses told Joshua, "Pick some men for us and go out to fight Amalek. Tomorrow, I will stand on top of the hill with God's staff in my hand." 17:10 So Joshua did what Moses said and fought Amalek; while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 17:11 It happened that whenever Moses held his hand up, Israel was winning; but when he lowered his hand, Amalek was winning. 17:12 But Moses' hands got heavy, so they took a stone, put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and the other on the other side. His hands stayed steady until sunset. 17:13 Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword. 17:14 Yahweh told Moses, "Write this down as a reminder in a book and make sure Joshua hears it: I will completely erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven." 17:15 Moses built an altar and named it Yahweh our Banner. 17:16 He said, "Yah has sworn: 'Yahweh will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.'"

18:1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. 18:2 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away, 18:3 and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land". 18:4 The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, "My father's God was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh's sword." 18:5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness where he was encamped, at the Mountain of God. 18:6 He said to Moses, I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her. 18:7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent. 18:8 Moses told his father-in-law all that Yahweh had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how Yahweh delivered them. 18:9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. 18:10 Jethro said, "Blessed be Yahweh, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 18:11 Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them." 18:12 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all of the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.

18:1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law, heard about everything God had done for Moses and for Israel, His people, how Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. 18:2 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, welcomed Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away, 18:3 along with her two sons. One son's name was Gershom, because Moses said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land." 18:4 The other son's name was Eliezer, because he said, "My father's God was my help and rescued me from Pharaoh's sword." 18:5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the Mountain of God. 18:6 He said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife and her two sons." 18:7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed, and kissed him. They asked each other how they were doing and then went into the tent. 18:8 Moses told his father-in-law everything Yahweh had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the difficulties they had faced along the way, and how Yahweh had rescued them. 18:9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness Yahweh had shown to Israel by rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. 18:10 Jethro said, "Blessed be Yahweh, who has rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and from Pharaoh; who has freed the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 18:11 Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of what they arrogantly did against them." 18:12 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God.

18:13 It happened on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening. 18:14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, "What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?"

18:13 The next day, Moses sat down to judge the people, and the people gathered around him from morning until evening. 18:14 When Moses' father-in-law saw everything he was doing for the people, he asked, "What are you doing for the people? Why are you sitting alone while all the people stand around you from morning to evening?"

18:15 Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 18:16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws." 18:17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good. 18:18 You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. 18:19 Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God. 18:20 You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. 18:21 Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 18:22 Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you. 18:23 If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all of these people also will go to their place in peace."

18:15 Moses said to his father-in-law, "The people come to me to ask about God. 18:16 When they have a problem, they come to me, and I settle disputes between individuals, and I explain God’s statutes and laws to them." 18:17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you’re doing isn’t good. 18:18 You will wear yourself out, both you and the people you’re leading; this task is too heavy for you. You can’t handle it alone. 18:19 Listen to me. I’ll offer you some advice, and may God be with you. You represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. 18:20 You should teach them the statutes and laws, and show them how they should live and what they should do. 18:21 Also, you need to select capable individuals from among the people—men who fear God, are trustworthy, and dislike dishonest gains; and appoint them as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 18:22 They should handle the people’s disputes at all times. Every major issue should be brought to you, but let them deal with the minor cases themselves. This will make things easier for you, and they will help share the burden. 18:23 If you follow this advice and God commands you to do so, you’ll be able to endure, and all these people will return home in peace."

18:24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. 18:25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 18:26 They judged the people at all times. They brought the hard causes to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 18:27 Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land.

18:24 So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he suggested. 18:25 Moses selected capable men from all of Israel and appointed them as leaders of the people—leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 18:26 They judged the people at all times, bringing the tough cases to Moses while handling all minor issues themselves. 18:27 Moses allowed his father-in-law to leave, and he returned to his own land.

19:1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 19:2 When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain. 19:3 Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him out of the mountain, saying, "This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 19:4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to myself. 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; 19:6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."

19:1 In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt, on that same day they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 19:2 After leaving Rephidim and reaching the wilderness of Sinai, they set up camp there; and Israel camped in front of the mountain. 19:3 Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying, "This is what you should say to the descendants of Jacob and to the Israelites: 19:4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagles' wings, and brought you to myself. 19:5 Now, if you really listen to my voice and keep my covenant, you will be my special treasure among all nations; for the whole earth is mine; 19:6 and you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you should speak to the Israelites."

19:7 Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yahweh commanded him. 19:8 All the people answered together, and said, "All that Yahweh has spoken we will do."

19:7 Moses came and called for the leaders of the people and presented to them all the words that the Lord had commanded him. 19:8 All the people replied in unison, saying, "We will do everything that the Lord has spoken."

Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh. 19:9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever." Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh. 19:10 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, 19:11 and be ready against the third day; for on the third day Yahweh will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. 19:12 You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, 'Be careful that you don't go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death. 19:13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain."

Moses shared the people’s words with Yahweh. 19:9 Yahweh told Moses, "Look, I will come to you in a thick cloud so the people can hear me speaking to you and believe in you forever." Moses conveyed the people’s words to Yahweh. 19:10 Yahweh instructed Moses, "Go to the people, and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes, 19:11 and be ready by the third day; on that day, Yahweh will come down before everyone on Mount Sinai. 19:12 You are to put boundaries around the people and say, 'Be careful not to go up the mountain or touch its edge. Anyone who touches the mountain will surely be put to death. 19:13 No one shall lay a hand on them; they will surely be stoned or shot; whether animal or person, they will not survive.' When the trumpet sounds long, they may come up to the mountain."

19:14 Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. 19:15 He said to the people, "Be ready by the third day. Don't have sexual relations with a woman."

19:14 Moses came down from the mountain to the people and made them holy; they washed their clothes. 19:15 He told the people, "Be ready by the third day. Don't have sexual relations with a woman."

19:16 It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. 19:17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain. 19:18 Mount Sinai, all it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19:19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice. 19:20 Yahweh came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

19:16 On the third day, in the morning, there were thunder and lightning, a thick cloud over the mountain, and the sound of a loud trumpet; and everyone in the camp was afraid. 19:17 Moses took the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the base of the mountain. 19:18 Mount Sinai was all on fire because Yahweh descended on it in flames; its smoke rose like the smoke from a furnace, and the entire mountain shook violently. 19:19 As the trumpet sound got louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice. 19:20 Yahweh came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses up to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

19:21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish. 19:22 Let the priests also, who come near to Yahweh, sanctify themselves, lest Yahweh break forth on them."

19:21 God said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people not to push forward and try to see Me, or many of them will die. 19:22 Let the priests who approach Me also make sure they are holy, or else I might come down on them."

19:23 Moses said to Yahweh, "The people can't come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, 'Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.'"

19:23 Moses said to Yahweh, "The people can't approach Mount Sinai because you warned us, telling us to 'set limits around the mountain and make it holy.'"

19:24 Yahweh said to him, "Go down and you shall bring Aaron up with you, but don't let the priests and the people break through to come up to Yahweh, lest he break forth on them."

19:24 Yahweh said to him, "Go down and bring Aaron with you, but don’t let the priests and the people try to come up to Yahweh, or he’ll break out against them."

19:25 So Moses went down to the people, and told them.

19:25 So Moses went down to the people, and told them.

20:1 God spoke all these words, saying, 20:2 "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me.

20:1 God said all these things: 20:2 "I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you out of Egypt, from slavery. 20:3 You must not have any other gods besides me.

20:4 "You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 20:5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, 20:6 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

20:4 "Don't create idols or images of anything in the sky above, the earth below, or the water beneath the earth. 20:5 Don't bow down to them or worship them, because I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God. I will bring judgment on the children for the sins of their parents, affecting the third and fourth generations of those who reject me, 20:6 but I will show love to thousands of those who love me and follow my commandments."

20:7 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

20:7 "You must not use the name of Yahweh your God disrespectfully, because Yahweh will not let anyone go unpunished who misuses his name."

20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 20:9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work, 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; 20:11 for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it special. 20:9 You should work for six days and do all your tasks, 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God. No one should work on that day—not you, your son, your daughter, your male or female servant, your animals, or the outsiders living in your community; 20:11 because in six days Yahweh created the heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, and then rested on the seventh day; that's why Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day and made it special.

20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

20:12 "Respect your father and mother so that you may live a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."

20:13 "You shall not murder.

"You must not kill."

20:14 "You shall not commit adultery.

20:14 "You must not cheat on your partner.

20:15 "You shall not steal.

"You can't steal."

20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

20:16 "You must not lie about your neighbor.

20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

20:17 "You must not desire your neighbor's house. You must not desire your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

20:18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. 20:19 They said to Moses, "Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don't let God speak with us, lest we die."

20:18 Everyone felt the thunder, saw the lightning, heard the trumpet, and watched the mountain smoking. When they saw it, they were terrified and stayed back. 20:19 They told Moses, "You talk to us, and we’ll listen; but don’t let God talk to us, or we’ll die."

20:20 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won't sin." 20:21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

20:20 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and so that you will have his fear before you, so you won't sin." 20:21 The people kept their distance, and Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

20:22 Yahweh said to Moses, "This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 20:23 You shall most certainly not make alongside of me gods of silver, or gods of gold for yourselves. 20:24 You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you. 20:25 If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of cut stones; for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it. 20:26 Neither shall you go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.'

20:22 God said to Moses, "Here’s what you need to tell the people of Israel: 'You have seen that I spoke to you from heaven. 20:23 You definitely must not make for yourselves any gods made of silver or gold alongside me. 20:24 You are to make an altar of earth for me, and on it, you will offer your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and cattle. In every place where I put my name, I will come to you and bless you. 20:25 If you make me an altar of stone, do not use cut stones; if you use a tool on it, you will have defiled it. 20:26 Also, don’t go up steps to my altar, so that your nakedness is not exposed.'”

21:1 "Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them.

21:1 "Now here are the rules you should present to them.

21:2 "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything. 21:3 If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him. 21:4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. 21:5 But if the servant shall plainly say, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;' 21:6 then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.

21:2 "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he will serve for six years, and in the seventh year, he will go free without paying anything. 21:3 If he comes in single, he will leave single. If he is married, his wife can leave with him. 21:4 If his master gives him a wife and she has sons or daughters, the wife and her children will belong to the master, and he will leave alone. 21:5 But if the servant clearly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children. I don't want to go free;' 21:6 then his master will take him to God, and to the door or the doorpost, and his master will pierce his ear with an awl, and he will serve him forever.

21:7 "If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do. 21:8 If she doesn't please her master, who has married her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, seeing he has dealt deceitfully with her. 21:9 If he marries her to his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters. 21:10 If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights. 21:11 If he doesn't do these three things for her, she may go free without paying any money.

21:7 "If a man sells his daughter to be a servant, she won't be treated like the male servants. 21:8 If she doesn't please her master, who has married her, he must allow her to be bought back. He cannot sell her to someone from another country because he has treated her unfairly. 21:9 If he marries her to his son, he must treat her like one of his daughters. 21:10 If he takes another wife, he cannot reduce her food, clothing, or marital rights. 21:11 If he fails to provide these three things, she can leave without having to pay anything.

21:12 "One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death, 21:13 but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. 21:14 If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.

21:12 "Anyone who kills another person intentionally will definitely be sentenced to death, 21:13 but if it was unintentional and God permits it, then I will designate a location for him to escape to. 21:14 If someone plans and aggressively attacks their neighbor with the intent to kill, you must remove him from my altar so that he can be put to death.

21:15 "Anyone who attacks his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.

21:15 "Anyone who attacks their father or mother shall definitely be put to death.

21:16 "Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

21:16 "Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells them, or if they are found in their possession, will definitely be put to death.

21:17 "Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

21:17 "Anyone who insults their father or mother will definitely be put to death.

21:18 "If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he doesn't die, but is confined to bed; 21:19 if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.

21:18 "If two men get into a fight and one hits the other with a stone or a fist, and the victim doesn't die but ends up bedridden; 21:19 if he gets up and is able to walk with a stick, then the one who hit him won't face any charges: he just needs to compensate for the time lost and cover the costs of his recovery until he is fully healed.

21:20 "If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. 21:21 Notwithstanding, if he gets up after a day or two, he shall not be punished, for he is his property.

21:20 "If someone hits their servant or maid with a stick, and they die as a result, they will definitely face consequences. 21:21 However, if the servant or maid recovers after a day or two, there will be no punishment, because they are considered property.

21:22 "If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman's husband demands and the judges allow. 21:23 But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life, 21:24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 21:25 burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.

21:22 "If men fight and injure a pregnant woman causing her to give birth early, and if no harm results, he must be fined as much as her husband requests and the judges agree to. 21:23 But if any harm occurs, then you must pay for a life with a life, 21:24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, 21:25 a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, and a bruise for a bruise.

21:26 "If a man strikes his servant's eye, or his maid's eye, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for his eye's sake. 21:27 If he strikes out his male servant's tooth, or his female servant's tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

21:26 "If someone injures their servant's eye and causes them to lose it, they must set them free because of the injury. 21:27 If they knock out a male servant's tooth or a female servant's tooth, they must let them go free because of the tooth."

21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible. 21:29 But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death. 21:30 If a ransom is laid on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is laid on him. 21:31 Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him. 21:32 If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.

21:28 "If a bull kills a man or a woman, the bull must be stoned, and its meat cannot be eaten; however, the owner of the bull will not be held liable. 21:29 But if the bull has a history of goring people, and the owner was warned about it, yet still failed to restrain it, and it ends up killing someone, the bull will be stoned, and the owner will also be executed. 21:30 If a payment is set for him, he must pay whatever amount is required to redeem his life. 21:31 Whether it has killed a son or a daughter, the same judgment shall be applied to him. 21:32 If the bull injures a male or female servant, the owner of the servant will receive thirty shekels of silver, and the bull will be stoned.

21:33 "If a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and doesn't cover it, and a bull or a donkey falls into it, 21:34 the owner of the pit shall make it good. He shall give money to its owner, and the dead animal shall be his.

21:33 "If someone digs a pit and leaves it uncovered, and a bull or donkey falls in, 21:34 the person who owns the pit has to pay for it. They must give money to the owner of the animal, and the dead animal becomes theirs."

21:35 "If one man's bull injures another's, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live bull, and divide its price; and they shall also divide the dead animal. 21:36 Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be his own.

21:35 "If one person's bull injures another's, causing it to die, they will sell the live bull and split the money; they will also share the dead animal. 21:36 But if it's known that the bull had a history of goring and its owner didn't keep it contained, he must pay for the bull that was harmed, and the dead animal will belong to him.

22:1 "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 22:2 If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. 22:3 If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt of bloodshed for him; he shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 22:4 If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.

22:1 "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, kills it, or sells it, he must pay back five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. 22:2 If the thief is caught breaking in and is killed, there will be no guilt for the person who struck him. 22:3 But if the sun has come up and he is killed, the person who struck him will be guilty of bloodshed; he must make restitution. If he cannot provide restitution, he shall be sold to pay for his theft. 22:4 If the stolen property is found in his possession alive, whether it’s an ox, donkey, or sheep, he must pay back double.

22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.

22:5 "If someone lets their animal roam and it eats from another person's field or vineyard, they must compensate for the loss using the best produce from their own field and vineyard."

22:6 "If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

22:6 "If a fire starts and spreads to the thorns in such a way that it destroys the harvested grain, standing grain, or the field, the person who started the fire must definitely compensate for the damage."

22:7 "If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man's house; if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 22:8 If the thief isn't found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out if he hasn't put his hand to his neighbor's goods. 22:9 For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, 'This is mine,' the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

22:7 "If someone gives their neighbor money or belongings to watch over, and those items get stolen from their home; if the thief is caught, they must pay back double. 22:8 If the thief isn't caught, then the owner of the house must present themselves before God to determine if they have taken their neighbor's property. 22:9 For any case of wrongdoing, whether it involves an ox, a donkey, a sheep, clothing, or any lost item that someone claims is theirs, both parties will come before God. The one whom God finds guilty must pay double to their neighbor.

22:10 "If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it; 22:11 the oath of Yahweh shall be between them both, whether he hasn't put his hand to his neighbor's goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution. 22:12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 22:13 If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.

22:10 "If someone gives their neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to take care of, and it dies, gets hurt, or goes missing without anyone seeing what happened; 22:11 they will both take an oath before Yahweh to confirm that the caregiver did not touch the neighbor's property. The owner will accept this, and there will be no need for restitution. 22:12 But if the animal is stolen from him, he must pay the owner back. 22:13 If it is found torn apart, he should provide that as evidence. He is not responsible for what has been torn apart."

22:14 "If a man borrows anything of his neighbor's, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution. 22:15 If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.

22:14 "If someone borrows something from their neighbor and it gets damaged or destroyed while the owner isn't around, they must pay for it. 22:15 If the owner is present, they won't have to compensate. If it's something rented, it is covered by the rental agreement."

22:16 "If a man entices a virgin who isn't pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife. 22:17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

22:16 "If a man seduces a virgin who isn't engaged, and has sex with her, he must pay her dowry to take her as his wife. 22:17 If her father completely refuses to give her to him, he must pay an amount equivalent to the dowry for virgins.

22:18 "You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

22:18 "You must not let a sorceress survive.

22:19 "Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.

22:19 "Anyone who has sex with an animal must be put to death."

22:20 "He who sacrifices to any god, except to Yahweh only, shall be utterly destroyed.

22:20 "Anyone who makes sacrifices to any god, except Yahweh alone, will be completely destroyed.

22:21 "You shall not wrong an alien, neither shall you oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

22:21 "You must not mistreat a foreigner or take advantage of them, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

22:22 "You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. 22:23 If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; 22:24 and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

22:22 "Do not exploit any widow or orphan. 22:23 If you do take advantage of them and they cry out to me, I will definitely hear their cry; 22:24 and my anger will burn hot, and I will put you to death with the sword; and your wives will be widows, and your children will be fatherless.

22:25 "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor; neither shall you charge him interest. 22:26 If you take your neighbor's garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down, 22:27 for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.

22:25 "If you lend money to any of my people who are poor, don't treat them like a lender; don't charge them interest. 22:26 If you take your neighbor's coat as collateral, you need to give it back to him before sunset, 22:27 because that’s his only covering; it’s what he uses to keep warm. What will he sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will listen, because I am compassionate.

22:28 "You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

22:28 "You must not speak disrespectfully about God, nor insult a leader of your community.

22:29 "You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses.

22:29 "You should not wait to give from your harvest and from the output of your presses.

"You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me. 22:30 You shall do likewise with your cattle and with your sheep. Seven days it shall be with its mother, then on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

"You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 22:30 You should do the same with your cattle and your sheep. It will stay with its mother for seven days, and then on the eighth day, you must give it to me."

22:31 "You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.

22:31 "You are to be set apart for me, so you must not eat any meat that has been torn by wild animals in the field. You should throw it to the dogs."

23:1 "You shall not spread a false report. Don't join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness. 23:2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; neither shall you testify in court to side with a multitude to pervert justice; 23:3 neither shall you favor a poor man in his cause.

23:1 "You must not spread false information. Don’t team up with the wrongdoers to be a harmful witness. 23:2 You must not follow a crowd to do wrong; you also shouldn't testify in court to support the majority in twisting justice; 23:3 nor should you show favoritism to a poor person in their case.

23:4 "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 23:5 If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don't leave him, you shall surely help him with it.

23:4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering away, you must definitely return it to him. 23:5 If you see the donkey of someone who dislikes you fallen under its load, don’t walk away; you must help him with it.

23:6 "You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

23:6 "You must not deny justice to your less fortunate people in their legal matters.

23:7 "Keep far from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.

23:7 "Stay away from false accusations, and don't harm the innocent and good people, because I won't justify the guilty.

23:8 "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.

23:8 "Don't accept any bribes, because a bribe blinds those who can see and twists the words of the just.

23:9 "You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, seeing you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

23:9 "Don't mistreat a foreigner, because you know how it feels to be one, since you were foreigners in Egypt.

23:10 "For six years you shall sow your land, and shall gather in its increase, 23:11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the animal of the field shall eat. In like manner you shall deal with your vineyard and with your olive grove.

23:10 "For six years, you will plant your fields and gather the harvest, 23:11 but in the seventh year, you should let it rest and leave it uncultivated so the poor among your people can eat. Whatever they leave, the wild animals can eat. You should do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.

23:12 "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your handmaid, and the alien may be refreshed.

23:12 "You should work for six days and take a break on the seventh day, so that your ox and donkey can rest, along with your servant's child and the foreigner, so they can be refreshed."

23:13 "Be careful to do all things that I have said to you; and don't invoke the name of other gods, neither let them be heard out of your mouth.

23:13 "Make sure to follow everything I’ve told you, and don’t use the names of other gods; let them never be spoken by you.

23:14 "You shall observe a feast to me three times a year. 23:15 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out from Egypt), and no one shall appear before me empty. 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you sow in the field: and the feast of harvest, at the end of the year, when you gather in your labors out of the field. 23:17 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Yahweh.

23:14 "You must celebrate a festival for me three times a year. 23:15 You must celebrate the festival of unleavened bread. For seven days, you are to eat unleavened bread, as I instructed you, during the designated time in the month of Abib (because that’s when you left Egypt), and no one should come before me empty-handed. 23:16 And the festival of harvest, the first fruits of your crops that you plant in the field: and the festival of harvest, at the end of the year, when you collect your harvest from the field. 23:17 Three times a year, all your males must appear before the Lord Yahweh.

23:18 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread, neither shall the fat of my feast remain all night until the morning. 23:19 The first of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of Yahweh your God.

23:18 "You must not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread, and the fat of my feast must not stay until morning. 23:19 You should bring the first of your first fruits from the ground into the house of Yahweh your God.

"You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk.

"You must not boil a young goat in its mother's milk."

23:20 "Behold, I send an angel before you, to keep you by the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 23:21 Pay attention to him, and listen to his voice. Don't provoke him, for he will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in him. 23:22 But if you indeed listen to his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries. 23:23 For my angel shall go before you, and bring you in to the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I will cut them off. 23:24 You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor follow their practices, but you shall utterly overthrow them and demolish their pillars. 23:25 You shall serve Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from your midst. 23:26 No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. 23:27 I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 23:28 I will send the hornet before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you. 23:29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you. 23:30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land. 23:31 I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 23:32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 23:33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

23:20 "Look, I’m sending an angel ahead of you to guide you on your journey and to bring you to the place I’ve prepared. 23:21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Don’t upset him, because he won’t forgive your disobedience—my name is in him. 23:22 But if you truly listen to his voice and do everything I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23:23 My angel will go before you and will lead you to the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, and I will wipe them out. 23:24 You must not worship their gods or serve them, and you should not follow their customs; instead, you should completely overthrow them and destroy their sacred pillars. 23:25 You will serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your food and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. 23:26 No one will miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. 23:27 I will send my fear ahead of you, and I will confuse all the people you encounter, making your enemies turn and run from you. 23:28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite before you. 23:29 I won’t drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you. 23:30 I will drive them out little by little until you have grown in number and inherited the land. 23:31 I will define your borders from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will hand over the inhabitants of the land to you, and you will drive them out. 23:32 You must not make any agreements with them or their gods. 23:33 They must not live in your land, or else they will make you sin against me, because if you serve their gods, it will surely trap you."

24:1 He said to Moses, "Come up to Yahweh, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance. 24:2 Moses alone shall come near to Yahweh, but they shall not come near, neither shall the people go up with him."

24:1 He said to Moses, "Come up to the Lord, you, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance. 24:2 Moses alone shall come near to the Lord, but they shall not come near, nor shall the people go up with him."

24:3 Moses came and told the people all the words of Yahweh, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which Yahweh has spoken will we do."

24:3 Moses came and told the people everything Yahweh had said, along with all the laws; and the people responded together, saying, "We will do everything that Yahweh has spoken."

24:4 Moses wrote all the words of Yahweh, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the mountain, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 24:5 He sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of cattle to Yahweh. 24:6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 24:7 He took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, "All that Yahweh has spoken will we do, and be obedient."

24:4 Moses wrote down everything that Yahweh said, and got up early the next morning. He built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 24:5 He sent young men from the people of Israel, who offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings of cattle to Yahweh. 24:6 Moses took half of the blood and placed it in basins, and he sprinkled the other half on the altar. 24:7 He took the book of the covenant and read it out loud to the people, who replied, "We will do everything that Yahweh has said, and we will obey."

24:8 Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, "Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these words."

24:8 Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, "Look, this is the blood of the covenant that Yahweh has made with you regarding all these words."

24:9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up. 24:10 They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. 24:11 He didn't lay his hand on the nobles of the children of Israel. They saw God, and ate and drank.

24:9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up. 24:10 They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a paved surface of sapphire stone, clear like the sky. 24:11 He didn’t reach out to touch the nobles of the Israelites. They saw God and ate and drank.

24:12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the tables of stone with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them."

24:12 God said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commands I’ve written, so you can teach them."

24:13 Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain. 24:14 He said to the elders, "Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them."

24:13 Moses got up with Joshua, his servant, and they went up to God's Mountain. 24:14 He told the elders, "Stay here while we go and come back. Look, Aaron and Hur are with you. Anyone with a dispute can go to them."

24:15 Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 24:16 The glory of Yahweh settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 24:17 The appearance of the glory of Yahweh was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 24:18 Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

24:15 Moses climbed the mountain, and the cloud covered it. 24:16 The glory of Yahweh settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud stayed there for six days. On the seventh day, He called to Moses from within the cloud. 24:17 The glory of Yahweh looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain in the eyes of the Israelites. 24:18 Moses went into the cloud and climbed the mountain; he was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

25:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 25:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take my offering. 25:3 This is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, brass, 25:4 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, 25:5 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 25:6 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 25:7 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. 25:8 Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. 25:9 According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tent, and the pattern of all of its furniture, even so you shall make it.

25:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 25:2 "Tell the people of Israel to bring me an offering. Accept an offering from everyone whose heart is willing. 25:3 Here’s what you should collect from them: gold, silver, bronze, 25:4 blue, purple, scarlet yarn, fine linen, goats' hair, 25:5 red-dyed rams' skins, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 25:6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 25:7 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and the breastplate. 25:8 Have them build me a sanctuary so that I may live among them. 25:9 Follow the pattern of the tabernacle and all its furnishings, just as I show you.”

25:10 "They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height. 25:11 You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it. 25:12 You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four feet. Two rings shall be on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. 25:13 You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 25:14 You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark. 25:15 The poles shall be in the rings of the ark. They shall not be taken from it. 25:16 You shall put the testimony which I shall give you into the ark. 25:17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 25:18 You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. 25:19 Make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim on its two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. 25:20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. 25:21 You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I will give you. 25:22 There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the testimony, all that I command you for the children of Israel.

25:10 "They are to make an ark out of acacia wood. It will be two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. 25:11 You will overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 25:12 You are to cast four gold rings for it and attach them to its four feet. Two rings will be on one side and two rings on the other side. 25:13 You will make poles out of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 25:14 You will put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark so that the ark can be carried. 25:15 The poles will stay in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. 25:16 You will place the testimony that I give you inside the ark. 25:17 You will make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. 25:18 You will make two cherubim out of hammered gold, one for each end of the mercy seat. 25:19 Make one cherub at one end and the other cherub at the opposite end. The cherubim will be made from the same piece as the mercy seat. 25:20 The cherubim will spread their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing each other. Their faces will look toward the mercy seat. 25:21 You will place the mercy seat on top of the ark, and inside the ark, you will put the testimony that I will give you. 25:22 There, I will meet with you and speak to you from above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, about everything I command you for the Israelites.

25:23 "You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, and one and a half cubits its height. 25:24 You shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. 25:25 You shall make a rim of a handbreadth around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it. 25:26 You shall make four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that are on its four feet. 25:27 the rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table. 25:28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. 25:29 You shall make its dishes, its spoons, its ladles, and its bowls to pour out offerings with. You shall make them of pure gold. 25:30 You shall set bread of the presence on the table before me always.

25:23 "You will create a table made of acacia wood. It should be two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high. 25:24 You will cover it with pure gold and add a gold trim around it. 25:25 Create a rim that's a handbreadth wide around it. You will put a gold molding on its rim. 25:26 Make four gold rings for it and place the rings at the four corners on its four legs. 25:27 The rings should be close to the rim, allowing space for the poles to carry the table. 25:28 Construct the poles from acacia wood and cover them with gold so the table can be carried. 25:29 You will make its dishes, spoons, ladles, and bowls for pouring out offerings. These should be made of pure gold. 25:30 Always keep the bread of the presence set on the table before me.

25:31 "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lampstand be made, even its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it. 25:32 There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side; 25:33 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lampstand; 25:34 and in the lampstand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 25:35 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lampstand. 25:36 Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, all of it one beaten work of pure gold. 25:37 You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it. 25:38 Its snuffers and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold. 25:39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories. 25:40 See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain.

25:31 "You are to create a lampstand made of pure gold. It will be crafted from one solid piece, including its base, shaft, cups, buds, and flowers. 25:32 There will be six branches extending from its sides: three branches on one side and three branches on the other; 25:33 each branch will have three cups shaped like almond blossoms, along with a bud and a flower; and the same goes for the other three branches. 25:34 In addition, the lampstand itself will have four cups shaped like almond blossoms, along with its buds and flowers; 25:35 there will be a bud under two branches, another bud under two branches, and a third bud under two branches, all part of the six branches extending from the lampstand. 25:36 Their buds and branches will be made from the same piece, all crafted as one continuous piece of pure gold. 25:37 You will make seven lamps for it, which will illuminate the area in front of it. 25:38 The snuffers and the dishes for collecting the snuff will also be made of pure gold. 25:39 The entire lampstand, along with all its accessories, should weigh a talent of pure gold. 25:40 Make sure to follow the design that was shown to you on the mountain."

26:1 "Moreover you shall make the tent with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them. 26:2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. 26:3 Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain that is outmost in the second coupling. 26:5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one to another. 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps: and the tent shall be a unit.

26:1 "Additionally, you will create the tent using ten curtains made of fine twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet colors, featuring cherubim. They should be made by skilled craftsmen. 26:2 Each curtain will be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, and all the curtains will have the same dimensions. 26:3 You will join five curtains together on one side, and the other five curtains will be joined together on the opposite side. 26:4 You will create blue loops along the edge of the first curtain at the joining point, and you will do the same along the edge of the outer curtain in the second grouping. 26:5 You will make fifty loops on the first curtain and fifty loops on the edge of the outer curtain in the second group. The loops will face each other. 26:6 You will create fifty gold clasps to connect the curtains to each other: and the tent will become one complete structure."

26:7 "You shall make curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tent. You shall make them eleven curtains. 26:8 The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure. 26:9 You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. 26:10 You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outmost in the second coupling. 26:11 You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 26:12 The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tent. 26:13 The cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tent on this side and on that side, to cover it. 26:14 You shall make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

26:7 "You will create curtains made of goats' hair to cover the tent. Make a total of eleven curtains. 26:8 Each curtain will be thirty cubits long and four cubits wide: all eleven curtains will be the same size. 26:9 You will pair five curtains together and six curtains together, and fold the sixth curtain over the front of the tent. 26:10 You will create fifty loops along the edge of the outer curtain in the first pair and fifty loops along the edge of the outer curtain in the second pair. 26:11 Make fifty brass clasps, attach the clasps to the loops, and fasten the tent together so it becomes one. 26:12 The extra part that hangs from the tent's curtains, the half curtain that remains, should hang over the back of the tent. 26:13 The cubit on one side and the cubit on the other side of the remaining length of the tent curtains will hang over the sides of the tent on both sides, covering it. 26:14 You will create a covering for the tent made of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering made of sea cow hides on top.

26:15 "You shall make the boards for the tent of acacia wood, standing up. 26:16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the breadth of each board. 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tent. 26:18 You shall make the boards for the tent, twenty boards for the south side southward. 26:19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 26:20 For the second side of the tent, on the north side, twenty boards, 26:21 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 26:22 For the far part of the tent westward you shall make six boards. 26:23 You shall make two boards for the corners of the tent in the far part. 26:24 They shall be double beneath, and in like manner they shall be entire to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. 26:25 There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

26:15 "You will create the boards for the tent using acacia wood, and they should stand upright. 26:16 Each board will be ten cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. 26:17 Each board must have two tenons that fit together, and you will do this for all the boards in the tent. 26:18 You need to make twenty boards for the south side of the tent. 26:19 Under these twenty boards, you will place forty silver sockets; there will be two sockets under each board for its tenons. 26:20 On the north side of the tent, you'll also make twenty boards 26:21 with their forty silver sockets; two sockets under each board. 26:22 For the west end of the tent, you will make six boards. 26:23 Additionally, you will create two boards for the corners at the far end of the tent. 26:24 These corner boards will be double at the bottom, and they will be connected at the top with one ring; this is how you will do it for both corners. 26:25 In total, there will be eight boards and sixteen silver sockets; two sockets under each board.

26:26 "You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tent, 26:27 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tent, for the far part westward. 26:28 The middle bar in the midst of the boards shall pass through from end to end. 26:29 You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and you shall overlay the bars with gold. 26:30 You shall set up the tent according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.

26:26 "You will make bars out of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tent, 26:27 and five bars for the boards on the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards on the side of the tent that faces west. 26:28 The middle bar will run through the boards from end to end. 26:29 You will cover the boards with gold, and create gold rings for the bars to go through; you will also cover the bars with gold. 26:30 You will set up the tent exactly as you were shown on the mountain.

26:31 "You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman shall it be made. 26:32 You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver. 26:33 You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you. 26:34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. 26:35 You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand over against the table on the side of the tent toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.

26:31 "You will create a veil made of blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen, with cherubim designs. It will be crafted by a skilled artisan. 26:32 You will hang it on four acacia pillars that are covered in gold, with gold hooks placed on four silver bases. 26:33 You will hang the veil with the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony inside the veil; the veil will separate the holy place from the most holy space for you. 26:34 You will place the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. 26:35 You will set the table outside the veil, and position the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tent toward the south; you will place the table on the north side.

26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. 26:37 You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold: their hooks shall be of gold: and you shall cast five sockets of brass for them.

26:36 "You will create a screen for the Tent's door using blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen, crafted by an embroiderer. 26:37 You will make five acacia pillars for the screen and cover them in gold; their hooks will also be gold, and you will cast five bronze bases for them.

27:1 "You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and its height shall be three cubits. 27:2 You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it; and you shall overlay it with brass. 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins, its flesh hooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass. 27:4 You shall make a grating for it of network of brass: and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners. 27:5 You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar. 27:6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with brass. 27:7 Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar, when carrying it. 27:8 You shall make it with hollow planks. They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain.

27:1 "You will create the altar using acacia wood, measuring five cubits long and five cubits wide; it will be square, and its height will be three cubits. 27:2 You will attach horns to its four corners; these horns will be carved from a single piece, and you will cover it with brass. 27:3 You will make pots to collect the ashes, along with shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and fire pans: all of these items must be crafted from brass. 27:4 You will create a grating from brass mesh: and on the grating, you will attach four bronze rings at each corner. 27:5 You will place it under the ledge surrounding the altar below, so the mesh extends halfway up the altar. 27:6 You will make poles for the altar from acacia wood and cover them with brass. 27:7 The poles will fit into the rings, and they will be positioned on both sides of the altar for transport. 27:8 You will construct it using hollow planks. It will be made according to the design shown to you on the mountain.

27:9 "You shall make the court of the tent: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side: 27:10 and its pillars shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. 27:11 Likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 27:12 For the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. 27:13 The breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. 27:14 The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 27:15 For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 27:16 For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four. 27:17 All the pillars of the court around shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of brass. 27:18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass. 27:19 All the instruments of the tent in all its service, and all its pins, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.

27:9 "You are to create the court of the tent: on the south side, there will be hangings for the court made of fine twisted linen, one hundred cubits long for that side: 27:10 and there will be twenty pillars, with twenty sockets made of brass; the hooks for the pillars and their bands will be made of silver. 27:11 Similarly, on the north side, there will be hangings one hundred cubits long, with twenty pillars and twenty sockets made of brass; the hooks for the pillars and their bands will also be made of silver. 27:12 For the width of the court on the west side, there will be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars will be ten, and their sockets will be ten. 27:13 The width of the court on the east side will also be fifty cubits. 27:14 The hangings on one side of the gate will measure fifteen cubits; their pillars will be three, and their sockets will also be three. 27:15 On the other side there will be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars will be three, and their sockets will be three. 27:16 The gate of the court will have a screen of twenty cubits, made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen, crafted by an embroiderer; their pillars will be four, and their sockets will be four. 27:17 All the pillars around the court will be wrapped in silver; their hooks will be silver, and their sockets will be brass. 27:18 The length of the court will be one hundred cubits, and the width will be fifty cubits everywhere, with a height of five cubits made of fine twisted linen, and their sockets will be brass. 27:19 All the items used in the tent for its service, as well as all its pins, and all the pins for the court, will be made of brass.

27:20 "You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

27:20 "You must instruct the people of Israel to bring you pure olive oil crushed for the light, so that a lamp will burn continuously. 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the testimony, Aaron and his sons will maintain it from evening to morning before Yahweh: this is a lasting rule for all generations on behalf of the people of Israel.

28:1 "Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 28:2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 28:3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. 28:4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. 28:5 They shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

28:1 "Bring your brother Aaron and his sons close to you from among the Israelites, so he can serve Me as a priest—Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron. 28:2 You are to make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and beauty. 28:3 Speak to all those who are skilled, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron's garments to set him apart, so he can serve Me as a priest. 28:4 Here are the garments they will make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They will make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, so he can serve Me as a priest. 28:5 They will use gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen.

28:6 "They shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. 28:7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. 28:8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, that is on him, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 28:9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel: 28:10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel: you shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. 28:12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial. 28:13 You shall make settings of gold, 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work: and you shall put the braided chains on the settings.

28:6 "They will create the ephod using gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen, made by skilled craftsmen. 28:7 It will have two shoulder straps attached to its ends, so they can be connected. 28:8 The intricately woven band on it will match the craftsmanship and be made from the same materials: gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen. 28:9 You are to take two onyx stones and engrave the names of the children of Israel on them: 28:10 six names on one stone and the other six names on the second stone, in the order of their birth. 28:11 Using the work of a stone engraver, similar to signet engravings, you will engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel and set them in gold settings. 28:12 You will place the two stones on the ephod's shoulder straps as a memorial for the children of Israel: Aaron will carry their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders as a reminder. 28:13 You will create gold settings, 28:14 and two pure gold chains; you will braid them like cords and attach the braided chains to the settings.

28:15 "You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. 28:16 It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length of it, and a span its breadth. 28:17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; 28:18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 28:19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 28:20 and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. 28:21 The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. 28:22 You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 28:23 You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 28:24 You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 28:25 The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart. 28:26 You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. 28:27 You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28:28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod. 28:29 Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Yahweh continually. 28:30 You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before Yahweh: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continually.

28:15 "You are to create a breastplate of judgment, made by a skilled craftsman; it should be like the ephod in its design. Use gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen to make it. 28:16 It must be square and double-folded; it shall measure a span in length and a span in width. 28:17 You will set four rows of stones in it: the first row should consist of a ruby, topaz, and beryl; 28:18 the second row should have a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 28:19 the third row should contain a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 28:20 and the fourth row should include a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper: all shall be set in gold. 28:21 The stones will be named after the children of Israel, twelve in total, with each stone engraved like a signet according to their names for the twelve tribes. 28:22 You shall make chains for the breastplate like cords, crafted from pure gold. 28:23 You will create two rings of gold for the breastplate and attach them to its two ends. 28:24 The two braided gold chains will be placed in these rings at the ends of the breastplate. 28:25 The other ends of the two braided chains should be attached to the two settings on the shoulder straps of the ephod at the front. 28:26 Make two more rings of gold and place them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the side that faces the inside of the ephod. 28:27 You will create another two rings of gold and attach them to the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, at the front, close to where they connect, above the intricately woven band of the ephod. 28:28 These will fasten the breastplate to the ephod through its rings with a blue lace, ensuring that it stays on the woven band of the ephod and does not swing away from it. 28:29 Aaron will carry the names of the children of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, as a continual memorial before Yahweh. 28:30 You must place the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate of judgment; they will be on Aaron's heart when he approaches Yahweh, and he will bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continuously.

28:31 "You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 28:32 It shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. 28:33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, around its hem; and bells of gold between and around them: 28:34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. 28:35 It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die.

28:31 "You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely blue. 28:32 It should have a hole for the head in the center, with a binding of woven work around the hole, like the hole of a coat of mail, to prevent it from tearing. 28:33 On the hem, you are to make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around the edge; and place gold bells in between and around them: 28:34 a gold bell and a pomegranate, a gold bell and a pomegranate, along the hem of the robe. 28:35 It shall be worn by Aaron for ministry, and its sound will be heard when he enters the holy place before Yahweh and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

28:36 "You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, 'HOLY TO YAHWEH.' 28:37 You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be. 28:38 It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh. 28:39 You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of the embroiderer.

28:36 "You will create a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like a signet, 'HOLY TO YAHWEH.' 28:37 You will attach it to a blue cord and place it on the front of the sash. 28:38 It will be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron will carry the guilt of the holy things that the children of Israel will make holy in all their offerings; it will always be on his forehead so that they may be accepted before Yahweh. 28:39 You will weave the robe in a checker pattern of fine linen, and you will make a turban of fine linen, and you will create a sash, crafted by an embroiderer.

28:40 "You shall make coats for Aaron's sons, and you shall make sashes for them and you shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. 28:41 You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest's office. 28:42 You shall make them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness; from the waist even to the thighs they shall reach: 28:43 They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they don't bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him.

28:40 "You will create tunics for Aaron's sons, and you will make sashes and headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. 28:41 You will put them on Aaron, your brother, and on his sons alongside him, and you will anoint them, consecrate them, and set them apart so that they can serve me as priests. 28:42 You will make them linen undergarments to cover their nakedness; they should extend from the waist to the thighs: 28:43 They will be on Aaron and his sons when they enter the Tent of Meeting or when they approach the altar to serve in the holy place; this way, they won’t bear guilt and die. This will be a lasting ordinance for him and his descendants after him.

29:1 "This is the thing that you shall do to them to make them holy, to minister to me in the priest's office: take one young bull and two rams without blemish, 29:2 unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil: you shall make them of fine wheat flour. 29:3 You shall put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bull and the two rams. 29:4 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water. 29:5 You shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat, the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, and dress him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod; 29:6 and you shall set the turban on his head, and put the holy crown on the turban. 29:7 Then you shall take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head, and anoint him. 29:8 You shall bring his sons, and put coats on them. 29:9 You shall dress them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.

29:1 "Here’s what you need to do to make them holy and serve me as priests: take one young bull and two rams without defects, 29:2 along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil; these should be made from fine wheat flour. 29:3 Place them in one basket and bring the basket with the bull and the two rams. 29:4 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 29:5 Take the garments and dress Aaron in the coat, the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, fastening the skillfully woven band of the ephod around him; 29:6 set the turban on his head and place the holy crown on the turban. 29:7 Then take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him. 29:8 Bring his sons and put coats on them. 29:9 Dress them with belts, include Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them; they will have the priesthood as a lasting ordinance, and you will consecrate Aaron and his sons.

29:10 "You shall bring the bull before the Tent of Meeting: and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. 29:11 You shall kill the bull before Yahweh, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 29:12 You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar. 29:13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. 29:14 But the flesh of the bull, and its skin, and its dung, you shall burn with fire outside of the camp: it is a sin offering.

29:10 "You are to bring the bull to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons will place their hands on the bull's head. 29:11 You must kill the bull in front of Yahweh, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 29:12 Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour all the blood at the base of the altar. 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the insides, the liver cover, the two kidneys, and the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 29:14 However, you must burn the flesh of the bull, along with its skin and dung, with fire outside the camp: it is a sin offering.

29:15 "You shall also take the one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. 29:16 You shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood, and sprinkle it around on the altar. 29:17 You shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its innards, and its legs, and put them with its pieces, and with its head. 29:18 You shall burn the whole ram on the altar: it is a burnt offering to Yahweh; it is a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

29:15 "You are also to take one ram, and Aaron and his sons will place their hands on the head of the ram. 29:16 You will kill the ram, take its blood, and sprinkle it around the altar. 29:17 You will cut the ram into pieces, wash its innards and legs, and place them with the other pieces and the head. 29:18 You will burn the entire ram on the altar: it is a burnt offering to Yahweh; it is a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

29:19 "You shall take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. 29:20 Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 29:21 You shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be made holy, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him. 29:22 Also you shall take some of the ram's fat, the fat tail, the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration), 29:23 and one loaf of bread, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before Yahweh. 29:24 You shall put all of this in Aaron's hands, and in his sons' hands, and shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. 29:25 You shall take them from their hands, and burn them on the altar on the burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma before Yahweh: it is an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

29:19 "You are to take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons will place their hands on its head. 29:20 Then you will kill the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the tip of the right ear of his sons, on the thumb of their right hands, and on the big toe of their right feet, and sprinkle the blood all around the altar. 29:21 You will take the blood from the altar, along with the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, his garments, his sons, and the garments of his sons with him: and he will be made holy, along with his garments, his sons, and his sons' garments with him. 29:22 You will also take some of the ram's fat, the fat tail, the fat that covers the insides, the covering of the liver, the two kidneys, the fat on them, and the right thigh (since it is a ram of consecration), 29:23 and one loaf of bread, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before Yahweh. 29:24 You will place all of this in Aaron's hands and in his sons' hands, and wave them as a wave offering before Yahweh. 29:25 You will take them from their hands and burn them on the altar as a burnt offering, creating a pleasant aroma before Yahweh: it is a fire offering to Yahweh.

29:26 "You shall take the breast of Aaron's ram of consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before Yahweh: and it shall be your portion. 29:27 You shall sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the thigh of the wave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons: 29:28 and it shall be for Aaron and his sons as their portion forever from the children of Israel; for it is a wave offering: and it shall be a wave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, even their wave offering to Yahweh.

29:26 "You will take the breast of Aaron's ram used for consecration and wave it as a special offering before Yahweh: this will be your share. 29:27 You will set apart the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the wave offering, which is waved and lifted up, from the ram of consecration, for Aaron and his sons: 29:28 and it will belong to Aaron and his sons as their share forever from the children of Israel; because it is a wave offering: and it will be a wave offering from the children of Israel as part of their peace offerings, specifically their wave offering to Yahweh.

29:29 "The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him, to be anointed in them, and to be consecrated in them. 29:30 Seven days shall the son who is priest in his place put them on, when he comes into the Tent of Meeting to minister in the holy place.

29:29 "Aaron's sacred garments will be passed down to his sons, so they can be anointed and consecrated in them. 29:30 For seven days, the son who serves as priest in his stead shall wear them when he enters the Tent of Meeting to perform duties in the holy place.

29:31 "You shall take the ram of consecration, and boil its flesh in a holy place. 29:32 Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 29:33 They shall eat those things with which atonement was made, to consecrate and sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat of it, because they are holy. 29:34 If anything of the flesh of the consecration, or of the bread, remains to the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

29:31 "You are to take the ram for consecration and cook its meat in a sacred place. 29:32 Aaron and his sons will eat the ram’s meat and the bread from the basket at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 29:33 They will eat the items used for atonement to consecrate and sanctify them, but a stranger must not eat them, as they are holy. 29:34 If there is any meat from the consecration or bread left by morning, you must burn the leftovers: it must not be eaten because it is holy.

29:35 "You shall do so to Aaron, and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. You shall consecrate them seven days. 29:36 Every day you shall offer the bull of sin offering for atonement: and you shall cleanse the altar, when you make atonement for it; and you shall anoint it, to sanctify it. 29:37 Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar, and sanctify it: and the altar shall be most holy; whatever touches the altar shall be holy.

29:35 "You are to do this for Aaron and his sons, following all my instructions. Set them apart for seven days. 29:36 Each day, you must present a bull as a sin offering for atonement; cleanse the altar after making atonement for it, and anoint it to make it holy. 29:37 For seven days, you will atone for the altar and make it holy— the altar will be extremely sacred; anything that touches the altar will be considered holy.

29:38 "Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. 29:39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at evening: 29:40 and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 29:41 The other lamb you shall offer at evening, and shall do to it according to the meal offering of the morning, and according to its drink offering, for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29:42 It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tent of Meeting before Yahweh, where I will meet with you, to speak there to you. 29:43 There I will meet with the children of Israel; and the place shall be sanctified by my glory. 29:44 I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar: Aaron also and his sons I will sanctify, to minister to me in the priest's office. 29:45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. 29:46 They shall know that I am Yahweh their God, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them: I am Yahweh their God.

29:38 "This is what you should offer on the altar: two one-year-old lambs every day, continuously. 29:39 You will offer one lamb in the morning and the other lamb in the evening. 29:40 Along with the first lamb, present a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of beaten oil, and a quarter of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 29:41 The other lamb you will offer in the evening, doing so with the same meal offering and drink offering as in the morning, to create a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29:42 This offering will be a continual burnt offering for all your generations, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting before Yahweh, where I will meet with you and speak to you. 29:43 There I will meet with the people of Israel, and that place will be sanctified by my glory. 29:44 I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar; I will also sanctify Aaron and his sons, so they may minister to me as priests. 29:45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and be their God. 29:46 They will know that I am Yahweh their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so I can dwell among them: I am Yahweh their God.

30:1 "You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood. 30:2 Its length shall be a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. 30:3 You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it. 30:4 You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and they shall be for places for poles with which to bear it. 30:5 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 30:6 You shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you. 30:7 Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it. 30:8 When Aaron lights the lamps at evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before Yahweh throughout your generations. 30:9 You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt offering, nor meal offering; and you shall pour no drink offering on it. 30:10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh."

30:1 "You will create an altar for burning incense. Use acacia wood to build it. 30:2 Its length and width will each be a cubit, making it square, and its height will be two cubits. Its horns will be one piece with it. 30:3 Gold will cover it—its top, sides, and horns; and there will be a gold molding around it. 30:4 You will make two gold rings for it under the molding on both sides, and these rings will be for the poles that carry it. 30:5 The poles will also be made of acacia wood and covered in gold. 30:6 Place it in front of the veil by the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is above the testimony, where I will meet with you. 30:7 Every morning, Aaron will burn sweet incense on it. He will burn it when tending the lamps. 30:8 When Aaron lights the lamps in the evening, he will also burn it, making it a continual incense before Yahweh for all your generations. 30:9 Do not offer any unauthorized incense on it, nor burnt offerings, nor grain offerings, and do not pour any drink offerings on it. 30:10 Aaron will make atonement on its horns once a year; using the blood of the sin offering for atonement, he will do this annually for all your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh."

30:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 30:12 "When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are numbered among them, then each man shall give a ransom for his soul to Yahweh, when you number them; that there be no plague among them when you number them. 30:13 They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs;) half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh. 30:14 Everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the offering to Yahweh. 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls. 30:16 You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls."

30:11 God spoke to Moses, saying, 30:12 "When you count the people of Israel, everyone who is included in the count must give a ransom for their life to God; this is to prevent any plague among them during the counting. 30:13 Each person who is counted must give half a shekel based on the standard of the sanctuary shekel; (the shekel is worth twenty gerahs); half a shekel as an offering to God. 30:14 Everyone who is counted, from the age of twenty and older, must contribute the offering to God. 30:15 The wealthy are not to give more, and the poor are not to give less than half a shekel when they present their offering to God, to atone for their lives. 30:16 You will collect this atonement money from the people of Israel and dedicate it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; this will serve as a reminder for the people of Israel before God, to atone for their lives."

30:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 30:18 "You shall also make a basin of brass, and its base of brass, in which to wash. You shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. 30:19 Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in it. 30:20 When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 30:21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations."

30:17 God spoke to Moses, saying, 30:18 "You are to make a basin of brass, along with a brass base, for washing. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and fill it with water. 30:19 Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet in it. 30:20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they must wash with water, so they do not die; or when they come near the altar to serve and to offer a fire offering to God. 30:21 They must wash their hands and feet to avoid death: this will be a lasting law for them and for his descendants throughout their generations."

30:22 Moreover Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 30:23 "Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty; 30:24 and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil. 30:25 You shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil. 30:26 You shall use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, 30:27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 30:28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its base. 30:29 You shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy. 30:30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest's office. 30:31 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations. 30:32 It shall not be poured on man's flesh, neither shall you make any like it, according to its composition: it is holy. It shall be holy to you. 30:33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.'"

30:22 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 30:23 "Also take fine spices: liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; fragrant cinnamon, half as much, two hundred and fifty; fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty; 30:24 cassia, five hundred, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil. 30:25 You shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume crafted by a skilled perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil. 30:26 You shall use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, 30:27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 30:28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its base. 30:29 You shall sanctify them, so they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy. 30:30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, so they may minister to me in the priest's office. 30:31 You shall tell the children of Israel, saying, 'This shall be a holy anointing oil for me throughout your generations. 30:32 It shall not be poured on human flesh, nor shall you make any like it, according to its formula: it is holy. It shall be holy to you. 30:33 Whoever makes any like it, or puts any of it on an outsider, shall be cut off from his people.'"

30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be an equal weight; 30:35 and you shall make incense of it, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy: 30:36 and you shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be to you most holy. 30:37 The incense which you shall make, according to its composition you shall not make for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Yahweh. 30:38 Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people."

30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Gather sweet spices, gum resin, onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices along with pure frankincense, with each ingredient weighed equally; 30:35 and you will create incense from it, a perfume crafted like a perfumer would, seasoned with salt, pure and holy: 30:36 and you shall grind some of it very fine and place some before the testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet you. It shall be most holy to you. 30:37 The incense you create, based on this recipe, you must not make for yourselves: it will be holy to Yahweh. 30:38 Anyone who makes something similar to it, just to smell it, will be cut off from their people."

31:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:2 "Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 31:4 to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 31:5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. 31:6 I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 31:7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent, 31:8 the table and its vessels, the pure lampstand with all its vessels, the altar of incense, 31:9 the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base, 31:10 the finely worked garments--the holy garments for Aaron the priest--the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's office, 31:11 the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do."

31:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:2 "Look, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah: 31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of craftsmanship, 31:4 to create skilled works, to work with gold, silver, and bronze, 31:5 and in cutting stones for settings, and in carving wood, to do all kinds of craftsmanship. 31:6 I have also appointed Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan to work with him; and in the hearts of all who are wise-hearted, I have given wisdom so that they may make everything I have commanded you: 31:7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat on it, all the furniture of the Tent, 31:8 the table and its utensils, the pure lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, 31:9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the basin and its stand, 31:10 the finely crafted garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest—the garments for his sons to serve in the priest's office, 31:11 the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: they will do everything I have commanded you."

31:12 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:13 "Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, 'Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you. 31:14 You shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31:15 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death. 31:16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 31:17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.'"

31:12 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:13 "Tell the people of Israel, 'You must definitely keep my Sabbaths, as it's a sign between us for all generations, so that you will know that I am Yahweh who makes you holy. 31:14 You must observe the Sabbath; it is sacred to you. Anyone who violates it will certainly be put to death; whoever does any work on that day will be cut off from their people. 31:15 You can work for six days, but the seventh day is a holy Sabbath of rest dedicated to Yahweh. Anyone who works on the Sabbath day must be put to death. 31:16 Therefore, the people of Israel are to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant. 31:17 It is a sign between me and the people of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh created the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.'"

31:18 He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God's finger.

31:18 He gave Moses, after finishing his conversation with him on Mount Sinai, the two stone tablets containing the testimony, written with God's own finger.

32:1 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him."

32:1 When the people saw that Moses was taking a long time to come down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come on, make us some gods to lead us, because we don’t know what happened to this Moses, the guy who brought us out of Egypt."

32:2 Aaron said to them, "Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me."

32:2 Aaron said to them, "Take off the gold earrings from your wives, sons, and daughters and bring them to me."

32:3 All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 32:4 He received what they handed him, and fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molten calf; and they said, "These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt."

32:3 Everyone took off the gold earrings they were wearing and brought them to Aaron. 32:4 He accepted what they gave him, crafted it with a carving tool, and made a golden calf. They said, "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you out of Egypt."

32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation, and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to Yahweh."

32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of it; and Aaron announced, "Tomorrow will be a feast to the Lord."

32:6 They rose up early on the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

32:6 They got up early the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up to have fun.

32:7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves! 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, 'These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.'"

32:7 God said to Moses, "Go down there; your people, whom you brought out of Egypt, have messed up! 32:8 They've quickly gone off the path I set for them. They made a gold calf, worshiped it, and sacrificed to it, saying, 'These are your gods, Israel, who brought you out of Egypt.'"

32:9 Yahweh said to Moses, "I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 32:10 Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation."

32:9 God said to Moses, "I have seen these people, and look, they are very stubborn. 32:10 So now, let me be, so my anger can flare up against them, and I can destroy them; then I will make you into a great nation."

32:11 Moses begged Yahweh his God, and said, "Yahweh, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, that you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 32:12 Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'He brought them forth for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?' Turn from your fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against your people. 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.'"

32:11 Moses pleaded with Yahweh his God, saying, "Yahweh, why are you so angry with your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 32:12 What will the Egyptians say, 'He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to wipe them off the face of the earth?' Turn away from your intense anger, and change your mind about this disaster for your people. 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you promised by your own self, saying, 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and all this land that I have talked about I will give to your descendants, and they will inherit it forever.'"

32:14 Yahweh repented of the evil which he said he would do to his people.

32:14 Yahweh changed his mind about the harm he said he would do to his people.

32:15 Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand; tablets that were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. 32:16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tables.

32:15 Moses turned and went down from the mountain, holding the two tablets of the testimony; they were written on both sides, on the front and the back. 32:16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God’s own, engraved on the stones.

32:17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, "There is the noise of war in the camp."

32:17 When Joshua heard the commotion of the people shouting, he said to Moses, "There's the sound of war in the camp."

32:18 He said, "It isn't the voice of those who shout for victory, neither is it the voice of those who cry for being overcome; but the noise of those who sing that I hear." 32:19 It happened, as soon as he came near to the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger grew hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mountain. 32:20 He took the calf which they had made, and burnt it with fire, ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

32:18 He said, "It's not the voice of those who cheer for victory, nor is it the voice of those who wail for defeat; it's the sounds of those who sing that I hear." 32:19 When he got close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing, and Moses became very angry. He threw down the tablets he was holding and shattered them at the foot of the mountain. 32:20 He took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it into powder, scattered it on the water, and made the people of Israel drink it.

32:21 Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?"

32:21 Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you that made you lead them into such a huge sin?"

32:22 Aaron said, "Don't let the anger of my lord grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. 32:23 For they said to me, 'Make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.' 32:24 I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them take it off:' so they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."

32:22 Aaron said, "Don't let my lord get so angry. You know these people—they're prone to doing bad things. 32:23 They told me, 'Make us gods to lead us, because we don't know what's happened to this Moses, the guy who brought us out of Egypt.' 32:24 I told them, 'Anyone with gold, take it off.' So they gave it to me, and I tossed it into the fire, and out came this calf."

32:25 When Moses saw that the people had broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies), 32:26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on Yahweh's side, come to me!"

32:25 When Moses saw that the people had gone wild, (because Aaron had let them get out of control to make fun of their enemies), 32:26 then Moses stood at the entrance of the camp and said, "Whoever is with Yahweh, come to me!"

All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 32:27 He said to them, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.'" 32:28 The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. 32:29 Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to Yahweh, yes, every man against his son, and against his brother; that he may bestow on you a blessing this day."

All the sons of Levi came together to him. 32:27 He said to them, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'Every man put your sword on your side and move through the camp from gate to gate. Each of you kill your brother, your companion, and your neighbor.'" 32:28 The sons of Levi did what Moses said, and about three thousand men fell that day. 32:29 Moses said, "Make yourselves holy today for Yahweh, even if it means turning against your son or your brother; so He may give you a blessing today."

32:30 It happened on the next day, that Moses said to the people, "You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin."

32:30 The next day, Moses said to the people, "You've committed a serious sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Maybe I can make atonement for your sin."

32:31 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold. 32:32 Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin--and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written."

32:31 Moses went back to Yahweh and said, "Oh, these people have committed a terrible sin and have created gold gods for themselves. 32:32 But now, if you will, forgive their sin—and if not, please erase me from the book you've written."

32:33 Yahweh said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 32:34 Now go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin." 32:35 Yahweh struck the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

32:33 God said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, I will remove from my book. 32:34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look, my angel will go ahead of you. However, when the day comes for me to punish, I will hold them accountable for their sin." 32:35 God struck the people because they made the calf that Aaron created.

33:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Depart, go up from here, you and the people that you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your seed.' 33:2 I will send an angel before you; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 33:3 to a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I consume you in the way."

33:1 God said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought out of Egypt, and go to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' 33:2 I will send an angel ahead of you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites: 33:3 to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I won't go with you, because you are a stubborn people, and I might destroy you on the way."

33:4 When the people heard this evil news, they mourned: and no one put on his jewelry.

33:4 When the people heard this terrible news, they mourned, and no one wore their jewelry.

33:5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell the children of Israel, 'You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go up into your midst for one moment, I would consume you. Therefore now take off your jewelry from you, that I may know what to do to you.'"

33:5 God said to Moses, "Tell the people of Israel, 'You are a stubborn group. If I were to be among you for even a moment, I would destroy you. So now, take off your jewelry so I can decide what to do with you.'"

33:6 The children of Israel stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

33:6 The Israelites took off their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

33:7 Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and he called it "The Tent of Meeting." It happened that everyone who sought Yahweh went out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp. 33:8 It happened that when Moses went out to the Tent, that all the people rose up, and stood, everyone at their tent door, and watched Moses, until he had gone into the Tent. 33:9 It happened, when Moses entered into the Tent, that the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and spoke with Moses. 33:10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the Tent, and all the people rose up and worshiped, everyone at their tent door. 33:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn't depart out of the Tent.

33:7 Moses would set up the tent outside the camp, a good distance away, and he called it "The Tent of Meeting." Whenever anyone wanted to seek Yahweh, they would go out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp. 33:8 When Moses went out to the Tent, all the people would get up and stand by their tent doors, watching him until he entered the Tent. 33:9 When Moses entered the Tent, the pillar of cloud would come down, stand at the entrance of the Tent, and speak with Moses. 33:10 The people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the Tent, and they all got up and worshiped, each at their tent door. 33:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. Then he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, stayed in the Tent.

33:12 Moses said to Yahweh, "Behold, you tell me, 'Bring up this people:' and you haven't let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' 33:13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight: and consider that this nation is your people."

33:12 Moses said to Yahweh, "Look, you tell me, 'Lead this people,' but you haven't told me who will go with me. Yet you said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' 33:13 Now if I really have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways so I can know you better and continue to find favor in your sight. Remember, this nation is your people."

33:14 He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

33:14 He said, "I'll be with you, and I'll give you peace."

33:15 He said to him, "If your presence doesn't go with me, don't carry us up from here. 33:16 For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn't it in that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?"

33:15 He said to him, "If you’re not coming with me, then don’t take us away from here. 33:16 How will anyone know that I have your favor, I and my people? It’s because you go with us that we are distinct, I and my people, from everyone else on the planet."

33:17 Yahweh said to Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

33:17 God said to Moses, "I'll do what you asked; you've found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

33:18 He said, "Please show me your glory."

33:18 He said, "Please show me your greatness."

33:19 He said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." 33:20 He said, "You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live." 33:21 Yahweh also said, "Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. 33:22 It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 33:23 then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

33:19 He said, "I will let all my goodness pass before you and declare the name of Yahweh to you. I will be merciful to whom I choose to be merciful, and I will show compassion to whom I choose to show compassion." 33:20 He continued, "You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live." 33:21 Yahweh also said, "Look, there’s a spot near me where you can stand on the rock. 33:22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a crack of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 33:23 then I will remove my hand, and you will see my back; but my face cannot be seen."

34:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Chisel two stone tablets like the first: and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 34:2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain. 34:3 No one shall come up with you; neither let anyone be seen throughout all the mountain; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mountain."

34:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Carve out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will inscribe on them the same words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 34:2 Be ready by morning, and come up to Mount Sinai in the morning. Present yourself to me at the top of the mountain. 34:3 No one is allowed to come up with you; no one should be seen anywhere on the mountain; and let neither the flocks nor herds graze near that mountain."

34:4 He chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as Yahweh had commanded him, and took in his hand two stone tablets. 34:5 Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Yahweh. 34:6 Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children's children, on the third and on the fourth generation."

34:4 He carved two stone tablets like the first ones; and Moses got up early in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai, just as Yahweh had instructed him, taking two stone tablets in his hand. 34:5 Yahweh came down in the cloud and stood there with him, proclaiming the name of Yahweh. 34:6 Yahweh passed by him and said, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and filled with loyal love and truth, 34:7 keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin; yet He will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and on the children's children, to the third and fourth generation."

34:8 Moses hurried and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. 34:9 He said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance."

34:8 Moses quickly lowered his head to the ground and worshiped. 34:9 He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, Lord, please let your presence be among us; even though we are a stubborn people, forgive our wrongdoing and our sins, and accept us as your own."

34:10 He said, "Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which you are shall see the work of Yahweh; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you. 34:11 Observe that which I command you this day. Behold, I drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 34:12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare in the midst of you: 34:13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherim; 34:14 for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 34:15 Don't make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the prostitute after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of his sacrifice; 34:16 and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods. 34:17 You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

34:10 He said, "Look, I’m making a promise: in front of all your people, I will perform wonders like nothing that’s ever been done in all the world or in any nation; and all the people among whom you are will see what Yahweh is doing; for it’s an amazing thing that I’m doing with you. 34:11 Pay attention to what I’m telling you today. Look, I’m driving out the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites ahead of you. 34:12 Be careful not to make a deal with the people in the land where you’re going, or it could trap you: 34:13 you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles; 34:14 for you must not worship any other god, because Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 34:15 Don’t form a pact with the people in the land, or they will lead you astray into worshipping their gods and offer sacrifices to them, and someone might invite you to eat from their sacrifice; 34:16 and if you take their daughters for your sons, their daughters will lead your sons to worship their gods as well. 34:17 You must not make any metal idols for yourselves.

34:18 "You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib; for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt. 34:19 All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 34:20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb: and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty.

34:18 "You must celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days, you will eat unleavened bread, as I instructed you, during the appointed time in the month of Abib; because in the month of Abib, you left Egypt. 34:19 Everything that opens the womb is mine, and all your male livestock, the firstborn of cattle and sheep, belongs to me. 34:20 You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; and if you don’t redeem it, you must break its neck. You must redeem all your firstborn sons. No one should appear before me empty-handed."

34:21 "Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. 34:22 You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year's end. 34:23 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel. 34:24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Yahweh, your God, three times in the year.

34:21 "You shall work for six days, but on the seventh day, you must take a break: during planting season and harvest, you shall rest. 34:22 You shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the first harvest of wheat, and the harvest festival at the end of the year. 34:23 Three times a year, all your men must present themselves before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel. 34:24 I will drive out nations ahead of you and expand your territory; no one will want your land when you come to present yourselves before Yahweh, your God, three times a year.

34:25 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the Passover be left to the morning. 34:26 You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk."

34:25 "You must not offer the blood of my sacrifice with bread made with yeast, and you should not let the sacrifice of the Passover feast stay until morning. 34:26 You must bring the firstborn of your crops to the house of Yahweh your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk."

34:27 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write you these words: for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel."

34:27 God said to Moses, "Write these words down: because of these words, I have made a covenant with you and with Israel."

34:28 He was there with Yahweh forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

34:28 He was with Yahweh for forty days and forty nights; he didn’t eat bread or drink water. He wrote the words of the covenant, the ten commandments, on the tablets.

34:29 It happened, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mountain, that Moses didn't know that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him. 34:30 When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him. 34:31 Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them. 34:32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them all of the commandments that Yahweh had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 34:33 When Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34:34 But when Moses went in before Yahweh to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded. 34:35 The children of Israel saw Moses' face, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

34:29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands, he didn't realize that his face was shining because he had been speaking with God. 34:30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, they noticed that his face was radiant, and they were afraid to approach him. 34:31 Moses called out to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation came back to him, and Moses spoke to them. 34:32 Later, all the Israelites gathered around, and he gave them all the commandments that God had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. 34:33 After Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34:34 But whenever Moses went in to speak with God, he took off the veil until he came out; then he would come out and tell the Israelites what he had been commanded. 34:35 The Israelites saw that Moses' face was shining; then Moses would put the veil back on his face until he went in to speak with God again.

35:1 Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, "These are the words which Yahweh has commanded, that you should do them. 35:2 'Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Yahweh: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death. 35:3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.'"

35:1 Moses gathered everyone from the community of the Israelites and said to them, "These are the commands that Yahweh has given you to follow. 35:2 'You may work for six days, but the seventh day is a holy day for you, a Sabbath of complete rest dedicated to Yahweh. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. 35:3 You must not light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath day.'"

35:4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, "This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying, 35:5 'Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, Yahweh's offering: gold, silver, brass, 35:6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, 35:7 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 35:8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 35:9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

35:4 Moses addressed the entire assembly of the Israelites, saying, "This is what Yahweh has commanded: 35:5 'Bring an offering to Yahweh from among you. If anyone has a willing heart, let them bring it as an offering to Yahweh: gold, silver, bronze, 35:6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, 35:7 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 35:8 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 35:9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and the breastplate.

35:10 "'Let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that Yahweh has commanded: 35:11 the tent, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; 35:12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen; 35:13 the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread; 35:14 the lampstand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light; 35:15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tent; 35:16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of brass, it poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base; 35:17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; 35:18 the pins of the tent, the pins of the court, and their cords; 35:19 the finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.'"

35:10 "'Let every skilled person among you come and make everything that the Lord has commanded: 35:11 the tent, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; 35:12 the ark and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen; 35:13 the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the showbread; 35:14 the lampstand for the light, with its utensils, its lamps, and the oil for the light; 35:15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, the screen for the door at the entrance of the tent; 35:16 the altar for burnt offerings, with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its base; 35:17 the hangings of the courtyard, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the courtyard; 35:18 the tent pegs, the courtyard pegs, and their cords; 35:19 the finely tailored garments for serving in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's office.'"

35:20 All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 35:21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought Yahweh's offering, for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments. 35:22 They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh. 35:23 Everyone, with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them. 35:24 Everyone who did offer an offering of silver and brass brought Yahweh's offering; and everyone, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. 35:25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen. 35:26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats' hair. 35:27 The rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastplate; 35:28 and the spice, and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 35:29 The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to Yahweh; every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Yahweh had commanded to be made by Moses.

35:20 The entire community of the people of Israel left Moses' presence. 35:21 They came, everyone whose heart was stirred and everyone whose spirit was willing, bringing offerings to Yahweh for the work of the Tent of Meeting, for its services, and for the holy garments. 35:22 They came, both men and women, all who were willing-hearted, bringing brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all kinds of gold jewelry; each person who offered a gold gift to Yahweh. 35:23 Everyone who had blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and sea cow hides brought them. 35:24 Everyone who contributed silver and bronze brought gifts for Yahweh; and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it. 35:25 All the skilled women spun with their hands, bringing the blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen they had made. 35:26 All the women whose hearts were stirred to use their skills spun the goat hair. 35:27 The leaders brought onyx stones and other stones to be set for the ephod and breastplate; 35:28 and the spices and oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 35:29 The people of Israel brought a freewill offering to Yahweh; every man and woman whose hearts were willing to contribute to all the work that Yahweh had commanded to be done through Moses.

35:30 Moses said to the children of Israel, "Behold, Yahweh has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 35:31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; 35:32 and to make skillful works, to work in gold, in silver, in brass, 35:33 in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of skillful workmanship. 35:34 He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.

35:30 Moses said to the people of Israel, "Look, the Lord has named Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. 35:31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills; 35:32 to create skillful works, to work with gold, silver, and brass, 35:33 to cut stones for settings, and to carve wood, to work in all kinds of skilled craftsmanship. 35:34 He has placed in his heart the ability to teach, along with Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan. 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to do all kinds of craftsmanship, from engraving to skilled work and embroidery, in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, as well as weaving and all those who create any skilled works.

36:1 "Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded."

36:1 "Bezalel and Oholiab will work with every skilled person whom Yahweh has given wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary, as Yahweh has commanded."

36:2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it: 36:3 and they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They brought yet to him freewill offerings every morning. 36:4 All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from his work which they did. 36:5 They spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which Yahweh commanded to make."

36:2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, along with every skillful person whom the Lord had filled with wisdom, and everyone whose heart was moved to join the work: 36:3 and they received from Moses all the offerings that the Israelites had brought for the service of the sanctuary. They also brought him voluntary offerings every morning. 36:4 All the skilled workers who were doing the work on the sanctuary came to Moses. 36:5 They said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for the work that the Lord has commanded us to do."

36:6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, "Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing. 36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

36:6 Moses gave the order, and they announced it throughout the camp, saying, "Let no man or woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary." So the people stopped bringing things. 36:7 The materials they had were enough for all the work that needed to be done, and even too much.

36:8 All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tent with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them. 36:9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure. 36:10 He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled one to another. 36:11 He made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling. Likewise he made in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling. 36:12 He made fifty loops in the one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling. The loops were opposite one to another. 36:13 He made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the tent was a unit.

36:8 All the skilled craftsmen among those who worked on it made the tent with ten curtains of finely twisted linen in blue, purple, and scarlet, decorated with cherubim, crafted by skilled artisans. 36:9 Each curtain measured twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, all of them having the same size. 36:10 He joined five curtains together and the other five curtains he joined in the same way. 36:11 He created loops of blue along the edge of one curtain where they joined, and he did the same on the outer edge of the last curtain in the second set. 36:12 He made fifty loops on the first curtain and fifty loops on the edge of the last curtain in the second set, with the loops lining up opposite each other. 36:13 He made fifty gold clasps to connect the curtains to each other with the clasps, so the tent formed a single unit.

36:14 He made curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tent. He made them eleven curtains. 36:15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the breadth of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one measure. 36:16 He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves. 36:17 He made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which was outmost in the second coupling. 36:18 He made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be a unit. 36:19 He made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

36:14 He made curtains from goats' hair to cover the tent. He made eleven curtains total. 36:15 Each curtain was thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. All eleven curtains were the same size. 36:16 He paired five curtains together and six curtains together. 36:17 He created fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set. 36:18 He made fifty brass clasps to hold the tent together so it would form a single piece. 36:19 He made a covering for the tent from rams' skins dyed red and a covering made of sea cow hides on top.

36:20 He made the boards for the tent of acacia wood, standing up. 36:21 Ten cubits was the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board. 36:22 Each board had two tenons, joined one to another. He made all the boards of the tent this way. 36:23 He made the boards for the tent: twenty boards for the south side southward. 36:24 He made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 36:25 For the second side of the tent, on the north side, he made twenty boards, 36:26 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 36:27 For the far part of the tent westward he made six boards. 36:28 He made two boards for the corners of the tent in the far part. 36:29 They were double beneath, and in like manner they were all the way to its top to one ring. He did thus to both of them in the two corners. 36:30 There were eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; under every board two sockets.

36:20 He crafted the boards for the tent using acacia wood, standing upright. 36:21 Each board was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 36:22 Each board had two tenons that fit together. He built all the boards of the tent this way. 36:23 He created the boards for the tent: twenty boards for the south side facing south. 36:24 He made forty silver sockets to support the twenty boards; two sockets under each board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 36:25 On the opposite side of the tent, on the north side, he made twenty boards, 36:26 and their forty silver sockets; two sockets under each board, and two sockets under another board. 36:27 For the far end of the tent to the west, he made six boards. 36:28 He made two boards for the corners of the tent at the far end. 36:29 They were doubled beneath, and in the same way, they extended up to the top to one ring. He did this for both of them in the two corners. 36:30 There were eight boards, and their silver sockets totaled sixteen sockets; two sockets under each board.

36:31 He made bars of acacia wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tent, 36:32 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards of the tent for the hinder part westward. 36:33 He made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other. 36:34 He overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold for places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

36:31 He constructed bars from acacia wood; five for the boards on one side of the tent, 36:32 and five bars for the boards on the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards at the back, facing west. 36:33 He made the middle bar extend through the boards from one end to the other. 36:34 He covered the boards with gold, crafted gold rings for the bars, and also covered the bars with gold.

36:35 He made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim. He made it the work of a skillful workman. 36:36 He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold. He cast four sockets of silver for them. 36:37 He made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer; 36:38 and the five pillars of it with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass.

36:35 He created a curtain of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, featuring cherubim. It was crafted by a skilled artisan. 36:36 He constructed four acacia pillars for it and covered them with gold. Their hooks were made of gold. He cast four silver bases for them. 36:37 He made a door screen for the tent, using blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, designed by an embroiderer; 36:38 and the five pillars supporting it along with their hooks. He adorned their tops and bands with gold, and their five bases were made of brass.

37:1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height. 37:2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it. 37:3 He cast four rings of gold for it, in its four feet; even two rings on its one side, and two rings on its other side. 37:4 He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. 37:5 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 37:6 He made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 37:7 He made two cherubim of gold. He made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat; 37:8 one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. He made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. 37:9 The cherubim spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

37:1 Bezalel made the ark from acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, its width was a cubit and a half, and its height was also a cubit and a half. 37:2 He covered it with pure gold inside and out, and created a gold molding around it. 37:3 He cast four gold rings for it, attached to its four feet; two rings on one side and two rings on the other side. 37:4 He made poles from acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 37:5 He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. 37:6 He created a mercy seat from pure gold, measuring two and a half cubits in length and a cubit and a half in width. 37:7 He made two gold cherubim. They were crafted from a single piece of gold at each end of the mercy seat; 37:8 one cherub at one end and the other cherub at the opposite end. The cherubim were made as one piece with the mercy seat at both ends. 37:9 The cherubim extended their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces looked toward each other. The faces of the cherubim were directed toward the mercy seat.

37:10 He made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its breadth was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a half. 37:11 He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it. 37:12 He made a border of a handbreadth around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it. 37:13 He cast four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that were on its four feet. 37:14 The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table. 37:15 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table. 37:16 He made the vessels which were on the table, its dishes, its spoons, its bowls, and its pitchers with which to pour out, of pure gold.

37:10 He built the table from acacia wood. Its length was about three feet, its width was about one and a half feet, and its height was about two feet. 37:11 He covered it with pure gold and added a gold trim around it. 37:12 He created a border about three inches wide around it and placed a gold molding on that border. 37:13 He made four gold rings for it and attached the rings to the four corners at the base of the legs. 37:14 The rings were positioned close to the border for the poles that would be used to carry the table. 37:15 He crafted the poles from acacia wood and covered them with gold to transport the table. 37:16 He made the items that were placed on the table—its dishes, spoons, bowls, and pitchers for pouring—from pure gold.

37:17 He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it. 37:18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side: 37:19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower: so for the six branches going out of the lampstand. 37:20 In the lampstand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 37:21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it. 37:22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold. 37:23 He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold. 37:24 He made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

37:17 He crafted the lampstand from solid gold. He shaped the lampstand using beaten gold. Its base, shaft, cups, buds, and flowers were all made from one piece. 37:18 There were six branches extending from its sides: three branches on one side of the lampstand and three on the other side: 37:19 each branch had three cups that looked like almond blossoms, along with a bud and a flower; the other branch also had three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a bud and a flower: thus, for the six branches extending from the lampstand. 37:20 The lampstand had four cups designed like almond blossoms, with buds and flowers; 37:21 and a bud under two branches from the same piece, and a bud under two branches from the same piece, and a bud under two branches from the same piece, making six branches overall. 37:22 Their buds and branches were all part of one piece. The entire lampstand was a single beaten work of pure gold. 37:23 He created its seven lamps, along with its snuffers and snuff dishes, all made of pure gold. 37:24 He made it from a talent of pure gold, including all its accessories.

37:25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it. 37:26 He overlaid it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it. 37:27 He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it. 37:28 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. 37:29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

37:25 He constructed the altar of incense from acacia wood. It was square: each side measured a cubit, and its height was two cubits. Its horns were formed as part of the altar. 37:26 He covered it with pure gold, including the top, the sides, and the horns. He added a gold trim around it. 37:27 He made two gold rings for it beneath the trim, on its two sides, to hold poles for transporting it. 37:28 He created the poles from acacia wood and covered them with gold. 37:29 He prepared the holy anointing oil and the pure incense made from sweet spices, following the skill of a perfumer.

38:1 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits. 38:2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with brass. 38:3 He made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of brass. 38:4 He made for the altar a grating of a network of brass, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up. 38:5 He cast four rings for the four ends of brass grating, to be places for the poles. 38:6 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with brass. 38:7 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.

38:1 He built the altar for burnt offerings from acacia wood. It was square, measuring five cubits in length, five cubits in width, and three cubits in height. 38:2 He created horns on its four corners, which were formed as one piece with the altar and covered in brass. 38:3 He crafted all the utensils for the altar, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and fire pans, all made of brass. 38:4 He constructed a grate of brass mesh for the altar, positioned underneath the ledge and reaching halfway up. 38:5 He cast four rings for the corners of the brass grate for the poles to fit into. 38:6 He made the poles from acacia wood and covered them with brass. 38:7 He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made it hollow using wooden planks.

38:8 He made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

38:8 He created the brass basin and its brass base from the mirrors of the serving women who worked at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.

38:9 He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits; 38:10 their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 38:11 For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 38:12 For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 38:13 For the east side eastward fifty cubits. 38:14 The hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three; 38:15 and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 38:16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen. 38:17 The sockets for the pillars were of brass. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. 38:18 The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, like to the hangings of the court. 38:19 Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of brass; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver. 38:20 All the pins of the tent, and around the court, were of brass.

38:9 He created the courtyard: on the south side, the curtains of the courtyard were made of fine twisted linen, measuring one hundred cubits; 38:10 there were twenty pillars, and twenty brass bases; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were made of silver. 38:11 On the north side, there were also one hundred cubits, with twenty pillars and twenty brass bases; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver as well. 38:12 The west side had curtains of fifty cubits, with ten pillars and ten bases; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver. 38:13 The east side also had fifty cubits of fabric. 38:14 The curtains on one side were fifteen cubits long; they had three pillars and three bases; 38:15 and the same was true for the other side: on both sides of the courtyard gate, there were curtains of fifteen cubits; three pillars and three bases. 38:16 All the curtains around the courtyard were made of fine twisted linen. 38:17 The bases for the pillars were brass. The hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver; the tops of the pillars were overlaid with silver, and all the pillars in the courtyard were banded with silver. 38:18 The gate screen for the courtyard was crafted by an embroiderer, using blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen. It was twenty cubits long, and five cubits high, similar to the curtains of the courtyard. 38:19 Their pillars were four, and their bases were four, made of brass; the hooks were silver, and the tops and bands of the pillars were silver. 38:20 All the pegs for the tent and around the courtyard were made of brass.

38:21 This is the amount of material used for the tent, even the Tent of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 38:22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Yahweh commanded Moses. 38:23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

38:21 This is the amount of materials used for the tent, even the Tent of the Testimony, as they were counted according to Moses' instructions for the service of the Levites, overseen by Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 38:22 Bezalel, the son of Uri and grandson of Hur from the tribe of Judah, made everything that Yahweh commanded Moses. 38:23 Along with him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach from the tribe of Dan, an engraver, a skilled craftsman, and an embroiderer in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen.

38:24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents, and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. 38:25 The silver of those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men. 38:27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the veil; one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, a talent for a socket. 38:28 Of the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them. 38:29 The brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels. 38:30 With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar, 38:31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tent, and all the pins around the court.

38:24 All the gold used for the work of the sanctuary, including the gold from the offerings, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, according to the sanctuary's shekel. 38:25 The silver from those counted in the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, based on the sanctuary's shekel: 38:26 a beka per person, which is half a shekel, based on the sanctuary's shekel, for everyone counted who was twenty years old and older, totaling six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men. 38:27 The one hundred talents of silver were used to make the sockets of the sanctuary and the sockets for the veil; one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, a talent per socket. 38:28 From the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their tops, and made decorative bands for them. 38:29 The bronze from the offerings was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. 38:30 With this, he made the sockets for the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, and all the vessels of the altar, 38:31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the court gate, all the pins for the tent, and all the pins around the court.

39:1 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:1 They made beautifully crafted garments from blue, purple, and scarlet for serving in the holy place, and created the holy garments for Aaron, just as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:2 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 39:3 They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman. 39:4 They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. At the two ends it was joined together. 39:5 The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:2 He crafted the ephod using gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen. 39:3 They hammered the gold into thin sheets and cut it into wires to work it into the blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, all created by skilled artisans. 39:4 They made shoulder straps that were connected at both ends. 39:5 The intricately woven band used to fasten it was made from the same materials, matching its design; it included gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, just as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:6 They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. 39:7 He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:6 They shaped the onyx stones, set in gold settings, engraved with the engravings of a seal, matching the names of the sons of Israel. 39:7 He placed them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:8 He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 39:9 It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its breadth a span, being double. 39:10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row; 39:11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 39:12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 39:13 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings. 39:14 The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes. 39:15 They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 39:16 They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 39:17 They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 39:18 The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front. 39:19 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward. 39:20 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 39:21 They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:8 He crafted the breastplate, made by a skilled artisan, just like the ephod; using gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twisted linen. 39:9 It was square and made double layered. Its length was a span, and its width was a span, being double. 39:10 They set in it four rows of stones. The first row had a ruby, topaz, and beryl; 39:11 the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 39:12 the third row had a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 39:13 and the fourth row had a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were set in gold settings. 39:14 The stones represented the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, engraved like signets, each according to its name. 39:15 They made chains like cords for the breastplate, crafted from pure gold braids. 39:16 They created two gold settings and two gold rings, attaching the rings to the two ends of the breastplate. 39:17 They inserted the two braided gold chains into the rings at the ends of the breastplate. 39:18 The other ends of the braided chains were attached to the two settings, which were placed on the shoulder straps of the ephod at the front. 39:19 They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the ends of the breastplate, on its edge, toward the inside side of the ephod. 39:20 They made two more gold rings and attached them to the shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, at the front, near the connections, above the expertly woven band of the ephod. 39:21 They secured the breastplate to the rings of the ephod with a blue lace, ensuring it stayed on the woven band of the ephod and didn’t come loose, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. 39:23 The opening of the robe in its midst was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn. 39:24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen. 39:25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates; 39:26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:22 He crafted the robe of the ephod from woven blue fabric. 39:23 The opening of the robe in the center was designed like that of a coat of mail, with a binding around it to prevent tearing. 39:24 They made pomegranates for the edges of the robe out of blue, purple, scarlet, and twisted linen. 39:25 They created bells from pure gold and placed the bells between the pomegranates around the edges of the robe, in between the pomegranates; 39:26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the edges of the robe, for ministering, as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:27 They made the coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons, 39:28 and the turban of fine linen, and the linen headbands of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen, 39:29 and the sash of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:27 They crafted beautiful linen coats for Aaron and his sons, 39:28 along with fine linen turbans, linen headbands, and finely woven linen breeches. 39:29 They also made a sash of fine twisted linen in blue, purple, and red, as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: "HOLY TO YAHWEH." 39:31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

39:30 They created the plate for the holy crown out of pure gold, and inscribed it with a design similar to that of a signet: "HOLY TO YAHWEH." 39:31 They attached a blue cord to it to secure it to the turban above, as Yahweh instructed Moses.

39:32 Thus all the work of the tent of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Yahweh commanded Moses; so they did. 39:33 They brought the tent to Moses, the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 39:34 the covering of rams' skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen, 39:35 the ark of the testimony with its poles, the mercy seat, 39:36 the table, all its vessels, the show bread, 39:37 the pure lampstand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light, 39:38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent, 39:39 the bronze altar, its grating of brass, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base, 39:40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, all the instruments of the service of the tent, for the Tent of Meeting, 39:41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office. 39:42 According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. 39:43 Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Yahweh had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

39:32 So all the work on the Tent of Meeting was completed. The Israelites did everything that Yahweh commanded Moses; they followed through. 39:33 They brought the tent to Moses, along with all its furnishings, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 39:34 the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the screen veil, 39:35 the ark of the testimony with its poles, the mercy seat, 39:36 the table with all its items, the showbread, 39:37 the pure lampstand with its lamps, including the lamps to be arranged, all its items, the oil for the light, 39:38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the door screen of the Tent, 39:39 the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, all of its items, the basin and its stand, 39:40 the hangings of the courtyard, its pillars, its sockets, the gate screen of the courtyard, its cords, its pegs, all the tools for serving in the tent, for the Tent of Meeting, 39:41 the finely crafted garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to serve in the priesthood. 39:42 Just as Yahweh commanded Moses, the Israelites completed all the work. 39:43 Moses inspected all the work, and he saw that they had done it as Yahweh had instructed; they had followed through perfectly, and Moses blessed them.

40:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 40:2 "On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tent of the Tent of Meeting. 40:3 You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 40:4 You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the lampstand, and light its lamps. 40:5 You shall set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the screen of the door to the tent. 40:6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tent of the Tent of Meeting. 40:7 You shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein. 40:8 You shall set up the court around it, and hang up the screen of the gate of the court. 40:9 You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tent, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy. 40:10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar will be most holy. 40:11 You shall anoint the basin and its base, and sanctify it. 40:12 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water. 40:13 You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. 40:14 You shall bring his sons, and put coats on them. 40:15 You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to me in the priest's office. Their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations." 40:16 Moses did so. According to all that Yahweh commanded him, so he did.

40:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 40:2 "On the first day of the first month, you shall set up the tent of the Meeting Place. 40:3 You shall place the ark of the covenant inside it, and cover the ark with a curtain. 40:4 You shall bring in the table and arrange the items on it. You shall bring in the lampstand and light its lamps. 40:5 You shall place the golden altar for incense in front of the ark of the covenant, and put the curtain at the entrance of the tent. 40:6 You shall set the altar for burnt offerings in front of the door of the Meeting Place tent. 40:7 You shall place the basin between the Meeting Place and the altar, and fill it with water. 40:8 You shall set up the courtyard around it and hang the gate curtain for the courtyard. 40:9 You shall take the anointing oil, anoint the tent and everything in it, and make it holy, along with all its furniture: and it will be holy. 40:10 You shall anoint the altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar: and the altar will be most holy. 40:11 You shall anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. 40:12 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Meeting Place tent and wash them with water. 40:13 You shall put the holy garments on Aaron; anoint him and consecrate him, so he can serve me as a priest. 40:14 You shall bring his sons and dress them in coats. 40:15 You shall anoint them, just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will establish an everlasting priesthood for their generations." 40:16 Moses did everything as God commanded him.

40:17 It happened in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tent was raised up. 40:18 Moses raised up the tent, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 40:19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tent above on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:20 He took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. 40:21 He brought the ark into the tent, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the side of the tent northward, outside of the veil. 40:23 He set the bread in order on it before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:24 He put the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the side of the tent southward. 40:25 He lit the lamps before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil; 40:27 and he burnt incense of sweet spices on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:28 He put up the screen of the door to the tent. 40:29 He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tent of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:30 He set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water therein, with which to wash. 40:31 Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet there. 40:32 When they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:33 He raised up the court around the tent and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

40:17 It happened in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tent was set up. 40:18 Moses set up the tent, placed its bases, erected its boards, inserted its bars, and raised its pillars. 40:19 He spread the covering over the tent and put the roof over it, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:20 He took the testimony and placed it in the ark, set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark. 40:21 He brought the ark into the tent, set up the veil of the screen, and enclosed the ark of the testimony, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tent, outside the veil. 40:23 He arranged the bread on it before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:24 He placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tent. 40:25 He lit the lamps before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil; 40:27 and he burned sweet incense on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:28 He put up the screen at the entrance of the tent. 40:29 He set the burnt offering altar at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:30 He set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and filled it with water for washing. 40:31 Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet there. 40:32 Whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, they washed, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 40:33 He raised the courtyard around the tent and the altar, and set up the screen at the gate of the courtyard. So Moses completed the work.

40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of Yahweh filled the tent. 40:35 Moses wasn't able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh's glory filled the tent. 40:36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tent, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys; 40:37 but if the cloud wasn't taken up, then they didn't travel until the day that it was taken up. 40:38 For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tent by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of Yahweh filled the tent. 40:35 Moses couldn't enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh's glory filled the tent. 40:36 When the cloud lifted from the tent, the Israelites moved on with all their journeys; 40:37 but if the cloud didn't lift, they didn't travel until the day it was taken up. 40:38 For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tent by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the people of Israel, throughout all their journeys.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:10 "Moses" sounds like the Hebrew for "draw out".

[1] back to 2:10 "Moses" sounds like the Hebrew word for "to draw out."

[2] back to 2:22 "Gershom" sounds like the Hebrew for "an alien there."

[2] back to 2:22 "Gershom" sounds like the Hebrew word for "a stranger there."

[3] back to 10:19 or, Sea of Reeds

Sea of Reeds

[4] back to 13:18 or, Sea of Reeds

Sea of Reeds

[5] back to 15:4 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Reed Sea

[6] back to 15:22 or, Sea of Reeds

Sea of Reeds

[7] back to 15:23 Marah means bitter.

Marah means bitter.

[8] back to 16:31 "Manna" means "What is it?"

"Manna" means "What's that?"

[9] back to 17:7 Massah means testing.

Massah means testing.

[10] back to 17:7 Meribah means quarreling.

Meribah means arguing.

[11] back to 17:15 Hebrew, Yahweh Nissi

Hebrew, Yahweh Nissi

[12] back to 18:3 "Gershom" sounds like the Hebrew for "an alien there."

[12] back to 18:3 "Gershom" translates to Hebrew as "a stranger there."

[13] back to 18:4 Eliezer means "God is my helper."

[13] back to 18:4 Eliezer means "God is my support."

[14] back to 20:1 After "God," the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.

[14] back to 20:1 After "God," the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.

[15] back to 23:31 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[16] back to 24:10 or, lapis lazuli

or, lapis lazuli

[17] back to 28:16 A span is the length from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is stretched out (about 9 inches or 22.8 cm.)

[17] back to 28:16 A span is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky when the hand is fully extended (about 9 inches or 22.8 cm.)

[18] back to 28:18 or, lapis lazuli

or, lapis lazuli

[19] back to 39:11 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or lapis lazuli














Leviticus

1:1 Yahweh called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying, 1:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When anyone of you offers an offering to Yahweh, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock.

1:1 God called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, 1:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'When any of you brings an offering to God, you should offer it from your livestock, whether from the herd or the flock.

1:3 "'If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before Yahweh. 1:4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 1:5 He shall kill the bull before Yahweh. Aaron's sons, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 1:6 He shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into pieces. 1:7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay wood in order on the fire; 1:8 and Aaron's sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar; 1:9 but its innards and its legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall burn the whole on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

1:3 "'If someone offers a burnt offering from the herd, they must offer a flawless male. They should present it at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to be accepted by Yahweh. 1:4 They shall place their hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on their behalf for atonement. 1:5 They must slaughter the bull in front of Yahweh. Aaron's sons, the priests, will handle the blood and sprinkle it around the altar at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 1:6 They should remove the skin from the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. 1:7 Aaron's sons, the priests, will get a fire going on the altar and arrange wood on the fire; 1:8 then Aaron's sons, the priests, will place the pieces, including the head and the fat, neatly on the wood that’s on the fire on the altar; 1:9 but they will wash the innards and legs with water. The priest shall burn everything on the altar as a burnt offering, a fire offering with a pleasing aroma to Yahweh.

1:10 "'If his offering is from the flock, from the sheep, or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without blemish. 1:11 He shall kill it on the north side of the altar before Yahweh. Aaron's sons, the priests, shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 1:12 He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar, 1:13 but the innards and the legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

1:10 "'If someone brings an offering from the flock, whether from sheep or goats, as a burnt offering, they must present a flawless male. 1:11 They should kill it on the north side of the altar in front of Yahweh. Aaron's sons, the priests, will sprinkle its blood around the altar. 1:12 They should cut it into pieces, including its head and fat. The priest will arrange these pieces neatly on the wood that's on the fire on the altar, 1:13 but they should wash the insides and legs with water. The priest will present the whole animal and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a fire offering, creating a pleasing aroma for Yahweh.

1:14 "'If his offering to Yahweh is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons. 1:15 The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar; 1:16 and he shall take away its crop with its filth, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, in the place of the ashes. 1:17 He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

1:14 "'If someone's offering to Yahweh is a burnt offering of birds, they should bring turtledoves or young pigeons. 1:15 The priest will take it to the altar, wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood will be drained out on the side of the altar; 1:16 then he will remove its crop along with its waste and throw it beside the altar on the east side, in the spot designated for ashes. 1:17 He will tear it by its wings, but not completely separate it. The priest will burn it on the altar, on the wood that’s on the fire. It is a burnt offering, a fire offering, with a pleasing aroma to Yahweh.

2:1 "'When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to Yahweh, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. 2:2 He shall bring it to Aaron's sons, the priests; and he shall take his handful of its fine flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense; and the priest shall burn its memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 2:3 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron's and his sons'. It is a most holy thing of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire.

2:1 "'When someone brings a grain offering to Yahweh, it should be made of fine flour; and they must pour oil on it and add frankincense. 2:2 They will present it to Aaron's sons, the priests, who will take a handful of the fine flour and the oil, along with all the frankincense. The priest will burn this memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, with a pleasing aroma to Yahweh. 2:3 What remains of the grain offering will belong to Aaron and his sons. It is a very holy part of the offerings made by fire to Yahweh.

2:4 "'When you offer an offering of a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. 2:5 If your offering is a meal offering of the griddle, it shall be of unleavened fine flour, mixed with oil. 2:6 You shall cut it in pieces, and pour oil on it. It is a meal offering. 2:7 If your offering is a meal offering of the pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 2:8 You shall bring the meal offering that is made of these things to Yahweh: and it shall be presented to the priest, and he shall bring it to the altar. 2:9 The priest shall take from the meal offering its memorial, and shall burn it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 2:10 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron's and his sons'. It is a thing most holy of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire.

2:4 "'When you bring a grain offering baked in the oven, it should be unleavened cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers brushed with oil. 2:5 If your offering is a grain offering from the griddle, it should be made of unleavened fine flour mixed with oil. 2:6 You should cut it into pieces and pour oil on it. This is a grain offering. 2:7 If your offering is a grain offering from the pan, it should be made of fine flour with oil. 2:8 You must bring the grain offering made from these ingredients to Yahweh; it should be presented to the priest, who will bring it to the altar. 2:9 The priest will take a portion of the grain offering as its memorial and burn it on the altar as a fire offering, which is a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 2:10 The remainder of the grain offering will belong to Aaron and his sons. It is the most holy part of the offerings made by fire to Yahweh.

2:11 "'No meal offering, which you shall offer to Yahweh, shall be made with yeast; for you shall burn no yeast, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 2:12 As an offering of firstfruits you shall offer them to Yahweh: but they shall not ascend for a pleasant aroma on the altar. 2:13 Every offering of your meal offering you shall season with salt; neither shall you allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your meal offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.

2:11 "'No grain offering that you present to Yahweh should be made with yeast; you must not burn any yeast or honey as a fire offering to Yahweh. 2:12 For the firstfruits, you must present them to Yahweh, but they should not create a pleasing aroma on the altar. 2:13 Every grain offering must be seasoned with salt; do not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering. You must add salt to all your offerings.

2:14 "'If you offer a meal offering of first fruits to Yahweh, you shall offer for the meal offering of your first fruits grain in the ear parched with fire, bruised grain of the fresh ear. 2:15 You shall put oil on it, and lay frankincense on it: it is a meal offering. 2:16 The priest shall burn as its memorial, part of its bruised grain, and part of its oil, along with all its frankincense: it is an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

2:14 "'If you bring a grain offering of first fruits to Yahweh, you must offer roasted grain from the fresh ear and crushed grains from the ear. 2:15 You should add oil to it and sprinkle it with frankincense; this counts as a grain offering. 2:16 The priest will burn a portion of the crushed grain and oil, along with all of the frankincense, as a memorial offering to Yahweh; it’s an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

3:1 "'If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings; if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before Yahweh. 3:2 He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting: and Aaron's sons, the priests shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 3:3 He shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 3:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 3:5 Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

3:1 "'If his offering is a peace offering; if he brings it from the herd, whether male or female, it must be without defects before the Lord. 3:2 He must place his hand on the head of the offering and kill it at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron's sons, the priests, will sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 3:3 He must offer the peace offering as a fire offering to the Lord; this includes the fat covering the insides, and all the fat on the insides, 3:4 along with the two kidneys and the fat around them, which is near the loins, and the piece of liver with the kidneys must be removed. 3:5 Aaron's sons will burn it on the altar, on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that’s on the fire: it is a fire offering, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

3:6 "'If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh is from the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish. 3:7 If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before Yahweh; 3:8 and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 3:9 He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the inwards, and all the fat that is on the inwards, 3:10 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 3:11 The priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Yahweh.

3:6 "'If someone brings a peace offering to Yahweh from their flock, whether male or female, it must be without defects. 3:7 If they offer a lamb as their sacrifice, it should be presented before Yahweh; 3:8 then they must place their hand on the head of the offering and kill it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron's sons will sprinkle its blood around the altar. 3:9 From the peace offering, they will present a portion made by fire to Yahweh; they should remove the fat, including the entire tail fat near the backbone, and the fat covering the inner organs, as well as all the fat from the inner organs, 3:10 the two kidneys and the fat on them near the loins, and the covering on the liver with the kidneys should also be removed. 3:11 The priest will burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Yahweh.

3:12 "'If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before Yahweh: 3:13 and he shall lay his hand on its head, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 3:14 He shall offer from it as his offering, an offering made by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 3:15 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 3:16 The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is Yahweh's.

3:12 "'If his offering is a goat, he must present it to Yahweh: 3:13 and he will place his hand on its head, then kill it in front of the Tent of Meeting; the sons of Aaron will sprinkle its blood around the altar. 3:14 He will offer from it as his sacrifice, a fire offering to Yahweh; the fat covering the innards, and all the fat on the innards, 3:15 and the two kidneys, along with the fat on them, by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall remove. 3:16 The priest will burn them on the altar: it is the food of the fire offering, producing a pleasing aroma; all the fat belongs to Yahweh.

3:17 "'It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.'"

3:17 "'This will be a lasting law for you and your descendants in all your homes: you must not eat any fat or blood.'"

4:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 4:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them: 4:3 if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he has sinned, a young bull without blemish to Yahweh for a sin offering. 4:4 He shall bring the bull to the door of the Tent of Meeting before Yahweh; and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull, and kill the bull before Yahweh. 4:5 The anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull, and bring it to the Tent of Meeting. 4:6 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Yahweh, before the veil of the sanctuary. 4:7 The priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before Yahweh, which is in the Tent of Meeting; and he shall pour out all of rest of the blood of the bull at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 4:8 He shall take all the fat of the bull of the sin offering off of it; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 4:9 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away, 4:10 as it is taken off of the bull of the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 4:11 The bull's skin, all its flesh, with its head, and with its legs, its innards, and its dung, 4:12 even the whole bull shall he carry forth outside the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. Where the ashes are poured out it shall be burned.

4:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 4:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'If anyone sins unintentionally in any of the things that God has commanded not to be done, and does any of them: 4:3 if the anointed priest sins and brings guilt upon the people, then he must offer a young bull without blemish to God for his sin offering. 4:4 He shall bring the bull to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting before God; and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull and kill the bull before God. 4:5 The anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and bring it to the Tent of Meeting. 4:6 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before God, in front of the veil of the sanctuary. 4:7 The priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before God, which is in the Tent of Meeting, and he shall pour out the rest of the bull's blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering, located at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 4:8 He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat covering the insides, all the fat on the insides, 4:9 the two kidneys, and the fat on them, which is by the loins, along with the cover on the liver, along with the kidneys, he shall take away, 4:10 as it is taken from the bull for the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 4:11 The bull's hide, all its flesh, including its head, legs, insides, and dung, 4:12 even the entire bull, he shall carry outside the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. It shall be burned where the ashes are poured out.

4:13 "'If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and are guilty; 4:14 when the sin in which they have sinned is known, then the assembly shall offer a young bull for a sin offering, and bring it before the Tent of Meeting. 4:15 The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before Yahweh; and the bull shall be killed before Yahweh. 4:16 The anointed priest shall bring of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting: 4:17 and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before Yahweh, before the veil. 4:18 He shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar which is before Yahweh, that is in the Tent of Meeting; and the rest of the blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 4:19 All its fat he shall take from it, and burn it on the altar. 4:20 Thus shall he do with the bull; as he did with the bull of the sin offering, so shall he do with this; and the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven. 4:21 He shall carry forth the bull outside the camp, and burn it as he burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.

4:13 "'If the entire community of Israel sins, and it's not noticed by the assembly, and they do any of the things that Yahweh has commanded not to do, and are guilty; 4:14 when the sin they committed becomes known, the assembly must offer a young bull as a sin offering and bring it to the Tent of Meeting. 4:15 The elders of the community will place their hands on the head of the bull in front of Yahweh; then the bull will be killed in front of Yahweh. 4:16 The anointed priest will take some of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting: 4:17 he will dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before Yahweh, in front of the veil. 4:18 He will put some of the blood on the horns of the altar in front of Yahweh, which is in the Tent of Meeting; and the rest of the blood he will pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 4:19 He will take all its fat and burn it on the altar. 4:20 He will do the same with this bull as he did with the bull of the sin offering; the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven. 4:21 He will take the bull outside the camp and burn it just like he burned the first bull. This is the sin offering for the assembly.

4:22 "'When a ruler sins, and unwittingly does any one of all the things which Yahweh his God has commanded not to be done, and is guilty; 4:23 if his sin, in which he has sinned, is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without blemish. 4:24 He shall lay his hand on the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before Yahweh. It is a sin offering. 4:25 The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering. He shall pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering. 4:26 All its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and he will be forgiven.

4:22 "'When a leader makes a mistake and unintentionally does any of the things that Yahweh, his God, has commanded not to be done, and is found guilty; 4:23 if his sin becomes known to him, he must bring a flawless male goat as his offering. 4:24 He should place his hand on the goat's head and kill it where they sacrifice burnt offerings before Yahweh. This is a sin offering. 4:25 The priest will take some of the blood from the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar for burnt offerings. He will pour the remaining blood at the base of the altar for burnt offerings. 4:26 All its fat will be burned on the altar, just like the fat from peace offerings; and the priest will make atonement for him regarding his sin, and he will be forgiven.

4:27 "'If anyone of the common people sins unwittingly, in doing any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and is guilty; 4:28 if his sin, which he has sinned, is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has sinned. 4:29 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering. 4:30 The priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 4:31 All its fat he shall take away, like the fat is taken away from off of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

4:27 "'If any of the regular people sin unintentionally by doing something that Yahweh has commanded not to do, and they are guilty; 4:28 if their sin becomes known to them, then they must bring a female goat without blemish as their offering for the sin they committed. 4:29 They will lay their hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the same place as the burnt offering. 4:30 The priest will use his finger to take some of its blood and put it on the horns of the burnt offering altar, and he will pour the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 4:31 Then, he will remove all the fat, just like the fat is removed from peace offerings; and the priest will burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to Yahweh; and the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.

4:32 "'If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish. 4:33 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. 4:34 The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 4:35 All its fat he shall take away, like the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned, and he will be forgiven.

4:32 "'If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, it must be a flawless female. 4:33 He shall place his hand on the head of the sin offering and kill it at the same spot where they kill the burnt offering. 4:34 The priest will take some of the blood from the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the burnt offering altar; the rest of the blood he will pour out at the base of the altar. 4:35 He shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings; and the priest will burn it on the altar, as an offering made by fire to Yahweh; and the priest will make atonement for him regarding his sin, and he will be forgiven.

5:1 "'If anyone sins, in that he hears the voice of adjuration, he being a witness, whether he has seen or known, if he doesn't report it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

5:1 "'If someone sins by ignoring the call to speak up, being a witness to something they’ve seen or known, and chooses not to report it, then they will carry the blame for their wrongdoing.

5:2 "'Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether it is the carcass of an unclean animal, or the carcass of unclean livestock, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it is hidden from him, and he is unclean, then he shall be guilty.

5:2 "'Or if anyone comes into contact with anything unclean, whether it's the body of an unclean animal, the body of unclean livestock, or the body of unclean insects, and he doesn't realize it, and he is unclean, then he will be guilty.

5:3 "'Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.

5:3 "'Or if he touches someone's impurity, whatever that impurity is that makes him unclean, and it was hidden from him; when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty.

5:4 "'Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty of one of these. 5:5 It shall be, when he is guilty of one of these, he shall confess that in which he has sinned: 5:6 and he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh for his sin which he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.

5:4 "'If someone makes a hasty promise with their words to do something wrong or to do something good—whatever it is that a person might say carelessly while swearing, and if they later realize it—then they will be guilty of one of these. 5:5 When they are guilty of one of these, they must confess what they have done wrong: 5:6 and they must bring their guilt offering to Yahweh for the sin they committed, a female animal from the flock, like a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest will make atonement for them regarding their sin.

5:7 "'If he can't afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. 5:8 He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering, and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely. 5:9 He shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 5:10 He shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned, and he shall be forgiven.

5:7 "'If he can't afford a lamb, then he should bring his guilt offering for the sin he committed, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. 5:8 He must bring them to the priest, who will first offer the one for the sin offering by wringing off its head without completely separating it. 5:9 The priest will sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, and the rest of the blood will be drained at the base of the altar. This is a sin offering. 5:10 He will offer the second bird as a burnt offering, following the regulations, and the priest will make atonement for him regarding his sin, and he will be forgiven.

5:11 "'But if he can't afford two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his offering for that in which he has sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, neither shall he put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. 5:12 He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. It is a sin offering. 5:13 The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned in any of these things, and he will be forgiven; and the rest shall be the priest's, as the meal offering.'"

5:11 "'But if he can't afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he should bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as his sin offering instead. He must not add any oil or frankincense to it because it's a sin offering. 5:12 He will present it to the priest, who will take a handful of it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar, alongside the offerings made by fire to Yahweh. It is a sin offering. 5:13 The priest will make atonement for him regarding his sin, and he will be forgiven; the rest will belong to the priest as the meal offering.'"

5:14 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 5:15 "If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. 5:16 He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.

5:14 God spoke to Moses, saying, 5:15 "If someone accidentally sins against the holy things of God, they must bring a guilt offering to God, a flawless ram from the flock, valued based on your assessment in silver shekels, following the sanctuary standard for a guilt offering. 5:16 They must repay what they wrongly took from the holy things and add a fifth of the value to it, giving it to the priest. The priest will make atonement for them with the ram of the guilt offering, and they will be forgiven."

5:17 "If anyone sins, and does any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done; though he didn't know it, yet he is guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 5:18 He shall bring a ram without blemish from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn't know it, and he will be forgiven. 5:19 It is a trespass offering. He is certainly guilty before Yahweh."

5:17 "If anyone commits a sin and does something that Yahweh has specifically forbidden, even if they were unaware, they are still guilty and must take responsibility for their wrongdoing. 5:18 They need to bring a flawless ram from their flock, valued according to your assessment, as a trespass offering to the priest. The priest will then make atonement for the individual regarding the sin they committed unknowingly, and they will be forgiven. 5:19 This is considered a trespass offering. They are definitely accountable before Yahweh."

6:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:2 "If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Yahweh, and deals falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed his neighbor, 6:3 or has found that which was lost, and dealt falsely therein, and swearing to a lie; in any of all these things that a man does, sinning therein; 6:4 then it shall be, if he has sinned, and is guilty, he shall restore that which he took by robbery, or the thing which he has gotten by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to him, or the lost thing which he found, 6:5 or any thing about which he has sworn falsely; he shall restore it even in full, and shall add a fifth part more to it. To him to whom it belongs he shall give it, in the day of his being found guilty. 6:6 He shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. 6:7 The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh, and he will be forgiven concerning whatever he does to become guilty."

6:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:2 "If anyone sins and commits an offense against Yahweh by treating their neighbor dishonestly in a matter of a deposit, a deal, or theft, or has wronged their neighbor, 6:3 or has found something that was lost and lied about it, swearing falsely; in any of these actions that someone takes and sins in, 6:4 if they are guilty, they must return what they took through theft, or anything they gained through oppression, or the deposit that was entrusted to them, or the lost item they found, 6:5 or anything they swore falsely about; they must return it in full and add an additional fifth of its value. They must give it to the rightful owner on the day they are found guilty. 6:6 They must bring their guilt offering to Yahweh, a flawless ram from the flock, based on your valuation for a guilt offering, to the priest. 6:7 The priest will make atonement for them before Yahweh, and they will be forgiven for whatever they did that made them guilty."

6:8 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:9 "Command Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the law of the burnt offering: the burnt offering shall be on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning; and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it. 6:10 The priest shall put on his linen garment, and he shall put on his linen breeches upon his body; and he shall remove the ashes from where the fire has consumed the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. 6:11 He shall take off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. 6:12 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning: and he shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. 6:13 Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

6:8 God spoke to Moses, saying, 6:9 "Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the rule for the burnt offering: the burnt offering must stay on the altar's hearth all night until morning, and the fire on the altar must be kept burning. 6:10 The priest must wear his linen robe and put on linen pants. He will remove the ashes from where the fire has burned the burnt offering on the altar and place them beside the altar. 6:11 He will take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. 6:12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning, the priest will add wood to it, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat of the peace offerings on it. 6:13 The fire must always be kept burning on the altar; it must not go out.

6:14 "'This is the law of the meal offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before Yahweh, before the altar. 6:15 He shall take from there his handful of the fine flour of the meal offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense which is on the meal offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma, as its memorial, to Yahweh. 6:16 That which is left of it Aaron and his sons shall eat. It shall be eaten without yeast in a holy place. They shall eat it in the court of the Tent of Meeting 6:17 It shall not be baked with yeast. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire. It is most holy, as the sin offering, and as the trespass offering. 6:18 Every male among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as their portion forever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Whoever touches them shall be holy.'"

6:14 "'This is the law regarding the meal offering: the sons of Aaron will present it before Yahweh, at the altar. 6:15 He will take a handful of the fine flour from the meal offering, along with its oil and all the frankincense on the meal offering, and burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma, serving as its memorial to Yahweh. 6:16 What remains will be eaten by Aaron and his sons. It must be eaten without yeast in a holy place. They will consume it in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 6:17 It must not be baked with yeast. I have given it as their share of my offerings made by fire. It is most holy, just like the sin offering and the trespass offering. 6:18 Every male among the descendants of Aaron shall eat from it as their portion forever, throughout your generations, from the offerings made by fire to Yahweh. Anyone who touches them will be considered holy.'"

6:19 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:20 "This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer to Yahweh in the day when he is anointed: the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering perpetually, half of it in the morning, and half of it in the evening. 6:21 It shall be made with oil in a griddle. When it is soaked, you shall bring it in. You shall offer the meal offering in baked pieces for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 6:22 The anointed priest that will be in his place from among his sons shall offer it. By a statute forever, it shall be wholly burnt to Yahweh. 6:23 Every meal offering of a priest shall be wholly burned. It shall not be eaten."

6:19 God spoke to Moses, saying, 6:20 "This is the offering that Aaron and his sons should present to God on the day they are anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering forever, half in the morning and half in the evening. 6:21 It should be prepared with oil on a griddle. When it’s soaked, you will bring it in. You are to offer the meal offering in baked pieces for a pleasing aroma to God. 6:22 The anointed priest who is in his place among his sons will offer it. By a lasting ordinance, it must be completely burned up for God. 6:23 Every meal offering of a priest must be entirely burned. It is not to be eaten."

6:24 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:25 "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before Yahweh. It is most holy. 6:26 The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 6:27 Whatever shall touch its flesh shall be holy. When there is any of its blood sprinkled on a garment, you shall wash that on which it was sprinkled in a holy place. 6:28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water. 6:29 Every male among the priests shall eat of it: it is most holy. 6:30 No sin offering, of which any of the blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten: it shall be burned with fire.

6:24 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:25 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is the law of the sin offering: in the same place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering must be killed before Yahweh. It is very holy. 6:26 The priest who offers it for sin must eat it. It should be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. 6:27 Anything that touches its flesh will be holy. If any of its blood gets on a garment, you must wash the part that was sprinkled in a holy place. 6:28 But the earthen pot in which it is boiled must be broken; and if it is boiled in a bronze pot, it should be scrubbed and rinsed in water. 6:29 Every male among the priests must eat of it: it is very holy. 6:30 No sin offering, whose blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten: it must be burned with fire.

7:1 "'This is the law of the trespass offering. It is most holy. 7:2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering, he shall kill the trespass offering; and its blood he shall sprinkle around on the altar. 7:3 He shall offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the innards, 7:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away; 7:5 and the priest shall burn them on the altar for an offering made by fire to Yahweh: it is a trespass offering. 7:6 Every male among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.

7:1 "'This is the rule for the guilt offering. It is very sacred. 7:2 In the same area where they slaughter the burnt offering, he is to do the same with the guilt offering; and he will sprinkle its blood all around the altar. 7:3 He must offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the insides, 7:4 along with the two kidneys and the fat on them near the lower back, as well as the covering on the liver with the kidneys—he shall remove those; 7:5 and the priest will burn them on the altar as a fire offering to Yahweh: that is a guilt offering. 7:6 Every male among the priests may eat it. It must be eaten in a sacred place. It is very sacred.

7:7 "'As is the sin offering, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with them shall have it. 7:8 The priest who offers any man's burnt offering, even the priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered. 7:9 Every meal offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is dressed in the pan, and on the griddle, shall be the priest's who offers it. 7:10 Every meal offering, mixed with oil or dry, belongs to all the sons of Aaron, one as well as another.

7:7 "'Just like the sin offering, the trespass offering follows the same law. The priest who makes atonement with them will keep it. 7:8 The priest who offers anyone's burnt offering will get the skin of the burnt offering he has presented for himself. 7:9 Every grain offering baked in the oven, and everything cooked in a pan or on a griddle, will belong to the priest who offers it. 7:10 Every grain offering, whether mixed with oil or dry, belongs to all the sons of Aaron, equally.

7:11 "'This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which one shall offer to Yahweh. 7:12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil. 7:13 With cakes of leavened bread he shall offer his offering with the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving. 7:14 Of it he shall offer one out of each offering for a heave offering to Yahweh. It shall be the priest's who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings. 7:15 The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering. He shall not leave any of it until the morning.

7:11 "'This is the guideline for peace offerings that someone will present to Yahweh. 7:12 If it's offered as a thank-you, then along with the thank-you sacrifice, he should bring unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil. 7:13 He should also offer leavened bread along with his thank-you peace offerings. 7:14 From each offering, he must present one as a special gift to Yahweh. The priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings will receive it. 7:15 The meat from the thank-you peace offerings must be eaten on the day of the offering, and nothing should be left until morning.

7:16 "'But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow, or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice; and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten: 7:17 but what remains of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned with fire. 7:18 If any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed to him who offers it. It will be an abomination, and the soul who eats any of it will bear his iniquity.

7:16 "'If the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it should be eaten on the day of the sacrifice, and any leftovers can be eaten the next day: 7:17 however, any remaining flesh of the sacrifice on the third day must be burned. 7:18 If any of the flesh from his peace offerings is eaten on the third day, it won't be accepted, and it won't be credited to the person offering it. It will be an offense, and anyone who eats any of it will be responsible for their wrongdoing.

7:19 "'The flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned with fire. As for the flesh, everyone who is clean may eat it; 7:20 but the soul who eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that belongs to Yahweh, having his uncleanness on him, that soul shall be cut off from his people. 7:21 When anyone touches any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination, and eats some of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which belong to Yahweh, that soul shall be cut off from his people.'"

7:19 "'Anyone who comes into contact with anything unclean must not eat the meat. It must be burned with fire. Clean people may eat the meat; 7:20 however, anyone who eats the meat from the peace offerings dedicated to Yahweh while being unclean will be cut off from their people. 7:21 If someone touches an unclean thing—whether it's a person's uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination—and then eats some of the meat from the peace offerings dedicated to Yahweh, that person will be cut off from their people.'"

7:22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 7:23 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'You shall eat no fat, of bull, or sheep, or goat. 7:24 The fat of that which dies of itself, and the fat of that which is torn of animals, may be used for any other service, but you shall in no way eat of it. 7:25 For whoever eats the fat of the animal, of which men offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh, even the soul who eats it shall be cut off from his people. 7:26 You shall not eat any blood, whether it is of bird or of animal, in any of your dwellings. 7:27 Whoever it is who eats any blood, that soul shall be cut off from his people.'"

7:22 God said to Moses, 7:23 "Tell the Israelites, 'You must not eat any fat from bulls, sheep, or goats. 7:24 The fat from animals that die on their own or from those that are torn apart by other animals can be used for other purposes, but you must not eat it. 7:25 Anyone who eats the fat of an animal that people offer as a fire sacrifice to God will be cut off from their people. 7:26 You must not consume any blood, whether from birds or animals, in any of your homes. 7:27 Anyone who eats any blood will be cut off from their people.'"

7:28 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 7:29 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'He who offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to Yahweh shall bring his offering to Yahweh out of the sacrifice of his peace offerings. 7:30 With his own hands he shall bring the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before Yahweh. 7:31 The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'. 7:32 The right thigh you shall give to the priest for a heave offering out of the sacrifices of your peace offerings. 7:33 He among the sons of Aaron who offers the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right thigh for a portion. 7:34 For the waved breast and the heaved thigh I have taken from the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as their portion forever from the children of Israel.'"

7:28 God spoke to Moses, saying, 7:29 "Tell the people of Israel, 'Anyone who brings a peace offering to God must present their offering from their own peace offerings. 7:30 They must bring the offerings made by fire with their own hands. They should bring the fat along with the breast, so that the breast can be waved as an offering before God. 7:31 The priest will burn the fat on the altar, but the breast will belong to Aaron and his sons. 7:32 You shall give the right thigh to the priest as a heave offering from your peace offerings. 7:33 The son of Aaron who offers the blood and the fat of the peace offerings shall receive the right thigh as his portion. 7:34 I have taken the waved breast and the heaved thigh from the Israelites' peace offerings and given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their permanent portion from the people of Israel.'"

7:35 This is the anointing portion of Aaron, and the anointing portion of his sons, out of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister to Yahweh in the priest's office; 7:36 which Yahweh commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them. It is their portion forever throughout their generations. 7:37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meal offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecration, and of the sacrifice of peace offerings; 7:38 which Yahweh commanded Moses in Mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their offerings to Yahweh, in the wilderness of Sinai.

7:35 This is the anointing portion for Aaron and his sons, taken from the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, on the day he presented them to serve as priests to Yahweh; 7:36 which Yahweh instructed to be given to them by the children of Israel, on the day he anointed them. This is their portion forever for all generations. 7:37 This is the law regarding the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the consecration, and the peace offerings; 7:38 which Yahweh instructed Moses on Mount Sinai, when he commanded the children of Israel to present their offerings to Yahweh in the wilderness of Sinai.

8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 8:2 "Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bull of the sin offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread; 8:3 and assemble all the congregation at the door of the Tent of Meeting."

8:1 God said to Moses, 8:2 "Bring Aaron and his sons, along with the garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread; 8:3 and gather everyone at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting."

8:4 Moses did as Yahweh commanded him; and the congregation was assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 8:5 Moses said to the congregation, "This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded to be done." 8:6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. 8:7 He put the coat on him, tied the sash on him, clothed him with the robe, put the ephod on him, and he tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod on him, and fastened it to him with it. 8:8 He placed the breastplate on him; and in the breastplate he put the Urim and the Thummim. 8:9 He set the turban on his head; and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:10 Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and sanctified them. 8:11 He sprinkled it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its vessels, and the basin and its base, to sanctify them. 8:12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him. 8:13 Moses brought Aaron's sons, and clothed them with coats, and tied sashes on them, and put headbands on them; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

8:4 Moses did what Yahweh told him to do, and the assembly gathered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 8:5 Moses said to the assembly, "This is what Yahweh has instructed us to do." 8:6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. 8:7 He put the coat on Aaron, tied the sash around him, dressed him in the robe, put the ephod on him, and secured the expertly woven band of the ephod around him. 8:8 He placed the breastplate on him and added the Urim and Thummim to the breastplate. 8:9 He put the turban on his head and on the front of the turban, he attached the golden plate, the holy crown, as Yahweh had instructed Moses. 8:10 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, making them holy. 8:11 He sprinkled it on the altar seven times, anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, to make them holy. 8:12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to consecrate him. 8:13 Moses brought Aaron's sons, dressed them in coats, tied sashes around them, and put headbands on them, just as Yahweh had instructed Moses.

8:14 He brought the bull of the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering. 8:15 He killed it; and Moses took the blood, and put it around on the horns of the altar with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar, and sanctified it, to make atonement for it. 8:16 He took all the fat that was on the innards, and the cover of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat; and Moses burned it on the altar. 8:17 But the bull, and its skin, and its flesh, and its dung, he burned with fire outside the camp; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:18 He presented the ram of the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 8:19 He killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood around on the altar. 8:20 He cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat. 8:21 He washed the innards and the legs with water; and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering for a pleasant aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:22 He presented the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 8:23 He killed it; and Moses took some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot. 8:24 He brought Aaron's sons; and Moses put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot; and Moses sprinkled the blood around on the altar. 8:25 He took the fat, and the fat tail, and all the fat that was on the innards, and the cover of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right thigh; 8:26 and out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before Yahweh, he took one unleavened cake, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat, and on the right thigh. 8:27 He put all these in Aaron's hands and in his sons' hands, and waved them for a wave offering before Yahweh. 8:28 Moses took them from their hands, and burned them on the altar on the burnt offering. They were a consecration for a pleasant aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 8:29 Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before Yahweh. It was Moses' portion of the ram of consecration, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:30 Moses took some of the anointing oil, and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, and on his sons, and on his sons' garments with him, and sanctified Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

8:14 He brought the bull for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the bull's head. 8:15 He killed it; and Moses took the blood and smeared it on the altar's horns with his finger, purified the altar, poured out the blood at its base, and consecrated it to make atonement for it. 8:16 He took all the fat from the insides, the liver cover, and the two kidneys with their fat; and Moses burned it on the altar. 8:17 But he burned the bull, its skin, its flesh, and its waste with fire outside the camp, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:18 He presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram's head. 8:19 He killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood around the altar. 8:20 He cut the ram into pieces, and Moses burned the head, the pieces, and the fat. 8:21 He washed the insides and the legs with water, and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering giving off a pleasant aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:22 He presented the other ram, the ram of consecration; and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram's head. 8:23 He killed it; and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 8:24 He brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; and Moses sprinkled the blood around the altar. 8:25 He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat from the insides, the liver cover, the two kidneys with their fat, and the right thigh; 8:26 and from the basket of unleavened bread that was before Yahweh, he took one unleavened cake, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat and on the right thigh. 8:27 He put all these in Aaron's hands and in his sons' hands, and waved them as a wave offering before Yahweh. 8:28 Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar as a burnt offering. They were a consecration providing a pleasant aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 8:29 Moses took the breast and waved it as a wave offering before Yahweh. It was Moses' portion of the ram of consecration, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:30 Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, and on his sons, and on his sons' garments with him, and consecrated Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

8:31 Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, "Boil the flesh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons shall eat it.' 8:32 What remains of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn with fire. 8:33 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting seven days, until the days of your consecration are fulfilled: for he shall consecrate you seven days. 8:34 What has been done this day, so Yahweh has commanded to do, to make atonement for you. 8:35 You shall stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting day and night seven days, and keep Yahweh's command, that you don't die: for so I am commanded." 8:36 Aaron and his sons did all the things which Yahweh commanded by Moses.

8:31 Moses said to Aaron and his sons, "Boil the meat at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and there eat it along with the bread in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons shall eat it.' 8:32 Whatever is left of the meat and bread you should burn completely. 8:33 You must not leave the entrance of the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your consecration are completed: because he will consecrate you for seven days. 8:34 What has been done today, Yahweh has commanded to be done, to make atonement for you. 8:35 You must stay at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days, and follow Yahweh's command, so you don't die: because that’s what I’ve been commanded." 8:36 Aaron and his sons did everything that Yahweh commanded through Moses.

9:1 It happened on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; 9:2 and he said to Aaron, "Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before Yahweh. 9:3 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Take a male goat for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, without blemish, for a burnt offering; 9:4 and a bull and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before Yahweh; and a meal offering mixed with oil: for today Yahweh appears to you.'"

9:1 On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel. 9:2 He said to Aaron, "Get a calf from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without defects, and present them to Yahweh. 9:3 Tell the children of Israel, 'Take a male goat for a sin offering, and a one-year-old calf and lamb, both without defects, for a burnt offering; 9:4 and a bull and ram for peace offerings to sacrifice before Yahweh; and a grain offering mixed with oil, because today Yahweh is showing Himself to you.'"

9:5 They brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting: and all the congregation drew near and stood before Yahweh. 9:6 Moses said, "This is the thing which Yahweh commanded that you should do: and the glory of Yahweh shall appear to you." 9:7 Moses said to Aaron, "Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as Yahweh commanded."

9:5 They brought what Moses commanded to the Tent of Meeting, and the whole congregation gathered and stood before Yahweh. 9:6 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh has instructed you to do, and the glory of Yahweh will be visible to you." 9:7 Moses told Aaron, "Approach the altar, offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, make atonement for yourself and the people, and present the offering of the people to make atonement for them, as Yahweh commanded."

9:8 So Aaron drew near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9:9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar: 9:10 but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering, he burned upon the altar; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 9:11 The flesh and the skin he burned with fire outside the camp. 9:12 He killed the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons delivered the blood to him, and he sprinkled it around on the altar. 9:13 They delivered the burnt offering to him, piece by piece, and the head: and he burned them upon the altar. 9:14 He washed the innards and the legs, and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar. 9:15 He presented the people's offering, and took the goat of the sin offering which was for the people, and killed it, and offered it for sin, like the first. 9:16 He presented the burnt offering, and offered it according to the ordinance. 9:17 He presented the meal offering, and filled his hand from there, and burned it upon the altar, besides the burnt offering of the morning. 9:18 He also killed the bull and the ram, the sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's sons delivered to him the blood, which he sprinkled around on the altar, 9:19 and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver: 9:20 and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar: 9:21 and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron waved for a wave offering before Yahweh, as Moses commanded. 9:22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

9:8 So Aaron approached the altar and sacrificed the calf for his sin offering. 9:9 Aaron's sons brought the blood to him; he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar, pouring out the rest at the base of the altar. 9:10 He burned the fat, kidneys, and the covering of the liver from the sin offering on the altar, as Yahweh had instructed Moses. 9:11 He burned the flesh and skin outside the camp. 9:12 He then sacrificed the burnt offering; Aaron's sons brought him the blood, which he sprinkled around the altar. 9:13 They handed him the burnt offering piece by piece, including the head, which he burned on the altar. 9:14 He washed the innards and legs and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar. 9:15 He presented the people's offering, took the goat for the sin offering, killed it, and offered it for sin just like the first one. 9:16 He presented the burnt offering and offered it according to the rules. 9:17 He presented the meal offering, filled his hand with it, and burned it on the altar in addition to the morning's burnt offering. 9:18 He also killed the bull and the ram as peace offerings for the people, and Aaron's sons brought him the blood, which he sprinkled around on the altar. 9:19 He received the fat from the bull and ram, the fat tail, the covering of the innards, the kidneys, and the covering of the liver. 9:20 They placed the fat on the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar. 9:21 He waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before Yahweh, as Moses had instructed. 9:22 Aaron raised his hands toward the people and blessed them; then he came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

9:23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people. 9:24 There came forth fire from before Yahweh, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar: and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

9:23 Moses and Aaron entered the Tent of Meeting, came out, and blessed the people; the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people. 9:24 Then fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

10:1 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them. 10:2 And fire came forth from before Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh.

10:1 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took their censers, added fire to them, and put incense on them, offering unauthorized fire to Yahweh, which He hadn't instructed them to do. 10:2 Then fire came out from Yahweh and consumed them, and they died in His presence.

10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what Yahweh spoke of, saying,

10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord said, stating,

'I will show myself holy to those who come near me,
and before all the people I will be glorified.'"

Aaron held his peace. 10:4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp." 10:5 So they drew near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said.

Aaron stayed quiet. 10:4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel, Aaron's uncle, and said to them, "Come here, and carry your brothers from in front of the sanctuary out of the camp." 10:5 So they came closer and carried them in their coats out of the camp, just as Moses had instructed.

10:6 Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, "Don't let the hair of your heads go loose, neither tear your clothes; that you don't die, and that he not be angry with all the congregation: but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Yahweh has kindled. 10:7 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." They did according to the word of Moses.

10:6 Moses said to Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar, his sons, "Don't let your hair hang loose or tear your clothes; otherwise, you will die, and Yahweh will be angry with all the people. Let your brothers, the entire house of Israel, mourn for the fire that Yahweh has started. 10:7 You must not leave the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, because the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." They followed Moses' instructions.

10:8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, saying, 10:9 "Drink no wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, that you don't die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations: 10:10 and that you are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean; 10:11 and that you are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Yahweh has spoken to them by Moses."

10:8 God spoke to Aaron, saying, 10:9 "Don’t drink any wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you enter the Tent of Meeting, so that you don’t die; this is a rule that will last forever for your generations. 10:10 You need to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean; 10:11 and you must teach the Israelites all the rules that God has given them through Moses."

10:12 Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons who were left, "Take the meal offering that remains of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar; for it is most holy; 10:13 and you shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your portion, and your sons' portion, of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire: for so I am commanded. 10:14 The waved breast and the heaved thigh you shall eat in a clean place, you, and your sons, and your daughters with you: for they are given as your portion, and your sons' portion, out of the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the children of Israel. 10:15 The heaved thigh and the waved breast they shall bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before Yahweh: and it shall be yours, and your sons' with you, as a portion forever; as Yahweh has commanded."

10:12 Moses said to Aaron, and to his remaining sons Eleazar and Ithamar, "Take the leftover grain offering from the offerings made by fire to Yahweh, and eat it without yeast near the altar; it is most holy. 10:13 You must eat it in a holy place because it's your share and your sons' share from the offerings made by fire to Yahweh, as I have been instructed. 10:14 You and your sons and daughters should eat the waved breast and the heaved thigh in a clean place; they are given to you as your share and your sons' share from the peace offerings of the Israelites. 10:15 They will bring the heaved thigh and the waved breast along with the fire offerings of the fat to wave them as a wave offering before Yahweh; these will be yours and your sons' forever, as Yahweh has commanded."

10:16 Moses diligently inquired about the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burned: and he was angry with Eleazar and with Ithamar, the sons of Aaron who were left, saying, 10:17 "Why haven't you eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary, seeing it is most holy, and he has given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before Yahweh? 10:18 Behold, its blood was not brought into the inner part of the sanctuary: you certainly should have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded."

10:16 Moses carefully asked about the goat for the sin offering, and to his surprise, it had been burned. He was upset with Eleazar and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron, and said, 10:17 "Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? It’s most sacred, and it was given to you to take on the guilt of the people and make atonement for them before Yahweh. 10:18 Look, its blood wasn’t brought into the inner part of the sanctuary; you definitely should have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded."

10:19 Aaron spoke to Moses, "Behold, this day they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before Yahweh; and such things as these have happened to me: and if I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?"

10:19 Aaron said to Moses, "Look, today they have presented their sin offering and their burnt offering to Yahweh; and all these things have happened to me. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would that have been acceptable to Yahweh?"

10:20 When Moses heard that, it was pleasing in his sight.

10:20 When Moses heard that, it made him happy.

11:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, 11:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'These are the living things which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth. 11:3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.

11:1 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 11:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'These are the animals you can eat from all the creatures on the earth. 11:3 Any animal that has a split hoof and chews the cud is okay for you to eat.

11:4 "'Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because he chews the cud but doesn't have a parted hoof, he is unclean to you. 11:5 The coney, because he chews the cud but doesn't have a parted hoof, he is unclean to you. 11:6 The hare, because she chews the cud but doesn't part the hoof, she is unclean to you. 11:7 The pig, because he has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn't chew the cud, he is unclean to you. 11:8 Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.

11:4 "But here are the animals you should not eat from those that chew the cud or have split hooves: the camel, because it chews the cud but doesn't have split hooves, is unclean for you. 11:5 The rabbit, because it chews the cud but doesn't have split hooves, is unclean for you. 11:6 The hare, because it chews the cud but doesn't have split hooves, is unclean for you. 11:7 The pig, because it has split hooves and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. 11:8 You must not eat their flesh, and you must not touch their dead bodies; they are unclean for you."

11:9 "'These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, that you may eat. 11:10 All that don't have fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you, 11:11 and you detest them. You shall not eat of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses. 11:12 Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination to you.

11:9 "'You can eat anything in the water that has fins and scales—whether in the seas or rivers. 11:10 But anything without fins and scales in the waters, like all the creatures that live in them, is considered unclean to you, 11:11 and you should find them disgusting. You must not eat their meat, and you should find their carcasses repulsive. 11:12 Anything without fins or scales in the water is unclean to you.

11:13 "'These you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the vulture, and the black vulture, 11:14 and the red kite, any kind of black kite, 11:15 any kind of raven, 11:16 the horned owl, the screech owl, and the gull, any kind of hawk, 11:17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 11:18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 11:19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

11:13 "'These are the birds you must avoid; they are not for eating and are considered unclean: the eagle, the vulture, and the black vulture, 11:14 the red kite, any type of black kite, 11:15 any type of raven, 11:16 the horned owl, the screech owl, and the gull, any kind of hawk, 11:17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 11:18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 11:19 the stork, any type of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

11:20 "'All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you. 11:21 Yet you may eat these: of all winged creeping things that go on all fours, which have legs above their feet, with which to hop on the earth. 11:22 Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper. 11:23 But all winged creeping things which have four feet, are an abomination to you.

11:20 "'All flying insects that crawl on all fours are unacceptable to you. 11:21 But you can eat these: any winged insects that move on all fours and have legs above their feet, which they use to hop on the ground. 11:22 You can eat all of these: any type of locust, any type of katydid, any type of cricket, and any type of grasshopper. 11:23 However, all winged insects that have four feet are unacceptable to you.

11:24 "'By these you will become unclean: whoever touches the carcass of them shall be unclean until the evening. 11:25 Whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

11:24 "'By these, you will be made unclean: anyone who touches their carcass will be unclean until evening. 11:25 Anyone who carries any part of their carcass must wash their clothes and will be unclean until evening.

11:26 "'Every animal which parts the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor chews the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean. 11:27 Whatever goes on its paws, among all animals that go on all fours, they are unclean to you. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 11:28 He who carries their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you.

11:26 "'Any animal that has divided hooves, is not cloven-footed, and does not chew the cud is considered unclean to you. Anyone who touches them will be unclean. 11:27 Any animal that walks on its paws, among all four-legged animals, is unclean to you. Anyone who touches their dead body will be unclean until the evening. 11:28 Whoever carries their dead body must wash their clothes and will be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you.

11:29 "'These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, 11:30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. 11:31 These are they which are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead, shall be unclean until the evening. 11:32 On whatever any of them falls when they are dead, it shall be unclean; whether it is any vessel of wood, or clothing, or skin, or sack, whatever vessel it is, with which any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening; then it will be clean. 11:33 Every earthen vessel, into which any of them falls, all that is in it shall be unclean, and you shall break it. 11:34 All food which may be eaten, that on which water comes, shall be unclean; and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. 11:35 Everything whereupon part of their carcass falls shall be unclean; whether oven, or range for pots, it shall be broken in pieces: they are unclean, and shall be unclean to you. 11:36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern in which water is a gathered shall be clean: but that which touches their carcass shall be unclean. 11:37 If part of their carcass falls on any sowing seed which is to be sown, it is clean. 11:38 But if water is put on the seed, and part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.

11:29 "'These are the unclean creatures among the creeping things on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any type of large lizard, 11:30 the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. 11:31 These are considered unclean to you among all that creep. Anyone who touches them when they are dead will be unclean until evening. 11:32 Anything that they fall on when they are dead will also be unclean; whether it's a wooden vessel, clothing, leather, or any sack, whatever it is that is worked with must be put in water, and it will be unclean until evening; then it will be clean. 11:33 Any earthen vessel that any of them falls into will render everything inside it unclean, and you must break it. 11:34 All food that can be eaten, which has water on it, will be unclean; and any drink that may be drunk from such a vessel will be unclean. 11:35 Everything that part of their carcass falls on will be unclean; whether it's an oven or a stovetop for pots, it must be broken apart: they are unclean and will remain unclean to you. 11:36 However, a spring or a cistern where water is collected will be clean; but anything that touches their carcass will be unclean. 11:37 If part of their carcass falls on any seed meant to be sown, it is clean. 11:38 But if water is added to the seed and part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.

11:39 "'If any animal, of which you may eat, dies; he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 11:40 He who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. He also who carries its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

11:39 "'If any animal you can eat dies, anyone who touches its body will be considered unclean until evening. 11:40 Anyone who eats its body must wash their clothes and will be unclean until evening. The same goes for anyone who carries its body; they must wash their clothes and will be unclean until evening.

11:41 "'Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth is an abomination. It shall not be eaten. 11:42 Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, even all creeping things that creep on the earth, them you shall not eat; for they are an abomination. 11:43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps, neither shall you make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled thereby. 11:44 For I am Yahweh your God. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth. 11:45 For I am Yahweh who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

11:41 "'Every crawling creature that moves on the ground is unacceptable. You shouldn’t eat them. 11:42 Anything that slithers on its belly, anything that walks on all fours, or anything with many legs—those crawling creatures that move on the earth—you must not eat; they are unacceptable. 11:43 You must not make yourselves unacceptable with any crawling creature that moves, nor make yourselves unclean with them, or you will be defiled by them. 11:44 For I am Yahweh your God. Therefore, consecrate yourselves and be holy; because I am holy: you must not make yourselves unclean with any type of crawling creature that moves on the ground. 11:45 For I am Yahweh who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. Therefore, you must be holy, because I am holy.

11:46 "'This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 11:47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.'"

11:46 "'This is the law for animals, birds, and every living creature that moves in the water, and for every creature that crawls on the earth, 11:47 to distinguish between what is unclean and what is clean, and between what can be eaten and what cannot be eaten.'"

12:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 12:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If a woman conceives, and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her monthly period she shall be unclean. 12:3 In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 12:4 She shall continue in the blood of purification thirty-three days. She shall not touch any holy thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed. 12:5 But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty-six days.

12:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 12:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'If a woman gives birth to a son, she will be considered unclean for seven days; similar to the days of her menstrual cycle, she will be unclean. 12:3 On the eighth day, the baby’s foreskin must be circumcised. 12:4 She will continue with the purification process for thirty-three days. During this time, she must not touch anything sacred or enter the sanctuary until her purification period is complete. 12:5 However, if she gives birth to a daughter, she will be unclean for two weeks, just like her period; and she will remain in the purification process for sixty-six days.'

12:6 "'When the days of her purification are completed, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the door of the Tent of Meeting, a year old lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering: 12:7 and he shall offer it before Yahweh, and make atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the fountain of her blood.

12:6 "'When her period of purification is over, whether for a son or a daughter, she must bring a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering to the priest at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting: 12:7 and he will present it before Yahweh and make atonement for her, so she will be cleansed from the source of her blood.

"'This is the law for her who bears, whether a male or a female. 12:8 If she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons; the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.'"

"'This is the rule for a woman giving birth, whether it's a boy or a girl. 12:8 If she can't afford a lamb, then she should take two turtledoves or two young pigeons; one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. The priest will make atonement for her, and she will be considered clean.'"

13:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 13:2 "When a man shall have a rising in his body's skin, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes in the skin of his body the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons, the priests: 13:3 and the priest shall examine the plague in the skin of the body: and if the hair in the plague has turned white, and the appearance of the plague is deeper than the body's skin, it is the plague of leprosy; and the priest shall examine him, and pronounce him unclean. 13:4 If the bright spot is white in the skin of his body, and its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, and its hair hasn't turned white, then the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. 13:5 The priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and, behold, if in his eyes the plague is arrested, and the plague hasn't spread in the skin, then the priest shall isolate him for seven more days. 13:6 The priest shall examine him again on the seventh day; and behold, if the plague has faded, and the plague hasn't spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. It is a scab. He shall wash his clothes, and be clean. 13:7 But if the scab spreads on the skin, after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he shall show himself to the priest again. 13:8 The priest shall examine him; and behold, if the scab has spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is leprosy.

13:1 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 13:2 "When a man has a sore on his skin, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it appears to be a leprosy outbreak, he must be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons, the priests: 13:3 and the priest will examine the sore on the skin: if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore looks deeper than the skin, it is leprosy; and the priest will examine him and declare him unclean. 13:4 If the bright spot is white on the skin and doesn't look deeper than the skin, and the hair hasn't turned white, then the priest will isolate the infected person for seven days. 13:5 The priest will examine him on the seventh day, and if the sore looks contained and hasn't spread on the skin, then the priest will isolate him for seven more days. 13:6 The priest will examine him again on the seventh day; and if the sore has faded and hasn't spread on the skin, then the priest will declare him clean. It is just a scab. He must wash his clothes and be clean. 13:7 But if the scab spreads on the skin after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he must show himself to the priest again. 13:8 The priest will examine him; and if the scab has spread on the skin, then the priest will declare him unclean. It is leprosy.

13:9 "When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought to the priest; 13:10 and the priest shall examine him. Behold, if there is a white rising in the skin, and it has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the rising, 13:11 it is a chronic leprosy in the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He shall not isolate him, for he is unclean.

13:9 "When someone has a case of leprosy, he should be taken to the priest; 13:10 and the priest will examine him. Look, if there is a white spot on the skin, and it has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the area, 13:11 it is a chronic case of leprosy in his skin, and the priest will declare him unclean. He does not need to be isolated because he is unclean."

13:12 "If the leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of the infected person from his head even to his feet, as far as it appears to the priest; 13:13 then the priest shall examine him; and, behold, if the leprosy has covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean of the plague. It has all turned white: he is clean. 13:14 But whenever raw flesh appears in him, he shall be unclean. 13:15 The priest shall examine the raw flesh, and pronounce him unclean: the raw flesh is unclean. It is leprosy. 13:16 Or if the raw flesh turns again, and is changed to white, then he shall come to the priest; 13:17 and the priest shall examine him; and, behold, if the plague has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him clean of the plague. He is clean.

13:12 "If leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and it covers the entire body of the infected person from head to toe, as far as the priest can see; 13:13 then the priest will examine him; and, look, if the leprosy has covered all his flesh, he will declare him clean of the disease. It has all turned white: he is clean. 13:14 But if any raw flesh appears on him, he will be unclean. 13:15 The priest will examine the raw flesh and declare him unclean: the raw flesh is unclean. It is leprosy. 13:16 If the raw flesh turns back to white, then he should go to the priest; 13:17 and the priest will examine him; and, look, if the disease has turned white, then the priest will declare him clean of the disease. He is clean.

13:18 "When the body has a boil on its skin, and it has healed, 13:19 and in the place of the boil there is a white rising, or a bright spot, reddish-white, then it shall be shown to the priest; 13:20 and the priest shall examine it; and behold, if its appearance is lower than the skin, and its hair has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. It has broken out in the boil. 13:21 But if the priest examines it, and behold, there are no white hairs in it, and it isn't deeper than the skin, but is dim, then the priest shall isolate him seven days. 13:22 If it spreads in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a plague. 13:23 But if the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn't spread, it is the scar from the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

13:18 "When someone has a boil on their skin that has healed, 13:19 and there’s a white bump or a reddish-white spot where the boil was, they should show it to the priest; 13:20 and the priest will examine it. If it looks lower than the surrounding skin and the hair in that spot has turned white, then the priest will declare that person unclean. It’s a form of leprosy that has developed from the boil. 13:21 However, if the priest looks at it and sees no white hairs and it isn't deeper than the skin but appears dim, then the priest will keep them isolated for seven days. 13:22 If it spreads on the skin, then the priest will declare them unclean. It’s a plague. 13:23 But if the bright spot remains the same size and doesn’t spread, it’s just a scar from the boil, and the priest will declare them clean."

13:24 "Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white, or white, 13:25 then the priest shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is deeper than the skin; it is leprosy. It has broken out in the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 13:26 But if the priest examines it, and behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn't lower than the skin, but is faded; then the priest shall isolate him seven days. 13:27 The priest shall examine him on the seventh day. If it has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 13:28 If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn't spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; for it is the scar from the burn.

13:24 "Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white, or white, 13:25 then the priest will examine it; and look, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is deeper than the skin; it is leprosy. It has developed from the burn, and the priest will declare him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 13:26 But if the priest examines it, and look, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn't lower than the skin, but has faded; then the priest will isolate him for seven days. 13:27 The priest will examine him on the seventh day. If it has spread in the skin, then the priest will declare him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 13:28 If the bright spot remains in its place, and hasn't spread in the skin, but has faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest will declare him clean; for it is the scar from the burn.

13:29 "When a man or woman has a plague on the head or on the beard, 13:30 then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is an itch, it is leprosy of the head or of the beard. 13:31 If the priest examines the plague of itching, and behold, its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate him the person infected with itching seven days. 13:32 On the seventh day the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn't spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the appearance of the itch isn't deeper than the skin, 13:33 then he shall be shaved, but he shall not shave the itch; and the priest shall shut him up who has the itch seven more days. 13:34 On the seventh day, the priest shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn't spread in the skin, and its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes, and be clean. 13:35 But if the itch spreads in the skin after his cleansing, 13:36 then the priest shall examine him; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest shall not look for the yellow hair; he is unclean. 13:37 But if in his eyes the itch is arrested, and black hair has grown in it; the itch is healed, he is clean. The priest shall pronounce him clean.

13:29 "When a man or woman has a rash on the head or beard, 13:30 the priest will check the rash; and if it looks deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest will declare them unclean: it's an itch, it's leprosy of the head or beard. 13:31 If the priest examines the itchy area and sees that it isn't deeper than the skin and there’s no black hair growing in it, then the priest will isolate the person with the itch for seven days. 13:32 On the seventh day, the priest will examine the rash; and if the itch hasn't spread and there’s no yellow hair in it, and the appearance of the itch isn't deeper than the skin, 13:33 then they will be shaved, but the itch itself won't be shaved off; and the priest will isolate the person with the itch for seven more days. 13:34 On the seventh day, the priest will examine the itch again; and if it hasn't spread and its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, then the priest will declare them clean. They must wash their clothes and be clean. 13:35 But if the itch spreads after they’ve been declared clean, 13:36 then the priest will examine them; and if the itch has spread, the priest won't look for the yellow hair; they are unclean. 13:37 However, if the itch has stopped and black hair has grown in it, it means the itch is healed, and they are clean. The priest will declare them clean.

13:38 "When a man or a woman has bright spots in the skin of the body, even white bright spots; 13:39 then the priest shall examine them; and behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their body are a dull white, it is a harmless rash, it has broken out in the skin; he is clean.

13:38 "When a person has bright spots on their skin, even white ones; 13:39 then the priest should check them; and if the bright spots on their skin are a dull white, it's just a harmless rash that has appeared on the skin; they are clean.

13:40 "If a man's hair has fallen from his head, he is bald. He is clean. 13:41 If his hair has fallen off from the front part of his head, he is forehead bald. He is clean. 13:42 But if there is in the bald head, or the bald forehead, a reddish-white plague; it is leprosy breaking out in his bald head, or his bald forehead. 13:43 Then the priest shall examine him; and, behold, if the rising of the plague is reddish-white in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the flesh, 13:44 he is a leprous man. He is unclean. The priest shall surely pronounce him unclean. His plague is on his head.

13:40 "If a man's hair has fallen out, he is bald. He is clean. 13:41 If his hair has fallen out from the front part of his head, he is forehead bald. He is clean. 13:42 But if there is on the bald head, or the bald forehead, a reddish-white sore, it is leprosy developing on his bald head, or his bald forehead. 13:43 Then the priest shall examine him; and look, if the sore is reddish-white on his bald head, or in his bald forehead, resembling leprosy in the skin of the flesh, 13:44 he is a leprous man. He is unclean. The priest shall definitely declare him unclean. His sore is on his head.

13:45 "The leper in whom the plague is shall wear torn clothes, and the hair of his head shall hang loose. He shall cover his upper lip, and shall cry, 'Unclean! Unclean!' 13:46 All the days in which the plague is in him he shall be unclean. He is unclean. He shall dwell alone. Outside of the camp shall be his dwelling.

13:45 "The person with leprosy shall wear torn clothes, and their hair will be unkempt. They must cover their mouth and shout, 'Unclean! Unclean!' 13:46 As long as they have the disease, they are considered unclean. They must live alone, outside of the camp.

13:47 "The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment; 13:48 whether it is in warp, or woof; of linen, or of wool; whether in a skin, or in anything made of skin; 13:49 if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything made of skin; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown to the priest. 13:50 The priest shall examine the plague, and isolate the plague seven days. 13:51 He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean. 13:52 He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of skin, in which the plague is: for it is a destructive mildew. It shall be burned in the fire.

13:47 "If there’s a leprosy plague in a garment, whether it's made of wool or linen; 13:48 whether it’s in the warp or the weave; made of linen or wool; or in leather or any material made from leather; 13:49 if the plague looks greenish or reddish in the fabric, or in the leather, or in the warp, or in the weave, or in anything made from leather; it’s the leprosy plague and must be shown to the priest. 13:50 The priest will examine the plague and isolate it for seven days. 13:51 He will check the plague again on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, whether in the warp or in the weave, or in the leather, no matter what the leather is used for, it’s a harmful mildew. It is considered unclean. 13:52 The priest must burn the garment, whether it’s in the warp or the weave, made of wool or linen, or any leather that has the plague; for it’s a harmful mildew. It must be burned in fire.

13:53 "If the priest examines it, and behold, the plague hasn't spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin; 13:54 then the priest shall command that they wash the thing in which the plague is, and he shall isolate it seven more days. 13:55 Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn't changed its color, and the plague hasn't spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside. 13:56 If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed, then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof: 13:57 and if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading. You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is. 13:58 The garment, either the warp, or the woof, or whatever thing of skin it is, which you shall wash, if the plague has departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and it will be clean."

13:53 "If the priest inspects it and sees that the infection hasn’t spread in the fabric, either in the threads or the weave, or in any leather item; 13:54 then the priest will command that the affected item be washed, and he will isolate it for seven more days. 13:55 After that, the priest will examine it again, after it’s been washed; and if the infection hasn’t changed color and hasn’t spread, it is considered unclean; you must burn it in the fire. It is a moldy spot, whether the affected area is on the inside or outside. 13:56 If the priest looks and sees that the infection has faded after washing, then he will cut it out from the fabric, or from the leather, or from the threads, or from the weave: 13:57 and if it reappears in the fabric, either in the threads or the weave, or in any leather item, it is spreading. You must burn whatever has the infection. 13:58 The garment, whether the threads, the weave, or any leather item that you washed, if the infection has disappeared from them, then it will be washed a second time, and it will be clean."

13:59 This is the law of the plague of mildew in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or in anything of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

13:59 This is the law regarding mildew in wool or linen clothing, whether in the threads or the fabric, or in anything made of skin, to declare it clean or unclean.

14:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

God spoke to Moses, saying,

14:2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, 14:3 and the priest shall go forth out of the camp. The priest shall examine him, and behold, if the plague of leprosy is healed in the leper, 14:4 then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two living clean birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop. 14:5 The priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. 14:6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. 14:7 He shall sprinkle on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird go into the open field.

14:2 "This is the procedure for someone with leprosy on the day of their cleansing. They must be brought to the priest, 14:3 who will go outside the camp. The priest will examine them, and if it’s clear that the leprosy is healed, 14:4 then the priest will instruct them to take two live, clean birds, along with cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop for the cleansing process. 14:5 The priest will order one of the birds to be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. 14:6 For the live bird, he will take it, along with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the killed bird over the running water. 14:7 He will sprinkle the person being cleansed from leprosy seven times, declare them clean, and release the live bird into the open field.

14:8 "He who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and bathe himself in water; and he shall be clean. After that he shall come into the camp, but shall dwell outside his tent seven days. 14:9 It shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off. He shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his body in water, then he shall be clean.

14:8 "The person who needs to be cleansed must wash their clothes, shave off all their hair, and bathe in water; then they will be clean. After this, they can enter the camp but must stay outside their tent for seven days. 14:9 On the seventh day, they must shave all the hair from their head, beard, and eyebrows—essentially, they must shave off all their hair. They should wash their clothes and bathe their body in water, and then they will be clean.

14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil. 14:11 The priest who cleanses him shall set the man who is to be cleansed, and those things, before Yahweh, at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

14:10 "On the eighth day, he must take two perfect male lambs and one perfect one-year-old ewe lamb, along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering mixed with oil, and one log of oil. 14:11 The priest who is purifying him will present the person being cleansed and these items before Yahweh at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.

14:12 "The priest shall take one of the male lambs, and offer him for a trespass offering, with the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. 14:13 He shall kill the male lamb in the place where they kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the place of the sanctuary; for as the sin offering is the priest's, so is the trespass offering. It is most holy. 14:14 The priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 14:15 The priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand. 14:16 The priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before Yahweh. 14:17 The priest shall put some of the rest of the oil that is in his hand on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering. 14:18 The rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed, and the priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh.

14:12 "The priest will take one of the male lambs and offer it as a guilt offering, along with the log of oil, waving them as a wave offering before Yahweh. 14:13 He will slaughter the male lamb in the same place where they kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the sanctuary area; for the sin offering belongs to the priest, and so does the guilt offering. It is very sacred. 14:14 The priest will take some of the blood from the guilt offering and put it on the lobe of the right ear of the person being cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 14:15 The priest will take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his left hand. 14:16 The priest will dip his right finger into the oil from his left hand and sprinkle some of it seven times before Yahweh. 14:17 The priest will apply some of the remaining oil from his hand to the lobe of the right ear of the person being cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, over the blood from the guilt offering. 14:18 The rest of the oil in the priest's hand will be placed on the head of the person being cleansed, and the priest will make atonement for him before Yahweh.

14:19 "The priest shall offer the sin offering, and make atonement for him who is to be cleansed because of his uncleanness: and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering; 14:20 and the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meal offering on the altar. The priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

14:19 "The priest will present the sin offering and make atonement for the person being cleansed due to their impurity. Then, he will sacrifice the burnt offering; 14:20 and the priest will present the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. The priest will make atonement for that person, and they will be clean.

14:21 "If he is poor, and can't afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil; 14:22 and two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to afford; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

14:21 "If he is poor and can't afford so much, he should take one male lamb for a guilt offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, along with one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and a log of oil; 14:22 and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, whichever he can afford; one will be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering."

14:23 "On the eighth day he shall bring them for his cleansing to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, before Yahweh. 14:24 The priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. 14:25 He shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering. The priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 14:26 The priest shall pour some of the oil into the palm of his own left hand; 14:27 and the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before Yahweh. 14:28 Then the priest shall put some of the oil that is in his hand on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on the place of the blood of the trespass offering. 14:29 The rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed, to make atonement for him before Yahweh. 14:30 He shall offer one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he is able to afford, 14:31 even such as he is able to afford, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meal offering. The priest shall make atonement for him who is to be cleansed before Yahweh."

14:23 "On the eighth day, he must bring them for his cleansing to the priest at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, before Yahweh. 14:24 The priest will take the lamb for the trespass offering and the log of oil, and he will wave them as a wave offering before Yahweh. 14:25 He will then kill the lamb for the trespass offering. The priest will take some of the blood from the trespass offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of the person being cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot. 14:26 The priest will pour some of the oil into the palm of his own left hand; 14:27 and with his right finger, he will sprinkle some of the oil from his left hand seven times before Yahweh. 14:28 Then, the priest will put some of the oil from his hand on the tip of the right ear of the person being cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot, where the blood of the trespass offering is. 14:29 The remaining oil in the priest's hand shall be placed on the head of the person being cleansed to make atonement for them before Yahweh. 14:30 He must offer one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, depending on what he can afford, 14:31 one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, along with the meal offering. The priest shall make atonement for the person being cleansed before Yahweh."

14:32 This is the law for him in whom is the plague of leprosy, who is not able to afford the sacrifice for his cleansing.

14:32 This is the law for someone with leprosy who cannot afford the sacrifice for their cleansing.

14:33 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 14:34 "When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put a spreading mildew in a house in the land of your possession, 14:35 then he who owns the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, 'There seems to me to be some sort of plague in the house.' 14:36 The priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest goes in to examine the plague, that all that is in the house not be made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to inspect the house. 14:37 He shall examine the plague; and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it appears to be deeper than the wall; 14:38 then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days. 14:39 The priest shall come again on the seventh day, and look. If the plague has spread in the walls of the house, 14:40 then the priest shall command that they take out the stones in which is the plague, and cast them into an unclean place outside of the city: 14:41 and he shall cause the inside of the house to be scraped all over, and they shall pour out the mortar, that they scraped off, outside of the city into an unclean place. 14:42 They shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house.

14:33 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 14:34 "When you enter the land of Canaan, which I’m giving you to own, and I put a spreading mildew in a house in that land, 14:35 the owner of the house must come and tell the priest, saying, 'It looks like there's some kind of plague in the house.' 14:36 The priest will order that the house be emptied before he goes in to check the plague so that everything inside doesn’t become unclean; afterward, the priest will go in to inspect the house. 14:37 He will check for signs of the plague; if the plague is on the walls with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it seems to be deeper than the wall, 14:38 then the priest will go out to the door of the house and shut it up for seven days. 14:39 The priest will come back on the seventh day and inspect it. If the plague has spread in the walls of the house, 14:40 the priest will order that the affected stones be removed and thrown into an unclean place outside the city. 14:41 He will have the inside of the house scraped everywhere, and the scraped-off mortar will be poured out outside the city into an unclean place. 14:42 They will take other stones and replace the removed stones, and he will take new mortar and plaster the house.

14:43 "If the plague comes again, and breaks out in the house, after he has taken out the stones, and after he has scraped the house, and after it was plastered; 14:44 then the priest shall come in and look; and behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew in the house. It is unclean. 14:45 He shall break down the house, its stones, and its timber, and all the house's mortar. He shall carry them out of the city into an unclean place.

14:43 "If the plague shows up again and appears in the house, after he has removed the stones and scraped the house, and after it has been plastered; 14:44 then the priest will come and inspect it; and if the plague has spread in the house, it’s a serious mildew. It’s considered unclean. 14:45 He must tear down the house, including its stones, timber, and all the mortar. He will take everything out of the city to a polluted place.

14:46 "Moreover he who goes into the house while it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening. 14:47 He who lies down in the house shall wash his clothes; and he who eats in the house shall wash his clothes.

14:46 "Additionally, anyone who enters a house when it’s closed will be considered unclean until the evening. 14:47 Anyone who lies down in the house must wash their clothes, and anyone who eats in the house must wash their clothes."

14:48 "If the priest shall come in, and examine it, and behold, the plague hasn't spread in the house, after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. 14:49 To cleanse the house he shall take two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop. 14:50 He shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. 14:51 He shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 14:52 He shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, with the hyssop, and with the scarlet; 14:53 but he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field. So shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean."

14:48 "If the priest comes in, examines it, and sees that the plague hasn't spread in the house after it was plastered, then the priest will declare the house clean because the plague is healed. 14:49 To purify the house, he will take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. 14:50 He will kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. 14:51 He will take the cedar wood, hyssop, scarlet, and the living bird, dip them in the blood of the dead bird and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 14:52 He will purify the house with the blood of the bird, running water, the living bird, cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet; 14:53 but he will let the living bird go outside the city into the open field. This is how he will make atonement for the house; and it will be clean."

14:54 This is the law for any plague of leprosy, and for an itch, 14:55 and for the destructive mildew of a garment, and for a house, 14:56 and for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot; 14:57 to teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean.

14:54 This is the guideline for any case of leprosy, itching, 14:55 and for the harmful mold on clothing, and for a house, 14:56 and for a growth, and for a sore, and for a discolored patch; 14:57 to explain when something is considered unclean and when it is clean.

This is the law of leprosy.

This is the law regarding leprosy.

15:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 15:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When any man has a discharge from his body, because of his discharge he is unclean. 15:3 This shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body has stopped from his discharge, it is his uncleanness.

15:1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 15:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'When a man has a discharge from his body, he is considered unclean because of it. 15:3 This is how his uncleanness is defined: whether his discharge continues or has stopped, he remains unclean.

15:4 "'Every bed whereon he who has the discharge lies shall be unclean; and everything he sits on shall be unclean. 15:5 Whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 15:6 He who sits on anything whereon the man who has the discharge sat shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:4 "'Any bed where someone with a discharge lies will be unclean; and anything he sits on will be unclean. 15:5 Anyone who touches his bed must wash their clothes, and take a bath, and will be unclean until the evening. 15:6 Anyone who sits on something that the man with the discharge sat on must wash their clothes, and take a bath, and will be unclean until the evening.

15:7 "'He who touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:7 "'Whoever touches the body of someone with a discharge must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and will be considered unclean until evening.

15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:8 "'If someone with an infection spits on someone who is clean, they must wash their clothes, wash themselves in water, and remain unclean until evening.

15:9 "'Whatever saddle he who has the discharge rides on shall be unclean. 15:10 Whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until the evening. He who carries those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:9 "'Any saddle that the person who has the discharge sits on will be considered unclean. 15:10 Anyone who touches anything that was underneath him will be unclean until the evening. The person who carries those items must wash their clothes and bathe in water, and they will be unclean until the evening.

15:11 "'Whoever he who has the discharge touches, without having rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:11 "'Whoever touches the discharge without first rinsing his hands in water must wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and he will be unclean until evening.

15:12 "'The earthen vessel, which he who has the discharge touches, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

15:12 "'Anyone who touches the earthen vessel with the discharge must break it; and any wooden vessel should be rinsed in water.

15:13 "'When he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes; and he shall bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

15:13 "'When someone with a discharge is cleaned of it, they should count seven days for their cleansing, wash their clothes, and bathe their body in running water to become clean.

15:14 "'On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest: 15:15 and the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh for his discharge.

15:14 "'On the eighth day, he must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and come before Yahweh at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, handing them over to the priest: 15:15 and the priest will offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. The priest will make atonement for him before Yahweh for his discharge.

15:16 "'If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening. 15:17 Every garment, and every skin, whereon the semen is, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the evening. 15:18 If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:16 "'If a man has an ejaculation, he must wash his entire body in water and will be considered unclean until evening. 15:17 Any clothing or skin that has come into contact with the semen must be washed with water and will be unclean until evening. 15:18 If a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an ejaculation, both of them must wash themselves in water and will be unclean until evening.

15:19 "'If a woman has a discharge, and her discharge in her flesh is blood, she shall be in her impurity seven days: and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.

15:19 "'If a woman has a discharge, and her discharge is blood, she will be considered unclean for seven days: and anyone who touches her will be unclean until the evening.

15:20 "'Everything that she lies on in her impurity shall be unclean. Everything also that she sits on shall be unclean. 15:21 Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 15:22 Whoever touches anything that she sits on shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 15:23 If it is on the bed, or on anything whereon she sits, when he touches it, he shall be unclean until the evening.

15:20 "'Everything she lies on during her period is unclean. Everything she sits on is also unclean. 15:21 Anyone who touches her bed must wash their clothes and bathe in water, and they will be unclean until evening. 15:22 Anyone who touches anything she sits on must wash their clothes and bathe in water, and they will be unclean until evening. 15:23 If it's on the bed or on anything she sits on, if he touches it, he will be unclean until evening.

15:24 "'If any man lies with her, and her monthly flow is on him, he shall be unclean seven days; and every bed whereon he lies shall be unclean.

15:24 "'If anyone sleeps with her during her period, they will be unclean for seven days, and any bed they lie on will also be unclean.

15:25 "'If a woman has a discharge of her blood many days not in the time of her period, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her period; all the days of the discharge of her uncleanness shall be as in the days of her period: she is unclean. 15:26 Every bed whereon she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her period: and everything whereon she sits shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her period. 15:27 Whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

15:25 "'If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days outside of her period, or if her discharge continues beyond her period; all the days of her discharge will be considered the same as the days of her period: she is unclean. 15:26 Every bed she lies on during her discharge will be treated as if it were during her period: and everything she sits on will be unclean, just like her period. 15:27 Anyone who touches these things will be unclean and must wash their clothes, bathe themselves in water, and remain unclean until the evening.

15:28 "'But if she is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall count to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. 15:29 On the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 15:30 The priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her before Yahweh for the uncleanness of her discharge.

15:28 "'But once she has stopped her discharge, she should count seven days for herself, and after that, she will be considered clean. 15:29 On the eighth day, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 15:30 The priest will offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, and the priest will make atonement for her before Yahweh for the uncleanness of her discharge.

15:31 "'Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is in their midst.'"

15:31 "'So you must keep the people of Israel away from their impurities, so they won’t die from them when they make my tabernacle, which is in their midst, unclean.'"

15:32 This is the law of him who has a discharge, and of him who has an emission of semen, so that he is unclean thereby; 15:33 and of her who has her period, and of a man or woman who has a discharge, and of him who lies with her who is unclean.

15:32 This is the rule for someone who has a discharge and for someone who has an ejaculation, making them unclean; 15:33 and for a woman who is menstruating, and for a man or woman who has a discharge, and for anyone who has relations with someone who is unclean.

16:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before Yahweh, and died; 16:2 and Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.

16:1 God spoke to Moses after the deaths of Aaron's two sons, who had approached Him and died. 16:2 God said to Moses, "Tell your brother Aaron not to enter the Most Holy Place anytime he wants, behind the curtain, in front of the mercy seat that's on the ark; otherwise, he will die because I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.

16:3 "Herewith shall Aaron come into the sanctuary: with a young bull for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on. 16:5 He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

16:3 "Aaron will enter the sanctuary with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 16:4 He will wear the holy linen coat, linen breeches, a linen sash, and a linen turban. These are the holy garments. He will wash his body with water and put them on. 16:5 He will take from the congregation of the people of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.

16:6 "Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. 16:7 He shall take the two goats, and set them before Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 16:8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats; one lot for Yahweh, and the other lot for the scapegoat. 16:9 Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Yahweh, and offer him for a sin offering. 16:10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before Yahweh, to make atonement for him, to send him away for the scapegoat into the wilderness.

16:6 "Aaron will bring the bull for his personal sin offering and make atonement for himself and his family. 16:7 He will take the two goats and stand them before the Lord at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 16:8 Aaron will cast lots for the two goats; one lot will be for the Lord, and the other lot will be for the scapegoat. 16:9 Aaron will present the goat chosen by lot for the Lord and offer it as a sin offering. 16:10 But the goat chosen by lot for the scapegoat will be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement for him and be sent away into the wilderness as the scapegoat.

16:11 "Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. 16:12 He shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Yahweh, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: 16:13 and he shall put the incense on the fire before Yahweh, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, so that he will not die. 16:14 He shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.

16:11 "Aaron will present the bull for his sin offering, making atonement for himself and his household, and will sacrifice the bull for his sin offering. 16:12 He will take a censer full of hot coals from the altar before the Lord, along with two handfuls of finely ground sweet incense, and bring it inside the veil. 16:13 He will place the incense on the fire before the Lord, so that the cloud of incense covers the mercy seat on the testimony, ensuring that he doesn’t die. 16:14 He will take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat to the east, and in front of the mercy seat, he will sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.

16:15 "Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: 16:16 and he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins; and so he shall do for the Tent of Meeting, that dwells with them in the midst of their uncleanness. 16:17 There shall be no one in the Tent of Meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement for himself and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel.

16:15 "Then he will kill the goat that is the sin offering for the people, take its blood inside the veil, and do with it as he did with the blood of the bull. He will sprinkle it on the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat: 16:16 and he will make atonement for the Holy Place because of the uncleanness of the Israelites and their transgressions, which include all their sins; and he will do the same for the Tent of Meeting, which is among them despite their uncleanness. 16:17 No one should be in the Tent of Meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, his household, and the entire assembly of Israel."

16:18 "He shall go out to the altar that is before Yahweh and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the bull's blood, and some of the goat's blood, and put it around on the horns of the altar. 16:19 He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

16:18 "He will go to the altar that stands before Yahweh and make atonement for it, taking some of the bull's blood and some of the goat's blood to put around the horns of the altar. 16:19 He will sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and make it holy from the impurities of the people of Israel.

16:20 "When he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat. 16:21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, even all their sins; and he shall put them on the head of the goat, and shall send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness. 16:22 The goat shall carry all their iniquities on himself to a solitary land, and he shall let the goat go in the wilderness.

16:20 "Once he finishes making amends for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he will present the live goat. 16:21 Aaron will place both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess all the wrongdoings of the people of Israel, their offenses, and all their sins; he will transfer them onto the goat's head and send it away into the wilderness with a man who is ready for the task. 16:22 The goat will carry all their wrongs into a remote area, and he will release the goat in the wilderness.

16:23 "Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there. 16:24 Then he shall bathe himself in water in a holy place, and put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people. 16:25 The fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar.

16:23 "Aaron will enter the Meeting Tent and take off the linen clothes he wore when he went into the Holy Place, leaving them there. 16:24 Then he will wash himself in water in a sacred place, put on his clothes, come out, and offer his burnt offering along with the burnt offering of the people, making atonement for himself and for them. 16:25 He will burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.

16:26 "He who lets the goat go for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp. 16:27 The bull for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried forth outside the camp; and they shall burn their skins, their flesh, and their dung with fire. 16:28 He who burns them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

16:26 "Whoever sends the goat away as a scapegoat must wash their clothes and cleanse themselves with water before entering the camp. 16:27 The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, must be taken outside the camp, where their skins, flesh, and waste will be burned in the fire. 16:28 The person who burns them must wash their clothes and cleanse themselves with water before entering the camp."

16:29 "It shall be a statute to you forever: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the native-born, or the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you: 16:30 for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins you shall be clean before Yahweh. 16:31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever. 16:32 The priest, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priest in his father's place, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments. 16:33 Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.

16:29 "This will be a lasting law for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you must humble yourselves and do no work, whether you are a native-born or a foreigner living among you. 16:30 On this day, atonement will be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before Yahweh. 16:31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you must humble yourselves; this is a lasting law. 16:32 The anointed priest who is consecrated to serve in his father's place will make the atonement and will wear the linen garments, the holy garments. 16:33 He will make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, for the Tent of Meeting and the altar; and he will make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.

16:34 "This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel once in the year because of all their sins."

16:34 "This will be a permanent rule for you, to make amends for the people of Israel once a year for all their sins."

It was done as Yahweh commanded Moses.

It was done as the Lord commanded Moses.

17:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 17:2 "Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them: 'This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, 17:3 Whatever man there is of the house of Israel, who kills a bull, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, 17:4 and hasn't brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to offer it as an offering to Yahweh before the tabernacle of Yahweh: blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people. 17:5 This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh. 17:6 The priest shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 17:7 They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the prostitute. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.'

17:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 17:2 "Tell Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites: 'This is what Yahweh has commanded. 17:3 Any man from the house of Israel who kills a bull, lamb, or goat in the camp, or outside the camp, 17:4 and doesn't bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to offer it as a sacrifice to Yahweh before the tabernacle, will be considered guilty of shedding blood. That person has shed blood; he will be cut off from his people. 17:5 This is so that the Israelites can bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, to Yahweh, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and offer them as peace offerings to Yahweh. 17:6 The priest will sprinkle the blood on Yahweh's altar at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to Yahweh. 17:7 They must no longer sacrifice their offerings to goat idols, which they go after in prostitution. This will be a lasting ordinance for them throughout their generations.'

17:8 "You shall say to them, 'Any man there is of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice, 17:9 and doesn't bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to sacrifice it to Yahweh; that man shall be cut off from his people.

17:8 "You are to tell them, 'Any man from the house of Israel, or any foreigner living among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice, 17:9 and doesn’t bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to offer it to Yahweh; that person will be cut off from their people.

17:10 "'Any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that soul who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life. 17:12 Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, "No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood."

17:10 "'Any man from the house of Israel, or any foreigners living among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will turn against that person and remove them from their people. 17:11 For the life of the body is in the blood; I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, because it is the blood that makes atonement through the life. 17:12 Therefore, I have told the people of Israel, "No one among you is to eat blood, and no foreigner living among you is allowed to eat blood."

17:13 "'Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust. 17:14 For as to the life of all flesh, its blood is with its life: therefore I said to the children of Israel, "You shall not eat the blood of any kind of flesh; for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off."

17:13 "Anyone from the people of Israel or any foreigners living among them who hunts any animal or bird that can be eaten must pour out its blood and cover it with dirt. 17:14 Because the life of all living things is in their blood: that's why I told the people of Israel, 'You must not eat the blood of any kind of meat, because the life of all living things is in their blood. Anyone who eats it will be cut off.'"

17:15 "'Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean. 17:16 But if he doesn't wash them, or bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity.'"

17:15 "'Anyone who eats something that has died of itself or something torn by animals, whether they are a native or a foreigner, must wash their clothes and bathe in water, and they will be unclean until evening; then they will be clean. 17:16 But if they don't wash their clothes or bathe their body, they will bear their guilt.'"

18:1 Yahweh said to Moses, 18:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'I am Yahweh your God. 18:3 You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived: and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; neither shall you walk in their statutes. 18:4 You shall do my ordinances, and you shall keep my statutes, and walk in them: I am Yahweh your God. 18:5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances; which if a man does, he shall live in them: I am Yahweh.

18:1 Yahweh said to Moses, 18:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'I am Yahweh your God. 18:3 Don't follow the practices of Egypt, where you used to live, and don't follow the ways of Canaan, where I am taking you; don't live by their laws. 18:4 Instead, you should follow my commands, keep my laws, and live by them: I am Yahweh your God. 18:5 So, you must keep my laws and my commands; if anyone follows them, they will live by them: I am Yahweh."

18:6 "'None of you shall approach anyone who are his close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.

18:6 "'None of you should get close to your close relatives to expose their nakedness: I am Yahweh.

18:7 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

18:7 "'You must not expose your father's nakedness, nor your mother's: she is your mother. You must not expose her nakedness.

18:8 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife: it is your father's nakedness.

18:8 "'You must not have sexual relations with your father's wife; that is your father's issue.

18:9 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home, or born abroad.

18:9 "'You must not expose the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or your mother, whether she was born at home or born elsewhere.

18:10 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter, or of your daughter's daughter, even their nakedness: for theirs is your own nakedness.

18:10 "'You must not expose the nakedness of your granddaughter, whether your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter, because their nakedness is your own.'

18:11 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister.

18:11 "'You must not have a sexual relationship with your father's wife's daughter, who was born from your father, because she is your sister.

18:12 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister: she is your father's near kinswoman.

18:12 "'You must not reveal the nakedness of your aunt: she is a close relative of your father.

18:13 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister: for she is your mother's near kinswoman.

18:13 "'You must not have sexual relations with your aunt, as she is a close relative of your mother.

18:14 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, you shall not approach his wife: she is your aunt.

18:14 "'Do not reveal the nakedness of your uncle, and do not get close to his wife: she is your aunt.

18:15 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law: she is your son's wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

18:15 "'You must not reveal the intimate parts of your daughter-in-law: she is your son's wife. You must not expose her nakedness.

18:16 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife: it is your brother's nakedness.

18:16 "'You must not have sexual relations with your brother's wife; it's a violation of your brother's dignity.

18:17 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

18:17 "'You must not expose the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You must not take her granddaughter or her daughter's granddaughter to expose her nakedness; they are close relatives: it's wrong.

18:18 "'You shall not take a wife to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is yet alive.

18:18 "'You must not marry a woman and then take her sister as a rival wife, exposing her nakedness, while the first sister is still alive.

18:19 "'You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is impure by her uncleanness.

18:19 "'You must not go near a woman to expose her nakedness while she is unclean due to her period.

18:20 "'You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, and defile yourself with her.

18:20 "'You must not sleep with your neighbor's wife and make yourself unclean with her.

18:21 "'You shall not give any of your children to sacrifice to Molech; neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am Yahweh.

18:21 "'You must not offer any of your children as a sacrifice to Molech, and you must not dishonor the name of your God: I am Yahweh.

18:22 "'You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman. That is detestable.

18:22 "'You must not have sexual relations with a man, as you would with a woman. That is unacceptable.

18:23 "'You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it; neither shall any woman give herself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.

18:23 "'You must not have sexual relations with any animal to make yourself unclean; nor should any woman offer herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it: it is an abomination.

18:24 "'Don't defile yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations which I am casting out before you were defiled. 18:25 The land was defiled: therefore I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out her inhabitants. 18:26 You therefore shall keep my statutes and my ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you; 18:27 (for all these abominations have the men of the land done, that were before you, and the land became defiled); 18:28 that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.

18:24 "'Don't make yourselves unclean with any of these things because the nations I'm driving out before you have made themselves unclean. 18:25 The land was made unclean, so I brought punishment for its wrongdoing, and the land expelled its inhabitants. 18:26 You must keep my rules and regulations, and you must not engage in any of these detestable practices; neither the native-born nor the foreigner living among you; 18:27 (because all these detestable practices have been done by the people who were here before you, and the land became unclean); 18:28 so that the land won't expel you as well when you make it unclean, just as it expelled the nation that was here before you.

18:29 "'For whoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people. 18:30 Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am Yahweh your God.'"

18:29 "'Anyone who commits any of these detestable acts will be cut off from their people. 18:30 So you must follow my guidelines and avoid these disgusting practices that were done before you, and do not make yourselves unclean with them: I am Yahweh your God.'"

19:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 19:2 "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, 'You shall be holy; for I Yahweh your God am holy.

19:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 19:2 "Tell everyone in the community of Israel, 'You must be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

19:3 "'Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.

19:3 "'Each of you must honor your mother and father. You must observe my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.

19:4 "'Don't turn to idols, nor make molten gods for yourselves. I am Yahweh your God.

19:4 "'Don't turn to idols or create metal gods for yourselves. I am Yahweh your God.

19:5 "'When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted. 19:6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it, and on the next day: and if anything remains until the third day, it shall be burned with fire. 19:7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is an abomination. It will not be accepted; 19:8 but everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the holy thing of Yahweh, and that soul shall be cut off from his people.

19:5 "'When you make a peace offering to Yahweh, you should present it in a way that will be accepted. 19:6 You must eat it on the same day you offer it and on the next day. If any is left until the third day, it should be burned. 19:7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is unacceptable. It won't be accepted; 19:8 and anyone who eats it will be held responsible, as they have desecrated Yahweh's holy offering, and that person will be cut off from their people.

19:9 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 19:10 You shall not glean your vineyard, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and for the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.

19:9 "'When you harvest your crops, don't completely cut the edges of your field, and don't pick up what you missed during the harvest. 19:10 Don't pick your vineyard clean, and don't gather the leftover grapes; leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.

19:11 "'You shall not steal; neither shall you deal falsely, nor lie to one another.

19:11 "'You must not steal; you also must not deceive each other or lie to one another.

19:12 "'You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

Here is the paragraph: 19:12 "'You must not make false promises using my name, or disrespect the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

19:13 "'You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.

19:13 "'Don't mistreat your neighbor or steal from him. Don't keep a hired worker's wages until morning.

19:14 "'You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

19:14 "'Don't insult the deaf or put obstacles in front of the blind; instead, have respect for your God. I am Yahweh.

19:15 "'You shall do no injustice in judgment: you shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.

19:15 "'You must not be unfair in judgment: don’t play favorites with the poor or give special treatment to the rich; instead, judge your neighbor fairly.

19:16 "'You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people; neither shall you stand against the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh.

19:16 "'You must not spread rumors or gossip among your people, nor should you stand by and do nothing while your neighbor's life is threatened. I am Yahweh.

19:17 "'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

19:17 "'Don't hate your brother in your heart. You should definitely correct your neighbor, and not hold onto sin because of him.

19:18 "'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

19:18 "'Don't seek revenge or hold a grudge against the people of your community; instead, love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

19:19 "'You shall keep my statutes.

"You'll follow my rules."

"'You shall not crossbreed different kinds of animals.

'You should not breed different types of animals.

"'you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed;

'You must not plant two kinds of seeds in your field;

"'neither shall there come upon on you a garment made of two kinds of material.

"'neither shall there come upon you a garment made of two types of material."

19:20 "'If a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave girl, pledged to be married to another man, and not ransomed, or given her freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. 19:21 He shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, even a ram for a trespass offering. 19:22 The priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before Yahweh for his sin which he has committed: and the sin which he has committed shall be forgiven him.

19:20 "'If a man has sexual relations with a woman who is a slave and betrothed to another man, and she hasn't been redeemed or given her freedom, they will be punished. They won't be put to death because she wasn't free. 19:21 He must bring his sin offering to Yahweh, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, a ram for a sin offering. 19:22 The priest will make atonement for him with the ram of the sin offering before Yahweh for the sin he has committed: and his sin will be forgiven.'

19:23 "'When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. Three years shall they be forbidden to you. It shall not be eaten. 19:24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, for giving praise to Yahweh. 19:25 In the fifth year you shall eat its fruit, that it may yield its increase to you. I am Yahweh your God.

19:23 "'When you enter the land and plant all kinds of food trees, count their fruit as forbidden.. For three years, their fruit is off-limits to you; you must not eat it. 19:24 In the fourth year, all the fruit will be considered holy, set aside to honor Yahweh. 19:25 In the fifth year, you can eat the fruit so that it will produce more for you. I am Yahweh your God.

19:26 "'You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it; neither shall you use enchantments, nor practice sorcery.

19:26 "'You must not eat any meat that still has blood in it; you also shouldn't use magic or practice sorcery.

19:27 "'You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your heads, neither shall you clip off the edge of your beard.

19:27 "'You must not shave the hair on the sides of your heads, nor should you trim the edges of your beard.

19:28 "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.

19:28 "'You must not make any cuts in your skin for the dead or tattoo any marks on your body. I am Yahweh.

19:29 "'Don't profane your daughter, to make her a prostitute; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness.

19:29 "'Don't disrespect your daughter by turning her into a sex worker; otherwise, the land will become corrupt, and it will be filled with evil."

19:30 "'You shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary; I am Yahweh.

19:30 "'You will observe my Sabbaths, and respect my sanctuary; I am Yahweh.

19:31 "'Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God.

19:31 "'Don't consult those who are mediums or wizards. Avoid seeking them out and getting tainted by them. I am Yahweh, your God.

19:32 "'You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

19:32 "'You must stand up in the presence of the elderly and show respect to older people, and you should have reverence for your God. I am Yahweh.

19:33 "'If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 19:34 The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

19:33 "If a stranger is living among you in your land, you must not mistreat him. 19:34 The stranger who resides among you should be treated like a native, and you must love him as yourself, because you were once strangers in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

19:35 "'You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity. 19:36 You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 19:37 You shall observe all my statutes, and all my ordinances, and do them. I am Yahweh.'"

19:35 "'You must not act unfairly in judgment or in measures of length, weight, or quantity. 19:36 You must have honest balances, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt. 19:37 You must follow all my laws and regulations and carry them out. I am Yahweh.'"

20:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 20:2 "Moreover, you shall tell the children of Israel, 'Anyone of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners in Israel, who gives any of his seed to Molech; he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. 20:3 I also will set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people because he has given of his seed to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. 20:4 If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person, when he gives of his seed to Molech, and don't put him to death; 20:5 then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all who play the prostitute after him, to play the prostitute with Molech, from among their people.

20:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 20:2 "Also, you should tell the Israelites, 'Anyone from the Israelites, or from the foreigners living in Israel, who offers any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him to death. 20:3 I will also turn against that person and cut him off from his people because he has offered his child to Molech, thus defiling my sanctuary and dishonoring my holy name. 20:4 If the people of the land ignore that person when he offers his child to Molech, and they don’t put him to death; 20:5 then I will turn against that man, his family, and all who follow him in their prostitution with Molech, and cut them off from their people.

20:6 "'The person that turns to those who are mediums, and to the wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.

20:6 "'Anyone who goes to mediums and wizards, trying to be like them, I will turn my back on that person and remove them from their community.

20:7 "'Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Yahweh your God. 20:8 You shall keep my statutes, and do them. I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

20:7 "'Make yourselves holy, because I am Yahweh your God. 20:8 You must follow my rules and do them. I am Yahweh who makes you holy.

20:9 "'For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death: he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

20:9 "'Anyone who insults their father or mother must be put to death. Since they have insulted their father or mother, they are responsible for their own death.'

20:10 "'The man who commits adultery with another man's wife, even he who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. 20:11 The man who lies with his father's wife has uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

20:10 "'The man who cheats on his neighbor's wife, or any man who commits adultery with another man's wife, will definitely be put to death. 20:11 The man who sleeps with his father's wife has exposed his father's shame: both of them will definitely be put to death; their blood is on their own heads.

20:12 "'If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have committed a perversion; their blood shall be upon them.

20:12 "'If a man has sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, both of them must be put to death: they have done something wrong; their blood will be on their own hands.

20:13 "'If a man lies with a male, as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

20:13 "'If a man has sexual relations with another man, as he would with a woman, both of them have done something disgraceful: they must be put to death; their blood is on their own heads.

20:14 "'If a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burned with fire, both he and they; that there may be no wickedness among you.

20:14 "'If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is evil: they will both be burned with fire; so that there is no evil among you.

20:15 "'If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; and you shall kill the animal.

20:15 "'If a person has sexual relations with an animal, they must be put to death, and the animal must also be killed.

20:16 "'If a woman approaches any animal, and lies down with it, you shall kill the woman, and the animal: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

20:16 "'If a woman has sexual relations with any animal, both the woman and the animal must be killed; they must be put to death, and their blood is on them.

20:17 "'If a man takes his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness; it is a shameful thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people: he has uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

20:17 "'If a man has sexual relations with his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and they both see each other naked; it is a disgraceful act, and they will be cut off in front of their community: he has exposed his sister's nakedness; he will bear the consequences of his wrongdoing.

20:18 "'If a man lies with a woman having her monthly period, and uncovers her nakedness; he has made naked her fountain, and she has uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

20:18 "'If a man has sexual relations with a woman who is menstruating and exposes her body, he has exposed her source of blood, and she has revealed her source of blood: both of them will be removed from their community.

20:19 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, nor of your father's sister; for he has made naked his close relative: they shall bear their iniquity. 20:20 If a man lies with his uncle's wife, he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

20:19 "'You must not have sexual relations with your aunt, whether on your mother's side or your father's side, because that would be exposing your close relative: they will bear the consequences of their actions. 20:20 If a man has sex with his uncle's wife, he has dishonored his uncle: both will face the consequences of their sin; they will die without children.

20:21 "'If a man takes his brother's wife, it is an impurity: he has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

20:21 "'If a man sleeps with his brother's wife, it's considered a sin: he has exposed his brother's shame; they will not have children."

20:22 "'You shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my ordinances, and do them; that the land, where I am bringing you to dwell, may not vomit you out. 20:23 You shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I am casting out before you: for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. 20:24 But I have said to you, "You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey." I am Yahweh your God, who has separated you from the peoples.

20:22 "'So, you must follow all my rules and regulations and stick to them, so that the land I'm bringing you to live in doesn't reject you. 20:23 Don’t adopt the practices of the nations I’m driving out before you. They did all these things, and that’s why I turned against them. 20:24 But I’ve promised you, "You will inherit their land, and I’ll give it to you as your own, a land rich with milk and honey." I am Yahweh your God, who has set you apart from other people.

20:25 "'You shall therefore make a distinction between the clean animal and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean: and you shall not make yourselves abominable by animal, or by bird, or by anything with which the ground teems, which I have separated from you as unclean for you. 20:26 You shall be holy to me: for I, Yahweh, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that you should be mine.

20:25 "'You must distinguish between clean and unclean animals, as well as between clean and unclean birds. Don’t make yourselves unclean by any animal, bird, or anything that crawls on the ground that I have marked as unclean for you. 20:26 You are to be holy to me, for I, Yahweh, am holy and have set you apart from other nations to be mine."

20:27 "'A man or a woman that is a medium, or is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.'"

20:27 "'Any man or woman who is a medium or a wizard must be put to death: they shall be stoned to death; their blood will be on their own hands.'"

21:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, 'A priest shall not defile himself for the dead among his people; 21:2 except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother, 21:3 and for his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband; for her he may defile himself. 21:4 He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

21:1 God said to Moses, "Tell the priests, the sons of Aaron, 'A priest shouldn't make himself unclean for the dead among his people; 21:2 except for his close relatives: his mother, father, son, daughter, brother, 21:3 and his unmarried sister who is nearby and hasn't been married; for her, he may become unclean. 21:4 He shouldn't make himself unclean since he is a leader among his people, so he doesn't dishonor himself."

21:5 "'They shall not shave their heads, neither shall they shave off the corners of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. 21:6 They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God; for they offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.

21:5 "'They are not to shave their heads, nor should they trim the edges of their beards, or make any cuts in their skin. 21:6 They must be set apart for their God and not disrespect the name of their God, because they bring the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore, they must be holy.

21:7 "'They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane; neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband: for he is holy to his God. 21:8 You shall sanctify him therefore; for he offers the bread of your God: he shall be holy to you: for I Yahweh, who sanctify you, am holy.

21:7 "'They shouldn't marry a woman who is a prostitute or disrespectful; nor should they marry a woman who is divorced from her husband: because he is holy to his God. 21:8 You must set him apart, because he presents the offerings to your God: he will be holy to you, because I, Yahweh, who sanctify you, am holy."

21:9 "'The daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the prostitute, she profanes her father: she shall be burned with fire.

21:9 "'If the daughter of any priest acts like a prostitute, she dishonors her father: she shall be burned with fire.

21:10 "'He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, nor tear his clothes; 21:11 neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother; 21:12 neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him. I am Yahweh.

21:10 "'The high priest among his brothers, the one on whom the anointing oil is poured and who is set apart to wear the sacred garments, must keep his hair tied back and not tear his clothes; 21:11 he must not go near any dead body or become unclean for his father or mother; 21:12 he must not leave the sanctuary or dishonor the sanctuary of his God, because he has the anointing oil of his God on him. I am Yahweh.

21:13 "'He shall take a wife in her virginity. 21:14 A widow, or one divorced, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry: but a virgin of his own people shall he take as a wife. 21:15 He shall not profane his seed among his people: for I am Yahweh who sanctifies him.'"

21:13 "'He must marry a woman who is a virgin. 21:14 He should not marry a widow, someone who is divorced, a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute: he must take a virgin from his own people as his wife. 21:15 He must not dishonor his descendants among his people: for I am Yahweh who makes him holy.'"

21:16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 21:17 "Say to Aaron, 'None of your seed throughout their generations who has a blemish, may approach to offer the bread of his God. 21:18 For whatever man he is that has a blemish, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or any deformity, 21:19 or a man who has an injured foot, or an injured hand, 21:20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles; 21:21 no man of the seed of Aaron the priest, who has a blemish, shall come near to offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Since has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. 21:22 He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. 21:23 He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a blemish; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.'"

21:16 God spoke to Moses, saying, 21:17 "Tell Aaron, 'None of your descendants for generations who has any kind of defect may come to offer the bread of their God. 21:18 No one with a defect is allowed to approach: a blind person, or someone who’s lame, or who has a flat nose, or any kind of deformity, 21:19 or a person with an injured foot, or an injured hand, 21:20 or someone who is hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or someone with a defect in their eye, or a skin disease, or scabs, or who has damaged genitals; 21:21 no descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect may come near to offer the offerings of God made by fire. Since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of their God. 21:22 He may eat the bread of his God, both from the most holy and the holy. 21:23 He must not come near the veil, nor approach the altar, because he has a defect; this is so he does not profane my sanctuaries, for I am God who makes them holy.'"

21:24 So Moses spoke to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel.

21:24 So Moses talked to Aaron, his sons, and all the people of Israel.

22:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 22:2 "Tell Aaron and his sons to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to me, and that they not profane my holy name. I am Yahweh.

22:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 22:2 "Tell Aaron and his sons to keep themselves away from the holy things that the Israelites dedicate to me, so they don't dishonor my holy name. I am God.

22:3 "Tell them, 'If anyone of all your seed throughout your generations approaches the holy things, which the children of Israel make holy to Yahweh, having his uncleanness on him, that soul shall be cut off from before me. I am Yahweh.

22:3 "Tell them, 'If any of your descendants throughout your generations comes near the sacred things that the children of Israel dedicate to the Lord while being unclean, that person will be cut off from my presence. I am the Lord.

22:4 "'Whoever of the seed of Aaron is a leper or has an issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he is clean. Whoever touches anything that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goes from him; 22:5 or whoever touches any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatever uncleanness he has; 22:6 the person that touches any such shall be unclean until the evening, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he bathe his body in water. 22:7 When the sun is down, he shall be clean; and afterward he shall eat of the holy things, because it is his bread. 22:8 That which dies of itself, or is torn by animals, he shall not eat, defiling himself by it. I am Yahweh.

22:4 "'Anyone from the descendants of Aaron who has leprosy or an infection must not eat the sacred offerings until they are clean. Anyone who touches something unclean because of a dead person, or has a bodily discharge; 22:5 or anyone who touches any crawling creature that makes them unclean, or touches a person that they may get uncleanness from, whatever the uncleanness may be; 22:6 the person who touches any of these things will be unclean until evening, and they must not eat the sacred offerings unless they wash their body in water. 22:7 When the sun sets, they will be clean; then they may eat the sacred offerings, for it is their food. 22:8 They must not eat anything that died naturally or was torn by animals, as it would defile them. I am Yahweh.

22:9 "'They shall therefore follow my requirements, lest they bear sin for it, and die therein, if they profane it. I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.

22:9 "'They must follow my commands, or else they will be guilty of sin and face consequences for it if they disrespect it. I am Yahweh who makes them holy.

22:10 "'No stranger shall eat of the holy thing: a foreigner living with the priests, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing. 22:11 But if a priest buys a slave, purchased by his money, he shall eat of it; and such as are born in his house, they shall eat of his bread. 22:12 If a priest's daughter is married to an outsider, she shall not eat of the heave offering of the holy things. 22:13 But if a priest's daughter is a widow, or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to her father's house, as in her youth, she may eat of her father's bread: but no stranger shall eat any of it.

22:10 "'No outsider is allowed to eat the sacred food: a foreigner living with the priests or a hired worker cannot eat the sacred food. 22:11 However, if a priest buys a slave with his own money, the slave may eat it; and those born in his household may eat from his food. 22:12 If a priest's daughter marries someone outside the community, she cannot eat from the heave offering of the sacred food. 22:13 But if a priest's daughter becomes a widow or gets divorced, has no children, and returns to her father's house like she did when she was young, she may eat from her father's food: but no outsider may eat any of it.

22:14 "'If a man eats something holy unwittingly, then he shall add the fifth part of its value to it, and shall give the holy thing to the priest. 22:15 The priests shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to Yahweh, 22:16 and so cause them to bear the iniquity that brings guilt, when they eat their holy things: for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.'"

22:14 "'If someone eats something sacred by mistake, they must add a fifth of its value and give the sacred item to the priest. 22:15 The priests must not disrespect the sacred items brought by the people of Israel to Yahweh, 22:16 which would make them responsible for the guilt that comes from eating these sacred items, because I am Yahweh who sets them apart.'"

22:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 22:18 "Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, 'Whoever is of the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers his offering, whether it be any of their vows, or any of their freewill offerings, which they offer to Yahweh for a burnt offering; 22:19 that you may be accepted, you shall offer a male without blemish, of the bulls, of the sheep, or of the goats. 22:20 But whatever has a blemish, that you shall not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. 22:21 Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. 22:22 Blind, injured, maimed, having a wart, festering, or having a running sore, you shall not offer these to Yahweh, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to Yahweh. 22:23 Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in his parts, that you may offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. 22:24 That which has its testicles bruised, crushed, broken, or cut, you shall not offer to Yahweh; neither shall you do thus in your land. 22:25 Neither shall you offer the bread of your God from the hand of a foreigner of any of these; because their corruption is in them. There is a blemish in them. They shall not be accepted for you.'"

22:17 God spoke to Moses, saying, 22:18 "Speak to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites, and tell them, 'Anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigners living in Israel who brings an offering, whether it's a vow or a voluntary offering to God for a burnt offering: 22:19 to be accepted, you must offer a male without defects, from the bulls, sheep, or goats. 22:20 But anything with a defect you must not offer, because it won't be accepted by you. 22:21 Whoever offers a peace offering to God to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock must present it without any defects; there should be no blemish in it. 22:22 Don't offer anything that is blind, injured, maimed, has warts, festering sores, or running sores to God, nor should you burn any of these on the altar to God. 22:23 You may offer a bull or a lamb that has deformities or missing parts as a voluntary offering; but for a vow, it won't be accepted. 22:24 You must not offer anything with bruised, crushed, broken, or cut testicles to God; nor should you do this in your land. 22:25 You also must not present the bread of your God from the hand of a foreigner for any of these, because they are corrupted. They have defects. They won't be accepted by you.'"

22:26 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 22:27 "When a bull, or a sheep, or a goat, is born, then it shall remain seven days with its mother; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for the offering of an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 22:28 Whether it is a cow or ewe, you shall not kill it and its young both in one day.

22:26 God spoke to Moses, saying, 22:27 "When a bull, sheep, or goat is born, it should stay with its mother for seven days; starting from the eighth day onward, it can be used as an offering by fire to God. 22:28 Whether it’s a cow or a ewe, you must not slaughter both the mother and its young on the same day."

22:29 "When you sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Yahweh, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted. 22:30 It shall be eaten on the same day; you shall leave none of it until the morning. I am Yahweh.

22:29 "When you make a thanksgiving offering to Yahweh, do it in a way that will be accepted. 22:30 It should be eaten on the same day; don’t leave any of it until morning. I am Yahweh."

22:31 "Therefore you shall keep my commandments, and do them. I am Yahweh. 22:32 You shall not profane my holy name, but I will be made holy among the children of Israel. I am Yahweh who makes you holy, 22:33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. I am Yahweh."

22:31 "So you should follow my commandments and do them. I am Yahweh. 22:32 You must not disrespect my holy name, but I will be honored among the people of Israel. I am Yahweh who sets you apart as holy, 22:33 who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am Yahweh."

23:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The set feasts of Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.

23:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 23:2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'The appointed festivals of God, which you are to announce as sacred gatherings, these are my set festivals.

23:3 "'Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no manner of work. It is a Sabbath to Yahweh in all your dwellings.

23:3 "'You shall work for six days, but on the seventh day, you have a Sabbath of serious rest, a special gathering; you must not do any work. It's a Sabbath to Yahweh in all your homes.

23:4 "'These are the set feasts of Yahweh, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed season. 23:5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening, is Yahweh's Passover. 23:6 On the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread to Yahweh. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 23:7 In the first day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. 23:8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh seven days. In the seventh day is a holy convocation: you shall do no regular work.'"

23:4 "'These are the established festivals of Yahweh, also known as holy gatherings, which you should announce at their designated times. 23:5 In the first month, on the evening of the fourteenth day, is Yahweh's Passover. 23:6 On the fifteenth day of the same month, you will celebrate the festival of unleavened bread for Yahweh. For seven days, you will eat unleavened bread. 23:7 On the first day, you must hold a holy gathering. You must not do any regular work. 23:8 But you must present an offering made by fire to Yahweh for seven days. On the seventh day, you will have a holy gathering: you must not do any regular work.'"

23:9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23:10 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When you have come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap its the harvest, then you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest: 23:11 and he shall wave the sheaf before Yahweh, to be accepted for you. On the next day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 23:12 On the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb without blemish a year old for a burnt offering to Yahweh. 23:13 The meal offering with it shall be two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire to Yahweh for a pleasant aroma; and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin. 23:14 You shall eat neither bread, nor roasted grain, nor fresh grain, until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God. This is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

23:9 God spoke to Moses, saying, 23:10 "Tell the people of Israel, 'When you enter the land that I am giving you, and you harvest its crops, you should bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest: 23:11 and he will wave the sheaf before God so it may be accepted for you. The priest will wave it on the day after the Sabbath. 23:12 On the day you wave the sheaf, you must offer a one-year-old male lamb without any defects as a burnt offering to God. 23:13 You should also provide a grain offering of two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to God for a pleasing aroma; and the drink offering with it should be a quarter of a hin of wine. 23:14 You must not eat any bread or roasted grain or fresh grain until this same day, until you have brought your offering to God. This is a lasting ordinance for all your generations in all your homes.

23:15 "'You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be completed: 23:16 even to the next day after the seventh Sabbath you shall number fifty days; and you shall offer a new meal offering to Yahweh. 23:17 You shall bring out of your habitations two loaves of bread for a wave offering made of two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour. They shall be baked with yeast, for first fruits to Yahweh. 23:18 You shall present with the bread seven lambs without blemish a year old, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to Yahweh, with their meal offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of a sweet aroma to Yahweh. 23:19 You shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 23:20 The priest shall wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering before Yahweh, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to Yahweh for the priest. 23:21 You shall make proclamation on the same day: there shall be a holy convocation to you; you shall do no regular work. This is a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

23:15 "'You will count from the day after the Sabbath, starting from the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; complete seven Sabbaths: 23:16 and then from the day after the seventh Sabbath, you will count fifty days; you will offer a new grain offering to Yahweh. 23:17 You will bring out of your homes two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour. They will be baked with yeast, as first fruits to Yahweh. 23:18 You will present with the bread seven one-year-old lambs without blemish, one young bull, and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to Yahweh, along with their grain offering and drink offerings, an offering made by fire, with a pleasing aroma to Yahweh. 23:19 You will offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two one-year-old male lambs for a peace offering. 23:20 The priest will wave them with the bread of the first fruits as a wave offering before Yahweh, along with the two lambs. They will be holy to Yahweh for the priest. 23:21 You will make an announcement on that day: there will be a holy assembly for you; do no regular work. This is a lasting ordinance in all your homes for your generations.

23:22 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap into the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest: you shall leave them for the poor, and for the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.'"

23:22 "'When you harvest the crops in your fields, don’t reap all the way to the edges or pick up what’s left over. Leave those for the poor and the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.'"

23:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23:24 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest to you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 23:25 You shall do no regular work; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh.'"

23:23 God said to Moses, 23:24 "Tell the people of Israel, 'On the first day of the seventh month, you are to have a day of complete rest, a reminder marked by the sound of trumpets, a sacred gathering. 23:25 You must not do any ordinary work; instead, you should bring a fire offering to God.'"

23:26 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23:27 "However on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 23:28 You shall do no manner of work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before Yahweh your God. 23:29 For whoever it is who shall not deny himself in that same day; shall be cut off from his people. 23:30 Whoever it is who does any manner of work in that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 23:31 You shall do no manner of work: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 23:32 It shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall deny yourselves. In the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall keep your Sabbath."

23:26 Yahweh told Moses, 23:27 "On the tenth day of this seventh month, it is the Day of Atonement: it will be a holy gathering for you, and you must humble yourselves; you are to present a fire offering to Yahweh. 23:28 You must not do any work that day because it is the Day of Atonement, meant to make amends for you before Yahweh your God. 23:29 Anyone who does not humble themselves that day will be cut off from their people. 23:30 Anyone who does any work on that day will be eliminated from among their people. 23:31 You must not do any work: this is a permanent rule for all your generations in all your homes. 23:32 It will be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you must humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the evening, you shall observe your Sabbath."

23:33 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23:34 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say, 'On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of tents for seven days to Yahweh. 23:35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation: you shall do no regular work. 23:36 Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no regular work.

23:33 God spoke to Moses, saying, 23:34 "Tell the people of Israel, 'On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, there will be a festival of tents for seven days in honor of God. 23:35 The first day will be a sacred gathering; you must not do any regular work. 23:36 For seven days, you will present a fire offering to God. On the eighth day, there will be a sacred gathering for you, and you will present a fire offering to God. It is a special assembly; you must not do any regular work.

23:37 "'These are the appointed feasts of Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh, a burnt offering, and a meal offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its own day; 23:38 besides the Sabbaths of Yahweh, and besides your gifts, and besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings, which you give to Yahweh.

23:37 "'These are the scheduled festivals of the Lord that you should announce as holy gatherings to present an offering made by fire to the Lord, including a burnt offering, a grain offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its designated day; 23:38 in addition to the Sabbaths of the Lord, and in addition to your gifts, and in addition to all your vows, and in addition to all your voluntary offerings that you give to the Lord.

23:39 "'So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of Yahweh seven days: on the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 23:40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God seven days. 23:41 You shall keep it a feast to Yahweh seven days in the year: it is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall keep it in the seventh month. 23:42 You shall dwell in booths seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in booths, 23:43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.'"

23:39 "'So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the harvest, you should celebrate a festival for Yahweh for seven days. The first day is a day of complete rest, and the eighth day is also a day of complete rest. 23:40 On the first day, you are to take the fruit from nice trees, branches of palm trees, and leafy branches from thick trees, along with willows from the stream, and you should celebrate in front of Yahweh your God for seven days. 23:41 You must observe this festival for Yahweh for seven days each year; it is a permanent requirement for all your generations, and you should observe it in the seventh month. 23:42 You must live in booths for seven days. Everyone who is a native-born Israelite must live in booths, 23:43 so that your future generations will know that I made the people of Israel live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.'"

23:44 Moses declared to the children of Israel the appointed feasts of Yahweh.

23:44 Moses told the people of Israel about the scheduled festivals of Yahweh.

24:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 24:2 "Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 24:3 Outside of the veil of the Testimony, in the Tent of Meeting, shall Aaron keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh continually: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 24:4 He shall keep in order the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before Yahweh continually.

24:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 24:2 "Tell the Israelites to bring you pure olive oil that has been pressed, so that a lamp can burn continuously. 24:3 Outside the curtain in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to take care of it from evening until morning in front of God continually: this is to be a lasting ordinance for all your generations. 24:4 He is to keep the lamps in order on the pure gold lampstand before God at all times.

24:5 "You shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes of it: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake. 24:6 You shall set them in two rows, six on a row, on the pure gold table before Yahweh. 24:7 You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 24:8 Every Sabbath day he shall set it in order before Yahweh continually. It is on the behalf of the children of Israel an everlasting covenant. 24:9 It shall be for Aaron and his sons; and they shall eat it in a holy place: for it is most holy to him of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire by a perpetual statute."

24:5 "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, with each loaf made from two-tenths of an ephah. 24:6 Arrange them in two rows, six in each row, on the pure gold table in front of Yahweh. 24:7 Place pure frankincense on each row, so that it serves as a memorial offering for the bread, a fire offering to Yahweh. 24:8 Every Sabbath, he is to arrange it continually before Yahweh. This is an everlasting covenant for the children of Israel. 24:9 It will be for Aaron and his sons; they shall eat it in a holy place, as it is most holy for him among the offerings made by fire to Yahweh, according to a perpetual statute."

24:10 The son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel; and the son of the Israelite woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp. 24:11 The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name, and cursed; and they brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. 24:12 They put him in custody, until the will of Yahweh should be declared to them.

24:10 The son of an Israelite woman, whose father was Egyptian, went among the children of Israel. The son of the Israelite woman and a man of Israel argued in the camp. 24:11 The son of the Israelite woman cursed the Name and swore; so they brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, from the tribe of Dan. 24:12 They held him in custody until the will of Yahweh was made known to them.

24:13 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 24:14 "Bring out of the camp him who cursed; and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. 24:15 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 24:16 He who blasphemes the name of Yahweh, he shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him: the foreigner as well as the native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

24:13 God spoke to Moses, saying, 24:14 "Take out of the camp the person who cursed; and let everyone who heard him place their hands on his head, and let the entire community stone him. 24:15 You are to tell the people of Israel, 'Anyone who curses their God will be held responsible for their sin. 24:16 The person who speaks disrespectfully about the name of God must be put to death; the entire community must stone them: both the foreigner and the native-born, when they disrespect the Name, shall be put to death.

24:17 "'He who strikes any man mortally shall surely be put to death. 24:18 He who strikes an animal mortally shall make it good, life for life. 24:19 If anyone injures his neighbor; as he has done, so shall it be done to him: 24:20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has injured someone, so shall it be done to him. 24:21 He who kills an animal shall make it good; and he who kills a man shall be put to death. 24:22 You shall have one kind of law, for the foreigner as well as the native-born: for I am Yahweh your God.'"

24:17 "'Anyone who fatally attacks another person will definitely be put to death. 24:18 Anyone who kills an animal will pay for it with their life. 24:19 If someone hurts their neighbor; they will receive the same in return: 24:20 a break for a break, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; just as they harmed someone, so will they be harmed. 24:21 Anyone who kills an animal must compensate for it, and anyone who kills a person will be put to death. 24:22 There will be one law for everyone, both for the foreigner and the native-born: for I am Yahweh your God.'"

24:23 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they brought forth him who had cursed out of the camp, and stoned him with stones. The children of Israel did as Yahweh commanded Moses.

24:23 Moses spoke to the Israelites; and they brought out the one who had cursed from the camp and stoned him with stones. The Israelites did as the Lord had commanded Moses.

25:1 Yahweh said to Moses in Mount Sinai, 25:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to Yahweh. 25:3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in its fruits; 25:4 but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to Yahweh. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. 25:5 What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and the grapes of your undressed vine you shall not gather. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land. 25:6 The Sabbath of the land shall be for food for you; for yourself, for your servant, for your maid, for your hired servant, and for your stranger, who lives as a foreigner with you. 25:7 For your livestock also, and for the animals that are in your land, shall all its increase be for food.

25:1 Yahweh said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 25:2 "Tell the people of Israel, that when you enter the land I’m giving you, the land will observe a Sabbath for Yahweh. 25:3 For six years, you are to plant your fields and trim your vineyards, and gather the harvest; 25:4 but in the seventh year, there will be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, a Sabbath for Yahweh. You must not plant your fields or trim your vineyards. 25:5 Anything that grows on its own during your harvest you must not collect, and the grapes of your untended vines you must not pick. It will be a year of complete rest for the land. 25:6 The Sabbath of the land will provide food for you: for yourself, for your servant, for your maid, for your hired worker, and for the foreigner residing among you. 25:7 It will also be for your livestock and the animals in your land; all its produce will be food for them.

25:8 "'You shall count off seven Sabbaths of years, seven times seven years; and there shall be to you the days of seven Sabbaths of years, even forty-nine years. 25:9 Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. 25:10 You shall make the fiftieth year holy, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you; and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. 25:11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines. 25:12 For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat of its increase out of the field.

25:8 "'You must count seven sets of seven years, which totals forty-nine years. 25:9 Then on the tenth day of the seventh month, blast the loud trumpet. On the Day of Atonement, let the trumpet sound throughout your whole land. 25:10 Make the fiftieth year a sacred year, and announce freedom across the land for all its residents. It will be a jubilee for you; everyone should return to their own property, and everyone should return to their family. 25:11 That fiftieth year will be a jubilee for you. During that year, you should not plant, nor harvest what grows on its own, or pick from untrimmed vines. 25:12 Because it is a jubilee; it will be sacred to you. You may eat what the field produces.

25:13 "'In this Year of Jubilee each of you shall return to his property.

25:13 "'In this Year of Jubilee, each of you will return to your property.

25:14 "'If you sell anything to your neighbor, or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another. 25:15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor. According to the number of years of the crops he shall sell to you. 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price, and according to the shortness of the years you shall diminish its price; for he is selling the number of the crops to you. 25:17 You shall not wrong one another; but you shall fear your God: for I am Yahweh your God.

25:14 "'If you sell something to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, don’t cheat each other. 25:15 When you buy from your neighbor, do it based on how many years are left after the Jubilee. He will sell to you based on how many years before his crops are ready to harvest. 25:16 Adjust the price according to how many years are left; if there are many years left, increase the price, and if there are only a few years left, lower the price, because what you’re buying is the number of crops. 25:17 Don’t cheat each other; instead, respect your God, because I am Yahweh your God.

25:18 "'Therefore you shall do my statutes, and keep my ordinances and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety. 25:19 The land shall yield its fruit, and you shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. 25:20 If you said, "What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;" 25:21 then I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for the three years. 25:22 You shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits, the old store; until the ninth year, until its fruits come in, you shall eat the old store.

25:18 "'So you need to follow my rules and keep my commands; then you will live in the land safely. 25:19 The land will produce its crops, and you will eat as much as you want, living there in safety. 25:20 If you ask, "What will we eat in the seventh year? We won't be planting or gathering anything;" 25:21 I will bless you in the sixth year, and it will produce enough food for three years. 25:22 You will plant in the eighth year and eat from the stored crops until the ninth year, when the new harvest comes in; you will eat the old harvest during that time.

25:23 "'The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with me. 25:24 In all the land of your possession you shall grant a redemption for the land.

25:23 "'The land can't be sold forever, because the land is mine; you are foreigners living with me. 25:24 In all the land you own, you must allow a way to buy back the land.

25:25 "'If your brother becomes poor, and sells some of his possessions, then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his brother has sold. 25:26 If a man has no one to redeem it, and he becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it; 25:27 then let him reckon the years since its sale, and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property. 25:28 But if he isn't able to get it back for himself, then what he has sold shall remain in the hand of him who has bought it until the Year of Jubilee: and in the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property.

25:25 "'If your brother is struggling financially and sells some of his belongings, then the nearest relative should step in and buy back what he sold. 25:26 If a man has no one to help him buy it back, and later he becomes successful and has enough money to redeem it; 25:27 then he should calculate the years since it was sold and pay the seller the extra amount, so he can get his property back. 25:28 But if he can't buy it back, then what he sold will stay with the buyer until the Year of Jubilee, and during the Jubilee, it will be returned to him, and he will regain his property.

25:29 "'If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it has been sold. For a full year he shall have the right of redemption. 25:30 If it isn't redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 25:31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall around them shall be reckoned with the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.

25:29 "'If someone sells a house in a walled city, they can buy it back within a full year after the sale. For an entire year, they have the right to redeem it. 25:30 If it’s not redeemed within that year, then the house in the walled city will permanently belong to the buyer for future generations. It cannot be returned during the Jubilee. 25:31 But houses in villages without walls will be considered like fields: they can be redeemed and will be returned during the Jubilee.

25:32 "'Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time. 25:33 The Levites may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, and it shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 25:34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.

25:32 "'However, the cities belonging to the Levites, as well as the houses in those cities, can be redeemed by the Levites at any time. 25:33 The Levites have the right to reclaim any house that was sold and any city they own, and those will be returned to them in the Jubilee; because the houses in the Levite cities are their property among the people of Israel. 25:34 However, the fields on the outskirts of their cities cannot be sold; they are a permanent possession for them.

25:35 "'If your brother has become poor, and his hand can't support him among you; then you shall uphold him. As a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you. 25:36 Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God; that your brother may live among you. 25:37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. 25:38 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

25:35 "'If your brother becomes poor and can't support himself, you need to help him. He can live with you as a stranger and a traveler. 25:36 Don’t charge him interest or make a profit; instead, respect your God so that your brother can live among you. 25:37 Don't lend him money with interest or give him food for profit. 25:38 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

25:39 "'If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you; you shall not make him to serve as a slave. 25:40 As a hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with you; he shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee: 25:41 then he shall go out from you, he and his children with him, and shall return to his own family, and to the possession of his fathers. 25:42 For they are my servants, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as slaves. 25:43 You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your God.

25:39 "'If your brother becomes poor and has to sell himself to you, you must not treat him like a slave. 25:40 He should work for you as a hired worker and a temporary resident; he will serve you until the Year of Jubilee. 25:41 Then he and his children will leave you and go back to their own family and their ancestral property. 25:42 Because they are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt. They must not be sold as slaves. 25:43 Do not treat him harshly but fear your God.

25:44 "'As for your male and your female slaves, whom you may have; of the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. 25:45 Moreover of the children of the strangers who sojourn among you, of them you may buy, and of their families who are with you, which they have conceived in your land; and they will be your property. 25:46 You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession; of them may you take your slaves forever: but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness.

25:44 "'Regarding your male and female slaves, whom you may have from the surrounding nations, you can purchase male and female slaves from them. 25:45 Additionally, you can buy the children of the foreigners living among you, along with their families who were born in your land; they will belong to you. 25:46 You can pass them on as an inheritance for your children after you, for them to own forever; but you must not treat your fellow Israelites harshly or rule over them.

25:47 "'If a stranger or sojourner with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him has grown poor, and sells himself to the stranger or foreigner living among you, or to a member of the stranger's family; 25:48 after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him; 25:49 or his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any who is a close relative to him of his family may redeem him; or if he has grown rich, he may redeem himself. 25:50 He shall reckon with him who bought him from the year that he sold himself to him to the Year of Jubilee: and the price of his sale shall be according to the number of years; according to the time of a hired servant shall he be with him. 25:51 If there are yet many years, according to them he shall give back the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for. 25:52 If there remain but a few years to the year of jubilee, then he shall reckon with him; according to his years of service he shall give back the price of his redemption. 25:53 As a servant hired year by year shall he be with him: he shall not rule with harshness over him in your sight. 25:54 If he isn't redeemed by these means, then he shall be released in the Year of Jubilee, he, and his children with him. 25:55 For to me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

25:47 "'If a stranger or traveler with you gets rich, and your brother next to him becomes poor and sells himself to the stranger or foreigner living among you, or to a member of the stranger's family; 25:48 after he sells himself, he can be redeemed. One of his brothers can buy him back; 25:49 or his uncle, or his uncle's son, can buy him back, or anyone who is a close relative in his family can redeem him; or if he becomes rich, he can redeem himself. 25:50 He will calculate with the person who bought him from the year he sold himself until the Year of Jubilee: and the price of his sale will be based on the number of years; he shall work for him like a hired servant. 25:51 If there are still many years left, he should repay the price of his redemption based on the money he was purchased for. 25:52 If there are only a few years left until the year of jubilee, he shall settle with him; based on his years of service, he shall repay the price of his redemption. 25:53 He shall work for him like a hired servant: you must not treat him harshly. 25:54 If he isn't redeemed by any of these means, then he will be released in the Year of Jubilee, he and his children with him. 25:55 Because the children of Israel are my servants; they are my servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

26:1 "'You shall make for yourselves no idols, neither shall you raise up an engraved image or a pillar, neither shall you place any figured stone in your land, to bow down to it: for I am Yahweh your God.

26:1 "'You must not create any idols, and you must not set up any carved images or pillars, nor should you place any carved stone in your land to worship it, because I am Yahweh your God."

26:2 "'You shall keep my Sabbaths, and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am Yahweh.

26:2 "'You will observe my Sabbaths and respect my sanctuary. I am Yahweh.

26:3 "'If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; 26:4 then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 26:5 Your threshing shall reach to the vintage, and the vintage shall reach to the sowing time; and you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

26:3 "'If you live by my rules, follow my commands, and put them into practice; 26:4 then I will provide you with rain at the right times, and the land will produce its harvest, and the trees will bear fruit. 26:5 Your harvest will last until the time for making wine, and the wine will last until it's time to plant again; you will have plenty of bread to eat and will live safely in your land.

26:6 "'I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one will make you afraid; and I will remove evil animals out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. 26:7 You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. 26:8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

26:6 "'I will bring peace to the land, and you will lie down without fear; I will get rid of wild animals in the land, and the sword won't pass through your territory. 26:7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword. 26:8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand; your enemies will fall before you by the sword.

26:9 "'I will have respect for you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and will establish my covenant with you. 26:10 You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall move out the old because of the new. 26:11 I will set my tent among you: and my soul won't abhor you. 26:12 I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you will be my people. 26:13 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; and I have broken the bars of your yoke, and made you go upright.

26:9 "'I will respect you, make you successful, increase your numbers, and establish my agreement with you. 26:10 You will enjoy the old supplies that have been stored for a long time, and you will remove the old to make way for the new. 26:11 I will set my dwelling among you, and my spirit will not reject you. 26:12 I will be among you, I will be your God, and you will be my people. 26:13 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt so you wouldn't be their slaves; I have broken the chains of your oppression and helped you stand tall.

26:14 "'But if you will not listen to me, and will not do all these commandments; 26:15 and if you shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhors my ordinances, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant; 26:16 I also will do this to you: I will appoint terror over you, even consumption and fever, that shall consume the eyes, and make the soul to pine away; and you will sow your seed in vain, for your enemies will eat it. 26:17 I will set my face against you, and you will be struck before your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you; and you will flee when no one pursues you.

26:14 "'But if you refuse to listen to me and don't follow all these commands; 26:15 if you reject my rules and your heart turns away from my laws, so that you don’t keep my commands and break my agreement; 26:16 I'll do this to you: I'll bring fear upon you, including wasting disease and fever that will drain your strength and leave you exhausted; you'll plant your crops for nothing, because your enemies will harvest them. 26:17 I will turn against you, and you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will dominate you; and you will run away even when no one is chasing you.

26:18 "'If you in spite of these things will not listen to me, then I will chastise you seven times more for your sins. 26:19 I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your sky like iron, and your soil like brass; 26:20 and your strength will be spent in vain; for your land won't yield its increase, neither will the trees of the land yield their fruit.

26:18 "'If you still refuse to listen to me despite all this, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 26:19 I will take away your pride and power, and I will make your skies as hard as iron and your soil as tough as bronze; 26:20 your strength will be wasted because your land won't produce anything, and the trees won’t bear any fruit.

26:21 "'If you walk contrary to me, and won't listen to me, then I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins. 26:22 I will send the wild animals among you, which will rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your roads will become desolate.

26:21 "'If you go against me and refuse to listen, I will punish you with seven times more disasters for your sins. 26:22 I will send wild animals to attack you, take away your children, wipe out your livestock, and leave you with only a few people; your roads will become deserted.

26:23 "'If by these things you won't be reformed to me, but will walk contrary to me; 26:24 then I will also walk contrary to you; and I will strike you, even I, seven times for your sins. 26:25 I will bring a sword upon you, that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; and you will be gathered together within your cities: and I will send the pestilence among you; and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy. 26:26 When I break your staff of bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver your bread again by weight: and you shall eat, and not be satisfied.

26:23 "'If you refuse to change and keep acting against me, 26:24 then I will also act against you; I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 26:25 I will bring a sword against you to carry out the punishment of the covenant; and you will be trapped in your own cities: I will send disease among you, and you will fall into the hands of your enemies. 26:26 When I break your food supply, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven, and they will give you your bread back by weight: you will eat, but you won't be satisfied.

26:27 "'If you in spite of this won't listen to me, but walk contrary to me; 26:28 then I will walk contrary to you in wrath; and I also will chastise you seven times for your sins. 26:29 You will eat the flesh of your sons, and you will eat the flesh of your daughters. 26:30 I will destroy your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and cast your dead bodies upon the bodies of your idols; and my soul will abhor you. 26:31 I will lay your cities waste, and will bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not take delight in the sweet fragrance of your offerings. 26:32 I will bring the land into desolation; and your enemies that dwell therein will be astonished at it. 26:33 I will scatter you among the nations, and I will draw out the sword after you: and your land will be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste. 26:34 Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies' land. Even then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 26:35 As long as it lies desolate it shall have rest, even the rest which it didn't have in your sabbaths, when you lived on it.

26:27 "'If you still refuse to listen to me and choose to go against me; 26:28 then I will oppose you in anger; and I will punish you seven times for your wrongdoings. 26:29 You will eat the flesh of your sons, and you will eat the flesh of your daughters. 26:30 I will demolish your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and throw your dead bodies on the bodies of your idols; and I will detest you. 26:31 I will ruin your cities, and I will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not be pleased with the sweet smell of your offerings. 26:32 I will make the land a wasteland; and your enemies living there will be shocked by it. 26:33 I will scatter you among the nations, and I will pursue you with a sword: and your land will be desolate, and your cities will be in ruins. 26:34 Then the land will finally enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate, and you are in your enemies' land. Even then the land will rest and have its sabbaths. 26:35 As long as it lies desolate, it will have rest, even the rest that it didn't get during your sabbaths, when you lived on it.

26:36 "'As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they shall flee, as one flees from the sword; and they will fall when no one pursues. 26:37 They will stumble over one another, as it were before the sword, when no one pursues: and you will have no power to stand before your enemies. 26:38 You will perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies will eat you up. 26:39 Those of you who are left will pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

26:36 "'For those of you who are left, I will instill fear in their hearts in the lands of their enemies: the sound of a rustling leaf will make them run away; they will flee as if from a sword, and they will fall even when no one is chasing them. 26:37 They will trip over each other, as if before the sword, when no one is pursuing: and you will have no strength to stand against your enemies. 26:38 You will perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies will consume you. 26:39 Those of you who are left will waste away because of your sins in your enemies' lands; and they will also suffer for the sins of their ancestors alongside them.

26:40 "'If they confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that, because they walked contrary to me, 26:41 I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies: if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled, and they then accept the punishment of their iniquity; 26:42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob; and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham; and I will remember the land. 26:43 The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them: and they will accept the punishment of their iniquity; because, even because they rejected my ordinances, and their soul abhorred my statutes. 26:44 Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God; 26:45 but I will for their sake remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am Yahweh.'"

26:40 "'If they admit their wrongdoing and the wrongdoing of their ancestors, in the sin they committed against me, and also recognize that they went against me, 26:41 I too went against them and brought them into the land of their enemies. If their unyielding hearts are humbled, and they accept the consequences of their wrongdoing, 26:42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and my covenant with Abraham; and I will remember the land. 26:43 The land will be left by them and will enjoy its rest while it lies unused by them, and they will accept the results of their wrongdoing because they rejected my laws and hated my statutes. 26:44 Yet despite all this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or despise them to completely destroy them or break my covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God; 26:45 but I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I led out of the land of Egypt in front of the nations so that I could be their God. I am Yahweh.'"

26:46 These are the statutes, ordinances and laws, which Yahweh made between him and the children of Israel in Mount Sinai by Moses.

26:46 These are the rules, regulations, and laws that God established between Himself and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai through Moses.

27:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 27:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'When a man makes a vow, the persons shall be for Yahweh by your valuation. 27:3 Your valuation shall be of a male from twenty years old even to sixty years old, even your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary. 27:4 If it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. 27:5 If the person is from five years old even to twenty years old, then your valuation shall be for a male twenty shekels, and for a female ten shekels. 27:6 If the person is from a month old even to five years old, then your valuation shall be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female your valuation shall be three shekels of silver. 27:7 If the person is from sixty years old and upward; if it is a male, then your valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for a female ten shekels. 27:8 But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to the ability of him who vowed shall the priest value him.

27:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 27:2 "Tell the Israelites, 'When someone makes a vow, they must be valued for God based on your estimates. 27:3 Your estimate for a male aged twenty to sixty years should be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary's standard. 27:4 If it’s a female, your estimate should be thirty shekels. 27:5 If the person is between five and twenty years old, then your estimate should be twenty shekels for a male and ten shekels for a female. 27:6 If the person is between one month and five years old, then your estimate should be five shekels of silver for a male, and three shekels of silver for a female. 27:7 If the person is sixty years old or older; for a male, your estimate should be fifteen shekels, and for a female, ten shekels. 27:8 However, if the person is poorer than your estimate, they will be brought to the priest, and the priest will assess their value based on what the one who made the vow can afford.

27:9 "'If it is an animal, of which men offer an offering to Yahweh, all that any man gives of such to Yahweh becomes holy. 27:10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change animal for animal, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy. 27:11 If it is any unclean animal, of which they do not offer as an offering to Yahweh, then he shall set the animal before the priest; 27:12 and the priest shall value it, whether it is good or bad. As you the priest values it, so shall it be. 27:13 But if he will indeed redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of it to its valuation.

27:9 "'If it's an animal that people offer to Yahweh, everything anyone gives of that to Yahweh becomes sacred. 27:10 They must not change it, swapping a good one for a bad one or a bad one for a good one. If they do exchange one animal for another, then both that animal and the one it was exchanged for will be sacred. 27:11 If it's any unclean animal that they don’t offer to Yahweh, they must present the animal to the priest; 27:12 and the priest will determine its value, whether it's good or bad. It will be valued as you the priest assess it. 27:13 But if the person wants to redeem it, they must add a fifth of its value to the assessment.

27:14 "'When a man dedicates his house to be holy to Yahweh, then the priest shall evaluate it, whether it is good or bad: as the priest shall evaluate it, so shall it stand. 27:15 If he who dedicates it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall be his.

27:14 "'When someone dedicates their house to be sacred to Yahweh, the priest will assess its value, determining if it's good or bad: whatever the priest decides is how it will stand. 27:15 If the person who dedicates the house wants to reclaim it, they must add a fifth of the assessed value to it, and then it will be theirs.

27:16 "'If a man dedicates to Yahweh part of the field of his possession, then your valuation shall be according to the seed for it: the sowing of a homer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 27:17 If he dedicates his field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your valuation it shall stand. 27:18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, then the priest shall reckon to him the money according to the years that remain to the Year of Jubilee; and an abatement shall be made from your valuation. 27:19 If he who dedicated the field will indeed redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall remain his. 27:20 If he will not redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more; 27:21 but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to Yahweh, as a field devoted; it shall be owned by the priests.

27:16 "'If a person dedicates part of their field to Yahweh, your valuation should be based on the seeds for it: the planting of a homer of barley will be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 27:17 If he dedicates his field during the Year of Jubilee, it will stand according to your valuation. 27:18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, the priest will calculate the money according to the years left until the Year of Jubilee, and a discount will be applied to your valuation. 27:19 If the person who dedicated the field chooses to redeem it, they must add one-fifth of the money from your valuation, and it will remain theirs. 27:20 If they do not redeem the field, or if they have sold it to someone else, it cannot be redeemed anymore; 27:21 but when the field is released in the Jubilee, it will be holy to Yahweh, as a devoted field; it will belong to the priests.

27:22 "'If he dedicates to Yahweh a field which he has bought, which is not of the field of his possession, 27:23 then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of your valuation up to the Year of Jubilee; and he shall give your valuation on that day, as a holy thing to Yahweh. 27:24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land belongs. 27:25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.

27:22 "'If he dedicates a field he has bought to Yahweh, which isn’t part of his inherited land, 27:23 then the priest will determine its value based on your assessment until the Year of Jubilee; and he must pay that value on that day as an offering to Yahweh. 27:24 In the Year of Jubilee, the field will go back to the original owner, the one who actually possesses the land. 27:25 All your assessments should be according to the sanctuary shekel: twenty gerahs make one shekel.

27:26 "'Only the firstborn among animals, which is made a firstborn to Yahweh, no man may dedicate it; whether an ox or sheep, it is Yahweh's. 27:27 If it is an unclean animal, then he shall buy it back according to your valuation, and shall add to it the fifth part of it: or if it isn't redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation.

27:26 "'Only the firstborn of the animals, which is dedicated to Yahweh, cannot be dedicated by anyone; whether it's an ox or a sheep, it belongs to Yahweh. 27:27 If it's an unclean animal, he must buy it back at your assessed value and add an additional fifth of that value; or if it isn’t redeemed, it will be sold at your assessed value.

27:28 "'Notwithstanding, no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to Yahweh.

27:28 "'However, anything that a person devotes to Yahweh from all that they have, whether it's a person, animal, or land they own, cannot be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is extremely sacred to Yahweh."

27:29 "'No one devoted, who shall be devoted from among men, shall be ransomed; he shall surely be put to death.

27:29 "'No one who is dedicated, and among men, is allowed to be redeemed; he will definitely be put to death.

27:30 "'All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh's. It is holy to Yahweh. 27:31 If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it. 27:32 All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to Yahweh. 27:33 He shall not search whether it is good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he changes it at all, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.'"

27:30 "'All the tithe of the land, whether from the seeds or the fruits of the trees, belongs to Yahweh. It is sacred to Yahweh. 27:31 If someone redeems part of their tithe, they must add a fifth to it. 27:32 All the tithe of the herds and flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth part will be sacred to Yahweh. 27:33 They shouldn't examine whether it's good or bad, nor should they swap it out: if they do swap it, both the original and the swapped one will remain sacred. It cannot be redeemed.'"

27:34 These are the commandments which Yahweh commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.

27:34 These are the commandments that Yahweh gave to Moses for the people of Israel on Mount Sinai.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 19:16 literally, "blood"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ literally, "blood"

[2] back to 19:23 literally, "uncircumcised"

literally, "not circumcised"














Numbers

1:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 1:2 "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, every male, one by one; 1:3 from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their divisions. 1:4 With you there shall be a man of every tribe; everyone head of his fathers' house. 1:5 These are the names of the men who shall stand with you:
Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.
1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
1:7 Of Judah: Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
1:8 Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.
1:9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.
1:10 Of the children of Joseph:
Of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
1:11 Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.
1:12 Of Dan: Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
1:13 Of Asher: Pagiel the son of Ochran.
1:14 Of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
1:15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan."

1:1 God spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, at the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had left Egypt, saying, 1:2 "Count all the people in the community of the Israelites, by their families, by their ancestors' households, according to the number of their names, every male, one by one; 1:3 from twenty years old and older, all who are able to serve in the army of Israel. You and Aaron will organize them by their divisions. 1:4 With you will be a man from each tribe; each one will be the head of his father's household. 1:5 These are the names of the men who will stand with you:
Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.
1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
1:7 Of Judah: Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
1:8 Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.
1:9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon.
1:10 Of the children of Joseph:
Of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
1:11 Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.
1:12 Of Dan: Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
1:13 Of Asher: Pagiel the son of Ochran.
1:14 Of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
1:15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan."

1:16 These are those who were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel. 1:17 Moses and Aaron took these men who are mentioned by name. 1:18 They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, one by one. 1:19 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.

1:16 These are the individuals who were called from the congregation, the leaders of the tribes of their ancestors; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel. 1:17 Moses and Aaron gathered the men mentioned by name. 1:18 They brought all the congregation together on the first day of the second month and declared their lineage by their families, by their fathers' houses, based on the number of names, starting from those twenty years old and older, one by one. 1:19 As Yahweh instructed Moses, he counted them in the wilderness of Sinai.

1:20 The children of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:21 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

1:20 The descendants of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, listed by their generations, families, and fathers' houses, counted by name, every male aged twenty and older, all who could serve in the military; 1:21 the total number from the tribe of Reuben was forty-six thousand five hundred.

1:22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, those who were numbered of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:23 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

1:22 The descendants of Simeon, by their families and their fathers' households, were counted one by one, every male aged twenty and older, all who could serve in the military; 1:23 the total number from the tribe of Simeon was fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

1:24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:25 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

1:24 From the descendants of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' households, based on the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war; 1:25 those counted among them, from the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

1:26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:27 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were sixty-four thousand six hundred.

1:26 The descendants of Judah, organized by their families and ancestral households, were counted by their names, from the age of twenty and older, all who were fit to go to war; 1:27 the total number of those counted from the tribe of Judah was sixty-four thousand six hundred.

1:28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:29 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

1:28 The descendants of Issachar, organized by their families and their ancestors' homes, according to the total number of names from twenty years old and up, all who were eligible for military service; 1:29 the total counted from the tribe of Issachar was fifty-four thousand four hundred.

1:30 Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:31 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 1:32 Of the children of Joseph, of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:33 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand five hundred.

1:30 The descendants of Zebulun, organized by their families and ancestors, were counted by name, from those twenty years old and older who were fit for battle; 1:31 the total number of those counted from the tribe of Zebulun was fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 1:32 The descendants of Joseph, specifically the children of Ephraim, were also organized by their families and ancestors, counted by name, from those twenty years old and older who were fit for battle; 1:33 the total number of those counted from the tribe of Ephraim was forty thousand five hundred.

1:34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:35 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

1:34 For the descendants of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, and by their fathers' houses, according to the count of names, from twenty years old and up, all who were able to go to war; 1:35 the total number counted from the tribe of Manasseh was thirty-two thousand two hundred.

1:36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; 1:37 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

1:36 The descendants of Benjamin, organized by their families and their father's households, were counted by the total number of names, from those twenty years old and older, who were capable of going to war; 1:37 the total number of them from the tribe of Benjamin was thirty-five thousand four hundred.

1:38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war; 1:39 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Dan, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

1:38 The descendants of Dan, including their generations, families, and father's households, were counted by name from twenty years and older, all who were fit for battle; 1:39 the total number of them from the tribe of Dan was sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

1:40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war; 1:41 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

1:40 From the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' households, according to the total count of names, from twenty years old and up, all who were fit for military service; 1:41 the total number counted from the tribe of Asher was forty-one thousand five hundred.

1:42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war; 1:43 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

1:42 For the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, and by their fathers' houses, based on the number of names, from twenty years old and older, all who were fit to go to war; 1:43 those who were counted from the tribe of Naphtali totaled fifty-three thousand four hundred.

1:44 These are those who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: they were each one for his fathers' house. 1:45 So all those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers' houses, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war in Israel; 1:46 even all those who were numbered were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 1:47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. 1:48 For Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 1:49 "Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, neither shall you take a census of them among the children of Israel; 1:50 but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle, and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it. 1:51 When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 1:52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their divisions. 1:53 But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony."

1:44 These are the ones who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, along with the leaders of Israel, twelve men representing their family tribes. 1:45 All those counted from the children of Israel by their family tribes, from twenty years old and up, everyone who could go to war in Israel; 1:46 the total number counted was six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 1:47 But the Levites, by their family tribe, were not included in this count. 1:48 For Yahweh said to Moses, 1:49 "Do not count the tribe of Levi, nor include them in the census of the children of Israel; 1:50 instead, appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and all its furnishings, and everything that belongs to it. They will carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they will take care of it and camp around it. 1:51 When the tabernacle needs to move, the Levites will take it down; and when it needs to be set up, the Levites will set it up. Anyone else who comes close shall be put to death. 1:52 The children of Israel will pitch their tents, each person by their own camp, and each person by their own standard, according to their divisions. 1:53 But the Levites will camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, so that there will be no anger against the congregation of the children of Israel: the Levites will be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony."

1:54 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so they did.

1:54 So the Israelites did. They did everything that the Lord had instructed Moses.

2:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2:2 "The children of Israel shall encamp every man by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses: at a distance from the Tent of Meeting shall they encamp around it."

2:1 God said to Moses and Aaron, 2:2 "The Israelites are to set up camp by their own flags, each family group near their ancestors’ banners: they should camp at a distance from the Tent of Meeting."

2:3 Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions: and the prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 2:4 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

2:3 Those who set up camp on the east side facing the sunrise will belong to the camp of Judah, organized by their divisions, and the leader of the Judah tribe will be Nahshon, the son of Amminadab. 2:4 His division, along with those counted in it, totaled seventy-four thousand six hundred.

2:5 Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and the prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. 2:6 His division, and those who were numbered of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

2:5 The people camped next to him will be from the tribe of Issachar, and the leader of the Issachar tribe will be Nethanel, the son of Zuar. 2:6 His group, along with those counted in it, totaled fifty-four thousand four hundred.

2:7 The tribe of Zebulun: and the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. 2:8 His division, and those who were numbered of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

2:7 The tribe of Zebulun: and the leader of the Zebulunites will be Eliab, son of Helon. 2:8 His group, and the people counted in it, numbered fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

2:9 All who were numbered of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first.

2:9 Everyone counted in the camp of Judah was one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, based on their groups. They will set out first.

2:10 "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 2:11 His division, and those who were numbered of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

2:10 "On the south side will be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The leader of the descendants of Reuben will be Elizur, the son of Shedeur. 2:11 His division, along with those counted in it, totaled forty-six thousand five hundred.

2:12 "Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon. The prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 2:13 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

2:12 "The people camping next to him will be the tribe of Simeon. The leader of the Simeonites will be Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai. 2:13 His group, along with those counted among them, numbered fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

2:14 "The tribe of Gad: and the prince of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 2:15 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

2:14 "The tribe of Gad: and the leader of the Gadites will be Eliasaph, the son of Reuel. 2:15 His group, and those counted among them, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

2:16 "All who were numbered of the camp of Reuben were one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred fifty, according to their armies. They shall set out second.

2:16 "All the people counted in the camp of Reuben were one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred fifty, organized by their military units. They will be the second to leave."

2:17 "Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every man in his place, by their standards.

2:17 "Then the Tent of Meeting will set out, with the Levite camp in the center of the other camps. As they set up camp, so will they break camp, each person in their place, according to their standards.

2:18 "On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions: and the prince of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 2:19 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty thousand five hundred.

2:18 "On the west side will be the banner of the Ephraim camp organized by their groups: and the leader of the Ephraimites will be Elishama, the son of Ammihud. 2:19 His group, along with those counted among them, totaled forty thousand five hundred.

2:20 "Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the prince of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 2:21 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

2:20 "On his right will be the tribe of Manasseh, and the leader of the Manasseh tribe will be Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur. 2:21 His group, along with everyone counted in it, totaled thirty-two thousand two hundred.

2:22 "The tribe of Benjamin: and the prince of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 2:23 His army, and those who were numbered of them, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

2:22 "The tribe of Benjamin: and the leader of the children of Benjamin will be Abidan, the son of Gideoni. 2:23 His army, and those counted from it, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

2:24 "All who were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were one hundred eight thousand one hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out third.

2:24 "All the people counted in the camp of Ephraim were 108,100, organized by their groups. They will be the third to set out."

2:25 "On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their divisions: and the prince of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 2:26 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

2:25 "On the north side will be the flag of the Dan camp based on their groups: and the leader of the Danites will be Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai. 2:26 His group, along with those counted among them, totaled sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

2:27 "Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the prince of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ochran. 2:28 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty-one thousand and five hundred.

2:27 "The tribe of Asher will camp next to him, and the leader of the Asherite people will be Pagiel, the son of Ochran. 2:28 His group, along with the others counted with them, totaled forty-one thousand five hundred.

2:29 "The tribe of Naphtali: and the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 2:30 His division, and those who were numbered of them, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

2:29 "The tribe of Naphtali: and the leader of the Naphtali tribe shall be Ahira, the son of Enan. 2:30 His group, and those counted among them, totaled fifty-three thousand four hundred.

2:31 "All who were numbered of the camp of Dan were one hundred fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They shall set out last by their standards."

2:31 "Everyone counted in the camp of Dan totaled one hundred fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They will be the last to depart, according to their banners."

2:32 These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers' houses. All who were numbered of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 2:33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

2:32 These are the people counted from the families of Israel. All the people counted from the camps by their armies totaled six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 2:33 But the Levites were not included in the count of the children of Israel, as Yahweh instructed Moses.

2:34 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set out, everyone by their families, according to their fathers' houses.

2:34 So the people of Israel did. According to everything that Yahweh instructed Moses, they set up camp with their banners, and when they left, everyone set out with their families, following their ancestral groups.

3:1 Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Yahweh spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai. 3:2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3:1 This is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses when Yahweh spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai. 3:2 Here are the names of Aaron's sons: Nadab the firstborn, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3:3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. 3:4 Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh, when they offered strange fire before Yahweh, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the presence of Aaron their father.

3:3 Here are the names of Aaron's sons, the priests who were anointed and set apart to serve in the priesthood. 3:4 Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of Yahweh when they offered unauthorized fire before Him in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar served in the priesthood alongside their father Aaron.

3:5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 3:6 "Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. 3:7 They shall keep his requirements, and the requirements of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle. 3:8 They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 3:9 You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel. 3:10 You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death."

3:5 God spoke to Moses, saying, 3:6 "Bring the tribe of Levi close, and present them to Aaron the priest, so they can serve him. 3:7 They will uphold his responsibilities and the responsibilities of the entire congregation at the Tent of Meeting, to carry out the duties of the tabernacle. 3:8 They will be in charge of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and the duties of the people of Israel, to perform the service of the tabernacle. 3:9 You will assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons. They are fully dedicated to him on behalf of the people of Israel. 3:10 You will appoint Aaron and his sons, and they will maintain their priesthood. Anyone else who approaches shall be put to death."

3:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 3:12 "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine: 3:13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am Yahweh."

3:11 God spoke to Moses, saying, 3:12 "Look, I have set aside the Levites from the people of Israel instead of all the firstborn who are born to the Israelites; and the Levites will belong to me: 3:13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart all the firstborn in Israel, both human and animal. They will belong to me. I am God."

3:14 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 3:15 "Count the children of Levi by their fathers' houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward."

3:14 God spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 3:15 "Count the descendants of Levi by their family groups. You should count every male from one month old and older."

3:16 Moses numbered them according to the word of Yahweh, as he was commanded.

3:16 Moses counted them as the Lord had commanded him.

3:17 These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

3:17 These were the sons of Levi, named Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

3:18 These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.

3:18 These are the names of Gershon's sons by their families: Libni and Shimei.

3:19 The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

3:19 The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

3:20 The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi.

3:20 The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi.

These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.

These are the Levite families based on their ancestral households.

3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

3:21 Gershon's family included the Libnites and the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

3:22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those who were numbered of them were seven thousand five hundred.

3:22 The total count of them, based on the number of all the males aged one month and older, was seven thousand five hundred.

3:23 The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward.

3:23 The Gershonite families will set up their camp behind the tabernacle to the west.

3:24 The prince of the fathers' house of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael. 3:25 The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, 3:26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

3:24 The leader of the Gershonite families will be Eliasaph, the son of Lael. 3:25 The responsibilities of the Gershonite descendants in the Tent of Meeting will include the tabernacle, the tent, its covering, and the door screen for the Tent of Meeting, 3:26 as well as the hangings of the courtyard and the door screen for the courtyard, which is next to the tabernacle and around the altar, along with all the cords needed for their work.

3:27 Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites. 3:28 According to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand six hundred, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary.

3:27 The Kohath family included the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites. 3:28 Counting all the males, from one month old and up, there were eight thousand six hundred, fulfilling the requirements of the sanctuary.

3:29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall encamp on the south side of the tabernacle. 3:30 The prince of the fathers' house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 3:31 Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all its service. 3:32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the requirements of the sanctuary.

3:29 The families of the sons of Kohath will camp on the south side of the tabernacle. 3:30 The leader of the families of the Kohathites will be Elizaphan, the son of Uzziel. 3:31 Their responsibilities will include the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels for the sanctuary they serve with, and the screen, along with all related duties. 3:32 Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, will be the leader of the Levite leaders, overseeing those who follow the requirements of the sanctuary.

3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. 3:34 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand two hundred.

3:33 The Merari family included the Mahlites and the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. 3:34 The total number counted among them, based on all the males from one month old and older, was six thousand two hundred.

3:35 The prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle. 3:36 The appointed duty of the sons of Merari shall be the tabernacle's boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its instruments, all its service, 3:37 the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, and their cords. 3:38 Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 3:39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of Yahweh, by their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty-two thousand.

3:35 The leader of the Merari family was Zuriel, the son of Abihail. They will set up camp on the north side of the tabernacle. 3:36 The specific responsibilities of the Merari descendants will include the tabernacle's boards, bars, pillars, sockets, all its equipment, and all its maintenance, 3:37 as well as the pillars of the surrounding courtyard, their sockets, pegs, and ropes. 3:38 Those who camp in front of the tabernacle on the east side, facing the sunrise, will be Moses, Aaron, and his sons, ensuring the responsibilities of the sanctuary for the Israelite community. Anyone who approaches will be put to death. 3:39 The total count of Levites, which Moses and Aaron recorded as instructed by Yahweh, by their families, including all males from one month old and older, was twenty-two thousand.

3:40 Yahweh said to Moses, "Number all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 3:41 You shall take the Levites for me (I am Yahweh) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel."

3:40 God said to Moses, "Count all the firstborn males of the Israelites who are one month old and older, and record their names. 3:41 You will set apart the Levites for me (I am God) in place of all the firstborn males among the Israelites; and the Levites' livestock instead of all the firstborn livestock of the Israelites."

3:42 Moses numbered, as Yahweh commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 3:43 All the firstborn males according to the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

3:42 Moses counted, as Yahweh instructed him, all the firstborn among the people of Israel. 3:43 The total number of firstborn males, based on the names listed, from one month old and older, was twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

3:44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 3:45 "Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; and the Levites shall be mine. I am Yahweh. 3:46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who exceed the number of the Levites, 3:47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs): 3:48 and you shall give the money, with which the remainder of them is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons."

3:44 God spoke to Moses, saying, 3:45 "Count the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; the Levites will belong to me. I am God. 3:46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three firstborn of the Israelites who outnumber the Levites, 3:47 you will collect five shekels for each one; based on the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs): 3:48 and you will give the money collected for their redemption to Aaron and his sons."

3:49 Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites; 3:50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 3:51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

3:49 Moses collected the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of Levites redeemed; 3:50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel, he took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel: 3:51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, as instructed by Yahweh, just as Yahweh commanded Moses.

4:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 4:2 "Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses, 4:3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting. 4:4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, the most holy things. 4:5 When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it, 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. 4:7 On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it. 4:8 They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles. 4:9 They shall take a blue cloth, and cover the lampstand of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it. 4:10 They shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it on the frame. 4:11 On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles. 4:12 They shall take all the vessels of ministry, with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame. 4:13 They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it. 4:14 They shall put on it all its vessels, with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the flesh hooks, the shovels, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.

4:1 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 4:2 "Count the descendants of Kohath from the tribe of Levi, by their families and their households, 4:3 from thirty years old to fifty years old, everyone who will be serving in the Tent of Meeting. 4:4 This is the duty of the Kohathites in the Tent of Meeting, concerning the most sacred items. 4:5 When the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons will go in, and they will take down the veil of the screen and cover the Ark of the Covenant with it, 4:6 then put a covering of sealskin on it, and spread a blue cloth over that, and insert its poles. 4:7 On the table of showbread, they will spread a blue cloth and place the dishes, spoons, bowls, and cups for pouring on it; the continual bread will be on it. 4:8 They will spread a scarlet cloth over them and cover that with sealskin, putting in its poles. 4:9 They will take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand, along with its lamps, snuffers, snuff dishes, and all oil containers used for its service. 4:10 They will place it and all its vessels under a sealskin covering and set it on the frame. 4:11 On the golden altar, they will spread a blue cloth, cover it with sealskin, and insert its poles. 4:12 They will take all the ministry vessels used in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover them with sealskin, and place them on the frame. 4:13 They will remove the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it. 4:14 They will place all its ministry vessels, including the fire pans, flesh hooks, shovels, and basins; all the altar vessels; and cover it with sealskin, putting in its poles.

4:15 "When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting.

4:15 "When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all its furniture as the camp moves forward, the sons of Kohath will come to carry it. However, they must not touch the sanctuary, or they will die. These items are the responsibility of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting.

4:16 "The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings."

4:16 "Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, is responsible for the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the ongoing meal offering, and the anointing oil—everything required for the tabernacle and all that’s in it, including the sanctuary and its furnishings."

4:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 4:18 "Don't cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; 4:19 but thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them everyone to his service and to his burden; 4:20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."

4:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 4:18 "Do not exclude the families of the Kohathites from the Levites; 4:19 instead, do this so they can live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons will go in and assign each person their duties and responsibilities; 4:20 but they must not go into the sanctuary even for a moment, or they will die."

4:21 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 4:22 "Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses, by their families; 4:23 you shall count them from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old; all who enter in to wait on the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting. 4:24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens: 4:25 they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, and the covering of sealskin that is above on it, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, 4:26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatever shall be done with them. Therein shall they serve. 4:27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities. 4:28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting: and their duty shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

4:21 God spoke to Moses, saying, 4:22 "Take a census of the descendants of Gershon as well, by their families and their father’s household; 4:23 count them from thirty years old and up to fifty years old; all who are involved in the service and work at the Tent of Meeting. 4:24 This is the work of the Gershonite families, serving and carrying loads: 4:25 they will carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, its covering, the covering of sealskin on top of it, and the screen for the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, 4:26 as well as the hangings of the courtyard, and the screen for the entrance of the gate of the courtyard, which is near the tabernacle and around the altar, along with their cords, and all the equipment for their service, and everything they need to do. That is what they will do. 4:27 Following the instructions of Aaron and his sons will be all the work of the Gershonite descendants, in all their duties and responsibilities; and you will assign their tasks to them. 4:28 This is the work of the families of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting: their responsibilities will be under the supervision of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.

4:29 "As for the sons of Merari, you shall number them by their families, by their fathers' houses; 4:30 you shall count them from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who enters on the service, to do the work of the Tent of Meeting. 4:31 This is the duty of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting: the tabernacle's boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 4:32 and the pillars of the court around it, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name you shall appoint the instruments of the duty of their burden. 4:33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the Tent of Meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest."

4:29 "For the sons of Merari, you must count them by their families and their fathers' houses; 4:30 count those who are thirty years old and older up to fifty years old, everyone who will serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. 4:31 This is the responsibility of their tasks, based on all their work in the Tent of Meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 4:32 and the pillars of the courtyard around it, along with their sockets, pins, cords, and all their tools, with all their responsibilities: and you will specifically designate the tools for their tasks. 4:33 This is the work of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their duties in the Tent of Meeting, managed by Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest."

4:34 Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses, 4:35 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting. 4:36 Those who were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred fifty. 4:37 These are those who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

4:34 Moses and Aaron, along with the leaders of the congregation, counted the sons of the Kohathites by their families and their fathers' households, 4:35 from thirty years old to fifty years old, everyone who was eligible for the service in the Tent of Meeting. 4:36 The total number of those counted from their families was two thousand seven hundred fifty. 4:37 These are the individuals counted from the families of the Kohathites, all who worked in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted as commanded by Yahweh through Moses.

4:38 Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their fathers' houses, 4:39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting, 4:40 even those who were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers' houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty. 4:41 These are those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh. 4:42 Those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers' houses, 4:43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting, 4:44 even those who were numbered of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred. 4:45 These are those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses. 4:46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their fathers' houses, 4:47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting, 4:48 even those who were numbered of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty. 4:49 According to the commandment of Yahweh they were numbered by Moses, everyone according to his service, and according to his burden. Thus were they numbered by him, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

4:38 The people counted among the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their ancestral houses, 4:39 from thirty to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 4:40 even those counted among them, by their families and ancestral houses, totaled two thousand six hundred thirty. 4:41 These are the people counted from the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted as instructed by Yahweh. 4:42 The people counted from the families of the sons of Merari, by their families and ancestral houses, 4:43 from thirty to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 4:44 even those counted among them by their families, were three thousand two hundred. 4:45 These are those counted from the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted as instructed by Yahweh through Moses. 4:46 All those counted among the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel counted by their families and ancestral houses, 4:47 from thirty to fifty years old, everyone who entered to do the work of service and carry burdens in the Tent of Meeting, 4:48 even those counted among them, totaled eight thousand five hundred eighty. 4:49 Following Yahweh's command, they were counted by Moses, each according to their service and burdens. Thus, they were counted by him as Yahweh commanded Moses.

5:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 5:2 "Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, and everyone who has an issue, and whoever is unclean by the dead. 5:3 Both you shall put male and female outside of the camp; that they not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell."

5:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 5:2 "Tell the Israelites to send away from the camp everyone with leprosy, anyone who has a discharge, and anyone who is considered unclean because of a dead body. 5:3 You must put both men and women outside of the camp so they don't defile the camp where I live."

5:4 The children of Israel did so, and put them out outside of the camp; as Yahweh spoke to Moses, so did the children of Israel.

5:4 The Israelites did as they were instructed and placed them outside the camp; just as Yahweh commanded Moses, the Israelites followed through.

5:5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 5:6 "Speak to the children of Israel: When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit, so as to trespass against Yahweh, and that soul is guilty; 5:7 then he shall confess his sin which he has done, and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, and add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty. 5:8 But if the man has no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made to Yahweh shall be the priest's; besides the ram of the atonement, by which atonement shall be made for him. 5:9 Every heave offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they present to the priest, shall be his. 5:10 Every man's holy things shall be his: whatever any man gives the priest, it shall be his."

5:5 God spoke to Moses, saying, 5:6 "Tell the people of Israel: When someone sins against others and breaks Yahweh's commandments, that person is guilty; 5:7 they must confess the sin they've committed, make full restitution for the damage done, add an additional fifth of the amount, and give it to the person they've wronged. 5:8 If the person has no relative to make restitution to, then the restitution is to Yahweh and will go to the priest, in addition to a ram for atonement, which will be used to atone for them. 5:9 Every offering from the holy things of the people of Israel that they bring to the priest will belong to him. 5:10 Every person's holy items will belong to them: anything anyone gives to the priest will be his."

5:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 5:12 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: If any man's wife goes astray, and is unfaithful to him, 5:13 and a man lies with her carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband, and is kept close, and she is defiled, and there is no witness against her, and she isn't taken in the act; 5:14 and the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife, and she is defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife, and she isn't defiled: 5:15 then the man shall bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring her offering for her: the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal. He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory. 5:16 The priest shall bring her near, and set her before Yahweh; 5:17 and the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water. 5:18 The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. 5:19 The priest shall cause her to swear, and shall tell the woman, 'If no man has lain with you, and if you haven't gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse. 5:20 But if you have gone astray, being under your husband, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband:' 5:21 then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall tell the woman, 'Yahweh make you a curse and an oath among your people, when Yahweh allows your thigh to fall away, and your body to swell; 5:22 and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.' The woman shall say, 'Amen, Amen.'

5:11 God spoke to Moses, saying, 5:12 "Tell the Israelites: If a man's wife strays and is unfaithful to him, 5:13 and a man sleeps with her secretly, without her husband knowing, and keeps it hidden, and she is defiled, with no witnesses against her and not caught in the act; 5:14 and if jealousy comes over her husband, and he becomes jealous of her even if she is not defiled: 5:15 then the man must bring his wife to the priest and present her offering: a tenth of an ephah of barley meal. He must not pour oil on it or put frankincense on it, because it is a jealousy offering, a memorial offering to remind of wrongdoings. 5:16 The priest shall present her and set her before God; 5:17 and the priest will take holy water in a clay jar; and from the dust on the tabernacle floor, the priest shall take some and mix it into the water. 5:18 The priest shall present the woman before God, let her hair hang loose, and put the memorial offering in her hands, which is the jealousy offering. The priest will hold the bitter water that brings a curse. 5:19 The priest will have her swear an oath, telling her, 'If no one has slept with you, and you haven’t been unfaithful to your husband, you will be free from this bitter water that brings a curse. 5:20 But if you have strayed while under your husband, and if you are defiled, and a man has slept with you besides your husband:' 5:21 then the priest will make the woman swear with the cursing oath, and he will say, 'May God make you a curse and an oath among your people, when God allows your thigh to waste away and your body to swell; 5:22 and this bitter water will enter your body, making it swell and your thigh waste away.' The woman shall say, 'Amen, Amen.'

5:23 "The priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out into the water of bitterness. 5:24 He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. 5:25 The priest shall take the meal offering of jealousy out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the meal offering before Yahweh, and bring it to the altar. 5:26 The priest shall take a handful of the meal offering, as its memorial, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water. 5:27 When he has made her drink the water, then it shall happen, if she is defiled, and has committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter, and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away: and the woman will be a curse among her people. 5:28 If the woman isn't defiled, but is clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

5:23 "The priest will write these curses in a book and then dissolve them in the bitter water. 5:24 He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings on the curse; and the water that brings on the curse will enter her and become bitter. 5:25 The priest will take the jealousy offering from the woman's hand, wave it before Yahweh, and bring it to the altar. 5:26 The priest will take a handful of the meal offering as a memorial and burn it on the altar, then make the woman drink the water. 5:27 After she drinks the water, if she is defiled and has committed a trespass against her husband, the water that causes the curse will enter her and become bitter, causing her body to swell and her thigh to waste away; and she will be a curse among her people. 5:28 If the woman is not defiled but is clean, she will be free and able to conceive."

5:29 "This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goes astray, and is defiled; 5:30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes on a man, and he is jealous of his wife; then he shall set the woman before Yahweh, and the priest shall execute on her all this law. 5:31 The man shall be free from iniquity, and that woman shall bear her iniquity."

5:29 "This is the law regarding jealousy: when a wife, being under her husband, strays and becomes defiled; 5:30 or when a man's spirit of jealousy takes hold of him, and he suspects his wife; he must bring the woman before Yahweh, and the priest will carry out this law on her. 5:31 The man will be free from sin, and the woman will bear her own sin."

6:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to Yahweh, 6:3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. 6:4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins.

6:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 6:2 "Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman makes a special vow, a vow of a Nazirite, to dedicate themselves to God, 6:3 they must refrain from wine and strong drinks. They should not drink vinegar made from wine or vinegar made from fermented drinks, and they are not allowed to drink any grape juice or eat fresh or dried grapes. 6:4 Throughout the period of their vow, they must not eat anything made from grapevines, including the seeds and skins."

6:5 "All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come on his head, until the days are fulfilled, in which he separates himself to Yahweh. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

6:5 "Throughout the entire period of his vow of separation, he must not cut his hair, until the days are completed that he has dedicated himself to Yahweh. He will be holy. He will let his hair grow long."

6:6 "All the days that he separates himself to Yahweh he shall not go near a dead body. 6:7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his separation to God is on his head. 6:8 All the days of his separation he is holy to Yahweh.

6:6 "Throughout all the days he dedicates himself to Yahweh, he must not go near a corpse. 6:7 He cannot make himself unclean for his father, mother, brother, or sister when they die, because his dedication to God is on his head. 6:8 During all the days of his dedication, he is sacred to Yahweh.

6:9 "If any man dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles the head of his separation; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it. 6:10 On the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 6:11 The priest shall offer one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall make his head holy that same day. 6:12 He shall separate to Yahweh the days of his separation, and shall bring a male lamb a year old for a trespass offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

6:9 "If someone dies unexpectedly near him, and he becomes ceremonially unclean due to his separation, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing. He will shave it again on the seventh day. 6:10 On the eighth day, he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 6:11 The priest will offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, making atonement for him because he became unclean due to the dead, and he will consecrate his head that same day. 6:12 He must dedicate the days of his separation to Yahweh and bring a one-year-old male lamb for a guilt offering; however, the previous days will not count because his separation was defiled.

6:13 "This is the law of the Nazirite: when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting, 6:14 and he shall offer his offering to Yahweh, one male lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, 6:15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings. 6:16 The priest shall present them before Yahweh, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering. 6:17 He shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest shall offer also its meal offering, and its drink offering. 6:18 The Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings. 6:19 The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite, after he has shaved the head of his separation; 6:20 and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.

6:13 "This is the law for a Nazirite: when the period of separation is complete, he will be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, 6:14 and he will present his offering to Yahweh: one unblemished male lamb a year old for a burnt offering, one unblemished ewe lamb a year old for a sin offering, and one unblemished ram for peace offerings, 6:15 along with a basket of unleavened bread, cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, including their meal and drink offerings. 6:16 The priest will present them before Yahweh and will offer his sin offering and his burnt offering. 6:17 He will offer the ram as a peace offering to Yahweh, along with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest will also offer its meal offering and its drink offering. 6:18 The Nazirite will shave his head of separation at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and will take the hair from the head of his separation and put it on the fire beneath the peace offering. 6:19 The priest will take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and will place them in the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved his head of separation; 6:20 and the priest will wave them as a wave offering before Yahweh. This is considered holy for the priest, along with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After this, the Nazirite may drink wine.

6:21 "This is the law of the Nazirite who vows, and of his offering to Yahweh for his separation, besides that which he is able to get. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation."

6:21 "This is the law for the Nazirite who makes a vow and for his offering to Yahweh for his separation, in addition to what he can afford. He must follow his vow according to the law of his separation."

6:22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6:23 "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.' You shall tell them,

6:22 God spoke to Moses, saying, 6:23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you should bless the people of Israel.' You should tell them,

6:24 'Yahweh bless you, and keep you.
6:25 Yahweh make his face to shine on you,
and be gracious to you.
6:26 Yahweh lift up his face toward you,
and give you peace.'

6:27 "So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them."

6:27 "So they will put my name on the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

7:1 It happened on the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it, with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them; 7:2 that the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were numbered: 7:3 and they brought their offering before Yahweh, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they presented them before the tabernacle. 7:4 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 7:5 "Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service."

7:1 It happened on the day that Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, anointed it, and made it holy, along with all its furnishings, and the altar with all its tools, and had anointed and sanctified them; 7:2 that the leaders of Israel, heads of their families, brought offerings. These were the leaders of the tribes. These are the ones who were responsible for those who were counted: 7:3 and they presented their offerings to Yahweh, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the leaders, and one ox for each of them: and they presented them before the tabernacle. 7:4 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 7:5 "Accept these from them so that they can be used in the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to each one according to his service."

7:6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites. 7:7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their service: 7:8 and he gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 7:9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

7:6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen and handed them over to the Levites. 7:7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon based on their duties: 7:8 and he gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their responsibilities, under the supervision of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 7:9 But to the sons of Kohath, he didn’t give any, because their duty involved the service of the sanctuary; they carried it on their shoulders.

7:10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes gave their offerings before the altar.

7:10 The princes made offerings for the dedication of the altar on the day it was anointed; in fact, the princes presented their offerings in front of the altar.

7:11 Yahweh said to Moses, "They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar."

7:11 God said to Moses, "Each leader should bring their offering on their designated day for the dedication of the altar."

7:12 He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah, 7:13 and his offering was:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:14 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:15 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:16 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

7:12 The first person to make an offering was Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah. 7:13 His offering included:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:14 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:15 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;
7:16 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:17 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was Nahshon the son of Amminadab's offering.

7:18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering. 7:19 He offered for his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:20 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:21 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:22 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:23 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

7:18 On the second day, Nethanel son of Zuar, the prince of Issachar, made his offering. 7:19 He presented the following:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:20 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:21 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:22 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:23 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar.

7:24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun 7:25 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:26 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:27 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:28 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

7:24 On the third day, Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the Zebulun tribe, 7:25 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels according to the sanctuary standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
7:26 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:27 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;
7:28 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:29 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was Eliab son of Helon's offering.

7:30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben 7:31 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:32 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:33 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:34 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:35 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

7:30 On the fourth day, Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites 7:31 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary weight; both were filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
7:32 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:33 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, as a burnt offering;
7:34 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:35 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur.

7:36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon 7:37 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:38 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:39 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:40 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:41 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

7:36 On the fifth day, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, leader of the Simeon clan 7:37 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
7:38 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:39 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:40 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:41 and for the peace offering, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.

7:42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad 7:43 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:45 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:46 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

7:42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the Gadite tribe 7:43 brought his offering:
one silver platter, weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:44 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:45 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:46 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:47 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering from Eliasaph son of Deuel.

7:48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim 7:49 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:51 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:52 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

7:48 On the seventh day, Elishama, the son of Ammihud, leader of the Ephraimite tribe 7:49 presented his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary’s weight; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
7:50 one gold ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:51 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;
7:52 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:53 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama, the son of Ammihud.

7:54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh 7:55 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:57 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:58 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

7:54 On the eighth day, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the Manasseh tribe 7:55 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:56 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:57 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:58 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:59 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur.

7:60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin 7:61 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:63 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:64 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

7:60 On the ninth day, Abidan, the son of Gideoni, the leader of the children of Benjamin 7:61 brought his offering:
a silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
a silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:62 a gold ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:63 a young bull,
a ram,
a one-year-old male lamb for a burnt offering;
7:64 a male goat for a sin offering;
7:65 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old male lambs. This was the offering of Abidan, the son of Gideoni.

7:66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan 7:67 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:69 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:70 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

7:66 On the tenth day, Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the Dan tribe 7:67 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's weight; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:68 one gold ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:69 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:70 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:71 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai.

7:72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher 7:73 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:75 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:76 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.

7:72 On the eleventh day, Pagiel son of Ochran, leader of the Asher tribe 7:73 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
7:74 one golden ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:75 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:76 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:77 and for the peace offerings, two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel son of Ochran.

7:78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali 7:79 gave his offering:
one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;
7:81 one young bull,
one ram,
one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;
7:82 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

7:78 On the twelfth day, Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali 7:79 made his offering:
one silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels,
one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary's standard; both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
7:80 one golden spoon weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
7:81 one young bull,
one ram,
one one-year-old male lamb for a burnt offering;
7:82 one male goat for a sin offering;
7:83 and for the peace offering sacrifice, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old male lambs. This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan.

7:84 This was the dedication of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles; 7:85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; 7:86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels; 7:87 all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and the male goats for a sin offering twelve; 7:88 and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, the male lambs a year old sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after it was anointed.

7:84 This was the dedication of the altar on the day it was anointed by the leaders of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve golden ladles; 7:85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels and each bowl seventy; the total weight of the silver vessels was two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel; 7:86 the twelve golden ladles, filled with incense, weighed ten shekels each, based on the sanctuary shekel; all the gold from the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels; 7:87 all the animals for the burnt offering included twelve bulls, twelve rams, twelve one-year-old male lambs, along with their grain offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; 7:88 and for the peace offerings, there were twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty one-year-old male lambs. This was the dedication of the altar after it was anointed.

7:89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Yahweh, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.

7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to talk with Yahweh, he heard His voice coming from above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony, between the two cherubim: and He spoke to him.

8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 8:2 "Speak to Aaron, and tell him, 'When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.'"

8:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 8:2 "Tell Aaron, 'When you light the lamps, the seven lamps should shine in front of the lampstand.'"

8:3 Aaron did so. He lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lampstand, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 8:4 This was the workmanship of the lampstand, beaten work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was beaten work: according to the pattern which Yahweh had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.

8:3 Aaron did that. He lit its lamps to illuminate the area in front of the lampstand, just as Yahweh instructed Moses. 8:4 This was the craftsmanship of the lampstand, crafted from gold. From its base to its flowers, it was all crafted: following the design that Yahweh had shown Moses, he made the lampstand.

8:5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 8:6 "Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. 8:7 You shall do this to them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of cleansing on them, let them shave their whole bodies with a razor, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. 8:8 Then let them take a young bull, and its meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil; and another young bull you shall take for a sin offering. 8:9 You shall present the Levites before the Tent of Meeting. You shall assemble the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 8:10 You shall present the Levites before Yahweh. The children of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, 8:11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before Yahweh for a wave offering, on the behalf of the children of Israel, that it may be theirs to do the service of Yahweh. 8:12 The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering to Yahweh, to make atonement for the Levites. 8:13 You shall set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them as a wave offering to Yahweh. 8:14 Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.

8:5 God spoke to Moses, saying, 8:6 "Take the Levites from among the people of Israel, and purify them. 8:7 You shall do this to cleanse them: sprinkle them with purification water, have them shave their entire bodies with a razor, wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. 8:8 Then they are to take a young bull and its grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil; and you shall take another young bull for a sin offering. 8:9 Present the Levites at the Tent of Meeting. Gather the entire congregation of the people of Israel. 8:10 Present the Levites before God. The people of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, 8:11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before God as a wave offering on behalf of the people of Israel, so they can perform the service of God. 8:12 The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to God, to make atonement for the Levites. 8:13 You shall present the Levites before Aaron and his sons and offer them as a wave offering to God. 8:14 In this way, you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.

8:15 "After that, the Levites shall go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting: and you shall cleanse them, and offer them as a wave offering. 8:16 For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to me. 8:17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both man and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself. 8:18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 8:19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel; that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary."

8:15 "After that, the Levites will come in to serve in the Tent of Meeting; you shall purify them and present them as a wave offering. 8:16 They are completely dedicated to me from among the people of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the Israelites, I have chosen them for myself. 8:17 All the firstborn among the Israelites are mine, both humans and animals. On the day I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set them apart for myself. 8:18 I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the people of Israel. 8:19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to serve the people of Israel in the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement for them; to prevent any plague among the Israelites when they come near the sanctuary."

8:20 Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did so to the Levites. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them. 8:21 The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Yahweh; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. 8:22 After that, the Levites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron, and before his sons: as Yahweh had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

8:20 Moses, Aaron, and the entire community of the Israelites did this for the Levites. They followed all the instructions that Yahweh gave to Moses regarding the Levites. 8:21 The Levites cleansed themselves from sin, washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before Yahweh; he made atonement for them to purify them. 8:22 After that, the Levites went in to perform their duties in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron and his sons, doing exactly as Yahweh had commanded Moses regarding the Levites.

8:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 8:24 "This is that which belongs to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting; 8:25 and from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting on the work, and shall serve no more, 8:26 but shall minister with their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall do no service. You shall do thus to the Levites concerning their duties."

8:23 God spoke to Moses, saying, 8:24 "This is what belongs to the Levites: they will start their service in the Tent of Meeting at the age of twenty-five; 8:25 and when they reach fifty, they will stop regular work and will no longer serve, 8:26 but will assist their colleagues in the Tent of Meeting to fulfill their responsibilities, without performing any service. You will do this for the Levites regarding their duties."

9:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 9:2 "Moreover let the children of Israel keep the Passover in its appointed season. 9:3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season--according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it."

9:1 God spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had left Egypt, saying, 9:2 "Also, let the Israelites observe the Passover at the designated time. 9:3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you are to celebrate it at the appointed time—following all its rules and regulations."

9:4 Moses spoke to the children of Israel, that they should keep the Passover. 9:5 They kept the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at evening, in the wilderness of Sinai. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did. 9:6 There were certain men, who were unclean because of the dead body of a man, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day, and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day. 9:7 Those men said to him, "We are unclean because of the dead body of a man. Why are we kept back, that we may not offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season among the children of Israel?"

9:4 Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover. 9:5 They celebrated the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, in the evening, in the Sinai wilderness. They did everything Yahweh had commanded Moses. 9:6 Some men were ritually unclean because they had touched a dead body, so they couldn’t celebrate the Passover on that day. They approached Moses and Aaron on that day. 9:7 The men said to him, "We are unclean because we touched a dead body. Why are we excluded from offering Yahweh's sacrifice at the right time among the Israelites?"

9:8 Moses answered them, "Wait, that I may hear what Yahweh will command concerning you."

9:8 Moses replied to them, "Hold on, so I can find out what Yahweh will tell you."

9:9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 9:10 "Say to the children of Israel, 'If any man of you or of your generations is unclean by reason of a dead body, or is on a journey far away, he shall still keep the Passover to Yahweh. 9:11 In the second month, on the fourteenth day at evening they shall keep it; they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9:12 They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break a bone of it. According to all the statute of the Passover they shall keep it. 9:13 But the man who is clean, and is not on a journey, and fails to keep the Passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people. Because he didn't offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season, that man shall bear his sin. 9:14 If a foreigner lives among you, and desires to keep the Passover to Yahweh; according to the statute of the Passover, and according to its ordinance, so shall he do. You shall have one statute, both for the foreigner, and for him who is born in the land.'"

9:9 God spoke to Moses, saying, 9:10 "Tell the Israelites, 'If any of you or your descendants is unclean due to a dead body, or is traveling far away, they still must observe the Passover for God. 9:11 In the second month, on the fourteenth day in the evening, they will celebrate it; they will eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9:12 They must not leave any of it until morning, nor break any bones of it. They must follow all the regulations of the Passover. 9:13 But anyone who is clean and is not on a journey and fails to observe the Passover will be cut off from their people. Since they did not offer the sacrifice to God at the appointed time, that person will bear their sin. 9:14 If a foreigner lives among you and wants to observe the Passover for God, they must follow the regulations of the Passover and its rules. There will be one regulation for both the foreigner and the native-born.'"

9:15 On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony: and at evening it was over the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. 9:16 So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night. 9:17 Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped. 9:18 At the commandment of Yahweh, the children of Israel traveled, and at the commandment of Yahweh they encamped. As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped. 9:19 When the cloud stayed on the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept Yahweh's command, and didn't travel. 9:20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Yahweh they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Yahweh they traveled. 9:21 Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled: or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled. 9:22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud stayed on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained encamped, and didn't travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled. 9:23 At the commandment of Yahweh they encamped, and at the commandment of Yahweh they traveled. They kept Yahweh's command, at the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

9:15 On the day the tabernacle was set up, a cloud covered the tabernacle, which is the Tent of Testimony. In the evening, it looked like fire over the tabernacle until morning. 9:16 This happened all the time. The cloud covered it, and by night it appeared as fire. 9:17 Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the Tent, the Israelites would move; and wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites would camp. 9:18 At Yahweh's command, the Israelites would move, and at Yahweh's command, they would camp. They stayed put as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. 9:19 If the cloud remained over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites followed Yahweh's command and did not move. 9:20 Sometimes the cloud would stay over the tabernacle for a few days; then, according to Yahweh's command, they would stay camped, and according to Yahweh's command, they would move. 9:21 Sometimes the cloud would be there from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would move. This applied both day and night when the cloud was lifted—they traveled. 9:22 Whether the cloud stayed for two days, a month, or a year over the tabernacle, the Israelites would camp and not move; but when it was lifted, they would travel. 9:23 They camped at Yahweh's command, and they traveled at Yahweh's command. They followed Yahweh's instructions, as commanded by Moses.

10:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 10:2 Make two trumpets of silver. You shall make them of beaten work: and you shall use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps. 10:3 When they shall blow them, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 10:4 If they blow but one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. 10:5 When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. 10:6 When you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys. 10:7 But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm. 10:8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and they shall be to you for a statute forever throughout your generations. 10:9 When you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets; and you shall be remembered before Yahweh your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. 10:10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your set feasts, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be to you for a memorial before your God: I am Yahweh your God. 10:11 It happened in the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, that the cloud was taken up from over the tent of the testimony. 10:12 The children of Israel set forward according to their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud abode in the wilderness of Paran. 10:13 They first took their journey according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses. 10:14 In the first place the standard of the camp of the children of Judah set forward according to their armies: and over his army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 10:15 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar. 10:16 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon. 10:17 The tent was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bore the tent, set forward. 10:18 The standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his army was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 10:19 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 10:20 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel. 10:21 The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the others did set up the tent against their coming. 10:22 The standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his army was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 10:23 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 10:24 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. 10:25 The standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was the rearward of all the camps, set forward according to their armies: and over his army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 10:26 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ochran. 10:27 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. 10:28 Thus were the travels of the children of Israel according to their armies; and they set forward. 10:29 Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, I will give it to you: come you with us, and we will do you good; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel. 10:30 He said to him, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my relatives. 10:31 He said, Don't leave us, please; because you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you shall be to us instead of eyes. 10:32 It shall be, if you go with us, yes, it shall be, that whatever good Yahweh shall do to us, the same will we do to you. 10:33 They set forward from the Mount of Yahweh three days' journey; and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them. 10:34 The cloud of Yahweh was over them by day, when they set forward from the camp. 10:35 It happened, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Yahweh, and let your enemies be scattered; and let those who hate you flee before you. 10:36 When it rested, he said, Return, Yahweh, to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.

10:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 10:2 Make two silver trumpets. You shall make them from hammered metal, and you shall use them to call the congregation together and for the traveling of the camps. 10:3 When you blow them, all the congregation will gather at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 10:4 If you blow just one, then the leaders, the heads of the thousands of Israel, will gather to you. 10:5 When you blow an alarm, the camps on the east side will set out. 10:6 When you blow an alarm the second time, the camps on the south side will set out; they will blow an alarm for their journeys. 10:7 But when you need to gather the assembly, you will blow, but you will not sound an alarm. 10:8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, will blow the trumpets; this will be a lasting ordinance for you throughout your generations. 10:9 When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, you will sound an alarm with the trumpets; and you will be remembered before God, and you will be saved from your enemies. 10:10 Also, on the days of your joy, during your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you will blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and your peace offerings; and they will be a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God. 10:11 It happened in the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, that the cloud was lifted from over the tent of the testimony. 10:12 The Israelites set out according to their journeys from the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud stayed in the wilderness of Paran. 10:13 They began their journey according to the command of the Lord through Moses. 10:14 First, the standard of the tribe of Judah set out, according to their armies, and over his army was Nahshon, the son of Amminadab. 10:15 Over the army of the tribe of Issachar was Nethanel, the son of Zuar. 10:16 Over the army of the tribe of Zebulun was Eliab, the son of Helon. 10:17 The tent was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tent, set out. 10:18 The standard of the tribe of Reuben set out, according to their armies, and over his army was Elizur, the son of Shedeur. 10:19 Over the army of the tribe of Simeon was Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai. 10:20 Over the army of the tribe of Gad was Eliasaph, the son of Deuel. 10:21 The Kohathites set out, carrying the sanctuary, and the others set up the tent as they arrived. 10:22 The standard of the tribe of Ephraim set out, according to their armies, and over his army was Elishama, the son of Ammihud. 10:23 Over the army of the tribe of Manasseh was Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur. 10:24 Over the army of the tribe of Benjamin was Abidan, the son of Gideoni. 10:25 The standard of the tribe of Dan, which was at the rear of all the camps, set out according to their armies, and over his army was Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai. 10:26 Over the army of the tribe of Asher was Pagiel, the son of Ochran. 10:27 Over the army of the tribe of Naphtali was Ahira, the son of Enan. 10:28 Thus were the travels of the children of Israel according to their armies, and they set out. 10:29 Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, We are traveling to the place of which the Lord said, I will give it to you: come with us, and we will do good to you; for the Lord has spoken good concerning Israel. 10:30 He said to him, I will not go; I will return to my own land and family. 10:31 He said, Don't leave us, please, because you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our guide. 10:32 If you come with us, whatever good the Lord does for us, we will do for you. 10:33 They set out from the Mount of the Lord on a three-day journey; and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went ahead of them for three days' journey to find a resting place for them. 10:34 The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. 10:35 It happened, when the ark set out, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered; and let those who hate you flee before you. 10:36 When it rested, he said, Return, Lord, to the thousands of Israel.

11:1 The people were as murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Yahweh: and when Yahweh heard it, his anger was kindled; and the fire of Yahweh burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp. 11:2 The people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to Yahweh, and the fire abated. 11:3 The name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of Yahweh burnt among them. 11:4 The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? 11:5 We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: 11:6 but now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all save this manna to look on. 11:7 The manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance as the appearance of bdellium. 11:8 The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it: and its taste was as the taste of fresh oil. 11:9 When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it. 11:10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled greatly; and Moses was displeased. 11:11 Moses said to Yahweh, Why have you dealt ill with your servant? and why haven't I found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 11:12 Have I conceived all this people? Have I brought them forth, that you should tell me, Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which you swore to their fathers? 11:13 Where should I get meat to give to all this people? for they weep to me, saying, Give us meat, that we may eat. 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 11:15 If you deal thus with me, please kill me out of hand, if I have found favor in your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. 11:16 Yahweh said to Moses, Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 11:17 I will come down and talk with you there: and I will take of the Spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you not bear it yourself alone. 11:18 Say you to the people, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and you shall eat flesh; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore Yahweh will give you flesh, and you shall eat. 11:19 You shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days, 11:20 but a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome to you; because that you have rejected Yahweh who is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? 11:21 Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and you have said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. 11:22 Shall flocks and herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? 11:23 Yahweh said to Moses, Has Yahweh's hand grown short? now you will see whether my word shall happen to you or not. 11:24 Moses went out, and told the people the words of Yahweh: and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them around the Tent. 11:25 Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders: and it happened that when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did so no more. 11:26 But there remained two men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. 11:27 There ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. 11:28 Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, My lord Moses, forbid them. 11:29 Moses said to him, Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh's people were prophets, that Yahweh would put his Spirit on them! 11:30 Moses got him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel. 11:31 There went forth a wind from Yahweh, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, about a day's journey on this side, and a day's journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the earth. 11:32 The people rose up all that day, and all the night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails: he who gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves around the camp. 11:33 While the flesh was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the people, and Yahweh struck the people with a very great plague. 11:34 The name of that place was called Kibrothhattaavah, because there they buried the people who lusted. 11:35 From Kibrothhattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth; and they abode at Hazeroth.

11:1 The people murmured, speaking evil in the ears of Yahweh: and when Yahweh heard it, His anger was kindled; and the fire of Yahweh burned among them, consuming the edge of the camp. 11:2 The people cried out to Moses; and Moses prayed to Yahweh, and the fire decreased. 11:3 The place was named Taberah because the fire of Yahweh burned among them. 11:4 The mixed crowd among them craved excessively, and the children of Israel wept again, saying, Who will give us meat to eat? 11:5 We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt; the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic: 11:6 but now we have lost our appetite; there’s nothing but this manna to look at. 11:7 The manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of bdellium. 11:8 The people went around, gathered it, ground it in mills, or pounded it in mortars, boiled it in pots, and made cakes from it: and its taste was like fresh oil. 11:9 When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna fell with it. 11:10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, each man at the entrance of his tent: and the anger of Yahweh was greatly kindled; and Moses was unhappy. 11:11 Moses said to Yahweh, Why have You treated Your servant this way? Why haven’t I found favor in Your sight, that You lay this burden of all these people on me? 11:12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give birth to them, that You tell me, Carry them in Your arms, like a nurse carries a baby, to the land You promised their ancestors? 11:13 Where can I get meat to give to all these people? They keep crying to me, saying, Give us meat to eat. 11:14 I cannot bear all these people alone, for it’s too heavy for me. 11:15 If You’re going to treat me like this, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in Your sight; and don’t let me see my misery. 11:16 Yahweh said to Moses, Gather for me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the leaders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them to the Tent of Meeting, so they can stand there with you. 11:17 I will come down and talk with you there: and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them; they will bear the burden of the people with you, so you won’t carry it alone. 11:18 Tell the people, Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you will eat meat; for you have cried in the ears of Yahweh, saying, Who will give us flesh to eat? We had it good in Egypt: therefore Yahweh will give you meat, and you will eat. 11:19 You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 11:20 but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you; because you have rejected Yahweh who is among you, and have cried before Him, saying, Why did we leave Egypt? 11:21 Moses said, The people I am with are six hundred thousand foot soldiers; and You have said, I will give them meat to eat for a whole month. 11:22 Will flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to satisfy them? Or will all the fish of the sea be caught for them, to satisfy them? 11:23 Yahweh said to Moses, Is Yahweh’s hand too short? Now you will see whether My word will happen to you or not. 11:24 Moses went out and told the people the words of Yahweh: and he gathered seventy men from the elders of the people and set them around the Tent. 11:25 Yahweh came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders: and when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but did not do so again. 11:26 However, two men remained in the camp, the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; they were among the written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. 11:27 A young man ran and told Moses, saying, Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp. 11:28 Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his chosen men, answered, My lord Moses, stop them. 11:29 Moses said to him, Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all of Yahweh’s people were prophets, and that Yahweh would put His Spirit on them! 11:30 Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel. 11:31 A wind went out from Yahweh and brought quails from the sea, letting them fall around the camp, about a day's journey on this side, and a day's journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. 11:32 The people rose up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails: the least anyone gathered was ten homers; and they spread them out for themselves around the camp. 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the people, and Yahweh struck the people with a very great plague. 11:34 The place was named Kibrothhattaavah, because there they buried the people who craved. 11:35 From Kibrothhattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth; and they stayed at Hazeroth.

12:1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. 12:2 They said, Has Yahweh indeed spoken only with Moses? Hasn't he spoken also with us? Yahweh heard it. 12:3 Now the man Moses was very humble, above all the men who were on the surface of the earth. 12:4 Yahweh spoke suddenly to Moses, and to Aaron, and to Miriam, Come out you three to the Tent of Meeting. They three came out. 12:5 Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth. 12:6 He said, Hear now my words: if there be a prophet among you, I Yahweh will make myself known to him in a vision, I will speak with him in a dream. 12:7 My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house: 12:8 with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Yahweh shall he see: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses? 12:9 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against them; and he departed. 12:10 The cloud removed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. 12:11 Aaron said to Moses, Oh, my lord, please don't lay sin on us, for that we have done foolishly, and for that we have sinned. 12:12 Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb. 12:13 Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, Heal her, God, I beg you. 12:14 Yahweh said to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn't she be ashamed seven days? let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again. 12:15 Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days: and the people didn't travel until Miriam was brought in again. 12:16 Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran.

12:1 Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married; he had married a Cushite woman. 12:2 They said, "Has Yahweh really only spoken to Moses? Hasn't he spoken to us too?" Yahweh heard it. 12:3 Now, Moses was very humble, more than anyone else on earth. 12:4 Yahweh suddenly spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting." They came out. 12:5 Yahweh descended in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tent, calling Aaron and Miriam; and they both stepped forward. 12:6 He said, "Listen to my words: If there is a prophet among you, I, Yahweh, will make myself known to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. 12:7 My servant Moses is not like that; he is faithful in all my house. 12:8 With him, I will speak face to face, clearly, and not in riddles; and he will see the form of Yahweh. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?" 12:9 The anger of Yahweh was aroused against them, and he left. 12:10 The cloud moved away from the Tent, and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow; and Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. 12:11 Aaron said to Moses, "Oh, my lord, please don't hold this sin against us, for we acted foolishly and have sinned. 12:12 Please don't let her be like a dead person whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb." 12:13 Moses cried out to Yahweh, saying, "Heal her, God, I beg you." 12:14 Yahweh said to Moses, "If her father had just spit in her face, shouldn't she be ashamed for seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp for seven days, and after that she may be brought back in." 12:15 Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days, and the people did not move until Miriam was brought back in. 12:16 Afterward, the people traveled from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran.

13:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 13:2 Send you men, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, everyone a prince among them. 13:3 Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Yahweh: all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel. 13:4 These were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. 13:5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 13:7 Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. 13:8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun. 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. 13:11 Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi. 13:12 Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli. 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. 13:14 Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. 13:15 Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 13:16 These are the names of the men who Moses sent to spy out the land. Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua. 13:17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Go up this way by the South, and go up into the hill country: 13:18 and see the land, what it is; and the people who dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many; 13:19 and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; 13:20 and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. Be of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes. 13:21 So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath. 13:22 They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 13:23 They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. 13:24 That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there. 13:25 They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. 13:26 They went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word to them, and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 13:27 They told him, and said, We came to the land where you sent us; and surely it flows with milk and honey; and this is its fruit. 13:28 However the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 13:29 Amalek dwells in the land of the South: and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanite dwells by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan. 13:30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 13:31 But the men who went up with him said, We aren't able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 13:32 They brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out to the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eats up its inhabitants; and all the people who we saw in it are men of great stature. 13:33 There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

13:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 13:2 Send men to explore the land of Canaan, which I’m giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers, you shall send a man, each one a leader among them. 13:3 Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran as the Lord commanded. They were all leaders of the Israelites. 13:4 Here are their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. 13:5 From the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. 13:6 From the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 13:7 From the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. 13:8 From the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun. 13:9 From the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. 13:10 From the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. 13:11 From the tribe of Joseph, specifically from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi. 13:12 From the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli. 13:13 From the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. 13:14 From the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. 13:15 From the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 13:16 These are the names of the men who Moses sent to explore the land. Moses renamed Hoshea the son of Nun to Joshua. 13:17 Moses sent them to explore the land of Canaan and said to them, Go up this way toward the South and into the hill country: 13:18 and see what the land is like; see if the people are strong or weak, whether they are few or many; 13:19 and what kind of land they live in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they live in, whether in camps or fortified cities; 13:20 and what the soil is like, whether it is fertile or poor, whether there are trees in it or not. Be brave, and bring back some of the fruit of the land. Now was the season for the first ripe grapes. 13:21 So they went up and explored the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath. 13:22 They went up through the South and came to Hebron; Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 13:23 They came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes; they carried it on a pole between two of them, and they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 13:24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster that the Israelites cut down there. 13:25 They returned from exploring the land after forty days. 13:26 They returned to Moses, Aaron, and the entire community of the Israelites at the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and showed them the fruit of the land. 13:27 They told him, We went to the land you sent us to; and it indeed flows with milk and honey, and here is its fruit. 13:28 But the people who live there are strong, and the cities are fortified and large; and we also saw the descendants of Anak there. 13:29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan. 13:30 Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, Let’s go up at once and take possession, for we can certainly conquer it. 13:31 But the men who went up with him said, We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are. 13:32 They spread a bad report about the land they had explored among the Israelites, saying, The land we explored devours those living in it; and all the people we saw there are huge. 13:33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak, who come from the giants; and we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.

14:1 All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 14:2 All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said to them, Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness! 14:3 Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be a prey: wouldn't it be better for us to return into Egypt? 14:4 They said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. 14:5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. 14:6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes: 14:7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land. 14:8 If Yahweh delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land which flows with milk and honey. 14:9 Only don't rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us: don't fear them. 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. The glory of Yahweh appeared in the Tent of Meeting to all the children of Israel. 14:11 Yahweh said to Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have worked among them? 14:12 I will strike them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they. 14:13 Moses said to Yahweh, Then the Egyptians will hear it; for you brought up this people in your might from among them; 14:14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that you Yahweh are in the midst of this people; for you Yahweh are seen face to face, and your cloud stands over them, and you go before them, in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night. 14:15 Now if you shall kill this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of you will speak, saying, 14:16 Because Yahweh was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he has slain them in the wilderness. 14:17 Now please let the power of the Lord be great, according as you have spoken, saying, 14:18 Yahweh is slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation. 14:19 Pardon, Please, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your loving kindness, and according as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. 14:20 Yahweh said, I have pardoned according to your word: 14:21 but in very deed, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of Yahweh; 14:22 because all those men who have seen my glory, and my signs, which I worked in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not listened to my voice; 14:23 surely they shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, neither shall any of those who despised me see it: 14:24 but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into which he went; and his seed shall possess it. 14:25 Now the Amalekite and the Canaanite dwell in the valley: tomorrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea. 14:26 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 14:27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. 14:28 Tell them, As I live, says Yahweh, surely as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you: 14:29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all who were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, who have murmured against me, 14:30 surely you shall not come into the land, concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. 14:31 But your little ones, that you said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which you have rejected. 14:32 But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness. 14:33 Your children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your prostitution, until your dead bodies be consumed in the wilderness. 14:34 After the number of the days in which you spied out the land, even forty days, for every day a year, you will bear your iniquities, even forty years, and you will know my alienation. 14:35 I, Yahweh, have spoken, surely this will I do to all this evil congregation, who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. 14:36 The men, whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up an evil report against the land, 14:37 even those men who did bring up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before Yahweh. 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land. 14:39 Moses told these words to all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. 14:40 They rose up early in the morning, and got them up to the top of the mountain, saying, Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised: for we have sinned. 14:41 Moses said, Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, seeing it shall not prosper? 14:42 Don't go up, for Yahweh isn't among you; that you not be struck down before your enemies. 14:43 For there the Amalekite and the Canaanite are before you, and you shall fall by the sword: because you are turned back from following Yahweh, therefore Yahweh will not be with you. 14:44 But they presumed to go up to the top of the mountain: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and Moses, didn't depart out of the camp. 14:45 Then the Amalekite came down, and the Canaanite who lived in that mountain, and struck them and beat them down, even to Hormah.

14:1 The whole community raised their voices and cried out, and the people wept that night. 14:2 All the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron, and the entire community said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt or in this wilderness! 14:3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as captives. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 14:4 They said to each other, "Let’s appoint a leader and go back to Egypt." 14:5 Then Moses and Aaron fell down with their faces to the ground in front of the whole assembly of the Israelites. 14:6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 14:7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we explored is extremely good. 14:8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 14:9 Only don’t rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us; don’t be afraid of them." 14:10 However, the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? 14:12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they." 14:13 Moses said to the Lord, "Then the Egyptians will hear about it. By your power, you brought these people up from among them, 14:14 and they will tell the people of this land. They have already heard that you, Lord, are with this people and that you, Lord, have been seen face to face, that your cloud stays over them and that you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 14:15 If you put all these people to death, leaving none alive, then the nations who have heard this report about you will say, 14:16 'The Lord was not able to bring these people into the land he promised them, so he slaughtered them in the wilderness.' 14:17 Now please let the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: 14:18 'The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion, yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.' 14:19 In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of this people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now." 14:20 The Lord replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. 14:21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the Lord, 14:22 not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 14:23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 14:24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. 14:25 Since the Amalekites and the Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea." 14:26 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 14:27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 14:28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 14:29 In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 14:30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 14:31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. 14:32 But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 14:33 Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. 14:34 For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.' 14:35 I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die." 14:36 So the men Moses had sent to explore the land who returned and made the whole community grumble against him by spreading a bad report about it 14:37 these men responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord. 14:38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived. 14:39 When Moses reported this to all the Israelites, they mourned bitterly. 14:40 Early the next morning they set out for the highest point in the hill country, saying, "Now we’re ready to go up to the land the Lord promised. Surely we have sinned!" 14:41 But Moses said, "Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! 14:42 Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies. 14:43 The Amalekites and Canaanites are there in front of you, and you will fall by the sword; because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you." 14:44 Nevertheless, in their presumption, they went up toward the highest point in the hill country. Though neither Moses nor the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moved from the camp, 14:45 then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and routed them all the way to Hormah.

15:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 15:2 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you are come into the land of your habitations, which I give to you, 15:3 and will make an offering by fire to Yahweh, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill offering, or in your set feasts, to make a pleasant aroma to Yahweh, of the herd, or of the flock; 15:4 then he who offers his offering shall offer to Yahweh a meal offering of a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of oil: 15:5 and wine for the drink offering, the fourth part of a hin, you shall prepare with the burnt offering, or for the sacrifice, for each lamb. 15:6 Or for a ram, you shall prepare for a meal offering two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the third part of a hin of oil: 15:7 and for the drink offering you shall offer the third part of a hin of wine, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 15:8 When you prepare a bull for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or for peace offerings to Yahweh; 15:9 then shall he offer with the bull a meal offering of three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil: 15:10 and you shall offer for the drink offering half a hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 15:11 Thus shall it be done for each bull, or for each ram, or for each of the male lambs, or of the young goats. 15:12 According to the number that you shall prepare, so you shall do to everyone according to their number. 15:13 All who are native-born shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 15:14 If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, or whoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh; as you do, so he shall do. 15:15 For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you, a statute forever throughout your generations: as you are, so shall the foreigner be before Yahweh. 15:16 One law and one ordinance shall be for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you. 15:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 15:18 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you come into the land where I bring you, 15:19 then it shall be that when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up a wave offering to Yahweh. 15:20 Of the first of your dough you shall offer up a cake for a wave offering: as the wave offering of the threshing floor, so you shall heave it. 15:21 Of the first of your dough you shall give to Yahweh a wave offering throughout your generations. 15:22 When you shall err, and not observe all these commandments, which Yahweh has spoken to Moses, 15:23 even all that Yahweh has commanded you by Moses, from the day that Yahweh gave commandment, and onward throughout your generations; 15:24 then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh, with the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering. 15:25 The priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and they shall be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their offering, an offering made by fire to Yahweh, and their sin offering before Yahweh, for their error: 15:26 and all the congregation of the children of Israel shall be forgiven, and the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them; for in respect of all the people it was done unwittingly. 15:27 If one person sins unwittingly, then he shall offer a female goat a year old for a sin offering. 15:28 The priest shall make atonement for the soul who errs, when he sins unwittingly, before Yahweh, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven. 15:29 You shall have one law for him who does anything unwittingly, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them. 15:30 But the soul who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, the same blasphemes Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15:31 Because he has despised the word of Yahweh, and has broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be on him. 15:32 While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 15:33 Those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 15:34 They put him in custody, because it had not been declared what should be done to him. 15:35 Yahweh said to Moses, The man shall surely be put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside of the camp. 15:36 All the congregation brought him outside of the camp, and stoned him to death with stones; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 15:37 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 15:38 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue: 15:39 and it shall be to you for a fringe, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of Yahweh, and do them; and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to play the prostitute; 15:40 that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. 15:41 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am Yahweh your God.

15:1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 15:2 "Speak to the Israelites and tell them, 'When you enter the land I’m giving you, 15:3 and you make a fire offering to the Lord—either a burnt offering, a sacrifice to fulfill a vow, a freewill offering, or one of your set feasts to create a pleasing aroma to the Lord from your herd or flock— 15:4 the one who brings their offering must present to the Lord a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of oil. 15:5 And for the drink offering, you shall prepare one-fourth of a hin of wine along with the burnt offering or sacrifice for each lamb. 15:6 For a ram, prepare two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-third of a hin of oil for a grain offering, 15:7 and for the drink offering, offer one-third of a hin of wine, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 15:8 When you prepare a bull for a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or for peace offerings, 15:9 you must offer with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil; 15:10 and you shall offer for the drink offering half a hin of wine, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 15:11 This is how it should be done for each bull, each ram, or each of the male lambs or young goats. 15:12 According to how many you prepare, you will do for each one according to their number. 15:13 All native-born Israelites must do these things in presenting a fire offering, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 15:14 If a foreigner resides with you or anyone else among you across your generations who presents a fire offering, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord, they must do as you do. 15:15 For the whole assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the foreigner living among you, a statute forever throughout your generations: you and the foreigner are the same before the Lord. 15:16 One law and one rule will apply to you and to the foreigner living among you. 15:17 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 15:18 "Tell the Israelites, 'When you enter the land I’m giving you, 15:19 when you eat the bread of the land, you must present a wave offering to the Lord. 15:20 From the first of your dough, you must present a cake as a wave offering; you must treat it as the wave offering of the threshing floor. 15:21 From the first of your dough, you must give the Lord a wave offering throughout your generations. 15:22 If you make a mistake and fail to keep all these commands that the Lord has spoken to Moses, 15:23 everything that the Lord has commanded you through Moses from the day he gave the command and onward throughout your generations, 15:24 then if it was done unintentionally, without knowledge of the congregation, the whole congregation must offer one young bull for a burnt offering, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord, along with its grain offering and drink offering, following the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering. 15:25 The priest will make atonement for all the congregation of the Israelites, and they will be forgiven; it was an error, and they brought their offering, a fire offering to the Lord, and their sin offering before the Lord for their error. 15:26 The whole congregation of the Israelites will be forgiven, as well as the foreigner living among them; it was done unintentionally by all the people. 15:27 If an individual sins unintentionally, they must offer a female goat a year old for a sin offering. 15:28 The priest will make atonement for anyone who makes a mistake, sinning unintentionally before the Lord, to make atonement for them; they will be forgiven. 15:29 You must have one law for anyone who sins unintentionally, whether they are a native-born Israelite or a foreigner living among you. 15:30 But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the Lord, and that person must be cut off from their people. 15:31 Because they have rejected the word of the Lord and broken his commandment, they must be entirely cut off; their sin will be upon them. 15:32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they discovered a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 15:33 Those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation. 15:34 They put him in custody because it had not been declared what should be done to him. 15:35 The Lord said to Moses, "The man must be put to death; the whole congregation must stone him with stones outside the camp." 15:36 The whole congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 15:37 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 15:38 "Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue cord on each tassel. 15:39 This will serve as a reminder for you to look at and remember all the commands of the Lord and follow them, and to not pursue your own desires or be led astray by your own eyes, after which you used to stray. 15:40 This way, you will remember and follow all my commands and be holy to your God. 15:41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God."

16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 16:2 and they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown; 16:3 and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, You take too much on you, seeing all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and Yahweh is among them: why then lift yourselves up above the assembly of Yahweh? 16:4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face: 16:5 and he spoke to Korah and to all his company, saying, In the morning Yahweh will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to him: even him whom he shall choose he will cause to come near to him. 16:6 This do: take you censers, Korah, and all his company; 16:7 and put fire in them, and put incense on them before Yahweh tomorrow: and it shall be that the man whom Yahweh does choose, he shall be holy: you take too much on you, you sons of Levi. 16:8 Moses said to Korah, Hear now, you sons of Levi: 16:9 seems it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tent of Yahweh, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; 16:10 and that he has brought you near, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? and seek you the priesthood also? 16:11 Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against Yahweh: and Aaron, what is he who you murmur against him? 16:12 Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, We won't come up: 16:13 is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you must needs make yourself also a prince over us? 16:14 Moreover you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: will you put out the eyes of these men? we won't come up. 16:15 Moses was very angry, and said to Yahweh, "Don't respect their offering: I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them." 16:16 Moses said to Korah, You and all your company go before Yahweh, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow: 16:17 and take every man his censer, and put incense on them, and bring you before Yahweh every man his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each his censer. 16:18 They took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 16:19 Korah assembled all the congregation against them to the door of the Tent of Meeting: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the congregation. 16:20 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 16:21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. 16:22 They fell on their faces, and said, God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation? 16:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:24 Speak to the congregation, saying, Get away from around the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. 16:25 Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 16:26 He spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins. 16:27 So they got them up from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood at the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little ones. 16:28 Moses said, Hereby you shall know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of my own mind. 16:29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then Yahweh hasn't sent me. 16:30 But if Yahweh make a new thing, and the ground open its mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh. 16:31 It happened, as he made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground split apart that was under them; 16:32 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who appertained to Korah, and all their goods. 16:33 So they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into Sheol: and the earth closed on them, and they perished from among the assembly. 16:34 All Israel that were around them fled at the cry of them; for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up. 16:35 Fire came forth from Yahweh, and devoured the two hundred fifty men who offered the incense. 16:36 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:37 Speak to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter you the fire yonder; for they are holy, 16:38 even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Yahweh; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel. 16:39 Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burnt had offered; and they beat them out for a covering of the altar, 16:40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger, who isn't of the seed of Aaron, comes near to burn incense before Yahweh; that he not be as Korah, and as his company: as Yahweh spoke to him by Moses. 16:41 But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, You have killed the people of Yahweh. 16:42 It happened, when the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the Tent of Meeting: and behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of Yahweh appeared. 16:43 Moses and Aaron came to the front of the Tent of Meeting. 16:44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:45 Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. They fell on their faces. 16:46 Moses said to Aaron, Take your censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Yahweh; the plague is begun. 16:47 Aaron took as Moses spoke, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on the incense, and made atonement for the people. 16:48 He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. 16:49 Now those who died by the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, besides those who died about the matter of Korah. 16:50 Aaron returned to Moses to the door of the Tent of Meeting: and the plague was stayed.

16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, along with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, who were from the tribe of Reuben, gathered men: 16:2 and they stood up in front of Moses, alongside some of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen for the assembly, respected men; 16:3 and they came together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You’re taking too much upon yourselves, since the whole congregation is holy, every single one of them, and Yahweh is among them. Why then do you lift yourselves above the assembly of Yahweh?" 16:4 When Moses heard this, he fell on his face: 16:5 and he spoke to Korah and to all his supporters, saying, "In the morning, Yahweh will show who belongs to him, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to him: even him whom he will choose, he will cause to come near to him." 16:6 "Do this: take censers, Korah, and all your supporters; 16:7 and put fire in them, and place incense on them before Yahweh tomorrow: and it will be that the man whom Yahweh chooses will be the holy one; you take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi." 16:8 Moses said to Korah, "Listen now, you sons of Levi: 16:9 does it seem like a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you close to himself, to serve in the tent of Yahweh, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; 16:10 and that he has brought you near, along with all your brothers, the sons of Levi? Are you seeking the priesthood too? 16:11 Therefore, you and all your supporters are gathered against Yahweh. And what is Aaron that you complain against him?" 16:12 Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, "We won’t come up. 16:13 Is it a small thing that you’ve brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you also want to make yourself a prince over us? 16:14 Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us the inheritance of fields and vineyards: will you put out the eyes of these men? We won’t come up." 16:15 Moses was very angry, and said to Yahweh, "Don’t regard their offering: I haven’t taken a single donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them." 16:16 Moses said to Korah, "You and all your supporters come before Yahweh, you, them, and Aaron, tomorrow: 16:17 and let each man take his censer, and put incense in them, and bring them before Yahweh, every man his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each his own censer." 16:18 They each took their censers, put fire in them, laid incense on them, and stood at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 16:19 Korah assembled the entire congregation against them at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting; and the glory of Yahweh appeared to the whole congregation. 16:20 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 16:21 "Separate yourselves from this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment." 16:22 They fell on their faces, and said, "God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, should one man sin, and will you be angry with the entire congregation?" 16:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:24 "Speak to the congregation, saying, 'Get away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.'" 16:25 Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 16:26 He spoke to the congregation, saying, "Please depart from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, or you will be consumed in all their sins." 16:27 So they got away from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram on every side; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrance of their tents, along with their wives, their sons, and their little ones. 16:28 Moses said, "This is how you will know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of my own will. 16:29 If these men die the usual death of all men, or if they are visited in the same way as all men; then Yahweh has not sent me. 16:30 But if Yahweh does something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up, along with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you will understand that these men have despised Yahweh." 16:31 As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground split open beneath them; 16:32 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, along with their households, and all the followers of Korah, and all their possessions. 16:33 So they, and everything they owned, went down alive into Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they disappeared from the assembly. 16:34 All Israel around them fled at their cries, for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us too." 16:35 Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the two hundred fifty men who had offered the incense. 16:36 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:37 "Speak to Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, that he take the censers out of the fire and scatter the fire some distance away, for they are holy, 16:38 even the censers of these sinners at the expense of their lives; and let them be made into beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Yahweh; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel." 16:39 Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers that those who were burned had offered; and he hammered them into a covering for the altar, 16:40 to serve as a memorial to the children of Israel, so that no stranger, who isn’t of the seed of Aaron, comes near to burn incense before Yahweh; otherwise, he will be like Korah and his company, as Yahweh spoke to him through Moses. 16:41 But the next day, the entire congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, "You have killed the people of Yahweh." 16:42 It happened that when the congregation gathered against Moses and Aaron, they looked toward the Tent of Meeting; and behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of Yahweh appeared. 16:43 Moses and Aaron went to the front of the Tent of Meeting. 16:44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 16:45 "Get away from this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment." They fell on their faces. 16:46 Moses said to Aaron, "Take your censer, and put fire in it from the altar, and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for there is wrath gone out from Yahweh; the plague has begun." 16:47 Aaron did as Moses directed, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and behold, the plague had begun among the people: and he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. 16:48 He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stopped. 16:49 Now those who died from the plague numbered fourteen thousand seven hundred, in addition to those who died because of the incident involving Korah. 16:50 Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting; and the plague was stopped.

17:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 17:2 Speak to the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each fathers' house, of all their princes according to their fathers' houses, twelve rods: write you every man's name on his rod. 17:3 You shall write Aaron's name on the rod of Levi; for there shall be one rod for each head of their fathers' houses. 17:4 You shall lay them up in the Tent of Meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you. 17:5 It shall happen, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you. 17:6 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 17:7 Moses laid up the rods before Yahweh in the tent of the testimony. 17:8 It happened on the next day, that Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and put forth buds, and produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds. 17:9 Moses brought out all the rods from before Yahweh to all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. 17:10 Yahweh said to Moses, Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die. 17:11 Moses did so. As Yahweh commanded him, so he did. 17:12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, Behold, we perish, we are undone, we are all undone. 17:13 Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tent of Yahweh, dies: shall we perish all of us?

17:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 17:2 "Tell the people of Israel to bring you rods, one for each family, from all their leaders according to their families—twelve rods in total. Write each man's name on his rod. 17:3 Write Aaron's name on the rod for the tribe of Levi; there will be one rod for each head of the families. 17:4 Place them in the Tent of Meeting in front of the testimony, where I will meet with you. 17:5 The rod of the person I choose will sprout, and I will put an end to the complaints of the people of Israel, who are complaining against you." 17:6 Moses spoke to the people of Israel, and all their leaders gave him rods, one for each leader, making twelve rods: Aaron's rod was included among them. 17:7 Moses kept the rods before God in the tent of the testimony. 17:8 The next day, Moses went into the tent of the testimony, and to his surprise, Aaron's rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, produced buds, blossomed, and bore ripe almonds. 17:9 Moses brought out all the rods from before God to the people of Israel, and they looked and took their rods. 17:10 God said to Moses, "Put Aaron's rod back in front of the testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebellious people, so that I can put an end to their complaints against me, and they won’t die." 17:11 Moses did as God commanded him. 17:12 The people of Israel said to Moses, "Look, we are going to die, we are doomed, we are all going to perish. 17:13 Anyone who gets too close to the tent of the Lord will die: are we all going to perish?"

18:1 Yahweh said to Aaron, You and your sons and your fathers' house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 18:2 Your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, bring you near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you: but you and your sons with you shall be before the tent of the testimony. 18:3 They shall keep your commands, and the duty of all the Tent: only they shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary and to the altar, that they not die, neither they, nor you. 18:4 They shall be joined to you, and keep the responsibility of the Tent of Meeting, for all the service of the Tent: and a stranger shall not come near to you. 18:5 You shall perform the duty of the sanctuary, and the duty of the altar; that there be wrath no more on the children of Israel. 18:6 I, behold, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are a gift, given to Yahweh, to do the service of the Tent of Meeting. 18:7 You and your sons with you shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil; and you shall serve: I give you the priesthood as a service of gift: and the stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 18:8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, I, behold, I have given you the command of my wave offerings, even all the holy things of the children of Israel; to you have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to your sons, as a portion forever. 18:9 This shall be your of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons. 18:10 You shall eat of it like the most holy things. Every male shall eat of it. It shall be holy to you. 18:11 This is yours, too: the wave offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the children of Israel. I have given them to you, and to your sons and to your daughters with you, as a portion forever. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it. 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first fruits of them which they give to Yahweh, to you have I given them. 18:13 The first-ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to Yahweh, shall be yours; everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it. 18:14 Everything devoted in Israel shall be yours. 18:15 Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh which they offer to Yahweh, both of man and animal shall be yours: nevertheless you shall surely redeem the firstborn of man, and you shall redeem the firstborn of unclean animals. 18:16 You shall redeem those who are to be redeemed of them from a month old, according to your estimation, for five shekels of money, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs). 18:17 But you shall not redeem the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat. They are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 18:18 Their flesh shall be yours, as the wave offering breast and as the right thigh, it shall be yours. 18:19 All the wave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to Yahweh, have I given you, and your sons and your daughters with you, as a portion forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before Yahweh to you and to your seed with you. 18:20 Yahweh said to Aaron, You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them: I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel. 18:21 To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting. 18:22 Henceforth the children of Israel shall not come near the Tent of Meeting, lest they bear sin, and die. 18:23 But the Levites shall do the service of the Tent of Meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations; and among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 18:24 For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 18:25 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 18:26 Moreover you shall speak to the Levites, and tell them, When you take of the children of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up a wave offering of it for Yahweh, a tithe of the tithe. 18:27 Your wave offering shall be reckoned to you, as though it were the grain of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the winepress. 18:28 Thus you also shall offer a wave offering to Yahweh of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel; and of it you shall give Yahweh's wave offering to Aaron the priest. 18:29 Out of all your gifts you shall offer every wave offering of Yahweh, of all its best, even the holy part of it out of it. 18:30 Therefore you shall tell them, When you heave its best from it, then it shall be reckoned to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor, and as the increase of the winepress. 18:31 You shall eat it in every place, you and your households: for it is your reward in return for your service in the Tent of Meeting. 18:32 You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best: and you shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.

18:1 Yahweh said to Aaron, "You, your sons, and your family's house will carry the guilt of the sanctuary; you and your sons will also carry the guilt of your priesthood. 18:2 Your brothers, the tribe of Levi, your father's tribe, will come near to you so they can be joined with you and serve you; but you and your sons will be in front of the tent of the testimony. 18:3 They will follow your instructions and take care of all the duties of the Tent, but they must not approach the holy objects and the altar, or they will die, and so will you. 18:4 They will join you and take responsibility for the Tent of Meeting, handling all its service, and no outsider shall approach you. 18:5 You are to perform the duties of the sanctuary and the altar, so that there is no further wrath on the children of Israel. 18:6 Look, I have taken your brothers, the Levites, from among the children of Israel; they are a gift to you from Yahweh to serve in the Tent of Meeting. 18:7 You and your sons must keep your priesthood for everything related to the altar and the inner sanctuary; you will serve: I give you the priesthood as a gift, and anyone who approaches it unlawfully must be put to death. 18:8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, "Look, I have given you responsibility for my wave offerings and all the holy things of the children of Israel; they are yours and your sons' as an everlasting portion due to your anointing. 18:9 This will be yours from the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering from them, every grain offering, every sin offering, and every guilt offering they present to me will be most holy for you and your sons. 18:10 You are to eat it, just like the most holy things. Every male may eat it; it will be holy to you. 18:11 This is also yours: the wave offering from their gifts, including all the wave offerings from the children of Israel. I have given them to you, your sons, and your daughters as an everlasting portion. Everyone who is clean in your household may eat of it. 18:12 All the best oil, best wine, and the best grain—the first fruits they give to Yahweh—are given to you. 18:13 The first ripe fruits from all their land, which they bring to Yahweh, will be yours; everyone who is clean in your household may eat of it. 18:14 Everything devoted in Israel will be yours. 18:15 Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh they offer to Yahweh, both of humans and animals, will be yours; however, you must redeem the firstborn of humans and the firstborn of clean animals. 18:16 You must redeem those meant for redemption from a month old, based on your assessment, for five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel (which is twenty gerahs). 18:17 But you must not redeem the firstborn of a cow, sheep, or goat; they are holy. You must sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a fire offering, creating a pleasing aroma for Yahweh. 18:18 Their flesh will be yours, like the wave offering breast and the right thigh; it will belong to you. 18:19 I have given you all the wave offerings of the holy things that the children of Israel offer to Yahweh, as a portion forever: it is a salt covenant forever before Yahweh for you and your descendants. 18:20 Yahweh said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor any portion among them: I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel. 18:21 To the children of Levi, look, I have given them all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance, in exchange for their service in the Tent of Meeting. 18:22 From now on, the children of Israel must not approach the Tent of Meeting, or they will bear guilt and die. 18:23 The Levites will perform the duties of the Tent of Meeting and bear their own guilt; this is a permanent statute for your generations, and they will have no inheritance among the children of Israel. 18:24 For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they present as wave offerings to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; that’s why I said to them that among the children of Israel, they will have no inheritance. 18:25 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 18:26 "Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and tell them, 'When you take the tithe from the children of Israel that I have given you for your inheritance, you shall offer a wave offering of it to Yahweh, a tithe of the tithe. 18:27 Your wave offering will be counted as if it were the grain from the threshing floor and the fullness from the winepress. 18:28 In this way, you shall also present a wave offering to Yahweh of all your tithes received from the children of Israel; and from this, you must give Yahweh's wave offering to Aaron the priest. 18:29 From all your gifts, you must offer every wave offering to Yahweh, including its best, the holy part. 18:30 Therefore, you shall tell them, 'When you lift its best from it, it will be counted to the Levites as the harvest from the threshing floor and the harvest from the winepress. 18:31 You shall eat it in every place, you and your households, for it is your reward for your service in the Tent of Meeting. 18:32 You will bear no guilt because of it when you have lifted its best; and you must not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, or you will die."

19:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 19:2 This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no blemish, and on which never came yoke. 19:3 You shall give her to Eleazar the priest, and he shall bring her forth outside of the camp, and one shall kill her before his face: 19:4 and Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle her blood toward the front of the Tent of Meeting seven times. 19:5 One shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: 19:6 and the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 19:7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. 19:8 He who burns her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. 19:9 A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up outside of the camp in a clean place; and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water for impurity: it is a sin offering. 19:10 He who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be to the children of Israel, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them, for a statute forever. 19:11 He who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days: 19:12 the same shall purify himself therewith on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he doesn't purify himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean. 19:13 Whoever touches a dead person, the body of a man who has died, and doesn't purify himself, defiles the tent of Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water for impurity was not sprinkled on him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet on him. 19:14 This is the law when a man dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent, and everyone who is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days. 19:15 Every open vessel, which has no covering bound on it, is unclean. 19:16 Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days. 19:17 For the unclean they shall take of the ashes of the burning of the sin offering; and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel: 19:18 and a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, and on all the vessels, and on the persons who were there, and on him who touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave: 19:19 and the clean person shall sprinkle on the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify him; and he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even. 19:20 But the man who shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of Yahweh: the water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. 19:21 It shall be a perpetual statute to them: and he who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and he who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until even. 19:22 Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the soul that touches it shall be unclean until even.

19:1 God spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 19:2 This is the law that God has commanded: Speak to the Israelites and have them bring you a red heifer without any defects, that has never been worked with. 19:3 You are to give her to Eleazar the priest, and he will take her outside the camp and have her killed in his presence. 19:4 Eleazar the priest shall take some of her blood with his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. 19:5 He will burn the heifer in his sight, along with her hide, flesh, blood, and dung. 19:6 The priest shall take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson yarn and throw them into the fire of the heifer. 19:7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp, but he will remain unclean until evening. 19:8 The one who burns her must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he will also be unclean until evening. 19:9 A clean man shall gather the ashes of the heifer and place them in a clean spot outside the camp; they will be kept for the Israelites for the water of impurity; it is a sin offering. 19:10 The person who gathers the ashes of the heifer must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and this will be a permanent statute for the Israelites and for the foreigner living among them. 19:11 Anyone who touches a dead body will be unclean for seven days. 19:12 He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he will be clean, but if he does not purify himself on the third day, he will not be clean on the seventh day. 19:13 Whoever touches a dead person without purifying himself defiles the Lord's tent, and that person will be cut off from Israel; since the water for impurity was not sprinkled on him, he remains unclean. 19:14 This is the law regarding someone who dies in a tent: anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in the tent will be unclean for seven days. 19:15 Any open container without a lid will be unclean. 19:16 Whoever in the open field touches someone killed by a sword, a dead body, a bone, or a grave will be unclean for seven days. 19:17 For those who are unclean, they shall take some of the ashes from the burned sin offering and put running water in a container. 19:18 A clean person will take hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, all the vessels, the people there, and anyone who touched a bone, the slain, the dead, or the grave. 19:19 The clean person shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and the seventh day; on the seventh day, he shall purify him, wash his clothes, bathe in water, and he will be clean by evening. 19:20 But the person who is unclean and does not purify himself will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of God; the water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him, he is unclean. 19:21 This is a permanent statute for them: the one who sprinkles the water for impurity must wash his clothes, and anyone who touches the water will be unclean until evening. 19:22 Anything the unclean person touches will be unclean, and the person who touches it will be unclean until evening.

20:1 The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 20:2 There was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 20:3 The people strove with Moses, and spoke, saying, Would that we had died when our brothers died before Yahweh! 20:4 Why have you brought the assembly of Yahweh into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? 20:5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. 20:6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to them. 20:7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 20:8 Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak you to the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink. 20:9 Moses took the rod from before Yahweh, as he commanded him. 20:10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock? 20:11 Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. 20:12 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, Because you didn't believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them. 20:13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them. 20:14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, Thus says your brother Israel, You know all the travail that has happened to us: 20:15 how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians dealt ill with us, and our fathers: 20:16 and when we cried to Yahweh, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us forth out of Egypt: and behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of your border. 20:17 Please let us pass through your land: we will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go along the king's highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your border. 20:18 Edom said to him, You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you. 20:19 The children of Israel said to him, We will go up by the highway; and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then will I give its price: let me only, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet. 20:20 He said, You shall not pass through. Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. 20:21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: why Israel turned away from him. 20:22 They traveled from Kadesh: and the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor. 20:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor, by the border of the land of Edom, saying, 20:24 Aaron shall be gathered to his people; for he shall not enter into the land which I have given to the children of Israel, because you rebelled against my word at the waters of Meribah. 20:25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor; 20:26 and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered to his people, and shall die there. 20:27 Moses did as Yahweh commanded: and they went up into Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. 20:28 Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there on the top of the mountain: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. 20:29 When all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they wept for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

20:1 The Israelites, the entire community, entered the desert of Zin in the first month. The people stayed in Kadesh, and Miriam died there and was buried. 20:2 There was no water for the community, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. 20:3 The people argued with Moses and said, “If only we had died with our brothers in the presence of the Lord! 20:4 Why did you bring the Lord's community into this wilderness to die here, along with our livestock? 20:5 Why did you lead us out of Egypt to bring us to this terrible place? It’s not a place for farming, or for figs, or vines, or pomegranates; there’s no water to drink.” 20:6 Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fell on their faces; and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. 20:7 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 20:8 “Take the staff, and gather the community together, you and your brother Aaron, and speak to the rock in front of them to yield its water. You will bring water out of the rock for them, so they and their livestock can drink.” 20:9 Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he was instructed. 20:10 Moses and Aaron gathered the community in front of the rock, and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels; shall we bring you water from this rock?” 20:11 Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community drank, along with their livestock. 20:12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to honor me in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I have given them.” 20:13 These are the waters of Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled with the Lord, and he was honored among them. 20:14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardships we’ve faced: 20:15 how our ancestors went down to Egypt, and we lived there a long time; the Egyptians treated us and our ancestors badly. 20:16 When we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry and sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. And now we are in Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. 20:17 Please let us pass through your land. We won’t go through fields or vineyards, and we won’t drink water from any wells. We’ll travel along the king’s highway and won’t turn aside to the right or left until we have passed through your territory.” 20:18 Edom replied, “You may not pass through my land, or I will come out against you with a sword.” 20:19 The Israelites said to him, “We will stay on the highway, and if we drink your water, I and my livestock, I’ll pay its price. Just let us pass through on foot.” 20:20 He answered, “You will not pass through.” Edom came out against them with a strong force and a powerful army. 20:21 Thus, Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory; so Israel turned away from him. 20:22 They traveled from Kadesh, and the Israelites, the entire community, came to Mount Hor. 20:23 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, saying, 20:24 “Aaron will be gathered to his people; for he will not enter the land I have given to the Israelites, because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah. 20:25 Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor; 20:26 and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. Aaron will be gathered to his people, and he will die there.” 20:27 Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they went up Mount Hor in the sight of the entire community. 20:28 Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. Aaron died there on top of the mountain, and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. 20:29 When the whole community saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for him thirty days, the entire house of Israel.

21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive. 21:2 Israel vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, If you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. 21:3 Yahweh listened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah. 21:4 They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 21:5 The people spoke against God, and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread. 21:6 Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 21:7 The people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh, and against you; pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us. Moses prayed for the people. 21:8 Yahweh said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard: and it shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. 21:9 Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the standard: and it happened, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of brass, he lived. 21:10 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth. 21:11 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise. 21:12 From there they traveled, and encamped in the valley of Zered. 21:13 From there they traveled, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, that comes out of the border of the Amorites: for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 21:14 Therefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Yahweh, "Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon, 21:15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab."

21:1 The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the south, heard that Israel was coming through Atharim; so he fought against Israel and captured some of them. 21:2 Israel made a vow to Yahweh, saying, "If you really hand this people over to me, I will completely destroy their cities." 21:3 Yahweh heard Israel's plea and delivered the Canaanites to them; they completely destroyed the Canaanites and their cities, and the place was named Hormah. 21:4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, and the people became very discouraged because of the journey. 21:5 The people complained against God and against Moses, saying, "Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There’s no bread and no water, and we detest this miserable food." 21:6 Yahweh sent venomous snakes among the people, and they bit them; many of the Israelites died. 21:7 The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against Yahweh and against you; pray to Yahweh to take away the snakes from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 21:8 Yahweh told Moses, "Make a snake and put it on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." 21:9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole; then when a snake bit someone, they looked at the bronze snake and lived. 21:10 The Israelites traveled on and camped at Oboth. 21:11 They traveled from Oboth and camped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness east of Moab, at sunrise. 21:12 From there they traveled and camped in the valley of Zered. 21:13 From there they traveled and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, coming from the border of the Amorites; the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 21:14 Therefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Yahweh, "Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon, 21:15 the slope of the valleys that lean toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab."

21:16 From there they traveled to Beer: that is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

21:16 From there they traveled to Beer: that is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

21:17 Then sang Israel this song:

Then Israel sang this song:

"Spring up, well; sing to it:
21:18 the well, which the princes dug,
which the nobles of the people dug,
with the scepter, and with their poles."

From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah; 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth; 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert. 21:21 Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 21:22 Let me pass through your land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's highway, until we have passed your border. 21:23 Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz; and he fought against Israel. 21:24 Israel struck him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. 21:25 Israel took all these cities: and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its towns. 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even to the Arnon. 21:27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say,

From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah; 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth; 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert. 21:21 Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, saying, 21:22 "Let me pass through your land: we won't stray into fields or vineyards; we won't drink from your wells; we will stay on the king's highway until we have crossed your border." 21:23 Sihon refused to let Israel pass through his territory: instead, Sihon gathered all his people and went out against Israel in the wilderness, arriving at Jahaz, where he fought against Israel. 21:24 Israel attacked him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, up to the children of Ammon; because the border of the children of Ammon was strong. 21:25 Israel captured all these cities and lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and all its towns. 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon, the king of the Amorites, who had battled the former king of Moab and taken all his land from him, down to the Arnon. 21:27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say,

"Come to Heshbon.
Let the city of Sihon be built and established;
21:28 for a fire has gone out of Heshbon,
a flame from the city of Sihon.
It has devoured Ar of Moab,
The lords of the high places of the Arnon.
21:29 Woe to you, Moab!
You are undone, people of Chemosh!
He has given his sons as fugitives,
and his daughters into captivity,
to Sihon king of the Amorites.
21:30 We have shot at them.
Heshbon has perished even to Dibon.
We have laid waste even to Nophah,
Which reaches to Medeba."

21:31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites. 21:32 Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took its towns, and drove out the Amorites who were there. 21:33 They turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 21:34 Yahweh said to Moses, Don't fear him: for I have delivered him into your hand, and all his people, and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon. 21:35 So they struck him, and his sons and all his people, until there was none left him remaining: and they possessed his land.

21:31 So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. 21:32 Moses sent men to explore Jazer; they captured its towns and drove out the Amorites who were living there. 21:33 Then they turned and went up through Bashan, and Og, the king of Bashan, came out to fight them, along with all his people, at Edrei. 21:34 The Lord told Moses, "Don’t be afraid of him, for I have handed him, his people, and his land over to you; you will treat him the same way you did Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon." 21:35 So they defeated him, his sons, and all his people, leaving no one alive, and they took possession of his land.

22:1 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. 22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 22:3 Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they abide over against me. 22:6 Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed. 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak. 22:8 He said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Yahweh shall speak to me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. 22:9 God came to Balaam, and said, What men are these with you? 22:10 Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 22:11 Behold, the people that is come out of Egypt, it covers the surface of the earth: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out. 22:12 God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed. 22:13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Get you into your land; for Yahweh refuses to give me leave to go with you. 22:14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuses to come with us. 22:15 Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. 22:16 They came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me: 22:17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me. 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more. 22:19 Now therefore, please wait also here this night, that I may know what Yahweh will speak to me more. 22:20 God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do. 22:21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22:22 God's anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of Yahweh placed himself in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 22:23 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the way. 22:24 Then the angel of Yahweh stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. 22:25 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and she thrust herself to the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he struck her again. 22:26 The angel of Yahweh went further, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 22:27 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 22:28 Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times? 22:29 Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have mocked me, I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed you. 22:30 The donkey said to Balaam, Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? was I ever wont to do so to you? and he said, No. 22:31 Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face. 22:32 The angel of Yahweh said to him, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because your way is perverse before me: 22:33 and the donkey saw me, and turned aside before me these three times: unless she had turned aside from me, surely now I had even slain you, and saved her alive. 22:34 Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, I have sinned; for I didn't know that you stood in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease you, I will get me back again. 22:35 The angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. 22:36 When Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him to the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border. 22:37 Balak said to Balaam, Didn't I earnestly send to you to call you? why didn't you come to me? am I not able indeed to promote you to honor? 22:38 Balaam said to Balak, Behold, I have come to you: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak. 22:39 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth. 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him. 22:41 It happened in the morning, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from there the utmost part of the people.

22:1 The Israelites traveled and set up camp in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho. 22:2 Balak, the son of Zippor, saw everything Israel had done to the Amorites. 22:3 Moab was very afraid of the people because they were so numerous, and Moab was distressed about the Israelites. 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, "This huge crowd will lick up everything around us like an oxlicks up the grass in the field." Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab at that time. 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor by the river, in the land of his people, to summon him, saying, "Look, a people has come out of Egypt: they cover the surface of the earth and are camping right across from me. 22:6 Please come and curse this people for me, because they are too powerful for me. Maybe I can defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed." 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian left with the rewards of divination in their hands and went to Balaam, speaking to him the words of Balak. 22:8 Balaam told them, "Stay here tonight, and I will bring you word as Yahweh speaks to me." So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 22:9 God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?" 22:10 Balaam replied to God, "Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent for me, saying, 22:11 'Look, the people who came out of Egypt cover the surface of the earth. Now, please come curse them for me; perhaps I will be able to fight them and drive them out.'" 22:12 God told Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." 22:13 Balaam got up in the morning and said to Balak's princes, "Go back to your own country, for Yahweh has refused to let me go with you." 22:14 The princes of Moab returned to Balak and said, "Balaam refuses to come with us." 22:15 Balak sent more princes, more honorable than the first ones. 22:16 They came to Balaam and said, "Balak, son of Zippor, says this: 'Do not let anything stop you from coming to me! 22:17 For I will greatly honor you, and whatever you say, I will do. Please come and curse this people for me!'" 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of Yahweh my God to do less or more. 22:19 So please stay here tonight, that I may know what Yahweh will speak to me further." 22:20 God came to Balaam that night and said, "If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only do what I tell you." 22:21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22:22 God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of Yahweh positioned himself as an adversary against him. He was riding on his donkey with his two servants. 22:23 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way with a sword drawn in his hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the path. 22:24 Then the angel of Yahweh stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with a wall on either side. 22:25 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh and pressed against the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it, and he struck her again. 22:26 The angel of Yahweh moved on and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either right or left. 22:27 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh and lay down under Balaam. Balaam's anger was kindled and he struck the donkey with his staff. 22:28 Yahweh opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?" 22:29 Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have made a fool of me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for I would kill you now!" 22:30 The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever treated you this way?" And he said, "No." 22:31 Then Yahweh opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way with a sword drawn in his hand. He bowed his head and fell on his face. 22:32 The angel of Yahweh said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Look, I have come here as an adversary, because your way is perverse before me. 22:33 The donkey saw me and turned aside from me those three times; if she had not turned away from me, I surely would have killed you and let her live." 22:34 Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, "I have sinned, for I did not know you stood against me on the road. Now, if it displeases you, I will return." 22:35 The angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but only say what I tell you." So Balaam went with Balak's princes. 22:36 When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, which is near the border of the Arnon, at the far end of the territory. 22:37 Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send for you urgently? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to promote you to honor?" 22:38 Balaam said to Balak, "Look, I have come to you. I have no power to say anything on my own; the word that God puts in my mouth, that is what I will say." 22:39 Balaam went with Balak, and they went to Kiriath Huzoth. 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep and sent some to Balaam and the princes who were with him. 22:41 In the morning, Balak took Balaam up to the high places of Baal, and from there he saw a portion of the people.

23:1 Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bulls and seven rams. 23:2 Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bull and a ram. 23:3 Balaam said to Balak, Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go: perhaps Yahweh will come to meet me; and whatever he shows me I will tell you. He went to a bare height. 23:4 God met Balaam: and he said to him, I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar. 23:5 Yahweh put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak. 23:6 He returned to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, he, and all the princes of Moab. 23:7 He took up his parable, and said, From Aram has Balak brought me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East: Come, curse me Jacob, Come, defy Israel. 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy, whom Yahweh has not defied? 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, From the hills I see him: behold, it is a people that dwells alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations. 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, Let my last end be like his! 23:11 Balak said to Balaam, What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether. 23:12 He answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Yahweh puts in my mouth? 23:13 Balak said to him, Please come with me to another place, from whence you may see them; you shall see but the utmost part of them, and shall not see them all: and curse me them from there. 23:14 He took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar. 23:15 He said to Balak, Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet Yahweh yonder. 23:16 Yahweh met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and say this. 23:17 He came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. Balak said to him, What has Yahweh spoken? 23:18 He took up his parable, and said,

23:1 Balaam told Balak, "Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams." 23:2 Balak followed Balaam's instructions, and they both offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 23:3 Balaam said to Balak, "Stay by your burnt offering while I go; maybe Yahweh will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me, I'll tell you." He went up to a high place. 23:4 God met Balaam and said to him, "I’ve set up the seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each one." 23:5 Yahweh put a message in Balaam's mouth and said, "Go back to Balak and tell him this." 23:6 He returned to Balak, who was standing by his burnt offering along with all the leaders of Moab. 23:7 Balaam began his pronouncement and said, "Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East: 'Come, curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.' 23:8 How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom Yahweh has not denounced? 23:9 From the top of the rocks, I see them; from the hills, I see them: look, it’s a people that lives alone and won’t be counted among the nations. 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a quarter of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!" 23:11 Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, and instead, you've blessed them completely." 23:12 Balaam answered, "Am I not supposed to speak what Yahweh puts in my mouth?" 23:13 Balak said to him, "Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You’ll only see part of them and not all of them; curse them for me from there." 23:14 He took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, offering a bull and a ram on each altar. 23:15 He told Balak, "Stay here by your burnt offering while I meet Yahweh over there." 23:16 Yahweh met Balaam, put a word in his mouth, and said, "Go back to Balak and say this." 23:17 He went to Balak, who was standing by his burnt offering with the Moabite leaders. Balak asked him, "What has Yahweh said?" 23:18 Balaam took up his pronouncement and said,

Rise up, Balak, and hear!
Listen to me, you son of Zippor.
23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor the son of man, that he should repent.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?
23:20 Behold, I have received a command to bless.
He has blessed, and I can't reverse it.
23:21 He has not seen iniquity in Jacob.
Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel.
Yahweh his God is with him.
The shout of a king is among them.
23:22 God brings them out of Egypt.
He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.
23:23 Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob;
Neither is there any divination with Israel.
Now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,
What has God done!
23:24 Behold, the people rises up as a lioness,
As a lion he lifts himself up.
He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey,
and drinks the blood of the slain.

23:25 Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all. 23:26 But Balaam answered Balak, Didn't I tell you, saying, All that Yahweh speaks, that I must do? 23:27 Balak said to Balaam, Come now, I will take you to another place; peradventure it will please God that you may curse me them from there. 23:28 Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert. 23:29 Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bulls and seven rams. 23:30 Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

23:25 Balak said to Balaam, "Don’t curse them at all, and don’t bless them either." 23:26 But Balaam replied to Balak, "Didn’t I tell you that whatever Yahweh says, I have to do?" 23:27 Balak said to Balaam, "Come on, I’ll take you to another place; maybe it’ll please God to let you curse them from there." 23:28 Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert. 23:29 Balaam said to Balak, "Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams." 23:30 Balak did exactly what Balaam said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

24:1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he didn't go, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 24:2 Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him. 24:3 He took up his parable, and said,

24:1 When Balaam realized that it made Yahweh happy to bless Israel, he didn't go like he did before to use magic, but instead, he focused on the wilderness. 24:2 Balaam looked up and saw Israel living in their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. 24:3 He began to speak his message and said,

Balaam the son of Beor says,
the man whose eye was closed says;
24:4 he says, who hears the words of God,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down, and having his eyes open:
24:5 How goodly are your tents, Jacob,
and your tents, Israel!
24:6 As valleys they are spread forth,
as gardens by the riverside,
as aloes which Yahweh has planted,
as cedar trees beside the waters.
24:7 Water shall flow from his buckets.
His seed shall be in many waters.
His king shall be higher than Agag.
His kingdom shall be exalted.
24:8 God brings him out of Egypt.
He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.
He shall eat up the nations his adversaries,
shall break their bones in pieces,
and pierce them with his arrows.
24:9 He couched, he lay down as a lion,
as a lioness; who shall rouse him up?
Everyone who blesses you is blessed.
Everyone who curses you is cursed.

24:10 Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. 24:11 Therefore now flee you to your place: I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, Yahweh has kept you back from honor. 24:12 Balaam said to Balak, Didn't I also tell your messengers who you sent to me, saying, 24:13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh, to do either good or bad of my own mind; what Yahweh speaks, that will I speak? 24:14 Now, behold, I go to my people: come, and I will advertise you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days. 24:15 He took up his parable, and said,

24:10 Balak was furious with Balaam, and he clapped his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, "I brought you here to curse my enemies, and look, you've blessed them three times instead." 24:11 "So now, get out of here. I thought I could promote you to a position of great honor, but look, Yahweh has kept you from that." 24:12 Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not tell the messengers you sent to me, saying, 24:13 If Balak gave me his entire house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the command of Yahweh to do either good or bad on my own; whatever Yahweh says, that's what I will say?" 24:14 "Now, look, I'm going back to my people. Come, and I will tell you what this people will do to your people in the future." 24:15 He began to prophesy and said,

Balaam the son of Beor says,
the man whose eye was closed says;
24:16 he says, who hears the words of God,
knows the knowledge of the Most High,
and who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Falling down, and having his eyes open:
24:17 I see him, but not now.
I see him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob.
A scepter will rise out of Israel,
and shall strike through the corners of Moab,
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
24:18 Edom shall be a possession.
Seir, his enemies, also shall be a possession,
while Israel does valiantly.
24:19 Out of Jacob shall one have dominion,
and shall destroy the remnant from the city.

24:20 He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said,

24:20 He turned to Amalek, shared his story, and said,

Amalek was the first of the nations,
But his latter end shall come to destruction.

24:21 He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said,

24:21 He looked at the Kenite, and began to speak in a metaphor, saying,

Your dwelling place is strong.
Your nest is set in the rock.
24:22 Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted,
until Asshur carries you away captive.

24:23 He took up his parable, and said,

24:23 He began to tell a story and said,

Alas, who shall live when God does this?
24:24 But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim.
They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber.
He also shall come to destruction.

24:25 Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also went his way.

24:25 Balaam got up, went back, and returned to his home; and Balak went on his way too.

25:1 Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab: 25:2 for they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods. 25:3 Israel joined himself to Baal Peor: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel. 25:4 Yahweh said to Moses, Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up to Yahweh before the sun, that the fierce anger of Yahweh may turn away from Israel. 25:5 Moses said to the judges of Israel, Kill you everyone his men who have joined themselves to Baal Peor.

25:1 Israel settled in Shittim; and the people started engaging in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab: 25:2 for they invited the people to their gods' sacrifices; and the people ate and worshipped their gods. 25:3 Israel became involved with Baal Peor: and Yahweh's anger was ignited against Israel. 25:4 Yahweh told Moses, "Take all the leaders of the people and execute them before Yahweh in broad daylight, so that Yahweh's fierce anger may be turned away from Israel." 25:5 Moses instructed the judges of Israel, "Each of you kill those of your men who have joined themselves to Baal Peor."

25:6 Behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to his brothers a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, while they were weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 25:7 When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation, and took a spear in his hand; 25:8 and he went after the man of Israel into the pavilion, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her body. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 25:9 Those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand. 25:10 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 25:11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I didn't consume the children of Israel in my jealousy. 25:12 Therefore say, Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace: 25:13 and it shall be to him, and to his seed after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel. 25:14 Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers' house among the Simeonites. 25:15 The name of the Midianite woman who was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head of the people of a fathers' house in Midian. 25:16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 25:17 Harass the Midianites, and strike them; 25:18 for they harassed you with their wiles, with which they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.

25:6 Look, one of the Israelites came and brought a Midianite woman to his brothers in front of Moses, and in front of all the congregation of the Israelites, while they were mourning at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 25:7 When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw this, he stood up from among the congregation and took a spear in his hand; 25:8 and he went after the Israelite man into the tent and pierced both of them, the Israelite man and the woman through her body. So the plague was stopped among the Israelites. 25:9 Twenty-four thousand people died from the plague. 25:10 God spoke to Moses, saying, 25:11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites, because he was zealous for me among them, so that I did not destroy the Israelites in my anger. 25:12 Therefore say, Look, I am giving him my covenant of peace: 25:13 and it shall be for him, and for his descendants after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites. 25:14 Now the name of the Israelite man who was killed, who was killed with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a leader of a clan among the Simeonites. 25:15 The name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was the head of a clan in Midian. 25:16 God spoke to Moses, saying, 25:17 Attack the Midianites and defeat them; 25:18 for they caused you trouble with their schemes, with which they deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the leader of Midian, their sister, who was killed on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.

26:1 It happened after the plague, that Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, 26:2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel. 26:3 Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 26:4 Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as Yahweh commanded Moses and the children of Israel, that came forth out of the land of Egypt. 26:5 Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; 26:6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 26:7 These are the families of the Reubenites; and those who were numbered of them were forty-three thousand seven hundred thirty. 26:8 The sons of Pallu: Eliab. 26:9 The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against Yahweh, 26:10 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died; what time the fire devoured two hundred fifty men, and they became a sign. 26:11 Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah didn't die. 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; 26:13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 26:14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty-two thousand two hundred. 26:15 The sons of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; 26:17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 26:18 These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those who were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 26:19 The sons of Judah: Er and Onan; and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites. 26:21 The sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 26:22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were numbered of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred. 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; 26:24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 26:25 These are the families of Issachar according to those who were numbered of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred. 26:26 The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. 26:28 The sons of Joseph after their families: Manasseh and Ephraim. 26:29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites. 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; 26:32 and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 26:34 These are the families of Manasseh; and those who were numbered of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred. 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 26:36 These are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 26:37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were numbered of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families. 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; 26:39 of Shephupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 26:40 The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 26:41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand six hundred. 26:42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. 26:43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred. 26:44 The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites. 26:45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 26:46 The name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. 26:47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those who were numbered of them, fifty-three thousand and four hundred. 26:48 The sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; 26:49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 26:50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand four hundred. 26:51 These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred one thousand seven hundred thirty. 26:52 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 26:53 To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. 26:54 To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance: to everyone according to those who were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given. 26:55 Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. 26:56 According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between the more and the fewer. 26:57 These are those who were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites. 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram. 26:59 The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt: and she bore to Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. 26:60 To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 26:61 Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before Yahweh. 26:62 Those who were numbered of them were twenty-three thousand, every male from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. 26:63 These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. 26:64 But among these there was not a man of them who were numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 26:65 For Yahweh had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. There was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

26:1 After the plague, Yahweh spoke to Moses and Eleazar, Aaron's son, saying, 26:2 "Count all the people of Israel, from twenty years and older, by their families, all who are able to go to war in Israel." 26:3 Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke to them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 26:4 "Count the people, from twenty years and older, as Yahweh commanded Moses, regarding the children of Israel who came out of Egypt." 26:5 Reuben, Israel's firstborn; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the Hanochites; of Pallu, the Palluites; 26:6 of Hezron, the Hezronites; of Carmi, the Carmites. 26:7 These are the families of the Reubenites; those counted were forty-three thousand seven hundred thirty. 26:8 The sons of Pallu: Eliab. 26:9 The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are the Dathan and Abiram who were part of the group that opposed Moses and Aaron alongside Korah, when they opposed Yahweh, 26:10 and the earth opened up and swallowed them with Korah, when that group died; the fire consumed two hundred fifty men, and they became a warning sign. 26:11 However, the sons of Korah did not die. 26:12 The sons of Simeon by their families: of Nemuel, the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the Jaminites; of Jachin, the Jachinites; 26:13 of Zerah, the Zerahites; of Shaul, the Shaulites. 26:14 These are the families of the Simeonites, totaling twenty-two thousand two hundred. 26:15 The sons of Gad by their families: of Zephon, the Zephonites; of Haggi, the Haggites; of Shuni, the Shunites; 26:16 of Ozni, the Oznites; of Eri, the Erites; 26:17 of Arod, the Arodites; of Areli, the Arelites. 26:18 These are the families of the sons of Gad, with forty thousand five hundred counted. 26:19 The sons of Judah: Er and Onan; both died in Canaan. 26:20 The sons of Judah by their families: of Shelah, the Shelanites; of Perez, the Perezites; of Zerah, the Zerahites. 26:21 The sons of Perez: of Hezron, the Hezronites; of Hamul, the Hamulites. 26:22 These are the families of Judah with seventy-six thousand five hundred counted. 26:23 The sons of Issachar by their families: of Tola, the Tolaites; of Puvah, the Punites; 26:24 of Jashub, the Jashubites; of Shimron, the Shimronites. 26:25 These are the families of Issachar with sixty-four thousand three hundred counted. 26:26 The sons of Zebulun by their families: of Sered, the Seredites; of Elon, the Elonites; of Jahleel, the Jahleelites. 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites with sixty thousand five hundred counted. 26:28 The sons of Joseph by their families: Manasseh and Ephraim. 26:29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the Machirites; Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the Gileadites. 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the Iezerites; of Helek, the Helekites; 26:31 and of Asriel, the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the Shechemites; 26:32 and of Shemida, the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the Hepherites. 26:33 Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, had no sons, only daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 26:34 These are the families of Manasseh, with fifty-two thousand seven hundred counted. 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim by their families: of Shuthelah, the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the Becherites; of Tahan, the Tahanites. 26:36 These are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the Eranites. 26:37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim with thirty-two thousand five hundred counted. These are the sons of Joseph by their families. 26:38 The sons of Benjamin by their families: of Bela, the Belaites; of Ashbel, the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the Ahiramites; 26:39 of Shephupham, the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the Huphamites. 26:40 The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the Ardites; of Naaman, the Naamites. 26:41 These are the sons of Benjamin by their families; those counted were forty-five thousand six hundred. 26:42 These are the sons of Dan by their families: of Shuham, the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan. 26:43 All the families of the Shuhamites, with sixty-four thousand four hundred counted. 26:44 The sons of Asher by their families: of Imnah, the Imnites; of Ishvi, the Ishvites; of Beriah, the Berites. 26:45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the Heberites; of Malchiel, the Malchielites. 26:46 The daughter of Asher was named Serah. 26:47 These are the families of the sons of Asher, totaling fifty-three thousand four hundred. 26:48 The sons of Naphtali by their families: of Jahzeel, the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the Gunites; 26:49 of Jezer, the Jezerites; of Shillem, the Shillemites. 26:50 These are the families of Naphtali, with forty-five thousand four hundred counted. 26:51 These are the totals for the children of Israel, six hundred one thousand seven hundred thirty. 26:52 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 26:53 "The land will be divided among them as an inheritance according to the number of names. 26:54 To the larger groups, you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller groups, a smaller inheritance: each inheritance will be given based on the count of individuals." 26:55 However, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers, they shall inherit. 26:56 Their inheritance will be divided based on the lot, whether larger or smaller. 26:57 These are the counts of the Levites by their families: of Gershon, the Gershonites; of Kohath, the Kohathites; of Merari, the Merarites. 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the Mushites, the Korahites. Kohath was the father of Amram. 26:59 Amram's wife's name was Jochebed, a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt; she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam. 26:60 To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 26:61 Nadab and Abihu died when they presented unauthorized fire before Yahweh. 26:62 The Levites counted were twenty-three thousand, every male a month old and over, as they were not counted among the children of Israel, as they received no inheritance with the children of Israel. 26:63 These are the counts that Moses and Eleazar the priest recorded, numbering the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. 26:64 But among these, there was not a man who had been counted by Moses and Aaron when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 26:65 For Yahweh had said of them, "They will certainly die in the wilderness." Not one of them was left, except for Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

27:1 Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 27:2 They stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, at the door of the Tent of Meeting, saying, 27:3 Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against Yahweh in the company of Korah: but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. 27:4 Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give to us a possession among the brothers of our father. 27:5 Moses brought their cause before Yahweh. 27:6 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 27:7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers; and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. 27:8 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. 27:9 If he have no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. 27:10 If he have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father's brothers. 27:11 If his father have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute and ordinance, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 27:12 Yahweh said to Moses, Go up into this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. 27:13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered; 27:14 because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) 27:15 Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying, 27:16 Let Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, 27:17 who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Yahweh not be as sheep which have no shepherd. 27:18 Yahweh said to Moses, Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; 27:19 and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. 27:20 You shall put of your honor on him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey. 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 27:22 Moses did as Yahweh commanded him; and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: 27:23 and he laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as Yahweh spoke by Moses.

27:1 Then the daughters of Zelophehad approached, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 27:2 They presented themselves before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole community, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, saying, 27:3 Our father died in the wilderness and wasn't part of the group that rebelled against Yahweh with Korah; he died for his own sin and had no sons. 27:4 Why should our father's name be taken away from his family just because he had no son? Give us a share of land among our father's brothers. 27:5 Moses brought their case before Yahweh. 27:6 Yahweh told Moses, saying, 27:7 The daughters of Zelophehad are correct: you must grant them a share of inheritance among their father's brothers, and you must ensure that the inheritance of their father passes to them. 27:8 You should tell the Israelites, if a man dies and has no son, then his inheritance should pass to his daughter. 27:9 If he has no daughter, then you should give his inheritance to his brothers. 27:10 If he has no brothers, then the inheritance should go to his father's brothers. 27:11 If his father has no brothers, then the inheritance should go to the closest relative in his family, and he shall possess it. This will be a rule and ordinance for the Israelites, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 27:12 Yahweh said to Moses, Go up to this mountain of Abarim and see the land I have given to the Israelites. 27:13 Once you have seen it, you will also be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was gathered; 27:14 because you rebelled against my command in the wilderness of Zin, during the conflict of the community, when you failed to honor me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) 27:15 Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying, 27:16 Let Yahweh, the God of all spirits, appoint a leader for the community, 27:17 who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the community of Yahweh won't be like sheep without a shepherd. 27:18 Yahweh told Moses, Choose Joshua, the son of Nun, a man who is filled with the Spirit, and lay your hands on him; 27:19 present him before Eleazar the priest and the entire community, and commission him in their sight. 27:20 You will transfer some of your authority to him, so that the entire community of the Israelites will listen to him. 27:21 He will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will consult with him regarding decisions from the Urim before Yahweh: they will go out and come in at his command, both he and all the Israelites with him, including the entire community. 27:22 Moses did as Yahweh commanded; he took Joshua and presented him before Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 27:23 He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as Yahweh had instructed through Moses.

28:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 28:2 Command the children of Israel, and tell them, My offering, my food for my offerings made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to me, you shall observe to offer to me in their due season. 28:3 You shall tell them, This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to Yahweh: male lambs a year old without blemish, two day by day, for a continual burnt offering. 28:4 You shall offer the one lamb in the morning, and you shall offer the other lamb at evening; 28:5 with the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil. 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in Mount Sinai for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 28:7 Its drink offering shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb. You shall pour out a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh in the holy place. 28:8 The other lamb you shall offer at evening: as the meal offering of the morning, and as the drink offering of it, you shall offer it, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 28:9 On the Sabbath day two male lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, and the drink offering of it: 28:10 this is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it. 28:11 In the beginnings of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, and one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish; 28:12 and three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for each bull; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for the one ram; 28:13 and a tenth part of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering to every lamb; for a burnt offering of a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 28:14 Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull, and the third part of a hin for the ram, and the fourth part of a hin for a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year. 28:15 One male goat for a sin offering to Yahweh; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it. 28:16 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, is Yahweh's Passover. 28:17 On the fifteenth day of this month shall be a feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten. 28:18 In the first day shall be a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work; 28:19 but you shall offer an offering made by fire, a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, and one ram, and seven male lambs a year old; they shall be to you without blemish; 28:20 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil: you shall offer three tenth parts for a bull, and two tenth parts for the ram. 28:21 You shall offer a tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs; 28:22 and one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you. 28:23 You shall offer these besides the burnt offering of the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering. 28:24 After this manner you shall offer daily, for seven days, the food of the offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh: it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it. 28:25 On the seventh day you shall have a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work. 28:26 Also in the day of the first fruits, when you offer a new meal offering to Yahweh in your feast of weeks, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work; 28:27 but you shall offer a burnt offering for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs a year old; 28:28 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for each bull, two tenth parts for the one ram, 28:29 a tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs; 28:30 one male goat, to make atonement for you. 28:31 Besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, you shall offer them (they shall be to you without blemish), and their drink offerings.

28:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 28:2 "Tell the Israelites that my offering, the food for my offerings made by fire, which gives a pleasant aroma to me, should be offered at the appointed times. 28:3 You should inform them, 'This is the offering made by fire that you shall present to God: two flawless male lambs, one year old, every day, as a continual burnt offering.' 28:4 Offer one lamb in the morning and the other lamb in the evening; 28:5 along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with a quarter of a hin of olive oil. 28:6 This is a continual burnt offering, established on Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to God. 28:7 The drink offering for each lamb will be a quarter of a hin. You should pour a drink offering of strong drink to God in the holy place. 28:8 The other lamb you shall offer in the evening, just like the morning's meal offering and its drink offering; it will be an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to God. 28:9 On the Sabbath, offer two flawless male lambs, one year old, along with two tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with oil, and the accompanying drink offering: 28:10 this is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 28:11 At the beginning of each month, you shall present a burnt offering to God: two young bulls, one ram, and seven flawless male lambs, one year old; 28:12 and for each bull, offer three tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; for the ram, offer two tenths of fine flour mixed with oil; 28:13 and for every lamb, offer one tenth of fine flour mixed with oil; this is for a burnt offering that gives a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to God. 28:14 Their drink offerings will be half a hin of wine for a bull, one third of a hin for the ram, and one fourth of a hin for each lamb: this is the burnt offering for every month throughout the year. 28:15 Offer one male goat for a sin offering to God; this should be in addition to the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 28:16 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, is God's Passover. 28:17 On the fifteenth day of this month, you shall celebrate a feast: for seven days, eat unleavened bread. 28:18 On the first day, there will be a holy assembly: do no work; 28:19 but you shall offer an offering made by fire, a burnt offering to God: two young bulls, one ram, and seven flawless male lambs; 28:20 they must all be without blemish; 28:21 and their grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil: for each bull, you shall offer three tenths, and for the ram, two tenths. 28:22 For each of the seven lambs, you shall offer one tenth; 28:23 and provide one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you. 28:24 Along with these, you shall offer the morning burnt offering, which is part of the continual burnt offering. 28:25 This is how you shall offer daily for seven days, the food for the offering made by fire, which is a pleasant aroma to God: it must be offered alongside the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 28:26 On the seventh day, you shall hold a holy assembly: do no work. 28:27 Also, on the day of the first fruits, when you present a new grain offering to God during your feast of weeks, you shall have a holy assembly; do no work; 28:28 but you shall offer a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to God: two young bulls, one ram, and seven flawless male lambs, one year old; 28:29 and their grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenths for each bull, two tenths for the ram, 28:30 one tenth for each of the seven lambs; 28:31 provide one male goat to make atonement for you. 28:31 In addition to the continual burnt offering and its grain offering, you shall offer them (they must be without blemish), along with their drink offerings.

29:1 In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing of trumpets to you. 29:2 You shall offer a burnt offering for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh: one young bull, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:3 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for the bull, two tenth parts for the ram, 29:4 and one tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs; 29:5 and one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you; 29:6 besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and the meal offering of it, and the continual burnt offering and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings, according to their ordinance, for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29:7 On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation; and you shall afflict your souls: you shall do no manner of work; 29:8 but you shall offer a burnt offering to Yahweh for a pleasant aroma: one young bull, one ram, seven male lambs a year old; they shall be to you without blemish; 29:9 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for the bull, two tenth parts for the one ram, 29:10 a tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs: 29:11 one male goat for a sin offering; besides the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings. 29:12 On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work, and you shall keep a feast to Yahweh seven days: 29:13 and you shall offer a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh; thirteen young bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old; they shall be without blemish; 29:14 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for every bull of the thirteen bulls, two tenth parts for each ram of the two rams, 29:15 and a tenth part for every lamb of the fourteen lambs; 29:16 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:17 On the second day you shall offer twelve young bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:18 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:19 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings. 29:20 On the third day eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:21 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:22 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:23 On the fourth day ten bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:24 their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:25 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:26 On the fifth day nine bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:27 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:28 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:29 On the sixth day eight bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:30 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:31 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offerings of it. 29:32 On the seventh day seven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:33 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance; 29:34 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:35 On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly: you shall do no servile work; 29:36 but you shall offer a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh: one bull, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish; 29:37 their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance: 29:38 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it. 29:39 These you shall offer to Yahweh in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meal offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. 29:40 Moses told the children of Israel according to all that Yahweh commanded Moses.

29:1 On the first day of the seventh month, you are to have a holy gathering; you must not do any regular work: it’s a day for blowing trumpets. 29:2 You will present a burnt offering that gives a pleasing aroma to Yahweh: one young bull, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:3 along with their grain offering, which is fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths for the bull, two-tenths for the ram, 29:4 and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; 29:5 and one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you; 29:6 in addition to the burnt offering of the new moon, its grain offering, the regular burnt offering and its grain offering, along with their drink offerings, according to their requirements, for a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29:7 On the tenth day of this seventh month, you will have a holy gathering; you must humble yourselves and do no work; 29:8 but you shall present a burnt offering to Yahweh for a pleasing aroma: one young bull, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all without blemish; 29:9 along with their grain offering, which is fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths for the bull, two-tenths for the one ram, 29:10 and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; 29:11 also one male goat for a sin offering; in addition to the sin offering for atonement, the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and their drink offerings. 29:12 On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you will have a holy gathering; you must not do any regular work and you will celebrate a festival to Yahweh for seven days; 29:13 and you will present a burnt offering, which is an offering made by fire for a pleasing aroma to Yahweh: thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen one-year-old male lambs; they are to be without blemish; 29:14 along with their grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths for each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths for each of the two rams, 29:15 and one-tenth for each of the fourteen lambs; 29:16 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:17 On the second day, you shall offer twelve young bulls, two rams, and fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:18 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:19 and one male goat for a sin offering; in addition to the continual burnt offering, and its grain offering, and their drink offerings. 29:20 On the third day, eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:21 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:22 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, and its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:23 On the fourth day, ten bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:24 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:25 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:26 On the fifth day, nine bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:27 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:28 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:29 On the sixth day, eight bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:30 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:31 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and the drink offerings. 29:32 On the seventh day, seven bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:33 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bulls, the rams, and the lambs, according to their number, as is prescribed; 29:34 and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:35 On the eighth day, you will have a solemn assembly: you must do no regular work; 29:36 but you shall offer a burnt offering, an offering made by fire for a pleasing aroma to Yahweh: one bull, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs without blemish; 29:37 along with their grain offering and drink offerings for the bull, the ram, and the lambs, following their number, as is prescribed: 29:38 and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 29:39 You shall present these to Yahweh during your appointed feasts, besides your vows and freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings, and peace offerings. 29:40 Moses instructed the Israelites according to all that Yahweh had commanded him.

30:1 Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded. 30:2 When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. 30:3 Also when a woman vows a vow to Yahweh, and binds herself by a bond, being in her father's house, in her youth, 30:4 and her father hears her vow, and her bond with which she has bound her soul, and her father holds his peace at her; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he hears, none of her vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand: and Yahweh will forgive her, because her father disallowed her. 30:6 If she be married to a husband, while her vows are on her, or the rash utterance of her lips, with which she has bound her soul, 30:7 and her husband hear it, and hold his peace at her in the day that he hears it; then her vows shall stand, and her bonds with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 30:8 But if her husband disallow her in the day that he hears it, then he shall make void her vow which is on her, and the rash utterance of her lips, with which she has bound her soul: and Yahweh will forgive her. 30:9 But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, even everything with which she has bound her soul, shall stand against her. 30:10 If she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, 30:11 and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and didn't disallow her; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand. 30:12 But if her husband made them null and void in the day that he heard them, then whatever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband has made them void; and Yahweh will forgive her. 30:13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 30:14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows, or all her bonds, which are on her: he has established them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them. 30:15 But if he shall make them null and void after that he has heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity. 30:16 These are the statutes, which Yahweh commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father's house.

30:1 Moses spoke to the leaders of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying, This is what Yahweh has commanded. 30:2 When a man makes a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to commit himself, he must not break his word; he must do everything he promised. 30:3 If a woman makes a vow to Yahweh and commits herself while living at home with her father as a young person, 30:4 and her father hears her vow and the commitment she has made, and he does not speak up against her; then all her vows will be valid, and every commitment she has made will be upheld. 30:5 But if her father rejects her vow on the day he hears it, none of her vows or commitments will be valid, and Yahweh will forgive her because her father rejected her. 30:6 If she is married when her vows or impulsive promises are made, 30:7 and her husband hears it but does not speak up against her on the day he hears it; then her vows will be valid, and her commitments will be upheld. 30:8 But if her husband rejects her vows on the day he hears them, he will void her vow and her impulsive promises, and Yahweh will forgive her. 30:9 However, the vow of a widow or a divorced woman, including any commitments she has made, will remain binding on her. 30:10 If she made a vow in her husband’s house, or committed herself with an oath, 30:11 and her husband heard it and did not speak up against it; then all her vows will be valid, and every commitment she made will be upheld. 30:12 But if her husband voids them on the day he hears them, then whatever she promised or committed will not be valid; her husband has voided them, and Yahweh will forgive her. 30:13 Every vow and every binding oath to afflict the soul can be established or voided by her husband. 30:14 If her husband remains silent about her vows day after day, then he confirms all her vows or commitments: he confirms them because he was silent when he heard them. 30:15 But if he voids them after hearing them, then he will bear her guilt. 30:16 These are the regulations that Yahweh commanded Moses regarding the relationship between a man and his wife, and between a father and his daughter living at home in her youth.

31:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward you shall be gathered to your people. 31:3 Moses spoke to the people, saying, Arm you men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Yahweh's vengeance on Midian. 31:4 Of every tribe one thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, you shall send to the war. 31:5 So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. 31:6 Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand. 31:7 They warred against Midian, as Yahweh commanded Moses; and they killed every male. 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they killed with the sword. 31:9 The children of Israel took captive the women of Midian and their little ones; and all their livestock, and all their flocks, and all their goods, they took for a prey. 31:10 All their cities in the places in which they lived, and all their encampments, they burnt with fire. 31:11 They took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of animal. 31:12 They brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by the Jordan at Jericho. 31:13 Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them outside of the camp. 31:14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war. 31:15 Moses said to them, Have you saved all the women alive? 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh. 31:17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. 31:18 But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves. 31:19 Encamp you outside of the camp seven days: whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves on the third day and on the seventh day, you and your captives. 31:20 As to every garment, and all that is made of skin, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood, you shall purify yourselves. 31:21 Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who went to the battle, This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded Moses: 31:22 however the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 31:23 everything that may abide the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that doesn't withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water. 31:24 You shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you shall be clean; and afterward you shall come into the camp. 31:25 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 31:26 Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the congregation; 31:27 and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation. 31:28 Levy a tribute to Yahweh of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the cattle, and of the donkeys, and of the flocks: 31:29 take it of their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for Yahweh's wave offering. 31:30 Of the children of Israel's half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, even of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of the tent of Yahweh. 31:31 Moses and Eleazar the priest did as Yahweh commanded Moses. 31:32 Now the prey, over and above the booty which the men of war took, was six hundred seventy-five thousand sheep, 31:33 and seventy-two thousand head of cattle, 31:34 and sixty-one thousand donkeys, 31:35 and thirty-two thousand persons in all, of the women who had not known man by lying with him. 31:36 The half, which was the portion of those who went out to war, was in number three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep: 31:37 and Yahweh's tribute of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five. 31:38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand; of which Yahweh's tribute was seventy-two. 31:39 The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred; of which Yahweh's tribute was sixty-one. 31:40 The persons were sixteen thousand; of whom Yahweh's tribute was thirty-two persons. 31:41 Moses gave the tribute, which was Yahweh's wave offering, to Eleazar the priest, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 31:42 Of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided off from the men who warred 31:43 (now the congregation's half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 31:44 and thirty-six thousand head of cattle, 31:45 and thirty thousand five hundred donkeys, 31:46 and sixteen thousand persons), 31:47 even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animal, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duty of the tent of Yahweh; as Yahweh commanded Moses. 31:48 The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses; 31:49 and they said to Moses, Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command, and there lacks not one man of us. 31:50 We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, armlets, and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before Yahweh. 31:51 Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all worked jewels. 31:52 All the gold of the wave offering that they offered up to Yahweh, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels. 31:53 (For the men of war had taken booty, every man for himself.) 31:54 Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the Tent of Meeting, for a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh.

31:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 31:2 Take revenge for the Israelites against the Midianites; afterward, you will be gathered to your people. 31:3 Moses told the people, "Prepare your men for war so they can go against Midian to carry out God's vengeance." 31:4 From each tribe, send one thousand men to the war, throughout all the tribes of Israel. 31:5 So, a thousand men from each tribe were delivered, totaling twelve thousand armed for battle. 31:6 Moses sent them, one thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, carrying the sacred vessels and the trumpets for signaling. 31:7 They fought against Midian as God commanded Moses and killed every male. 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian along with the others they had slain: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam, the son of Beor, with the sword. 31:9 The Israelites captured the women and children of Midian and took all their livestock, flocks, and goods as plunder. 31:10 They burned all their cities and encampments with fire. 31:11 They took all the plunder and prey, both human and animal. 31:12 They brought the captives, the spoils, and the plunder to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the congregation of the Israelites at the camp in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan at Jericho. 31:13 Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation went out to meet them outside the camp. 31:14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, who returned from the battle. 31:15 Moses asked them, "Have you saved all the women alive?" 31:16 "Look, these women caused the Israelites, through Balaam's advice, to sin against God in the matter of Peor, and that's why the plague was among the congregation of God." 31:17 "Now, therefore, kill every male child and every woman who has had sexual relations with a man. 31:18 But keep alive for yourselves all the girls who have not had sexual relations with a man." 31:19 "Stay outside the camp for seven days. Anyone who has killed someone or touched a dead body must purify themselves on the third and seventh days, you and your captives." 31:20 "As for anything made of fabric, leather, goat hair, or wood, you must purify it." 31:21 Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone to battle, "This is the law God has commanded Moses: 31:22 but for the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead, 31:23 anything that can withstand fire must be passed through fire, and it will be clean; yet it must also be purified with the water of purification; and anything that cannot withstand fire must be passed through water." 31:24 "You must wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you will be clean; afterward, you may come into the camp." 31:25 God spoke to Moses, saying, 31:26 "Take a count of the plunder taken, both human and animal, you, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the families of the congregation; 31:27 and divide the plunder into two parts: between the skilled warriors who fought and the rest of the congregation. 31:28 Set aside a tribute to God from the warriors who fought: one out of every five hundred, of both people and cattle, donkeys, and flocks: 31:29 take it from their share and give it to Eleazar the priest as God's share." 31:30 "From the Israelites' share, you shall take one out of every fifty of the people, cattle, donkeys, and flocks, even of all their livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duties of the tabernacle of God." 31:31 Moses and Eleazar the priest did as God commanded Moses. 31:32 Now the plunder, in addition to what the soldiers took for themselves, was six hundred seventy-five thousand sheep, 31:33 seventy-two thousand cattle, 31:34 sixty-one thousand donkeys, 31:35 and thirty-two thousand females who had not had sexual relations with a man. 31:36 The portion of those who went to war was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep: 31:37 and God's tribute of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five. 31:38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand; of which God's tribute was seventy-two. 31:39 The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred; of which God's tribute was sixty-one. 31:40 The people were sixteen thousand; of whom God's tribute was thirty-two people. 31:41 Moses gave the tribute, which was God's wave offering, to Eleazar the priest, as God commanded Moses. 31:42 Of the Israelites' share, which Moses divided from those who fought 31:43 (the congregation's share was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 31:44 thirty-six thousand cattle, 31:45 thirty thousand five hundred donkeys, 31:46 and sixteen thousand people), 31:47 Moses took one drawn from every fifty, both of people and animals, and gave them to the Levites, who served in the tabernacle of God, as God commanded Moses. 31:48 The army officers, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, approached Moses; 31:49 and they said to Moses, "Your servants have counted the men of war under our command, and not one of us is missing. 31:50 We have brought God's offering, what each man has gained, in gold jewelry, armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before God." 31:51 Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from them, all the crafted jewels. 31:52 All the gold of the wave offering that they offered to God, from the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels. 31:53 (For the soldiers had taken plunder, each man for himself.) 31:54 Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before God.

32:1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for livestock; 32:2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the princes of the congregation, saying, 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, 32:4 the land which Yahweh struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock. 32:5 They said, If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession; don't bring us over the Jordan. 32:6 Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brothers go to the war, and shall you sit here? 32:7 Why discourage you the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them? 32:8 Your fathers did so when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to see the land. 32:9 For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which Yahweh had given them. 32:10 Yahweh's anger was kindled in that day, and he swore, saying, 32:11 Surely none of the men who came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: 32:12 save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed Yahweh. 32:13 Yahweh's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander back and forth in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, who had done evil in the sight of Yahweh, was consumed. 32:14 Behold, you are risen up in your fathers' place, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of Yahweh toward Israel. 32:15 For if you turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and you will destroy all this people. 32:16 They came near to him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones: 32:17 but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 32:18 We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance. 32:19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side of the Jordan eastward. 32:20 Moses said to them, If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war, 32:21 and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before Yahweh, until he has driven out his enemies from before him, 32:22 and the land is subdued before Yahweh; then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh. 32:23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Yahweh; and be sure your sin will find you out. 32:24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth. 32:25 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Your servants will do as my lord commands. 32:26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock, shall be there in the cities of Gilead; 32:27 but your servants will pass over, every man who is armed for war, before Yahweh to battle, as my lord says. 32:28 So Moses commanded concerning them to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel. 32:29 Moses said to them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan, every man who is armed to battle, before Yahweh, and the land shall be subdued before you; then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession: 32:30 but if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan. 32:31 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Yahweh has said to your servants, so will we do. 32:32 We will pass over armed before Yahweh into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us beyond the Jordan. 32:33 Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, according to the cities of it with their borders, even the cities of the surrounding land. 32:34 The children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, 32:35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah, 32:36 and Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities, and folds for sheep. 32:37 The children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, 32:38 and Nebo, and Baal Meon, (their names being changed), and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the cities which they built. 32:39 The children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein. 32:40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh; and he lived therein. 32:41 Jair the son of Manasseh went and took its towns, and called them Havvoth Jair. 32:42 Nobah went and took Kenath, and its villages, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

32:1 Now the descendants of Reuben and the descendants of Gad had a large number of livestock. When they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, they noticed that it was a great place for livestock. 32:2 So the descendants of Gad and the descendants of Reuben approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the community, saying, 32:3 Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, 32:4 the land that the Lord struck down before the Israelites is suitable for livestock, and we have livestock. 32:5 They said, If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not make us cross the Jordan. 32:6 Moses said to the descendants of Gad and Reuben, Will your brothers go to war while you sit here? 32:7 Why would you discourage the Israelites from crossing into the land that the Lord has given them? 32:8 Your fathers did this when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. 32:9 They went up to the valley of Eshcol and saw the land, and they discouraged the hearts of the Israelites, preventing them from entering the land that the Lord had given them. 32:10 The Lord's anger was kindled that day, and He swore, saying, 32:11 Surely none of the men who came out of Egypt, from twenty years old and older, will see the land I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholeheartedly followed me: 32:12 except for Caleb son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua son of Nun; because they have wholeheartedly followed the Lord. 32:13 The Lord's anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness for forty years until the entire generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone. 32:14 Look, you have risen in your fathers' place, a new generation of sinful men, to increase the Lord's fierce anger toward Israel. 32:15 If you turn away from following Him, He will leave them in the wilderness again, and you will destroy all these people. 32:16 They approached him and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones: 32:17 but we ourselves will be ready and armed to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones will stay in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 32:18 We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received their inheritance. 32:19 For we will not inherit with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan, eastward. 32:20 Moses said to them, If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves to go before the Lord to fight, 32:21 and every armed man of you passes over the Jordan before the Lord until He has driven out His enemies before Him, 32:22 and the land is subdued before the Lord; then afterward you may return and be innocent before the Lord and Israel, and this land will be yours as a possession before the Lord. 32:23 But if you do not do this, you have sinned against the Lord; and know that your sin will find you out. 32:24 Build cities for your little ones and sheepfolds for your sheep; and do what you have said. 32:25 The descendants of Gad and the descendants of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Your servants will do as my lord commands. 32:26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock will stay in the cities of Gilead; 32:27 but your servants will cross over, each man equipped for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord says. 32:28 So Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the families of the tribes of the Israelites concerning them. 32:29 Moses said to them, If the descendants of Gad and Reuben cross with you over the Jordan, every man armed for battle before the Lord, and the land is subdued before you; then you will give them the land of Gilead as a possession: 32:30 but if they do not cross over with you armed, they will have possessions among you in the land of Canaan. 32:31 The descendants of Gad and Reuben replied, As the Lord has said to your servants, so we will do. 32:32 We will cross over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, and our inheritance will remain with us beyond the Jordan. 32:33 Moses gave to them, the descendants of Gad, the descendants of Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, and the cities of the surrounding land with their borders. 32:34 The descendants of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, and Aroer, 32:35 and Atrothshophan, Jazer, and Jogbehah, 32:36 and Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities, and sheepfolds. 32:37 The descendants of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, 32:38 and Nebo, and Baal Meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the cities they built. 32:39 The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were there. 32:40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir son of Manasseh, and he lived there. 32:41 Jair son of Manasseh went and took its towns, calling them Havvoth Jair. 32:42 Nobah went and took Kenath and its villages, naming it Nobah after his own name.

33:1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went forth out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. 33:2 Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of Yahweh: and these are their journeys according to their goings out. 33:3 They traveled from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians, 33:4 while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom Yahweh had struck among them: on their gods also Yahweh executed judgments. 33:5 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses, and encamped in Succoth. 33:6 They traveled from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. 33:7 They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon: and they encamped before Migdol. 33:8 They traveled from before Hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness: and they went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah. 33:9 They traveled from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees; and they encamped there. 33:10 They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea. 33:11 They traveled from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin. 33:12 They traveled from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. 33:13 They traveled from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. 33:14 They traveled from Alush, and encamped in Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. 33:15 They traveled from Rephidim, and encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. 33:16 They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah. 33:17 They traveled from Kibroth Hattaavah, and encamped in Hazeroth. 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. 33:19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. 33:20 They traveled from Rimmon Perez, and encamped in Libnah. 33:21 They traveled from Libnah, and encamped in Rissah. 33:22 They traveled from Rissah, and encamped in Kehelathah. 33:23 They traveled from Kehelathah, and encamped in Mount Shepher. 33:24 They traveled from Mount Shepher, and encamped in Haradah. 33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. 33:26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. 33:27 They traveled from Tahath, and encamped in Terah. 33:28 They traveled from Terah, and encamped in Mithkah. 33:29 They traveled from Mithkah, and encamped in Hashmonah. 33:30 They traveled from Hashmonah, and encamped in Moseroth. 33:31 They traveled from Moseroth, and encamped in Bene Jaakan. 33:32 They traveled from Bene Jaakan, and encamped in Hor Haggidgad. 33:33 They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah. 33:34 They traveled from Jotbathah, and encamped in Abronah. 33:35 They traveled from Abronah, and encamped in Ezion Geber. 33:36 They traveled from Ezion Geber, and encamped in the wilderness of Zin (the same is Kadesh). 33:37 They traveled from Kadesh, and encamped in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. 33:38 Aaron the priest went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Yahweh, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month. 33:39 Aaron was one hundred twenty-three years old when he died in Mount Hor. 33:40 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. 33:41 They traveled from Mount Hor, and encamped in Zalmonah. 33:42 They traveled from Zalmonah, and encamped in Punon. 33:43 They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth. 33:44 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped in Iye Abarim, in the border of Moab. 33:45 They traveled from Iyim, and encamped in Dibon Gad. 33:46 They traveled from Dibon Gad, and encamped in Almon Diblathaim. 33:47 They traveled from Almon Diblathaim, and encamped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 33:48 They traveled from the mountains of Abarim, and encamped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. 33:49 They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab. 33:50 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 33:51 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 33:52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images, and demolish all their high places: 33:53 and you shall take possession of the land, and dwell therein; for to you have I given the land to possess it. 33:54 You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance: wherever the lot falls to any man, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 33:55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will harass you in the land in which you dwell. 33:56 It shall happen that as I thought to do to them, so will I do to you.

33:1 These are the journeys of the Israelites when they left the land of Egypt, organized by their groups under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 33:2 Moses recorded their departures according to their journeys by the command of the Lord: and these are their journeys based on their departures. 33:3 They left Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; the day after Passover, the Israelites set out boldly in front of all the Egyptians, 33:4 while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn whom the Lord struck down among them; and the Lord also judged their gods. 33:5 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses and camped at Succoth. 33:6 They traveled from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is at the edge of the wilderness. 33:7 They traveled from Etham and turned back toward Pihahiroth, located before Baal Zephon, and camped before Migdol. 33:8 They traveled from Hahiroth and passed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness; they went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah. 33:9 They traveled from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; they camped there. 33:10 They traveled from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. 33:11 They traveled from the Red Sea, and camped in the wilderness of Sin. 33:12 They traveled from the wilderness of Sin and camped at Dophkah. 33:13 They traveled from Dophkah and camped at Alush. 33:14 They traveled from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. 33:15 They traveled from Rephidim and camped in the wilderness of Sinai. 33:16 They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth Hattaavah. 33:17 They traveled from Kibroth Hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth. 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. 33:19 They traveled from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez. 33:20 They traveled from Rimmon Perez and camped at Libnah. 33:21 They traveled from Libnah and camped at Rissah. 33:22 They traveled from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. 33:23 They traveled from Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher. 33:24 They traveled from Mount Shepher and camped at Haradah. 33:25 They traveled from Haradah and camped at Makheloth. 33:26 They traveled from Makheloth and camped at Tahath. 33:27 They traveled from Tahath and camped at Terah. 33:28 They traveled from Terah and camped at Mithkah. 33:29 They traveled from Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah. 33:30 They traveled from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. 33:31 They traveled from Moseroth and camped at Bene Jaakan. 33:32 They traveled from Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Haggidgad. 33:33 They traveled from Hor Haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah. 33:34 They traveled from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah. 33:35 They traveled from Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber. 33:36 They traveled from Ezion Geber and camped in the wilderness of Zin (which is also called Kadesh). 33:37 They traveled from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, at the edge of the land of Edom. 33:38 Aaron the priest went up to Mount Hor at the command of the Lord and died there, in the fortieth year after the Israelites left the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month. 33:39 Aaron was one hundred twenty-three years old when he died at Mount Hor. 33:40 The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the south in the land of Canaan, heard about the arrival of the Israelites. 33:41 They traveled from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah. 33:42 They traveled from Zalmonah and camped at Punon. 33:43 They traveled from Punon and camped at Oboth. 33:44 They traveled from Oboth and camped at Iye Abarim, at the border of Moab. 33:45 They traveled from Iyim and camped at Dibon Gad. 33:46 They traveled from Dibon Gad and camped at Almon Diblathaim. 33:47 They traveled from Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 33:48 They traveled from the mountains of Abarim and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. 33:49 They camped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab. 33:50 The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 33:51 "Speak to the Israelites and tell them, When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 33:52 you must drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you, destroy all their carved images, demolish all their high places: 33:53 and you shall take possession of the land and live in it; for I have given you the land to possess. 33:54 You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; the larger your family, the larger the inheritance, and the smaller your family, the smaller the inheritance: wherever the lot falls to someone, that will be theirs. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 33:55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you let remain will be like thorn pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they will bother you in the land where you live. 33:56 It will happen that as I thought to do to them, so I will do to you."

34:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 34:2 Command the children of Israel, and tell them, When you come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders), 34:3 then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the side of Edom, and your south border shall be from the end of the Salt Sea eastward; 34:4 and your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and the goings out of it shall be southward of Kadesh Barnea; and it shall go forth to Hazar Addar, and pass along to Azmon; 34:5 and the border shall turn about from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea. 34:6 For the western border, you shall have the great sea and the border of it: this shall be your west border. 34:7 This shall be your north border: from the great sea you shall mark out for you Mount Hor; 34:8 from Mount Hor you shall mark out to the entrance of Hamath; and the goings out of the border shall be at Zedad; 34:9 and the border shall go forth to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar Enan: this shall be your north border. 34:10 You shall mark out your east border from Hazar Enan to Shepham; 34:11 and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach to the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward; 34:12 and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders around it. 34:13 Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which you shall inherit by lot, which Yahweh has commanded to give to the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe; 34:14 for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their fathers' houses, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their fathers' houses, have received, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received, their inheritance: 34:15 the two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise. 34:16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 34:17 These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun. 34:18 You shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance. 34:19 These are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 34:20 Of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud. 34:21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. 34:22 Of the tribe of the children of Dan a prince, Bukki the son of Jogli. 34:23 Of the children of Joseph: of the tribe of the children of Manasseh a prince, Hanniel the son of Ephod. 34:24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. 34:25 Of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnach. 34:26 Of the tribe of the children of Issachar a prince, Paltiel the son of Azzan. 34:27 Of the tribe of the children of Asher a prince, Ahihud the son of Shelomi. 34:28 Of the tribe of the children of Naphtali a prince, Pedahel the son of Ammihud. 34:29 These are they whom Yahweh commanded to divide the inheritance to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

34:1 God spoke to Moses, saying, 34:2 "Tell the people of Israel that when you enter the land of Canaan (the land that will be your inheritance, the land of Canaan with its borders), 34:3 your southern boundary will start from the wilderness of Zin next to Edom, and your southern limit will go from the end of the Salt Sea eastward; 34:4 then your border will curve south of the ascent of Akrabbim, and extend to Zin; the border will head south of Kadesh Barnea, and continue to Hazar Addar, and then to Azmon; 34:5 the border will turn from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, and the boundary will end at the sea. 34:6 For your western border, you will have the Great Sea, which will serve as your west border. 34:7 This will define your northern border: from the Great Sea, mark out Mount Hor; 34:8 from Mount Hor, you will mark the entrance of Hamath, and the border will exit at Zedad; 34:9 the border will go to Ziphron, and the exit will be at Hazar Enan: this will be your northern border. 34:10 You will mark your eastern border from Hazar Enan to Shepham; 34:11 and the border will go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; the border will descend and reach the shore of the Sea of Chinnereth to the east; 34:12 and the border will go down to the Jordan, ending at the Salt Sea. This will be your land with its surrounding borders. 34:13 Moses instructed the people of Israel, saying, "This is the land you will inherit by lot, as God has commanded, which will be given to the nine tribes and the half-tribe; 34:14 for the tribe of the descendants of Reuben, according to their family lines, and the tribe of the descendants of Gad, according to their family lines, have received their inheritance, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh; 34:15 the two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, at Jericho, towards the sunrise." 34:16 God spoke to Moses, saying, 34:17 "These are the names of the men who will divide the land for your inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun. 34:18 You will select one leader from each tribe to help divide the land for inheritance. 34:19 These are the names of the men: From the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 34:20 From the tribe of the descendants of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud. 34:21 From the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. 34:22 From the tribe of the descendants of Dan, a leader, Bukki the son of Jogli. 34:23 From the descendants of Joseph: from the tribe of Manasseh, a leader, Hanniel the son of Ephod. 34:24 From the tribe of Ephraim, a leader, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. 34:25 From the tribe of the descendants of Zebulun, a leader, Elizaphan the son of Parnach. 34:26 From the tribe of the descendants of Issachar, a leader, Paltiel the son of Azzan. 34:27 From the tribe of the descendants of Asher, a leader, Ahihud the son of Shelomi. 34:28 From the tribe of the descendants of Naphtali, a leader, Pedahel the son of Ammihud. 34:29 These are the men whom God commanded to divide the inheritance among the people of Israel in the land of Canaan.

35:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 35:2 Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and You shall give suburbs for the cities around them to the Levites. 35:3 The cities shall they have to dwell in; and their suburbs shall be for their livestock, and for their substance, and for all their animals. 35:4 The suburbs of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand cubits around it. 35:5 You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the midst. This shall be to them the suburbs of the cities. 35:6 The cities which you shall give to the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to: and besides them you shall give forty-two cities. 35:7 All the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities together with their suburbs. 35:8 Concerning the cities which you shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many you shall take many; and from the few you shall take few: everyone according to his inheritance which he inherits shall give of his cities to the Levites. 35:9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 35:10 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 35:11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. 35:12 The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die, until he stands before the congregation for judgment. 35:13 The cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge. 35:14 You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge. 35:15 For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. 35:16 But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 35:17 If he struck him with a stone in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 35:18 Or if he struck him with a weapon of wood in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. 35:19 The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meets him, he shall put him to death. 35:20 If he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died, 35:21 or in enmity struck him with his hand, so that he died; he who struck him shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him. 35:22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled on him anything without lying in wait, 35:23 or with any stone, by which a man may die, not seeing him, and cast it on him, so that he died, and he was not his enemy, neither sought his harm; 35:24 then the congregation shall judge between the striker and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances; 35:25 and the congregation shall deliver the manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, where he was fled: and he shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. 35:26 But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the border of his city of refuge, where he flees, 35:27 and the avenger of blood find him outside of the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kill the manslayer; he shall not be guilty of blood, 35:28 because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the manslayer shall return into the land of his possession. 35:29 These things shall be for a statute and ordinance to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 35:30 Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die. 35:31 Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death. 35:32 You shall take no ransom for him who is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. 35:33 So you shall not pollute the land in which you are: for blood, it pollutes the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him who shed it. 35:34 You shall not defile the land which you inhabit, in the midst of which I dwell: for I, Yahweh, dwell in the midst of the children of Israel.

35:1 God spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, saying, 35:2 Tell the Israelites to give the Levites some of the cities they inherit as their own; and you will give them suburbs around those cities. 35:3 They will have the cities to live in, and their suburbs will be used for their livestock, their goods, and all their animals. 35:4 The suburbs of the cities you give to the Levites will extend one thousand cubits from the city wall outward. 35:5 You will measure outside the city for the east side two thousand cubits, for the south side two thousand cubits, for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, with the city in the center. These will be the suburbs of the cities. 35:6 The cities you give to the Levites will include six cities of refuge, where someone who accidentally kills a person can flee: in addition to these, you will give forty-two cities. 35:7 All the cities you give to the Levites will total forty-eight cities, along with their suburbs. 35:8 Regarding the cities from the possessions of the Israelites, take many from the larger groups and few from the smaller groups: everyone according to their inheritance will provide cities for the Levites. 35:9 God spoke to Moses, saying, 35:10 Tell the Israelites that when you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 35:11 you should set aside cities to be cities of refuge so that anyone who accidentally kills someone can escape there. 35:12 These cities will provide refuge from the avenger of blood so that the manslayer does not die until he stands trial before the congregation. 35:13 You will designate six cities of refuge. 35:14 You will designate three cities across the Jordan and three cities in Canaan; these will be cities of refuge. 35:15 For the Israelites, the foreigner, and the stranger living among them, these six cities will serve as refuge so that anyone who accidentally kills a person can flee there. 35:16 However, if someone kills another person with an iron tool, he is a murderer: the murderer must surely be put to death. 35:17 If someone kills another with a stone that could cause death, he is a murderer: the murderer must surely be put to death. 35:18 Or if he kills someone with a wooden weapon that could cause death, he is a murderer: the murderer must surely be put to death. 35:19 The avenger of blood must himself put the murderer to death: when he encounters him, he should kill him. 35:20 If he strikes him out of hatred, or ambushes him with the intent to kill, 35:21 or hits him out of enmity, resulting in death; he who struck him will surely be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood will put the murderer to death when he finds him. 35:22 But if he strikes him suddenly without hatred, or throws something at him without planning, 35:23 or uses a stone that could cause death, but does so unknowingly and without any intention to harm, 35:24 then the congregation will judge between the attacker and the avenger of blood according to these regulations; 35:25 and the congregation will free the manslayer from the avenger of blood and restore him to his city of refuge, where he fled: he will stay there until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. 35:26 But if the manslayer ever leaves the boundary of his city of refuge, where he fled, 35:27 and the avenger of blood finds him outside the city limits and kills the manslayer, he will not be guilty of murder, 35:28 because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the high priest died: but after the high priest dies, the manslayer will return to the land he inherited. 35:29 These rules will be a permanent statute and ordinance for you throughout all your generations in all your homes. 35:30 Whoever kills someone, the murderer must be executed based on the testimony of witnesses: but one witness cannot testify against any person to have him put to death. 35:31 Furthermore, you must not accept any ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves death; he must surely be executed. 35:32 You must not accept any ransom for someone who fled to his city of refuge, allowing him to return to live in the land, until the death of the priest. 35:33 You must not pollute the land you inhabit: for blood pollutes the land; and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that has been shed there, except by the blood of him who shed it. 35:34 You must not defile the land where you live, where I stay: for I, God, dwell among the Israelites.

36:1 The heads of the fathers' houses of the family of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the heads of the fathers' houses of the children of Israel: 36:2 and they said, Yahweh commanded my lord to give the land for inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by Yahweh to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother to his daughters. 36:3 If they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then will their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of our fathers, and will be added to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they shall belong: so will it be taken away from the lot of our inheritance. 36:4 When the jubilee of the children of Israel shall be, then will their inheritance be added to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they shall belong: so will their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers. 36:5 Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of Yahweh, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph speaks right. 36:6 This is the thing which Yahweh does command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them be married to whom they think best; only into the family of the tribe of their father shall they be married. 36:7 So shall no inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe; for the children of Israel shall cleave everyone to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. 36:8 Every daughter, who possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may possess every man the inheritance of his fathers. 36:9 So shall no inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; for the tribes of the children of Israel shall cleave everyone to his own inheritance. 36:10 Even as Yahweh commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad: 36:11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons. 36:12 They were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father. 36:13 These are the commandments and the ordinances which Yahweh commanded by Moses to the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

36:1 The leaders of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of the sons of Joseph, approached and spoke to Moses and the leaders, the heads of the families of the children of Israel: 36:2 They said, "Yahweh instructed my lord to divide the land as an inheritance by lot among the children of Israel, and my lord was commanded by Yahweh to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. 36:3 If they marry any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, their inheritance will be removed from our fathers' inheritance and added to the inheritance of the tribe they join, so it will be taken away from the lot of our inheritance. 36:4 When the jubilee of the children of Israel occurs, their inheritance will be added to the inheritance of the tribe they belong to, which means their inheritance will be lost to the inheritance of our fathers' tribe. 36:5 Moses commanded the children of Israel according to Yahweh’s word, saying, "The tribe of the sons of Joseph is correct in what they say. 36:6 This is what Yahweh commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: Let them marry whoever they choose, but they must marry within the family of their father's tribe. 36:7 This way, no inheritance among the children of Israel will shift from tribe to tribe; each of the children of Israel must hold onto the inheritance of their fathers' tribe. 36:8 Any daughter who inherits in any tribe of the children of Israel must marry someone from her father's clan so that each man in Israel can retain his fathers' inheritance. 36:9 Therefore, no inheritance will move from one tribe to another since the tribes of the children of Israel will each hold onto their own inheritance. 36:10 Just as Yahweh commanded Moses, so the daughters of Zelophehad did: 36:11 Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married their father's brothers' sons. 36:12 They married into the families of the sons of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of their father’s family. 36:13 These are the commandments and regulations that Yahweh instructed Moses to give the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 14:25 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[2] back to 15:38 or, tassels (Hebrew tzitzit)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassels (Hebrew tzitzit)

[3] back to 15:38 or, tassel

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassel

[4] back to 15:39 or, tassel

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassel

[5] back to 21:4 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[6] back to 33:10 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[7] back to 33:11 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds














Deuteronomy

1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 1:2 It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. 1:3 It happened in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that Yahweh had given him in commandment to them; 1:4 after he had struck Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth, at Edrei. 1:5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying, 1:6 Yahweh our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying, You have lived long enough in this mountain: 1:7 turn, and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites, and to all the places near there, in the Arabah, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and in the South, and by the seashore, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. 1:8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their seed after them. 1:9 I spoke to you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: 1:10 Yahweh your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are this day as the stars of the sky for multitude. 1:11 Yahweh, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you, as he has promised you! 1:12 How can I myself alone bear your encumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? 1:13 Take wise men of understanding and well known according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you. 1:14 You answered me, and said, The thing which you have spoken is good for us to do. 1:15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. 1:16 I commanded your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is living with him. 1:17 You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike; you shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it. 1:18 I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do. 1:19 We traveled from Horeb, and went through all that great and terrible wilderness which you saw, by the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as Yahweh our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh Barnea. 1:20 I said to you, You are come to the hill country of the Amorites, which Yahweh our God gives to us. 1:21 Behold, Yahweh your God has set the land before you: go up, take possession, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed. 1:22 You came near to me everyone of you, and said, Let us send men before us, that they may search the land for us, and bring us word again of the way by which we must go up, and the cities to which we shall come. 1:23 The thing pleased me well; and I took twelve men of you, one man for every tribe: 1:24 and they turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the valley of Eshcol, and spied it out. 1:25 They took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down to us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which Yahweh our God gives to us. 1:26 Yet you wouldn't go up, but rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh your God: 1:27 and you murmured in your tents, and said, Because Yahweh hated us, he has brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 1:28 Where are we going up? our brothers have made our heart to melt, saying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to the sky; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there. 1:29 Then I said to you, Don't dread, neither be afraid of them. 1:30 Yahweh your God who goes before you, he will fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 1:31 and in the wilderness, where you have seen how that Yahweh your God bore you, as a man does bear his son, in all the way that you went, until you came to this place. 1:32 Yet in this thing you didn't believe Yahweh your God, 1:33 who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day. 1:34 Yahweh heard the voice of your words, and was angry, and swore, saying, 1:35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see the good land, which I swore to give to your fathers, 1:36 save Caleb the son of Jephunneh: he shall see it; and to him will I give the land that he has trodden on, and to his children, because he has wholly followed Yahweh. 1:37 Also Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, saying, You also shall not go in there: 1:38 Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there: encourage you him; for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 1:39 Moreover your little ones, whom you said should be a prey, and your children, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there, and to them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 1:40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea. 1:41 Then you answered and said to me, We have sinned against Yahweh, we will go up and fight, according to all that Yahweh our God commanded us. You girded on every man his weapons of war, and were forward to go up into the hill country. 1:42 Yahweh said to me, Tell them, Don't go up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest you be struck before your enemies. 1:43 So I spoke to you, and you didn't listen; but you rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh, and were presumptuous, and went up into the hill country. 1:44 The Amorites, who lived in that hill country, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and beat you down in Seir, even to Hormah. 1:45 You returned and wept before Yahweh; but Yahweh didn't listen to your voice, nor gave ear to you. 1:46 So you abode in Kadesh many days, according to the days that you abode there.

1:1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 1:2 It takes eleven days to travel from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by way of Mount Seir. 1:3 In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, Moses addressed the people of Israel, sharing everything that Yahweh had commanded him. 1:4 This was after he had defeated Sihon, the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth, at Edrei. 1:5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses began to declare this law, saying, 1:6 Yahweh our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain: 1:7 turn and take your journey to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the places near there, in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the lowland, in the South, and along the seashore, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 1:8 Look, I have set the land before you: go in and take possession of the land which Yahweh swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them and their descendants after them. 1:9 At that time, I said to you, 'I can’t handle you all by myself: 1:10 Yahweh your God has increased your numbers, and you are today as numerous as the stars in the sky. 1:11 May Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you as He promised you!' 1:12 How can I bear the weight of your problems, your burdens, and your disputes all by myself? 1:13 Choose wise and respected men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as leaders over you. 1:14 You agreed, saying, 'What you have proposed is a good idea for us to do.' 1:15 So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and reputable men, and appointed them as heads over you—leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens, and officials, according to your tribes. 1:16 At that time, I instructed your judges, saying, 'Listen to the disputes between your fellow Israelites and judge fairly between a man and his brother, and the foreigner residing with him. 1:17 Do not show favoritism in judgment; hear both the small and the great alike; do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. If a case is too difficult for you, bring it to me, and I will hear it.' 1:18 I commanded you at that time everything you should do. 1:19 We traveled from Horeb and went through that vast and terrifying wilderness that you saw, following the route to the hill country of the Amorites, as Yahweh our God commanded us; and we arrived at Kadesh Barnea. 1:20 I said to you, 'You have come to the hill country of the Amorites, which Yahweh our God is giving us. 1:21 Look, Yahweh your God has placed the land before you: go up, take possession, just as Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, has said to you; do not be afraid or discouraged.' 1:22 Then all of you approached me and said, 'Let us send men ahead to scout out the land for us, and bring back a report on the route we should take and the cities we will encounter.' 1:23 This seemed like a good idea to me, so I selected twelve from among you, one from each tribe. 1:24 They turned and went up into the hill country, arriving at the Valley of Eshcol, where they explored the land. 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, brought it back to us, and reported, 'It is a good land that Yahweh our God is giving us.' 1:26 However, you were unwilling to go up, and you rebelled against the command of Yahweh your God. 1:27 You grumbled in your tents, saying, 'Because Yahweh hated us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us.' 1:28 Where are we going? Our fellow Israelites have made our hearts melt, saying, 'The people are greater and taller than we are; the cities are large and fortified up to the sky; we even saw the sons of the Anakim there.' 1:29 I said to you, 'Don't be terrified or afraid of them. 1:30 Yahweh your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 1:31 and in the wilderness, where you saw how Yahweh your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way until you came to this place. 1:32 Yet in this matter, you did not trust Yahweh your God, 1:33 who went ahead of you on your journey, to find a place for you to camp, in the fire by night to show you the way to go, and in the cloud by day. 1:34 Yahweh heard what you said and became angry, and swore, saying, 1:35 'Not one of these evil men from this generation will see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 1:36 except for Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he walked on, because he followed Yahweh wholeheartedly.' 1:37 And Yahweh was also angry with me for your sake, saying, 'You also will not enter there. 1:38 Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter there; encourage him, because he will help Israel inherit it. 1:39 And your little ones, whom you said would be taken captive, and your children who do not yet know good from evil—they will enter there, and I will give it to them, and they will possess it. 1:40 But as for you, turn back and head into the wilderness toward the Red Sea. 1:41 You replied, 'We have sinned against Yahweh. We will go up and fight, just as Yahweh our God commanded us.' Each of you put on your weapons of war and were eager to go up into the hill country. 1:42 But Yahweh said to me, 'Tell them, “Do not go up or fight, for I am not among you; you will be defeated by your enemies.”' 1:43 So I warned you, but you did not listen; instead, you rebelled against the command of Yahweh and presumptuously went up into the hill country. 1:44 The Amorites who lived there came out against you like bees and chased you down, and they struck you down in Seir all the way to Hormah. 1:45 You returned and wept before Yahweh, but He did not listen to your cries or pay attention to you. 1:46 So you stayed at Kadesh many days, as long as you had stayed there.

2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Yahweh spoke to me; and we encircled Mount Seir many days. 2:2 Yahweh spoke to me, saying, 2:3 You have encircled this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 2:4 Command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the border of your brothers the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you: take good heed to yourselves therefore; 2:5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on; because I have given Mount Seir to Esau for a possession. 2:6 You shall purchase food of them for money, that you may eat; and you shall also buy water of them for money, that you may drink. 2:7 For Yahweh your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand; he has known your walking through this great wilderness: these forty years Yahweh your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing. 2:8 So we passed by from our brothers the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. 2:9 Yahweh said to me, Don't bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you of his land for a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession. 2:10 (The Emim lived therein before, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim: 2:11 these also are accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim. 2:12 The Horites also lived in Seir before, but the children of Esau succeeded them; and they destroyed them from before them, and lived in their place; as Israel did to the land of his possession, which Yahweh gave to them.) 2:13 Now rise up, and get you over the brook Zered. We went over the brook Zered. 2:14 The days in which we came from Kadesh Barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty-eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them. 2:15 Moreover the hand of Yahweh was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp, until they were consumed. 2:16 So it happened, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people, 2:17 that Yahweh spoke to me, saying, 2:18 You are this day to pass over Ar, the border of Moab: 2:19 and when you come near over against the children of Ammon, don't bother them, nor contend with them; for I will not give you of the land of the children of Ammon for a possession; because I have given it to the children of Lot for a possession. 2:20 (That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim lived therein before; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, 2:21 a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Yahweh destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and lived in their place; 2:22 as he did for the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites from before them; and they succeeded them, and lived in their place even to this day: 2:23 and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and lived in their place.) 2:24 Rise up, take your journey, and pass over the valley of the Arnon: behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land; begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. 2:25 This day will I begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole sky, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of you. 2:26 I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying, 2:27 Let me pass through your land: I will go along by the highway, I will turn neither to the right hand nor to the left. 2:28 You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only let me pass through on my feet, 2:29 as the children of Esau who dwell in Seir, and the Moabites who dwell in Ar, did to me; until I shall pass over the Jordan into the land which Yahweh our God gives us. 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for Yahweh your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as at this day. 2:31 Yahweh said to me, Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sihon and his land before you: begin to possess, that you may inherit his land. 2:32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Jahaz. 2:33 Yahweh our God delivered him up before us; and we struck him, and his sons, and all his people. 2:34 We took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed every inhabited city, with the women and the little ones; we left none remaining: 2:35 only the livestock we took for a prey to ourselves, with the spoil of the cities which we had taken. 2:36 From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and from the city that is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city too high for us; Yahweh our God delivered up all before us: 2:37 only to the land of the children of Ammon you didn't come near; all the side of the river Jabbok, and the cities of the hill country, and wherever Yahweh our God forbade us.

2:1 We turned and started our journey into the wilderness toward the Red Sea, as the Lord instructed me; we circled Mount Seir for many days. 2:2 The Lord spoke to me, saying, 2:3 You have gone around this mountain long enough: now turn northward. 2:4 Command the people, saying, You are to pass through the land of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; they will be afraid of you, so be careful. 2:5 Don't start a fight with them; I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on; because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession. 2:6 You shall buy food from them for money so you can eat, and you shall buy water from them for money so you can drink. 2:7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in all your work; He knows your journey through this great wilderness: for forty years, the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing. 2:8 So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir, along the path of the Arabah from Elath and Ezion Geber. We turned and went along the road through the wilderness of Moab. 2:9 The Lord said to me, Don't bother Moab or start a fight with them; I will not give you any of their land as a possession; I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession. 2:10 (The Emim lived there before, a great and numerous people, tall like the Anakim: 2:11 these are also considered Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim. 2:12 The Horites previously lived in Seir, but the children of Esau took their place; they destroyed them and settled there, as Israel did with the land that the Lord gave them.) 2:13 Now get up and cross the brook Zered. We crossed the brook Zered. 2:14 The period from when we left Kadesh Barnea to when we crossed the brook Zered was thirty-eight years; until all the warriors of that generation had died, as the Lord swore to them. 2:15 The Lord’s hand was against them, to eliminate them from the midst of the camp, until they were gone. 2:16 So it happened that when all the warriors had died among the people, 2:17 the Lord spoke to me, saying, 2:18 Today you are to cross over Ar, the border of Moab: 2:19 and when you approach the children of Ammon, don't bother them or start a fight; I will not give you any of the land of the children of Ammon as a possession; I have given it to the children of Lot as a possession. 2:20 (That is also considered a land of Rephaim: Rephaim lived there before, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, 2:21 a great and numerous people, tall like the Anakim; but the Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, who took their place and lived there; 2:22 as He did for the descendants of Esau, who dwell in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites before them; they took their land and settled there up to this day: 2:23 and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorim, who came out of Caphtor, and took their place.) 2:24 Get up, take your journey, and cross the valley of the Arnon: look, I have given you Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land; begin to take possession and fight him in battle. 2:25 This day I will begin to put the fear of you and the dread of you on all the peoples under heaven, who will hear the news about you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you. 2:26 I sent messengers from the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon, king of Heshbon, with words of peace, saying, 2:27 Let me pass through your land: I will just stick to the highway, turning neither to the right nor the left. 2:28 You shall sell me food for money so I can eat, and give me water for money so I can drink: just let me pass through on foot, 2:29 as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir and the Moabites who live in Ar did for me; until I cross over the Jordan into the land which the Lord our God gives us. 2:30 But Sihon, king of Heshbon, refused to let us pass; for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart stubborn, so He could hand him over to you, as it is today. 2:31 The Lord said to me, Look, I have started to hand Sihon and his land over to you: begin to possess it, so you can inherit his land. 2:32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. 2:33 The Lord our God delivered him to us; we defeated him, his sons, and all his people. 2:34 We captured all his cities at that time, and completely destroyed every city with inhabitants, including women and children; we left no survivors: 2:35 only the livestock we took for ourselves, along with the plunder from the cities we had captured. 2:36 From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and from the city that is in the valley, up to Gilead, there was not a single city too fortified for us; the Lord our God delivered all of them before us: 2:37 only to the land of the children of Ammon did you not approach; all along the river Jabbok, the cities of the hill country, and wherever the Lord our God forbade us.

3:1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 3:2 Yahweh said to me, Don't fear him; for I have delivered him, and all his people, and his land, into your hand; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon. 3:3 So Yahweh our God delivered into our hand Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we struck him until none was left to him remaining. 3:4 We took all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we didn't take from them; sixty cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 3:5 All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the unwalled towns a great many. 3:6 We utterly destroyed them, as we did to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying every inhabited city, with the women and the little ones. 3:7 But all the livestock, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves. 3:8 We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon; 3:9 (which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir;) 3:10 all the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, to Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; isn't it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its breadth, after the cubit of a man.) 3:12 This land we took in possession at that time: from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, and half the hill country of Gilead, and its cities, gave I to the Reubenites and to the Gadites: 3:13 and the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, gave I to the half-tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, even all Bashan. (The same is called the land of Rephaim. 3:14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the region of Argob, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and called them, even Bashan, after his own name, Havvoth Jair, to this day.) 3:15 I gave Gilead to Machir. 3:16 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and the border of it, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 3:17 the Arabah also, and the Jordan and the border of it, from Chinnereth even to the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah eastward. 3:18 I commanded you at that time, saying, Yahweh your God has given you this land to possess it: you shall pass over armed before your brothers the children of Israel, all the men of valor. 3:19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your livestock, (I know that you have much livestock), shall abide in your cities which I have given you, 3:20 until Yahweh give rest to your brothers, as to you, and they also possess the land which Yahweh your God gives them beyond the Jordan: then you shall return every man to his possession, which I have given you. 3:21 I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Your eyes have seen all that Yahweh your God has done to these two kings: so shall Yahweh do to all the kingdoms where you go over. 3:22 You shall not fear them; for Yahweh your God, he it is who fights for you. 3:23 I begged Yahweh at that time, saying, 3:24 Lord Yahweh, you have begun to show your servant your greatness, and your strong hand: for what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to your works, and according to your mighty acts? 3:25 Please let me go over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. 3:26 But Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, and didn't listen to me; and Yahweh said to me, Let it suffice you; speak no more to me of this matter. 3:27 Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes: for you shall not go over this Jordan. 3:28 But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see. 3:29 So we abode in the valley over against Beth Peor.

3:1 Then we turned and headed up to Bashan. Og, the king of Bashan, came out to fight us, along with all his people, at Edrei. 3:2 Yahweh told me, "Don’t be afraid of him; I have delivered him, along with all his people and land, into your hands. You will deal with him just like you did with Sihon, the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon." 3:3 So Yahweh our God also delivered Og, the king of Bashan, along with all his people, into our hands, and we struck him down until no one was left. 3:4 We took all his cities at that time; there wasn't a single city we didn't capture from them—sixty cities in total, all part of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 3:5 All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, in addition to a large number of unwalled towns. 3:6 We completely destroyed them, just like we did with Sihon, the king of Heshbon, wiping out every inhabited city, including the women and children. 3:7 But we took all the livestock and the spoil from the cities for ourselves. 3:8 At that time, we took possession of the land from the two kings of the Amorites who were across the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon; 3:9 (which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion, while the Amorites call it Senir;) 3:10 all the cities in the plain, all of Gilead, and all of Bashan, including Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 3:11 (For only Og, king of Bashan, remained from the remnants of the Rephaim; check out his bed—it was made of iron! Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? It was nine cubits long and four cubits wide, according to the standard measure.) 3:12 This land we took possession of at that time: from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, and half of Gilead’s hill country, along with its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and the Gadites: 3:13 and the rest of Gilead, along with all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, including all of Bashan. (This is known as the land of Rephaim. 3:14 Jair, the son of Manasseh, took all of the region of Argob to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites and named it Havvoth Jair, after himself, and the name is still used today.) 3:15 I gave Gilead to Machir. 3:16 To the Reubenites and the Gadites, I gave from Gilead to the valley of the Arnon, right in the middle of the valley, and its border, all the way to the river Jabbok, which marks the border of the Ammonites; 3:17 also the Arabah, the Jordan, and its border, from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, at the foot of Pisgah, eastward. 3:18 I commanded you at that time, saying, "Yahweh your God has given you this land to possess it: you must cross over armed in front of your fellow Israelites, all the brave men." 3:19 But your wives, children, and livestock (I know you have a lot of livestock) should stay in the cities I've given you, 3:20 until Yahweh provides rest for your brothers, just as He has for you, and they also take possession of the land that Yahweh your God gives them across the Jordan. Then each of you can return to your own land, which I’ve given you. 3:21 I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, "You have seen everything that Yahweh your God has done to these two kings; this is what Yahweh will do to all the kingdoms you will encounter." 3:22 You must not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is the one who fights for you. 3:23 I pleaded with Yahweh at that time, saying, 3:24 "Lord Yahweh, you have started to show your servant your greatness and your strong hand; what god is there in heaven or on earth that can perform according to your works and mighty acts? 3:25 Please let me cross over and see the good land that lies beyond the Jordan, that wonderful mountain and Lebanon." 3:26 But Yahweh became angry with me because of you and didn’t listen to me. Yahweh said to me, "That’s enough; don’t talk to me about this matter anymore. 3:27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west, north, south, and east; see with your eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. 3:28 But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will go over ahead of this people and will help them inherit the land you will see." 3:29 So we stayed in the valley opposite Beth Peor.

4:1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, gives you. 4:2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you. 4:3 Your eyes have seen what Yahweh did because of Baal Peor; for all the men who followed Baal Peor, Yahweh your God has destroyed them from the midst of you. 4:4 But you who did cleave to Yahweh your God are alive everyone of you this day. 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as Yahweh my God commanded me, that you should do so in the midst of the land where you go in to possess it. 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 4:7 For what great nation is there, that has a god so near to them, as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him? 4:8 What great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 4:9 Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children's children; 4:10 the day that you stood before Yahweh your God in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children. 4:11 You came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the heart of the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness. 4:12 Yahweh spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; only you heard a voice. 4:13 He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and he wrote them on two tables of stone. 4:14 Yahweh commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it. 4:15 Take therefore good heed to yourselves; for you saw no manner of form on the day that Yahweh spoke to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire. 4:16 Lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself an engraved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 4:17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, 4:18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth; 4:19 and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Yahweh your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole sky. 4:20 But Yahweh has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as at this day. 4:21 Furthermore Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go in to that good land, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance: 4:22 but I must die in this land, I must not go over the Jordan; but you shall go over, and possess that good land. 4:23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make you an engraved image in the form of anything which Yahweh your God has forbidden you. 4:24 For Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God. 4:25 When you shall father children, and children's children, and you shall have been long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make an engraved image in the form of anything, and shall do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, to provoke him to anger; 4:26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over the Jordan to possess it; you shall not prolong your days on it, but shall utterly be destroyed. 4:27 Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples, and you shall be left few in number among the nations, where Yahweh shall lead you away. 4:28 There you shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 4:29 But from there you shall seek Yahweh your God, and you shall find him, when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4:30 When you are in oppression, and all these things are come on you, in the latter days you shall return to Yahweh your God, and listen to his voice: 4:31 for Yahweh your God is a merciful God; he will not fail you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which he swore to them. 4:32 For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and from the one end of the sky to the other, whether there has been any such thing as this great thing is, or has been heard like it? 4:33 Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live? 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Yahweh your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 4:35 To you it was shown, that you might know that Yahweh he is God; there is none else besides him. 4:36 Out of heaven he made you to hear his voice, that he might instruct you: and on earth he made you to see his great fire; and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire. 4:37 Because he loved your fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought you out with his presence, with his great power, out of Egypt; 4:38 to drive out nations from before you greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as at this day. 4:39 Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Yahweh he is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is none else. 4:40 You shall keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh your God gives you, forever. 4:41 Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise; 4:42 that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unawares, and didn't hate him in time past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live: 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites. 4:44 This is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel: 4:45 these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spoke to the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt, 4:46 beyond the Jordan, in the valley over against Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel struck, when they came forth out of Egypt. 4:47 They took his land in possession, and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise; 4:48 from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, even to Mount Sion (the same is Hermon), 4:49 and all the Arabah beyond the Jordan eastward, even to the sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of Pisgah.

4:1 Now, Israel, listen to the laws and decrees that I’m teaching you to follow, so you can live and go in to take possession of the land that Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 4:2 Don’t add to the words I’m commanding you, and don’t take away from them, so you can keep the commands of Yahweh your God that I’m giving you. 4:3 Your eyes have seen what Yahweh did because of Baal Peor; all the men who followed Baal Peor, Yahweh your God has destroyed from among you. 4:4 But you who stayed faithful to Yahweh your God are all alive today. 4:5 Look, I have taught you laws and decrees just as Yahweh my God commanded me, so that you can follow them in the land where you’re going to take possession. 4:6 So be sure to keep and follow them; this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the nations, who will hear about all these laws and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 4:7 For what great nation has a god so near to them as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him? 4:8 And what great nation has laws and decrees so righteous as this entire law that I’m setting before you today? 4:9 Just be careful and watch yourselves closely, so you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and don’t let them fade from your heart all your life; make them known to your children and grandchildren; 4:10 the day you stood before Yahweh your God at Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, “Gather the people together, and I will let them hear my words, so they can learn to fear me all the days they live on the earth and teach their children.” 4:11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain; the mountain was ablaze with fire reaching to the sky, with darkness, clouds, and deep darkness. 4:12 Yahweh spoke to you out of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no shape; you only heard a voice. 4:13 He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to keep, the ten commandments; and he wrote them on two stone tablets. 4:14 Yahweh commanded me at that time to teach you laws and decrees, so you could follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. 4:15 So be very careful, because you saw no form on the day Yahweh spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. 4:16 Don’t corrupt yourselves and make an idol in the shape of anything, the likeness of male or female, 4:17 the likeness of any animal on the earth, the likeness of any bird that flies in the sky, 4:18 the likeness of anything that crawls on the ground, the likeness of any fish in the water beneath the earth; 4:19 and be careful not to look up at the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the heavenly host, you’re drawn away to worship them and serve them, which Yahweh your God has assigned to all the nations under heaven. 4:20 But Yahweh has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be his people, as you are today. 4:21 Furthermore, Yahweh was angry with me because of you and swore that I would not cross the Jordan and enter the good land that Yahweh your God is giving you for an inheritance: 4:22 I must die in this land; I must not cross the Jordan; but you will cross over and take possession of that good land. 4:23 Take care to remember the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make an idol in the shape of anything that Yahweh your God has forbidden you. 4:24 For Yahweh your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. 4:25 When you have children and grandchildren and have been in the land a long time, if you corrupt yourselves and make an idol in the shape of anything, doing what is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God to provoke him to anger; 4:26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that you will quickly perish from the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess; you will not live there long but will be utterly destroyed. 4:27 Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where Yahweh will drive you. 4:28 There you will serve gods made by human hands, wood and stone, which can neither see, hear, eat, nor smell. 4:29 But from there you will seek Yahweh your God, and you will find him when you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4:30 When you are in distress and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to Yahweh your God and obey his voice: 4:31 for Yahweh your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you, destroy you, or forget the covenant with your ancestors that he swore to them. 4:32 For ask about the past, from the day God created humanity on the earth, and from one end of the sky to the other, whether anything so great as this has ever happened or has been heard of before? 4:33 Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have heard, and live? 4:34 Or has God ever tried to take a nation from another nation through trials, signs, wonders, war, a mighty hand, an outstretched arm, and great terrors, as Yahweh your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 4:35 To you, it was shown so that you would know that Yahweh is God; there is no other. 4:36 Out of heaven he made you hear his voice to instruct you; and on earth, he made you see his great fire; and you heard his words from the fire. 4:37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them and brought you out of Egypt with his presence and great power; 4:38 to drive out nations greater and stronger than you to bring you in and give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today. 4:39 Know this day and take it to heart that Yahweh is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. 4:40 Keep his laws and commandments that I’m giving you today, so it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you forever. 4:41 Then Moses set apart three cities on the east side of the Jordan; 4:42 so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally, someone who didn’t hate their neighbor in the past, could flee there and live: 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, for the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites. 4:44 This is the law that Moses set before the Israelites: 4:45 these are the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances that Moses spoke to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, 4:46 beyond the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the Israelites defeated when they came out of Egypt. 4:47 They took possession of his land and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were on the east side of the Jordan; 4:48 from Aroer, which is by the edge of the valley of the Arnon, to Mount Sion (that is, Hermon), 4:49 and all the Arabah, east of the Jordan, to the Dead Sea at the foot of the slopes of Pisgah.

5:1 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that you may learn them, and observe to do them. 5:2 Yahweh our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 5:3 Yahweh didn't make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. 5:4 Yahweh spoke with you face to face on the mountain out of the midst of the fire, 5:5 (I stood between Yahweh and you at that time, to show you the word of Yahweh: for you were afraid because of the fire, and didn't go up onto the mountain;) saying, 5:6 "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 5:7 You shall have no other gods before me.

5:1 Moses gathered all of Israel and said to them, "Listen, Israel, to the laws and regulations I'm sharing with you today, so you can learn them and put them into practice. 5:2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 5:3 The Lord didn’t make this covenant with our ancestors, but with us, all of us who are here alive today. 5:4 The Lord spoke to you directly on the mountain from the heart of the fire, 5:5 (I was there between the Lord and you at that time, to explain the word of the Lord, because you were afraid of the fire and didn’t go up the mountain;) saying, 5:6 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of slavery. 5:7 You shall have no other gods before me.

5:8 "You shall not make an engraved image for yourself, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5:9 you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me; 5:10 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

5:8 "Do not create an engraved image for yourself, or any likeness of anything that’s in heaven above, on earth below, or in the water beneath the earth. 5:9 Do not bow down to them or worship them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me; 5:10 but I show love to thousands of those who love me and obey my commandments."

5:11 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

5:11 "You should not use the name of the Lord your God carelessly, because the Lord will not let anyone go unpunished who misuses His name.

5:12 "Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Yahweh your God commanded you. 5:13 You shall labor six days, and do all your work; 5:14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 5:15 You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

5:12 "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as Yahweh your God instructed you. 5:13 You shall work for six days and do all your tasks; 5:14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, during which you shall not do any work—neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor any outsider staying with you—so that your male servant and female servant can also rest, just like you. 5:15 Remember that you were a servant in Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there with a powerful hand and an outstretched arm; that's why Yahweh your God commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."

5:16 "Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

5:16 "Respect your father and mother, as the Lord your God instructed you; so that you may live long and things go well for you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

5:17 "You shall not murder.

"You must not kill."

5:18 "Neither shall you commit adultery.

"You must not cheat."

5:19 "Neither shall you steal.

"Don't steal."

5:20 "Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

5:20 "You also shouldn’t give false testimony against your neighbor.

5:21 "Neither shall you covet your neighbor's wife; neither shall you desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

5:21 "Don't be envious of your neighbor's wife; don't crave your neighbor's house, field, male servant, female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor."

5:22 These words Yahweh spoke to all your assembly on the mountain out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. He wrote them on two tables of stone, and gave them to me. 5:23 It happened, when you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; 5:24 and you said, Behold, Yahweh our God has shown us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God does speak with man, and he lives. 5:25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of Yahweh our God any more, then we shall die. 5:26 For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? 5:27 Go you near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say: and speak you to us all that Yahweh our God shall speak to you; and we will hear it, and do it. 5:28 Yahweh heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and Yahweh said to me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you: they have well said all that they have spoken. 5:29 Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever! 5:30 Go tell them, Return you to your tents. 5:31 But as for you, stand you here by me, and I will speak to you all the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. 5:32 You shall observe to do therefore as Yahweh your God has commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 5:33 You shall walk in all the way which Yahweh your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

5:22 These words Yahweh spoke to all of you gathered at the mountain from the middle of the fire, the cloud, and the thick darkness, with a powerful voice: and he said nothing more. He wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. 5:23 When you heard the voice from the darkness while the mountain was on fire, you came close to me, all the leaders of your tribes and your elders; 5:24 and you said, Look, Yahweh our God has revealed his glory and greatness to us, and we have heard his voice from the middle of the fire: we have seen today that God speaks with man, and he lives. 5:25 So why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of Yahweh our God again, we shall die. 5:26 For who among all people has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the fire, as we have, and lived? 5:27 You go near, and hear everything that Yahweh our God will say; and tell us everything that Yahweh our God tells you, and we will listen and do it. 5:28 Yahweh heard your words when you spoke to me; and Yahweh said to me, I have heard what this people said to you: they have spoken well. 5:29 Oh, if only they had such a heart in them, that they would fear me and keep all my commandments always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! 5:30 Go tell them, Return to your tents. 5:31 But you stand here with me, and I will tell you all the commandments, statutes, and ordinances, which you shall teach them so that they may follow them in the land that I give them to possess. 5:32 You must be careful to do as Yahweh your God has commanded you: you must not turn to the right or to the left. 5:33 You shall walk in all the ways that Yahweh your God has commanded you, so that you may live, things will go well with you, and you may have long days in the land that you will possess.

6:1 Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it; 6:2 that you might fear Yahweh your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, you, and your son, and your son's son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged. 6:3 Hear therefore, Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has promised to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 6:4 Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one: 6:5 and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6:6 These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; 6:7 and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. 6:8 You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes. 6:9 You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates. 6:10 It shall be, when Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land which he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you, great and goodly cities, which you didn't build, 6:11 and houses full of all good things, which you didn't fill, and cisterns dug out, which you didn't dig, vineyards and olive trees, which you didn't plant, and you shall eat and be full; 6:12 then beware lest you forget Yahweh, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 6:13 You shall fear Yahweh your God; and you shall serve him, and shall swear by his name. 6:14 You shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who are around you; 6:15 for Yahweh your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; lest the anger of Yahweh your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth. 6:16 You shall not tempt Yahweh your God, as you tempted him in Massah. 6:17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you. 6:18 You shall do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh; that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, 6:19 to thrust out all your enemies from before you, as Yahweh has spoken. 6:20 When your son asks you in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh our God has commanded you? 6:21 then you shall tell your son, We were Pharaoh's bondservants in Egypt: and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; 6:22 and Yahweh showed great and awesome signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his house, before our eyes; 6:23 and he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he swore to our fathers. 6:24 Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day. 6:25 It shall be righteousness to us, if we observe to do all this commandment before Yahweh our God, as he has commanded us.

6:1 This is the command, the rules, and the laws that Yahweh your God instructed you to teach, so that you can follow them in the land you are about to enter and take possession of; 6:2 so that you may revere Yahweh your God, keeping all his rules and commands that I give you, you, your son, and your grandson, all the days of your life; and so that your days may be extended. 6:3 Listen, Israel, and make sure to follow them; that it may go well for you, and that you can greatly prosper, just as Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, promised you, in a land full of plenty. 6:4 Listen, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one: 6:5 and you must love Yahweh your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6:6 These words that I command you today should be on your heart; 6:7 and you must teach them carefully to your children, discussing them when you’re at home, when you’re on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. 6:8 You should tie them as symbols on your hands, and they should be reminders on your foreheads. 6:9 You should write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates. 6:10 When Yahweh your God brings you into the land He swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you, cities that are great and good that you didn’t build, 6:11 and houses filled with all good things that you didn’t fill, and wells you didn’t dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you didn’t plant, and when you eat and are satisfied; 6:12 then beware that you do not forget Yahweh, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 6:13 You must revere Yahweh your God; you must serve Him, and you must swear by His name. 6:14 You must not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 6:15 because Yahweh your God who is among you is a jealous God; otherwise, the anger of Yahweh your God will burn against you, and He will destroy you from the face of the earth. 6:16 You must not test Yahweh your God, as you did at Massah. 6:17 You must carefully keep the commands of Yahweh your God, and His testimonies, and His statutes, which He has commanded you. 6:18 You must do what is right and good in Yahweh's sight, so that it may go well for you, and so that you can go in and take possession of the good land that Yahweh swore to your ancestors, 6:19 to drive out all your enemies before you, as Yahweh has spoken. 6:20 When your son asks you in the future, “What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances that Yahweh our God has commanded you?” 6:21 you shall say to your son, “We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand; 6:22 and Yahweh performed great and awesome signs and wonders in Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household, before our eyes; 6:23 and He brought us out from there to bring us in, to give us the land that He swore to our ancestors. 6:24 Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to revere Yahweh our God, for our good at all times, so that He might preserve us alive, as He is doing today. 6:25 It will be our righteousness if we are careful to obey all this command before Yahweh our God, as He has commanded us.

7:1 When Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and shall cast out many nations before you, the Hittite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than you; 7:2 and when Yahweh your God shall deliver them up before you, and you shall strike them; then you shall utterly destroy them: you shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them; 7:3 neither shall you make marriages with them; your daughter you shall not give to his son, nor shall you take his daughter for your son. 7:4 For he will turn away your son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so the anger of Yahweh would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. 7:5 But you shall deal with them like this: you shall break down their altars, and dash their pillars in pieces, and cut down their Asherim, and burn their engraved images with fire. 7:6 For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God: Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7:7 Yahweh didn't set his love on you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all peoples: 7:8 but because Yahweh loves you, and because he would keep the oath which he swore to your fathers, has Yahweh brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 7:9 Know therefore that Yahweh your God, he is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations, 7:10 and repays those who hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him who hates him, he will repay him to his face. 7:11 You shall therefore keep the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which I command you this day, to do them. 7:12 It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances, and keep and do them, that Yahweh your God will keep with you the covenant and the loving kindness which he swore to your fathers: 7:13 and he will love you, and bless you, and multiply you; he will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your livestock and the young of your flock, in the land which he swore to your fathers to give you. 7:14 You shall be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your livestock. 7:15 Yahweh will take away from you all sickness; and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you know, he will put on you, but will lay them on all those who hate you. 7:16 You shall consume all the peoples whom Yahweh your God shall deliver to you; your eye shall not pity them: neither shall you serve their gods; for that will be a snare to you. 7:17 If you shall say in your heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them? 7:18 you shall not be afraid of them: you shall well remember what Yahweh your God did to Pharaoh, and to all Egypt; 7:19 the great trials which your eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which Yahweh your God brought you out: so shall Yahweh your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. 7:20 Moreover Yahweh your God will send the hornet among them, until those who are left, and hide themselves, perish from before you. 7:21 You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is in the midst of you, a great and awesome God. 7:22 Yahweh your God will cast out those nations before you by little and little: you may not consume them at once, lest the animals of the field increase on you. 7:23 But Yahweh your God will deliver them up before you, and will confuse them with a great confusion, until they be destroyed. 7:24 He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you shall make their name to perish from under the sky: there shall no man be able to stand before you, until you have destroyed them. 7:25 You shall burn the engraved images of their gods with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourself, lest you be snared in it; for it is an abomination to Yahweh your God. 7:26 You shall not bring an abomination into your house, and become a devoted thing like it. You shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it; for it is a devoted thing.

7:1 When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are about to possess and drives out many nations before you— the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations that are larger and stronger than you— 7:2 and when the Lord your God delivers them to you, and you strike them down, you must completely destroy them. Do not make a treaty with them or show them mercy; 7:3 do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughter to their son or take their daughter for your son. 7:4 For they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods; then the Lord's anger will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. 7:5 This is what you must do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. 7:6 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be his treasured possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7:7 The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples; 7:8 but it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. 7:10 He repays in full those who hate him and destroys them; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him. 7:11 You must be careful to follow the commands, decrees, and laws I give you today. 7:12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. 7:13 He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers; he will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land, your grain, new wine, and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. 7:14 You will be blessed more than all the other peoples; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. 7:15 The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you. 7:16 You must destroy all the nations the Lord your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. 7:17 If you say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are; how can we drive them out?” 7:18 do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. 7:19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs, and the wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. 7:20 The Lord your God will send the hornet upon them until even the survivors who hide from you have perished. 7:21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. 7:22 The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. 7:23 But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. 7:24 He will give their kings into your hand, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will destroy them. 7:25 You must burn the images of their gods in the fire and do not covet the silver and gold that is on them and take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is a detestable thing to the Lord your God. 7:26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as a vile thing and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

8:1 You shall observe to do all the commandment which I command you this day, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers. 8:2 You shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or not. 8:3 He humbled you, and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you didn't know, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh does man live. 8:4 Your clothing didn't grow old on you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years. 8:5 You shall consider in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so Yahweh your God chastens you. 8:6 You shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. 8:7 For Yahweh your God brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of springs, and underground water flowing into valleys and hills; 8:8 a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey; 8:9 a land in which you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig copper. 8:10 You shall eat and be full, and you shall bless Yahweh your God for the good land which he has given you. 8:11 Beware lest you forget Yahweh your God, in not keeping his commandments, and his ordinances, and his statutes, which I command you this day: 8:12 lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and lived therein; 8:13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 8:14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; 8:15 who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint; 8:16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers didn't know; that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your latter end: 8:17 and lest you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. 8:18 But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day. 8:19 It shall be, if you shall forget Yahweh your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 8:20 As the nations that Yahweh makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you wouldn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

8:1 You must carefully follow all the commands I’m giving you today so that you can live, grow in number, and enter the land that Yahweh promised to your ancestors. 8:2 Remember all the ways Yahweh your God has guided you for these forty years in the wilderness to humble you, test you, and see what was in your heart—whether you would obey his commands or not. 8:3 He humbled you by letting you go hungry, then feeding you with manna that you and your ancestors didn’t know about, to teach you that people don’t live by bread alone, but by everything that comes from the mouth of Yahweh. 8:4 Your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t swell during these forty years. 8:5 Remember that just as a father disciplines his son, so Yahweh your God disciplines you. 8:6 Keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, walk in his ways, and have reverence for him. 8:7 For Yahweh your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams of water, springs, and underground water flowing into valleys and hills; 8:8 a land of wheat and barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey; 8:9 a land where you will eat bread without scarcity and lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron, and from whose hills you can dig copper. 8:10 You will eat and be satisfied, and you will praise Yahweh your God for the good land he has given you. 8:11 Be careful not to forget Yahweh your God by failing to keep his commandments, laws, and regulations that I’m giving you today: 8:12 lest when you have eaten and are satisfied, have built fine houses, and lived in them; 8:13 and when your herds and flocks increase, your silver and gold multiply, and everything you have increases; 8:14 then your heart becomes proud, and you forget Yahweh your God, who rescued you from Egypt, from the land of slavery; 8:15 who led you through the vast and terrible wilderness, where there were poisonous snakes and scorpions, and thirsty ground with no water; who brought you water from the hard rock; 8:16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your ancestors didn’t know; that he might humble you and test you, so that he could do good for you in the end: 8:17 and lest you say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 8:18 Remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth in order to confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 8:19 If you forget Yahweh your God and follow other gods, serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you will surely perish. 8:20 Like the nations that Yahweh destroys before you, so you will perish because you did not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

9:1 Hear, Israel: you are to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky, 9:2 a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, Who can stand before the sons of Anak? 9:3 Know therefore this day, that Yahweh your God is he who goes over before you as a devouring fire; he will destroy them, and he will bring them down before you: so you shall drive them out, and make them to perish quickly, as Yahweh has spoken to you. 9:4 Don't speak in your heart, after that Yahweh your God has thrust them out from before you, saying, For my righteousness Yahweh has brought me in to possess this land; whereas for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh does drive them out from before you. 9:5 Not for your righteousness, or for the uprightness of your heart, do you go in to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you, and that he may establish the word which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 9:6 Know therefore, that Yahweh your God doesn't give you this good land to possess it for your righteousness; for you are a stiff-necked people. 9:7 Remember, don't forget, how you provoked Yahweh your God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that you went forth out of the land of Egypt, until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against Yahweh. 9:8 Also in Horeb you provoked Yahweh to wrath, and Yahweh was angry with you to destroy you. 9:9 When I was gone up onto the mountain to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which Yahweh made with you, then I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water. 9:10 Yahweh delivered to me the two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which Yahweh spoke with you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. 9:11 It came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that Yahweh gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant. 9:12 Yahweh said to me, Arise, get you down quickly from hence; for your people whom you have brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they have quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image. 9:13 Furthermore Yahweh spoke to me, saying, I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people: 9:14 let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under the sky; and I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they. 9:15 So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. 9:16 I looked, and behold, you had sinned against Yahweh your God; you had made you a molten calf: you had turned aside quickly out of the way which Yahweh had commanded you. 9:17 I took hold of the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes. 9:18 I fell down before Yahweh, as at the first, forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water; because of all your sin which you sinned, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger. 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, with which Yahweh was angry against you to destroy you. But Yahweh listened to me that time also. 9:20 Yahweh was very angry with Aaron to destroy him: and I prayed for Aaron also at the same time. 9:21 I took your sin, the calf which you had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, grinding it very small, until it was as fine as dust: and I cast its dust into the brook that descended out of the mountain. 9:22 At Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh to wrath. 9:23 When Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then you rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh your God, and you didn't believe him, nor listen to his voice. 9:24 You have been rebellious against Yahweh from the day that I knew you. 9:25 So I fell down before Yahweh the forty days and forty nights that I fell down, because Yahweh had said he would destroy you. 9:26 I prayed to Yahweh, and said, Lord Yahweh, don't destroy your people and your inheritance, that you have redeemed through your greatness, that you have brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 9:27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; don't look to the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin, 9:28 lest the land whence you brought us out say, Because Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land which he promised to them, and because he hated them, he has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness. 9:29 Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.

9:1 Listen, Israel: today you are crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of nations that are bigger and stronger than you, with cities that are large and fortified up to the heavens, 9:2 a great and tall people, the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know, and about whom you've heard the question, "Who can stand against the sons of Anak?" 9:3 So know today that Yahweh your God is the one who goes ahead of you like a consuming fire; he will destroy them and bring them down before you. You will drive them out and make them perish quickly, as Yahweh has told you. 9:4 Don't think in your heart once Yahweh your God has driven them out before you, saying, "It’s because of my righteousness that Yahweh has brought me in to possess this land," when in fact it’s because of the wickedness of these nations that Yahweh is driving them out before you. 9:5 It’s not for your righteousness or the integrity of your heart that you get to possess their land; it’s because of the wickedness of these nations that Yahweh your God drives them out before you, so that he can uphold the promise he made to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 9:6 So know this: Yahweh your God isn't giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness; you are a stubborn people. 9:7 Remember, don’t forget how you made Yahweh your God angry in the wilderness: from the day you left Egypt until you arrived at this place, you’ve been rebellious against Yahweh. 9:8 Even at Horeb, you provoked Yahweh’s anger, and he was ready to destroy you. 9:9 When I went up on the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant that Yahweh made with you, I stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water. 9:10 Yahweh gave me the two stone tablets written with the finger of God; on them were written all the words that Yahweh spoke with you on the mountain out of the fire on the day of the assembly. 9:11 After forty days and forty nights, Yahweh gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. 9:12 Yahweh told me, “Get up, go down quickly from here, for your people whom you brought out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they’ve quickly turned away from the path I commanded them and made a molten image.” 9:13 Furthermore, Yahweh spoke to me, saying, “I’ve seen this people, and indeed, they are a stubborn people: 9:14 leave me alone so I can destroy them and erase their name from under the heavens; and I will create a nation stronger and greater than they are.” 9:15 So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was blazing with fire; the two tablets of the covenant were in my hands. 9:16 I looked, and you had sinned against Yahweh your God; you had made a molten calf and quickly turned away from the way Yahweh had commanded you. 9:17 I grasped the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, shattering them before your eyes. 9:18 I fell down before Yahweh, just as before, for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water because of all your sin that you committed by doing what was evil in Yahweh's sight and provoking him to anger. 9:19 I was afraid of the fierce anger and fury with which Yahweh was angry enough to destroy you. But Yahweh listened to me that time too. 9:20 Yahweh was very angry with Aaron and intended to destroy him, but I prayed for Aaron at that time as well. 9:21 I took your sin, the calf you made, burned it in the fire, ground it down into dust, and threw its dust into the brook that flowed down from the mountain. 9:22 At Taberah, at Massah, and at Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh’s anger. 9:23 When Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, “Go up and take possession of the land I have given you,” you rebelled against Yahweh your God’s command and did not believe him or listen to his voice. 9:24 You have been rebellious against Yahweh from the day I first knew you. 9:25 So I fell down before Yahweh for forty days and forty nights because Yahweh said he would destroy you. 9:26 I prayed to Yahweh, saying, “Lord Yahweh, don’t destroy your people and your inheritance, which you redeemed through your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 9:27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; don’t look at the stubbornness of this people, nor their wickedness, nor their sin, 9:28 lest the land from which you brought us say, ‘Because Yahweh was unable to bring them into the land he promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’ 9:29 Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and outstretched arm.

10:1 At that time Yahweh said to me, Cut two tables of stone like the first, and come up to me onto the mountain, and make an ark of wood. 10:2 I will write on the tables the words that were on the first tables which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark. 10:3 So I made an ark of acacia wood, and cut two tables of stone like the first, and went up onto the mountain, having the two tables in my hand. 10:4 He wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Yahweh spoke to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yahweh gave them to me. 10:5 I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they are as Yahweh commanded me. 10:6 (The children of Israel traveled from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his place. 10:7 From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water. 10:8 At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, to stand before Yahweh to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. 10:9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; Yahweh is his inheritance, according as Yahweh your God spoke to him.) 10:10 I stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights: and Yahweh listened to me that time also; Yahweh would not destroy you. 10:11 Yahweh said to me, Arise, take your journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I swore to their fathers to give to them. 10:12 Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 10:13 to keep the commandments of Yahweh, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good? 10:14 Behold, to Yahweh your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein. 10:15 Only Yahweh had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all peoples, as at this day. 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. 10:17 For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn't regard persons, nor takes reward. 10:18 He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. 10:19 Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 10:20 You shall fear Yahweh your God; you shall serve him; and you shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name. 10:21 He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen. 10:22 Your fathers went down into Egypt with seventy persons; and now Yahweh your God has made you as the stars of the sky for multitude.

10:1 At that time, the Lord said to me, "Cut two stone tablets like the first ones and come up to me on the mountain, and make an ark out of wood." 10:2 "I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets that you broke, and you will put them in the ark." 10:3 So I made an ark out of acacia wood and cut two stone tablets like the first ones, and went up the mountain, holding the two tablets in my hands. 10:4 He wrote on the tablets, just like the first writing, the ten commandments that the Lord spoke to you on the mountain from the fire during the assembly, and the Lord gave them to me. 10:5 I turned and came down from the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark that I had made; and there they are, as the Lord commanded me. 10:6 (The children of Israel traveled from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried; and his son Eleazar served as priest in his place. 10:7 From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land with streams of water. 10:8 At that time, the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to serve Him, and to bless in His name, to this day. 10:9 Therefore, Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God told him.) 10:10 I stayed on the mountain, like the first time, for forty days and forty nights, and the Lord listened to me that time as well; the Lord would not destroy you. 10:11 The Lord said to me, "Get up, set out before the people; they shall go in and take possession of the land that I swore to their fathers to give to them." 10:12 Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 10:13 to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes, which I command you today for your good? 10:14 Look, to the Lord your God belongs the heavens and the highest heavens, the earth, and everything in it. 10:15 The Lord delighted in your ancestors to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you, above all peoples, as it is today. 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and don’t be stiff-necked any longer. 10:17 For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty and awesome, who shows no favoritism and doesn’t take bribes. 10:18 He executes justice for the orphan and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving them food and clothing. 10:19 Therefore, love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 10:20 You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him; you shall cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. 10:21 He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done great and awesome things for you, which your eyes have seen. 10:22 Your ancestors went down into Egypt with seventy people; now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

11:1 Therefore you shall love Yahweh your God, and keep his instructions, and his statutes, and his ordinances, and his commandments, always. 11:2 Know you this day: for I don't speak with your children who have not known, and who have not seen the chastisement of Yahweh your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his outstretched arm, 11:3 and his signs, and his works, which he did in the midst of Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and to all his land; 11:4 and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how Yahweh has destroyed them to this day; 11:5 and what he did to you in the wilderness, until you came to this place; 11:6 and what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben; how the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and every living thing that followed them, in the midst of all Israel: 11:7 but your eyes have seen all the great work of Yahweh which he did. 11:8 Therefore you shall keep all the commandment which I command you this day, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, where you go over to possess it; 11:9 and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give to them and to their seed, a land flowing with milk and honey. 11:10 For the land, where you go in to possess it, isn't as the land of Egypt, from whence you came out, where you sowed your seed, and watered it with your foot, as a garden of herbs; 11:11 but the land, where you go over to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinks water of the rain of the sky, 11:12 a land which Yahweh your God cares for: the eyes of Yahweh your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year even to the end of the year. 11:13 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love Yahweh your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 11:14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, and your new wine, and your oil. 11:15 I will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full. 11:16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; 11:17 and the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and he shut up the sky, so that there shall be no rain, and the land shall not yield its fruit; and you perish quickly from off the good land which Yahweh gives you. 11:18 Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; and you shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes. 11:19 You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. 11:20 You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates; 11:21 that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth. 11:22 For if you shall diligently keep all this commandment which I command you, to do it, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave to him; 11:23 then will Yahweh drive out all these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves. 11:24 Every place whereon the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness, and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even to the hinder sea shall be your border. 11:25 There shall no man be able to stand before you: Yahweh your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you on all the land that you shall tread on, as he has spoken to you. 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: 11:27 the blessing, if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day; 11:28 and the curse, if you shall not listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which you have not known. 11:29 It shall happen, when Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, that you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal. 11:30 Aren't they beyond the Jordan, behind the way of the going down of the sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the Arabah, over against Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh? 11:31 For you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and you shall possess it, and dwell therein. 11:32 You shall observe to do all the statutes and the ordinances which I set before you this day.

11:1 So, you must love the Lord your God and follow His instructions, statutes, ordinances, and commandments, always. 11:2 Know this day: I’m not speaking to your children who haven’t known or seen the discipline of the Lord your God, His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm, 11:3 and His signs and works that He did in Egypt against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and all his land; 11:4 and what He did to the army of Egypt, their horses, and their chariots; how He caused the waters of the Red Sea to wash over them while they pursued you, and how the Lord has destroyed them up to this day; 11:5 and what He did to you in the wilderness until you reached this place; 11:6 and what He did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben; how the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, along with their households, tents, and every living thing that followed them, in the midst of all Israel: 11:7 but your eyes have seen all the great things the Lord has done. 11:8 Therefore, you must follow all the commandments I’m giving you today, so that you may be strong and enter the land you are about to possess; 11:9 and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. 11:10 For the land you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt, where you came from, where you used to plant your seeds and water them with your foot, like a garden of herbs; 11:11 but the land you are crossing over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, and drinks the water from the rain of the sky, 11:12 a land that the Lord your God cares for; the Lord’s eyes are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. 11:13 It will happen that if you listen carefully to the commandments I’m giving you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and soul, 11:14 then I will give rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the late rain, so that you can gather in your grain, new wine, and oil. 11:15 I will provide grass for your fields for your livestock, and you will eat and be satisfied. 11:16 Be careful, so your hearts aren’t deceived, and you turn away to serve other gods and worship them; 11:17 then the Lord’s anger will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the sky so that there will be no rain, and the land will not yield its fruit; and you will quickly perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. 11:18 Therefore, you must store these words in your heart and soul; you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be symbols between your eyes. 11:19 You shall teach them to your children, discussing them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 11:20 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates; 11:21 so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as long as the heavens are above the earth. 11:22 For if you diligently observe all these commandments I’m giving you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cling to Him; 11:23 then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves. 11:24 Every place your foot treads will be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the Euphrates, to the western sea will be your border. 11:25 No one will be able to stand before you; the Lord your God will put the fear and dread of you on every land you tread, as He has promised you. 11:26 Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 11:27 the blessing if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am giving you today; 11:28 and the curse if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn away from the path I’m prescribing today, to follow other gods you have not known. 11:29 It will happen that when the Lord your God brings you into the land you are about to possess, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. 11:30 Are they not across the Jordan, behind the way down to the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, next to the oaks of Moreh? 11:31 For you are to cross over the Jordan to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall possess it, and live in it. 11:32 You shall be careful to do all the statutes and ordinances I set before you today.

12:1 These are the statutes and the ordinances which you shall observe to do in the land which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth. 12:2 You shall surely destroy all the places in which the nations that you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree: 12:3 and you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods; and you shall destroy their name out of that place. 12:4 You shall not do so to Yahweh your God. 12:5 But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, even to his habitation you shall seek, and there you shall come; 12:6 and there you shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the wave offering of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock: 12:7 and there you shall eat before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which Yahweh your God has blessed you. 12:8 You shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatever is right in his own eyes; 12:9 for you haven't yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which Yahweh your God gives you. 12:10 But when you go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around you, so that you dwell in safety; 12:11 then it shall happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the wave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to Yahweh. 12:12 You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your male servants, and your female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 12:13 Take heed to yourself that you don't offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; 12:14 but in the place which Yahweh shall choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you. 12:15 Notwithstanding, you may kill and eat flesh within all your gates, after all the desire of your soul, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God which he has given you: the unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle, and as of the hart. 12:16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water. 12:17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand; 12:18 but you shall eat them before Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates: and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God in all that you put your hand to. 12:19 Take heed to yourself that you don't forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land. 12:20 When Yahweh your God shall enlarge your border, as he has promised you, and you shall say, I will eat flesh, because your soul desires to eat flesh; you may eat flesh, after all the desire of your soul. 12:21 If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put his name there, is too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul. 12:22 Even as the gazelle and as the hart is eaten, so you shall eat of it: the unclean and the clean may eat of it alike. 12:23 Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall not eat the life with the flesh. 12:24 You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the earth as water. 12:25 You shall not eat it; that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, when you shall do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh. 12:26 Only your holy things which you have, and your vows, you shall take, and go to the place which Yahweh shall choose: 12:27 and you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of Yahweh your God; and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of Yahweh your God; and you shall eat the flesh. 12:28 Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in the eyes of Yahweh your God. 12:29 When Yahweh your God shall cut off the nations from before you, where you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them, and dwell in their land; 12:30 take heed to yourself that you not be ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you; and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 12:31 You shall not do so to Yahweh your God: for every abomination to Yahweh, which he hates, have they done to their gods; for even their sons and their daughters do they burn in the fire to their gods. 12:32 Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

12:1 These are the laws and regulations you need to follow in the land that Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess for as long as you live on the earth. 12:2 You must definitely destroy all the places where the nations you will displace worshiped their gods, on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 12:3 You should break down their altars, smash their pillars, and burn their Asherah poles with fire; you must cut down the carved images of their gods, and erase their names from that place. 12:4 You must not do this to Yahweh your God. 12:5 Rather, to the place that Yahweh your God will choose from all your tribes to put His name there, to His dwelling place, you must seek, and there you must go; 12:6 and there you will bring your burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 12:7 There you shall eat before Yahweh your God and rejoice in all that you have done, you and your households, in which Yahweh your God has blessed you. 12:8 You must not do as we do here today, each of us doing whatever seems right in our own eyes; 12:9 because you have not yet arrived at the rest and inheritance that Yahweh your God is giving you. 12:10 But when you cross the Jordan and settle in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all your enemies around you, so that you can live in safety; 12:11 then it will happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose to set His name, there you will bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, the wave offering of your hand, and all your special vows that you make to Yahweh. 12:12 You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is in your towns, because he has no share or inheritance with you. 12:13 Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in every place you see; 12:14 but only in the place which Yahweh will choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings and do everything I command you. 12:15 However, you may kill and eat meat within any of your towns, whatever you desire, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God that He has given you: the unclean and the clean may eat of it, just like the gazelle and the deer. 12:16 Just ensure that you do not eat the blood; you must pour it out on the ground like water. 12:17 You must not eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, or oil, or the firstborn of your herds or flocks, nor any of the vows that you make, or your freewill offerings, or the wave offering of your hand within your towns; 12:18 but you must eat them before Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh your God will choose, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, and the Levite who is within your towns: and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God in everything you undertake. 12:19 Be careful not to neglect the Levite as long as you live in your land. 12:20 When Yahweh your God enlarges your territory, as He has promised you, and you say, "I want to eat meat, because you're eager to eat meat," you may eat it according to all your desire. 12:21 If the place which Yahweh your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, then you may slaughter from your herds and flocks that Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your towns, according to all your desire. 12:22 Just as the gazelle and the deer are eaten, so may you eat of it: both the unclean and the clean may eat of it alike. 12:23 Just be sure that you do not eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you must not eat the life with the meat. 12:24 You must not eat it; you must pour it out on the ground like water. 12:25 You must not eat it; this will ensure that it goes well with you and your children after you when you do what is right in the sight of Yahweh. 12:26 Only your holy things that you have, and your vows, you shall take and go to the place which Yahweh will choose: 12:27 and there you will offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of Yahweh your God; and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of Yahweh your God; and you will eat the flesh. 12:28 Observe and listen to all these words which I command you, so that you may do well, and your children after you forever when you do what is good and right in the sight of Yahweh your God. 12:29 When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations before you, where you will go in to displace them, and you displace them and settle in their land; 12:30 be careful not to be ensnared into following them after they have been destroyed before you; and do not inquire about their gods, asking, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do the same." 12:31 You must not do this to Yahweh your God: for every abomination to Yahweh that He hates, they have done to their gods; for even their sons and daughters they burn in the fire to their gods. 12:32 Whatever I command you, that you must follow: you must not add to it or take away from it.

13:1 If there arise in the midst of you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give you a sign or a wonder, 13:2 and the sign or the wonder come to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, Let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them; 13:3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams: for Yahweh your God proves you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 13:4 You shall walk after Yahweh your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and cleave to him. 13:5 That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk in. So you shall put away the evil from the midst of you.

13:1 If a prophet or a dreamer shows up among you and gives you a sign or a miracle, 13:2 and that sign or miracle happens just as he said, telling you, "Let’s follow other gods you haven’t known and serve them," 13:3 do not listen to that prophet or dreamer. The reason is that Yahweh your God is testing you to see if you truly love Yahweh your God with all your heart and soul. 13:4 You must follow Yahweh your God, respect Him, keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. 13:5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death because he has spoken against Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt and freed you from slavery, trying to lead you away from the path Yahweh your God commanded you to follow. Thus, you must remove the evil from among you.

13:6 If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, you, nor your fathers; 13:7 of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth; 13:8 you shall not consent to him, nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him: 13:9 but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 13:10 You shall stone him to death with stones, because he has sought to draw you away from Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 13:11 All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall not do any more such wickedness as this is in the midst of you.

13:6 If your brother, your mother's son, or your son, or your daughter, or your close friend, who is like your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, "Let’s go serve other gods that you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors;" 13:7 from the gods of the people around you, whether they are near or far, from one end of the earth to the other; 13:8 you must not agree with him or listen to him; you must not feel sorry for him, show him any mercy, or hide him: 13:9 instead, you must surely put him to death; your hand will be the first to strike him down, and then the hands of all the people. 13:10 You must stone him to death with stones, because he tried to lead you away from Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of slavery. 13:11 All Israel will hear about it, be afraid, and never again do such wicked things among you.

13:12 If you shall hear tell concerning one of your cities, which Yahweh your God gives you to dwell there, saying, 13:13 Certain base fellows are gone out from the midst of you, and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known; 13:14 then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in the midst of you, 13:15 you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein and its livestock, with the edge of the sword. 13:16 You shall gather all its spoil into the midst of its street, and shall burn with fire the city, and all its spoil every whit, to Yahweh your God: and it shall be a heap forever; it shall not be built again. 13:17 There shall cleave nothing of the devoted thing to your hand; that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show you mercy, and have compassion on you, and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers; 13:18 when you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep all his commandments which I command you this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh your God.

13:12 If you hear about one of your cities that Yahweh your God has given you to live in, saying, 13:13 Some worthless people have come out from among you and have led the people of that city away, saying, Let's go and serve other gods that you haven't known; 13:14 then you must investigate, search thoroughly, and ask carefully; and if it turns out to be true, and the matter is confirmed, that such an abomination has been done among you, 13:15 you must definitely strike down the inhabitants of that city with the sword, completely destroying it, along with everything in it and its livestock, with the sword. 13:16 You must gather all its plunder in the middle of the street and burn the city and all its plunder entirely as an offering to Yahweh your God; it will be a heap of ruins forever; it will not be rebuilt. 13:17 Nothing devoted to destruction should be kept by you, so that Yahweh may turn from His fierce anger and show you mercy, have compassion on you, and increase you as He swore to your ancestors; 13:18 when you listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, keeping all His commandments that I command you today, doing what is right in the sight of Yahweh your God.

14:1 You are the children of Yahweh your God: you shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 14:2 For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. 14:3 You shall not eat any abominable thing. 14:4 These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, 14:5 the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the ibex, and the antelope, and the chamois. 14:6 Every animal that parts the hoof, and has the hoof cloven in two, and chews the cud, among the animals, that may you eat. 14:7 Nevertheless these you shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of those who have the hoof cloven: the camel, and the hare, and the rabbit; because they chew the cud but don't part the hoof, they are unclean to you. 14:8 The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn't chew the cud, is unclean to you: of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. 14:9 These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales may you eat; 14:10 and whatever doesn't have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean to you. 14:11 Of all clean birds you may eat. 14:12 But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, and the vulture, and the osprey, 14:13 and the red kite, and the falcon, and the kite after its kind, 14:14 and every raven after its kind, 14:15 and the ostrich, and the owl, and the seagull, and the hawk after its kind, 14:16 the little owl, and the great owl, and the horned owl, 14:17 and the pelican, and the vulture, and the cormorant, 14:18 and the stork, and the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe, and the bat. 14:19 All winged creeping things are unclean to you: they shall not be eaten. 14:20 Of all clean birds you may eat. 14:21 You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself: you may give it to the foreigner living among you who is within your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to a foreigner: for you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk. 14:22 You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes forth from the field year by year. 14:23 You shall eat before Yahweh your God, in the place which he shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock; that you may learn to fear Yahweh your God always. 14:24 If the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it, because the place is too far from you, which Yahweh your God shall choose, to set his name there, when Yahweh your God shall bless you; 14:25 then you shall turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose: 14:26 and you shall bestow the money for whatever your soul desires, for cattle, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 14:27 The Levite who is within your gates, you shall not forsake him; for he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 14:28 At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase in the same year, and shall lay it up within your gates: 14:29 and the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the foreigner living among you, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

14:1 You are children of Yahweh your God: you must not cut yourselves or shave your eyebrows for the dead. 14:2 For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be His own special people, above all the nations on the earth. 14:3 You must not eat any detestable thing. 14:4 These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, 14:5 the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the mountain goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois. 14:6 Any animal that has a split hoof and chews the cud, among the creatures, you may eat. 14:7 However, these you must not eat: the camel, the hare, and the rabbit; because they chew the cud but do not have a split hoof, they are unclean for you. 14:8 The pig, because it has a split hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you: you must not eat their flesh, and you must not touch their carcasses. 14:9 You may eat any of the creatures in the water that have fins and scales; 14:10 but anything that does not have fins and scales you must not eat; it is unclean for you. 14:11 You may eat all clean birds. 14:12 But these are the ones you must not eat: the eagle, the vulture, and the osprey, 14:13 the red kite, the falcon, and the kite of its kind, 14:14 and every raven of its kind, 14:15 the ostrich, the owl, the gull, and the hawk of its kind, 14:16 the little owl, the great owl, and the horned owl, 14:17 the pelican, the vulture, and the cormorant, 14:18 the stork, the heron of its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. 14:19 All winged insects are unclean for you; they must not be eaten. 14:20 You may eat all clean birds. 14:21 You must not eat anything that dies naturally; you can give it to the foreigner living among you or sell it to a foreigner, for you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk. 14:22 You must surely set aside a tithe of all the produce of your fields each year. 14:23 You must eat before Yahweh your God in the place He shall choose, so that His name may dwell there, the tithe of your grain, new wine, oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock; so you may learn to fear Yahweh your God always. 14:24 If the way is too long for you, and you are unable to carry it because the place Yahweh your God chooses to set His name is too far from you when Yahweh your God blesses you; 14:25 then you may turn it into money and bind the money in your hand, and go to the place Yahweh your God chooses: 14:26 and use the money to buy whatever you desire—cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything your heart wishes; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God and rejoice, you and your household. 14:27 Do not neglect the Levite who lives in your towns, for he has no share or inheritance with you. 14:28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of your harvest in that year and store it in your towns: 14:29 so that the Levite, since he has no share or inheritance with you, the foreigner living among you, the orphan, and the widow who are in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, so that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

15:1 At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. 15:2 This is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because Yahweh's release has been proclaimed. 15:3 Of a foreigner you may exact it: but whatever of your is with your brother your hand shall release. 15:4 However there shall be no poor with you; (for Yahweh will surely bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it;) 15:5 if only you diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you this day. 15:6 For Yahweh your God will bless you, as he promised you: and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you. 15:7 If there be with you a poor man, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; 15:8 but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wants. 15:9 Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. 15:10 You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. 15:11 For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land. 15:12 If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, be sold to you, and serve you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. 15:13 When you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty: 15:14 you shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, and out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress; as Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him. 15:15 You shall remember that you were a bondservant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you: therefore I command you this thing today. 15:16 It shall be, if he tell you, I will not go out from you; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you; 15:17 then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise. 15:18 It shall not seem hard to you, when you let him go free from you; for to the double of the hire of a hireling has he served you six years: and Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do. 15:19 All the firstborn males that are born of your herd and of your flock you shall sanctify to Yahweh your God: you shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock. 15:20 You shall eat it before Yahweh your God year by year in the place which Yahweh shall choose, you and your household. 15:21 If it have any blemish, as if it be lame or blind, any ill blemish whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to Yahweh your God. 15:22 You shall eat it within your gates: the unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle, and as the hart. 15:23 Only you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground as water.

15:1 At the end of every seven years, you should make a release. 15:2 This is how the release works: every creditor must forgive what he has lent to his neighbor; he must not demand repayment from his neighbor and brother, because Yahweh's release has been proclaimed. 15:3 You can demand repayment from a foreigner, but whatever is yours with your brother, you must forgive. 15:4 However, there should be no poor people among you; (for Yahweh will surely bless you in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you to inherit;) 15:5 if only you listen carefully to Yahweh your God, to do all of this commandment which I command you today. 15:6 For Yahweh your God will bless you, as he promised you: and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. 15:7 If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you, you must not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother; 15:8 but you must certainly open your hand to him and lend him enough for his needs in that which he lacks. 15:9 Be careful that there is not a wicked thought in your heart, saying, "The seventh year, the year of release, is near;" and your eye is malicious against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cries out to Yahweh against you, and it becomes sin for you. 15:10 You must certainly give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing, Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you undertake. 15:11 For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, you must certainly open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land. 15:12 If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you for six years, then in the seventh year, you must let him go free from you. 15:13 When you let him go free from you, you must not let him go empty-handed; 15:14 you must generously provide for him from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress; as Yahweh your God has blessed you, you must give to him. 15:15 You should remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today. 15:16 It shall be, if he tells you, "I will not go out from you;" because he loves you and your household, because he is well off with you; 15:17 then you must take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. You should do the same with your female servant. 15:18 It should not seem hard for you when you let him go free from you; for he has served you six years for the double of a hired worker's wage: and Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do. 15:19 All the firstborn males born of your herd and of your flock you must set apart for Yahweh your God: you must not work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock. 15:20 You must eat it before Yahweh your God year by year in the place which Yahweh will choose, you and your household. 15:21 If it has any blemish, such as being lame or blind, any ill blemish whatsoever, you must not sacrifice it to Yahweh your God. 15:22 You must eat it within your gates; the unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle and as the deer. 15:23 Only you must not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.

16:1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to Yahweh your God; for in the month of Abib Yahweh your God brought you forth out of Egypt by night. 16:2 You shall sacrifice the Passover to Yahweh your God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which Yahweh shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there. 16:3 You shall eat no leavened bread with it. You shall eat unleavened bread with it seven days, even the bread of affliction; for you came forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that you may remember the day when you came forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. 16:4 There shall be no yeast seen with you in all your borders seven days; neither shall any of the flesh, which you sacrifice the first day at even, remain all night until the morning. 16:5 You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you; 16:6 but at the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell in, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Egypt. 16:7 You shall roast and eat it in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose: and you shall turn in the morning, and go to your tents. 16:8 Six days you shall eat unleavened bread; and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to Yahweh your God; you shall do no work therein. 16:9 You shall count seven weeks to you: from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain you shall begin to number seven weeks. 16:10 You shall keep the feast of weeks to Yahweh your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give, according as Yahweh your God blesses you: 16:11 and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates, and the foreigner, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are in the midst of you, in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there. 16:12 You shall remember that you were a bondservant in Egypt: and you shall observe and do these statutes. 16:13 You shall keep the feast of tents seven days, after that you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your winepress: 16:14 and you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your female servant, and the Levite, and the foreigner, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates. 16:15 You shall keep a feast to Yahweh your God seven days in the place which Yahweh shall choose; because Yahweh your God will bless you in all your increase, and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be altogether joyful. 16:16 Three times in a year shall all your males appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents; and they shall not appear before Yahweh empty: 16:17 every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God which he has given you. 16:18 You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 16:19 You shall not wrest justice: you shall not respect persons; neither shall you take a bribe; for a bribe does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 16:20 You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you. 16:21 You shall not plant you an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Yahweh your God, which you shall make you. 16:22 Neither shall you set yourself up a pillar; which Yahweh your God hates.

16:1 Pay attention to the month of Abib, and celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God; for in the month of Abib, the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt at night. 16:2 You must sacrifice the Passover to the Lord your God from the flock and the herd, at the place the Lord chooses for His name to dwell. 16:3 You must not eat any leavened bread with it. You shall eat unleavened bread for seven days, which is the bread of suffering; because you left Egypt in a hurry: so that you may remember the day you came out of Egypt all your life. 16:4 There must be no yeast seen among you in all your territory for seven days; nor shall any of the meat you sacrifice on the first night stay overnight until morning. 16:5 You are not permitted to sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates that the Lord your God gives you; 16:6 but at the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to dwell, you shall sacrifice the Passover at sunset, at the time of year you came out of Egypt. 16:7 You shall roast and eat it at the place the Lord your God chooses, and then return home in the morning. 16:8 For six days you shall eat unleavened bread; and on the seventh day, there shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord your God; you shall do no work therein. 16:9 You shall count seven weeks for yourselves: from the time you begin to harvest your crops, count seven weeks. 16:10 You shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a freewill offering from your hands, as the Lord your God blesses you: 16:11 and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow among you, at the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to dwell. 16:12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall carefully observe these laws. 16:13 You shall celebrate the Feast of Tents for seven days after you gather from your threshing floor and your winepress: 16:14 and you shall rejoice in your feast, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow among you. 16:15 You shall celebrate a feast to the Lord your God for seven days at the place the Lord chooses; because the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be completely joyful. 16:16 Three times a year, all your males must appear before the Lord your God at the place He chooses: during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tents; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed: 16:17 each man must give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that He has given you. 16:18 You shall appoint judges and officials in all your gates that the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 16:19 You shall not twist justice: you shall not show favoritism, nor take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 16:20 You shall pursue justice, so that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you. 16:21 You shall not plant an Asherah of any kind of tree near the altar of the Lord your God that you will make. 16:22 Neither shall you set up a sacred pillar; this is something the Lord your God hates.

17:1 You shall not sacrifice to Yahweh your God an ox, or a sheep, in which is a blemish, or anything evil; for that is an abomination to Yahweh your God. 17:2 If there be found in the midst of you, within any of your gates which Yahweh your God gives you, man or woman, who does that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, in transgressing his covenant, 17:3 and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the army of the sky, which I have not commanded; 17:4 and it be told you, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently; and behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel, 17:5 then you shall bring forth that man or that woman, who has done this evil thing, to your gates, even the man or the woman; and you shall stone them to death with stones. 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he who is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. 17:7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall put away the evil from the midst of you. 17:8 If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates; then you shall arise, and go up to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose; 17:9 and you shall come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge who shall be in those days: and you shall inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment. 17:10 You shall do according to the tenor of the sentence which they shall show you from that place which Yahweh shall choose; and you shall observe to do according to all that they shall teach you: 17:11 according to the tenor of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left. 17:12 The man who does presumptuously, in not listening to the priest who stands to minister there before Yahweh your God, or to the judge, even that man shall die: and you shall put away the evil from Israel. 17:13 All the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously. 17:14 When you are come to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and shall possess it, and shall dwell therein, and shall say, I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me; 17:15 you shall surely set him king over you, whom Yahweh your God shall choose: one from among your brothers you shall set king over you; you may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 17:16 Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he may multiply horses; because Yahweh has said to you, You shall henceforth return no more that way. 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart not turn away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. 17:18 It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 17:19 and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; 17:20 that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

17:1 You must not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has a defect or anything bad, because that is a detestable thing to the Lord your God. 17:2 If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the Lord your God gives you, a man or a woman who does what is wicked in the sight of the Lord your God by violating His covenant, 17:3 and has gone and served other gods, worshiping them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the heavenly host which I have not commanded, 17:4 and it is reported to you, and you hear about it, then you must investigate thoroughly; and if it is true and confirmed that such a detestable act has been committed in Israel, 17:5 then you must bring that man or woman who has done this evil thing to your city gates, the man or the woman; and you shall stone them to death. 17:6 At the testimony of two or three witnesses, the person who is to be put to death shall be executed; but at the testimony of one witness, he shall not be put to death. 17:7 The hands of the witnesses must be the first to strike him to put him to death, and afterward, the hands of all the people. So you must remove the evil from among you. 17:8 If a matter arises that is too difficult for you to judge, between blood and blood, between law and law, and between causes of quarrels within your gates, then you shall rise and go up to the place which the Lord your God will choose; 17:9 and you shall go to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who is in those days, and you shall inquire, and they shall declare to you the sentence of judgment. 17:10 You shall act according to the word they declare to you from that place, which the Lord will choose; and you shall take care to do according to all that they teach you: 17:11 according to the instruction they give you, and according to the judgment they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn to the right or the left from the sentence they declare to you. 17:12 The person who acts presumptuously and does not listen to the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or to the judge, that person must die: and you must remove the evil from Israel. 17:13 All the people shall hear of it, and be afraid, and not act presumptuously again. 17:14 When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it, and dwell there, and you say, "I will set a king over me, like all the nations around me," 17:15 you shall surely set as king over you whom the Lord your God will choose: one from among your brothers you shall set as king over you; you may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 17:16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself, nor make the people return to Egypt, in order to multiply horses; because the Lord has said to you, "You shall not return that way again." 17:17 Nor shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. 17:18 It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, taken from that which is before the priests, the Levites: 17:19 and it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life; so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, and to do them; 17:20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left; so that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

18:1 The priests the Levites, even all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and his inheritance. 18:2 They shall have no inheritance among their brothers: Yahweh is their inheritance, as he has spoken to them. 18:3 This shall be the priests' due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. 18:4 The first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him. 18:5 For Yahweh your God has chosen him out of all your tribes, to stand to minister in the name of Yahweh, him and his sons for ever. 18:6 If a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel, where he lives as a foreigner, and comes with all the desire of his soul to the place which Yahweh shall choose; 18:7 then he shall minister in the name of Yahweh his God, as all his brothers the Levites do, who stand there before Yahweh. 18:8 They shall have like portions to eat, besides that which comes of the sale of his patrimony. 18:9 When you are come into the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 18:10 There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, 18:11 or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 18:12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you. 18:13 You shall be perfect with Yahweh your God. 18:14 For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do. 18:15 Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him. 18:16 This is according to all that you desired of Yahweh your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Yahweh my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I not die. 18:17 Yahweh said to me, They have well said that which they have spoken. 18:18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, like you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. 18:19 It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 18:20 But the prophet, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. 18:21 If you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken? 18:22 when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn't follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him.

18:1 The priests, the Levites, including all the tribe of Levi, won’t have any land or inheritance in Israel: they will eat the offerings made by fire to Yahweh and His share. 18:2 They won’t have any share among their relatives: Yahweh is their share, just as He has told them. 18:3 This is what the priests can expect from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it's an ox or a sheep: they will give the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach. 18:4 You must also give him the first fruits of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the first fleece of your sheep. 18:5 For Yahweh your God has chosen him from all your tribes to minister in the name of Yahweh, him and his sons forever. 18:6 If a Levite comes from any of your towns throughout Israel, where he lives as a foreigner, and comes with all his heart to the place which Yahweh will choose; 18:7 then he will minister in the name of Yahweh his God just like all his fellow Levites who stand there before Yahweh. 18:8 They will have equal portions to eat, in addition to what comes from the sale of their family estate. 18:9 When you enter the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you must not learn to do the detestable practices of those nations. 18:10 There should not be anyone among you who sacrifices their son or daughter by fire, anyone who practices divination, sorcery, or is an enchanter, sorcerer, 18:11 charmer, someone who consults spirits, a wizard, or a necromancer. 18:12 For anyone who does these things is detestable to Yahweh, and because of these detestable acts, Yahweh your God drives them out before you. 18:13 You must be completely loyal to Yahweh your God. 18:14 For these nations that you will displace listen to those who practice sorcery and diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not permitted you to do that. 18:15 Yahweh your God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people, like me. You must listen to him. 18:16 This is in response to everything you asked of Yahweh your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, "Don't let me hear the voice of Yahweh my God anymore, and don't let me see this great fire again, or I will die." 18:17 Yahweh told me, "They have spoken well." 18:18 I will raise up a prophet from among their relatives, like you; I will put My words in his mouth, and he will speak to them everything I command him. 18:19 It will happen that anyone who doesn’t listen to the words he speaks in My name, I will hold accountable. 18:20 But the prophet who speaks presumptuously in My name, without being commanded, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet will die. 18:21 If you wonder in your heart, "How can we know the word that Yahweh has not spoken?" 18:22 when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the outcome does not happen or if it doesn't come true, that is the word Yahweh has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, and you should not be afraid of him.

19:1 When Yahweh your God shall cut off the nations, whose land Yahweh your God gives you, and you succeed them, and dwell in their cities, and in their houses; 19:2 you shall set apart three cities for you in the midst of your land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it. 19:3 You shall prepare you the way, and divide the borders of your land, which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee there. 19:4 This is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee there and live: whoever kills his neighbor unawares, and didn't hate him in time past; 19:5 as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to chop wood, and his hand fetches a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle, and lights on his neighbor, so that he dies; he shall flee to one of these cities and live: 19:6 lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him mortally; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he didn't hate him in time past. 19:7 Therefore I command you, saying, You shall set apart three cities for you. 19:8 If Yahweh your God enlarge your border, as he has sworn to your fathers, and give you all the land which he promised to give to your fathers; 19:9 if you shall keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you this day, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways; then you shall add three cities more for you, besides these three: 19:10 that innocent blood not be shed in the midst of your land, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, and so blood be on you. 19:11 But if any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and strike him mortally so that he dies, and he flee into one of these cities; 19:12 then the elders of his city shall send and bring him there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. 19:13 Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall put away the innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you. 19:14 You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God gives you to possess it. 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. 19:16 If an unrighteous witness rise up against any man to testify against him of wrong-doing, 19:17 then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days; 19:18 and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother; 19:19 then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you. 19:20 Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in the midst of you. 19:21 Your eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

19:1 When the Lord your God removes the nations whose land He gives you and you take possession of their cities and houses, 19:2 you must set aside three cities in the middle of your land that the Lord your God is giving you to own. 19:3 You should prepare the way and divide your land, which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, into three parts, so that anyone who unintentionally kills someone can flee there. 19:4 This is the situation for the person who will flee there and live: if someone accidentally kills their neighbor without having hated them in the past; 19:5 like when someone goes into the woods with a neighbor to chop wood, and while swinging the axe to cut down a tree, the head slips off the handle and kills the neighbor, they can escape to one of these cities and live. 19:6 This is to prevent the avenger of blood from pursuing the killer, while they are still angry, and catching them because the way is long, and then killing them, even though they weren’t deserving of death since they didn’t hate them before. 19:7 Therefore, I command you to set aside three cities for yourselves. 19:8 If the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your ancestors, and gives you all the land He promised to your ancestors; 19:9 if you follow all the commands I give you today, loving the Lord your God and walking in His ways, then you should add three more cities, in addition to these three, 19:10 so that innocent blood is not shed in your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and thereby bring guilt upon yourselves. 19:11 But if someone hates their neighbor, lies in wait, attacks them, and kills them, and then flees to one of these cities; 19:12 then the elders of that city must send for them and bring them back to stand trial, handing them over to the avenger of blood to be executed. 19:13 You must not show pity for them, but ensure that innocent blood is removed from Israel so that it may go well with you. 19:14 You must not move your neighbor's boundary marker that has been established in your inheritance in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. 19:15 A single witness cannot accuse someone of any wrongdoing or sin; a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 19:16 If a dishonest witness rises up against someone to accuse them of wrongdoing, 19:17 both individuals involved must stand before the Lord, before the priests and judges who are serving at that time; 19:18 and the judges must make a thorough investigation: if the witness turns out to be false and has lied against their brother, 19:19 then you must do to that witness what they intended to do to their brother; thus, you will purge the evil from among you. 19:20 The others will hear about it, and they will be afraid, and they will never again commit such evil among you. 19:21 You must not show pity; life must be taken for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

20:1 When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 20:2 It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, 20:3 and shall tell them, Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies: don't let your heart faint; don't be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; 20:4 for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. 20:5 The officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 20:6 What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit. 20:7 What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. 20:8 The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? let him go and return to his house, lest his brother's heart melt as his heart. 20:9 It shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of the people. 20:10 When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. 20:11 It shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become tributary to you, and shall serve you. 20:12 If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it: 20:13 and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword: 20:14 but the women, and the little ones, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall take for a prey to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you. 20:15 Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. 20:16 But of the cities of these peoples, that Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes; 20:17 but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as Yahweh your God has commanded you; 20:18 that they not teach you to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so would you sin against Yahweh your God. 20:19 When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them; for you may eat of them, and you shall not cut them down; for is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged of you? 20:20 Only the trees of which you know that they are not trees for food, you shall destroy and cut them down; and you shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it fall.

20:1 When you go out to fight your enemies and see horses, chariots, and people more numerous than you, don't be afraid of them; because Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you out of Egypt. 20:2 When you get close to the battle, the priest will come and speak to the people, 20:3 and he will tell them, "Listen, Israel, you are about to engage in battle today against your enemies: don’t let your hearts sink; don't be afraid, don't tremble, and don’t be scared of them; 20:4 for Yahweh your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies and to save you." 20:5 The officers will address the people, saying, "Is there anyone who has built a new house and hasn’t dedicated it? Let him go home, or he might die in battle and another man dedicate it." 20:6 "Is there anyone who has planted a vineyard and hasn’t eaten its fruit? Let him go home, or he might die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit." 20:7 "Is there anyone who has pledged to marry a wife and hasn't taken her? Let him go home, or he might die in battle and another man marry her." 20:8 The officers will continue speaking to the people and say, "Is there anyone who is afraid and faint-hearted? Let him go home, or his brother's heart might melt just like his." 20:9 When the officers finish talking to the people, they will appoint captains of armies to lead the people. 20:10 When you approach a city to fight against it, declare peace to it. 20:11 If it responds positively and opens its gates, then all the people inside will become your subjects and serve you. 20:12 But if it refuses to make peace and fights you, then you will besiege it: 20:13 and when Yahweh your God hands it over to you, you will kill every male with the sword: 20:14 but you can take the women, children, livestock, and everything else in the city as plunder; you will eat the spoils that Yahweh your God has given you. 20:15 This is what you should do to all the cities that are far away from you, which are not part of the cities of these nations. 20:16 But for the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God gives you as an inheritance, don’t spare anyone who breathes; 20:17 but you must completely destroy them: the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as Yahweh your God has commanded you; 20:18 so they do not teach you to follow their detestable practices that they do for their gods; this would cause you to sin against Yahweh your God. 20:19 When you lay siege to a city for a long time while making war to take it, don't destroy its trees by cutting them down; because you can eat from them, so don’t chop them down; are trees in the field human, that they should be besieged by you? 20:20 Only the trees that you know are not for food can be destroyed and cut down; and you will build siege works against the city that is waging war with you until it falls.

21:1 If one be found slain in the land which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it, lying in the field, and it isn't known who has struck him; 21:2 then your elders and your judges shall come forth, and they shall measure to the cities which are around him who is slain: 21:3 and it shall be, that the city which is nearest to the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn't been worked with, and which has not drawn in the yoke; 21:4 and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. 21:5 The priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them Yahweh your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of Yahweh; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be. 21:6 All the elders of that city, who are nearest to the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley; 21:7 and they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. 21:8 Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and don't allow innocent blood to remain in the midst of your people Israel. The blood shall be forgiven them. 21:9 So you shall put away the innocent blood from the midst of you, when you shall do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh. 21:10 When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands, and you carry them away captive, 21:11 and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you have a desire to her, and would take her to you as wife; 21:12 then you shall bring her home to your house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails; 21:13 and she shall put the clothing of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in your house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that you shall go in to her, and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. 21:14 It shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall let her go where she will; but you shall not sell her at all for money, you shall not deal with her as a slave, because you have humbled her. 21:15 If a man have two wives, the one beloved, and the other hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers who was hated; 21:16 then it shall be, in the day that he causes his sons to inherit that which he has, that he may not make the son of the beloved the firstborn before the son of the hated, who is the firstborn: 21:17 but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. 21:18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, who will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and, though they chasten him, will not listen to them; 21:19 then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out to the elders of his city, and to the gate of his place; 21:20 and they shall tell the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21:21 All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. 21:22 If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and you hang him on a tree; 21:23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of God; that you don't defile your land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance.

21:1 If someone is found murdered in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you to possess, lying in a field, and it's not known who killed him; 21:2 then your elders and judges must come forward and measure the distance to the cities surrounding the dead person: 21:3 and the city closest to the dead man must have its elders take a heifer from the herd that has never been worked or used for pulling a yoke; 21:4 and the elders of that city must bring the heifer to a valley with flowing water that hasn't been plowed or sown, and there they shall break the heifer's neck in the valley. 21:5 The priests, the sons of Levi, will come near; for Yahweh your God has chosen them to minister to Him and to bless in His name, and according to their word, every dispute and every injury will be decided. 21:6 All the elders of the nearest city to the dead man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley; 21:7 and they shall respond and say, "Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it." 21:8 "Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not allow innocent blood to remain among your people Israel." The blood shall be forgiven them. 21:9 Thus you will remove the innocent blood from among you when you do what is right in the eyes of Yahweh. 21:10 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God gives them into your hands, and you take them captive, 21:11 and see among the captives a beautiful woman and desire her, wanting to take her as your wife; 21:12 then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails; 21:13 and she shall remove the clothing of her captivity and stay in your house, mourning for her father and mother for a full month: and after that, you may go in to her, and become her husband, and she shall be your wife. 21:14 If you later find that you do not delight in her, you must let her go wherever she wants; but you must not sell her for money, nor treat her as a slave, because you have humbled her. 21:15 If a man has two wives, one loved and the other hated, and they bear him children, both the loved and the hated; and if the firstborn son is from the hated wife; 21:16 then on the day he divides his inheritance to his sons, he must not favor the son of the loved wife over the son of the hated wife, who is the firstborn: 21:17 but he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated wife, by giving him a double portion of everything he has; for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. 21:18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father or mother, and will not listen to them even after being disciplined; 21:19 then his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his dwelling; 21:20 and they shall say to the elders of his city, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard." 21:21 All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; thus, you shall purge the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. 21:22 If a man commits a sin that deserves death and he is executed, and you hang him on a tree; 21:23 his body must not remain on the tree all night, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for anyone who is hanged is accursed by God, so that you do not defile your land which Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance.

22:1 You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them: you shall surely bring them again to your brother. 22:2 If your brother isn't near to you, or if you don't know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother seek after it, and you shall restore it to him. 22:3 So you shall do with his donkey; and so you shall do with his garment; and so you shall do with every lost thing of your brother's, which he has lost, and you have found: you may not hide yourself. 22:4 You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them: you shall surely help him to lift them up again. 22:5 A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God. 22:6 If a bird's nest chance to be before you in the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young: 22:7 you shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take to yourself; that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days. 22:8 When you build a new house, then you shall make a battlement for your roof, that you don't bring blood on your house, if any man fall from there. 22:9 You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole fruit be forfeited, the seed which you have sown, and the increase of the vineyard. 22:10 You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. 22:11 You shall not wear a mixed stuff, wool and linen together. 22:12 You shall make yourselves fringes on the four borders of your cloak, with which you cover yourself. 22:13 If any man takes a wife, and goes in to her, and hates her, 22:14 and accuses her of shameful things, and brings up an evil name on her, and says, I took this woman, and when I came near to her, I didn't find in her the tokens of virginity; 22:15 then shall the father of the young lady, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the young lady's virginity to the elders of the city in the gate; 22:16 and the young lady's father shall tell the elders, I gave my daughter to this man to wife, and he hates her; 22:17 and behold, he has accused her of shameful things, saying, I didn't find in your daughter the tokens of virginity; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. They shall spread the garment before the elders of the city. 22:18 The elders of that city shall take the man and chastise him; 22:19 and they shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver, and give them to the father of the young lady, because he has brought up an evil name on a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days. 22:20 But if this thing be true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young lady; 22:21 then they shall bring out the young lady to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done folly in Israel, to play the prostitute in her father's house: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you. 22:22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman: so you shall put away the evil from Israel. 22:23 If there be a young lady who is a virgin pledged to be married to a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 22:24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones; the lady, because she didn't cry, being in the city; and the man, because he has humbled his neighbor's wife: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you. 22:25 But if the man find the lady who is pledged to be married in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her; then the man only who lay with her shall die: 22:26 but to the lady you shall do nothing; there is in the lady no sin worthy of death: for as when a man rises against his neighbor, and kills him, even so is this matter; 22:27 for he found her in the field, the pledged to be married lady cried, and there was none to save her. 22:28 If a man find a lady who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; 22:29 then the man who lay with her shall give to the lady's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife, because he has humbled her; he may not put her away all his days. 22:30 A man shall not take his father's wife, and shall not uncover his father's skirt.

22:1 You must not ignore your brother's lost ox or sheep; you should bring them back to him. 22:2 If your brother is not nearby or if you don't know him, take the animal home and keep it until your brother comes looking for it, and then return it to him. 22:3 You must do the same with his donkey, clothes, or anything else he has lost that you find; you cannot ignore it. 22:4 If you see your brother's donkey or ox fallen on the road, don't ignore it; you must help him lift it up again. 22:5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, and a man must not wear women's clothing; whoever does these things is detestable to Yahweh your God. 22:6 If you come across a bird's nest in a tree or on the ground, with chicks or eggs and the mother hen sitting on them, do not take the mother with the young. 22:7 You should let the mother go, but you may take the young for yourself so that it may go well with you and you may live a long life. 22:8 When you build a new house, make a railing around your roof to prevent anyone from falling off and getting hurt. 22:9 Do not plant your vineyard with two types of seeds; otherwise, the entire crop could be forfeited, including the seed you planted and the vineyard's produce. 22:10 Do not plow with an ox and a donkey together. 22:11 Do not wear clothes made of two different materials, like wool and linen. 22:12 Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. 22:13 If a man marries a woman, sleeps with her, and then hates her, 22:14 accusing her of shameful conduct and tarnishing her reputation by saying, "I married her, but when I approached her, I found no proof of her virginity," 22:15 then the father and mother of the young woman shall bring out the evidence of her virginity to the city elders at the gate. 22:16 The young woman's father will say to the elders, "I gave my daughter to this man to marry, and he hates her. 22:17 He has accused her of shameful conduct, saying, 'I found no proof of your daughter's virginity,' but here are the tokens of her virginity." They will spread the garment before the elders of the city. 22:18 The elders of that city shall take the man and punish him; 22:19 they shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver and give it to the young woman's father because he has brought an evil name upon a virgin of Israel, and she shall remain his wife; he cannot divorce her for the rest of his life. 22:20 But if the accusation is true and the evidence of virginity is not found in the young woman, 22:21 they shall bring her out to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death for committing folly in Israel by being promiscuous in her father's house; this is how you will remove the evil from among you. 22:22 If a man is found sleeping with a married woman, both he and the woman shall die; this is how you will rid Israel of evil. 22:23 If a young woman who is a virgin is pledged to be married and a man finds her in the city and sleeps with her, 22:24 then take them both to the city gate and stone them to death; the woman for not crying out for help in the city and the man for humiliating his neighbor's wife; thus you will eliminate the evil from among you. 22:25 But if a man finds the young woman pledged to marry in the field and forces her, only the man who lay with her shall die. 22:26 As for the young woman, she has done nothing wrong; there is no sin worthy of death in her case because, like a man who attacks his neighbor and kills him, this is comparable; 22:27 for he found her in the field; even though the pledged woman screamed, there was no one to save her. 22:28 If a man finds an unmarried virgin and seizes her and has sex with her and they are discovered, 22:29 then the man who lay with her must pay her father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her for the rest of his life. 22:30 A man must not marry his father's wife or violate his father's marriage bed.

23:1 He who is wounded in the stones, or has his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh. 23:2 A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of Yahweh. 23:3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation shall none belonging to them enter into the assembly of Yahweh forever: 23:4 because they didn't meet you with bread and with water in the way, when you came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you. 23:5 Nevertheless Yahweh your God wouldn't listen to Balaam; but Yahweh your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because Yahweh your God loved you. 23:6 You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever. 23:7 You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother: you shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. 23:8 The children of the third generation who are born to them shall enter into the assembly of Yahweh. 23:9 When you go forth in camp against your enemies, then you shall keep you from every evil thing. 23:10 If there be among you any man, who is not clean by reason of that which happens him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: 23:11 but it shall be, when evening comes on, he shall bathe himself in water; and when the sun is down, he shall come within the camp. 23:12 You shall have a place also outside of the camp, where you shall go forth abroad: 23:13 and you shall have a paddle among your weapons; and it shall be, when you sit down abroad, you shall dig therewith, and shall turn back and cover that which comes from you: 23:14 for Yahweh your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that he may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you. 23:15 You shall not deliver to his master a servant who is escaped from his master to you: 23:16 he shall dwell with you, in the midst of you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best: you shall not oppress him. 23:17 There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 23:18 You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Yahweh your God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination to Yahweh your God. 23:19 You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest: 23:20 to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it. 23:21 When you shall vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. 23:22 But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you. 23:23 That which is gone out of your lips you shall observe and do; according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God, a freewill offering, which you have promised with your mouth. 23:24 When you come into your neighbor's vineyard, then you may eat of grapes your fill at your own pleasure; but you shall not put any in your vessel. 23:25 When you come into your neighbor's standing grain, then you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not move a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain.

23:1 Anyone who is injured in the genitals or has his penis cut off cannot be part of the assembly of Yahweh. 23:2 A child born out of wedlock cannot enter the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants can enter the assembly of Yahweh. 23:3 An Ammonite or a Moabite cannot enter into the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation, none of their descendants can enter the assembly of Yahweh forever: 23:4 because they didn’t welcome you with food and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Mesopotamia to curse you. 23:5 However, Yahweh your God did not listen to Balaam; instead, Yahweh your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because He loved you. 23:6 You must not seek their peace or prosperity for all your days forever. 23:7 You should not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother; you should not despise an Egyptian because you lived as a foreigner in his land. 23:8 The children of the third generation who are born to them may enter the assembly of Yahweh. 23:9 When you go out to camp against your enemies, you must keep away from every evil thing. 23:10 If any man among you is unclean because of a night-time issue, he must go outside the camp and not come back until evening: 23:11 but when evening comes, he must wash himself in water; and when the sun sets, he may come back into the camp. 23:12 You must also have a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself: 23:13 and you should have a spade among your tools; when you sit down to relieve yourself, you should dig a hole and then cover up what comes out of you: 23:14 for Yahweh your God walks in the midst of your camp to save you and to hand your enemies over to you; therefore, your camp must be holy, so that He does not see anything unclean among you and turn away from you. 23:15 You must not return a runaway servant to his master: 23:16 he shall live with you in the place he chooses within one of your cities, wherever he likes; you must not oppress him. 23:17 There should be no prostitutes among the daughters of Israel, nor should there be any male shrine prostitutes among the sons of Israel. 23:18 You must not bring the payment of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of Yahweh your God for any vowed offering; for both of these are an abomination to Yahweh your God. 23:19 You must not charge interest to your brother—interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent with interest: 23:20 to a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you must not charge interest, so that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you do in the land you are about to possess. 23:21 When you make a vow to Yahweh your God, do not delay in fulfilling it; for Yahweh your God will surely demand it from you, and it would be a sin in you. 23:22 But if you choose not to make a vow, it will not be a sin in you. 23:23 You must keep your word and do what you said you would do; you must fulfill the vow you made to Yahweh your God, as a freewill offering that you promised with your mouth. 23:24 When you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat as many grapes as you want, but you must not take any with you in a container. 23:25 When you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pick the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not use a sickle on your neighbor's standing grain.

24:1 When a man takes a wife, and marries her, then it shall be, if she find no favor in his eyes, because he has found some unseemly thing in her, that he shall write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 24:2 When she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. 24:3 If the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, who took her to be his wife; 24:4 her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before Yahweh: and you shall not cause the land to sin, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance. 24:5 When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken. 24:6 No man shall take the mill or the upper millstone to pledge; for he takes a man's life to pledge. 24:7 If a man be found stealing any of his brothers of the children of Israel, and he deal with him as a slave, or sell him; then that thief shall die: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you. 24:8 Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do. 24:9 Remember what Yahweh your God did to Miriam, by the way as you came forth out of Egypt. 24:10 When you do lend your neighbor any manner of loan, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge. 24:11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you do lend shall bring forth the pledge outside to you. 24:12 If he be a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge; 24:13 you shall surely restore to him the pledge when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment, and bless you: and it shall be righteousness to you before Yahweh your God. 24:14 You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he be of your brothers, or of your foreigners who are in your land within your gates: 24:15 in his day you shall give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down on it; for he is poor, and sets his heart on it: lest he cry against you to Yahweh, and it be sin to you. 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. 24:17 You shall not wrest the justice due to the foreigner, or to the fatherless, nor take the widow's clothing to pledge; 24:18 but you shall remember that you were a bondservant in Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you there: therefore I command you to do this thing. 24:19 When you reap your harvest in your field, and have forgot a sheaf in the field, you shall not go again to get it: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 24:20 When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 24:21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it after you: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 24:22 You shall remember that you were a bondservant in the land of Egypt: therefore I command you to do this thing.

24:1 When a man marries a woman and takes her as his wife, if she doesn’t please him because he has found something shameful about her, he must write her a divorce certificate, give it to her, and send her away from his house. 24:2 Once she has left his house, she is free to become another man's wife. 24:3 If this second husband dislikes her and issues her a divorce certificate, giving it to her and sending her out of his house; or if this second husband dies, who took her as his wife; 24:4 her former husband, who sent her away, cannot take her again as his wife after she has been with someone else; that would be detestable to Yahweh, and you must not make the land guilty for which Yahweh your God has given you as an inheritance. 24:5 When a man marries a new wife, he should not be sent off to war or assigned any duties; he should be free at home for one year to make his wife happy. 24:6 No man should take the mill or the upper millstone as collateral; that would be taking a man's life as collateral. 24:7 If a man is caught stealing from any of his fellow Israelites and treats him as a slave or sells him, then the thief must die: you must eliminate this evil from among you. 24:8 Be careful with the contagious skin disease; make sure to follow all the instructions that the priests, the Levites, give you: just as I commanded them, you must follow. 24:9 Remember what Yahweh your God did to Miriam on your way out of Egypt. 24:10 When you lend your neighbor anything, do not enter his house to collect the collateral. 24:11 You shall stand outside, and the person you lent to must bring the collateral out to you. 24:12 If he is a poor man, do not keep his collateral overnight; 24:13 you must return it to him before sunset so he can sleep in his garment and bless you; this will be righteousness for you before Yahweh your God. 24:14 Do not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your fellow Israelites or a foreigner living in your land within your gates: 24:15 pay him his wages on the day he works, and do not let the sun set on it; he is poor and relies on it: if you don’t, he might cry out to Yahweh against you, and that would be a sin for you. 24:16 Parents should not be put to death for their children, nor should children be put to death for their parents; each person should be put to death for their own sin. 24:17 Do not twist justice that is owed to the foreigner, or to orphans, nor take a widow's clothing as collateral; 24:18 remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you from there: therefore, I command you to do this. 24:19 When you harvest your field and forget to gather a sheaf, do not go back for it: it should be for the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow; this way, Yahweh your God can bless you in all your endeavors. 24:20 When you shake your olive trees, do not go over the branches again: it should be for the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. 24:21 When you harvest your grapes, do not pick the remaining ones: they should be for the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. 24:22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt: therefore, I command you to do this.

25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come to judgment, and the judges judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked; 25:2 and it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his wickedness, by number. 25:3 Forty stripes he may give him, he shall not exceed; lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then your brother should seem vile to you. 25:4 You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the grain. 25:5 If brothers dwell together, and one of them die, and have no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in to her, and take her to him as wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. 25:6 It shall be, that the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead, that his name not be blotted out of Israel. 25:7 If the man doesn't want to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me. 25:8 Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him: and if he stand, and say, I don't want to take her; 25:9 then his brother's wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face; and she shall answer and say, So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house. 25:10 His name shall be called in Israel, The house of him who has his shoe untied. 25:11 When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draws near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him who strikes him, and puts forth her hand, and takes him by the secrets; 25:12 then you shall cut off her hand, your eye shall have no pity. 25:13 You shall not have in your bag diverse weights, a great and a small. 25:14 You shall not have in your house diverse measures, a great and a small. 25:15 You shall have a perfect and just weight. You shall have a perfect and just measure, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. 25:16 For all who do such things, even all who do unrighteously, are an abomination to Yahweh your God. 25:17 Remember what Amalek did to you by the way as you came forth out of Egypt; 25:18 how he met you by the way, and struck the hindmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he didn't fear God. 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when Yahweh your God has given you rest from all your enemies all around, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky; you shall not forget.

25:1 If there's a dispute between people, and they go to court, and the judges make a decision; they should justify the innocent and condemn the guilty; 25:2 and if the guilty person deserves to be punished, the judge shall have him lie down and be beaten in front of him, based on his wrongdoing, in a specific number. 25:3 He may give him up to forty lashes but must not exceed that; otherwise, if he beats him more than this with many lashes, it will seem disgraceful to you. 25:4 You must not muzzle the ox while it's treading out the grain. 25:5 If brothers live together and one of them dies without having a son, the deceased's wife must not marry someone outside the family: her husband's brother must go to her, marry her, and fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law. 25:6 The firstborn son she has will be named after his deceased brother, so his name won't be erased from Israel. 25:7 If the man doesn't want to marry his brother's widow, then she should go to the city gate and speak to the elders, saying, "My husband’s brother refuses to keep his brother's name alive in Israel; he won't fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for me." 25:8 Then the elders of his city shall summon him and talk to him; if he stands firm and says, "I don't want to marry her;" 25:9 then his brother’s widow shall come to him in front of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face; she shall respond by saying, "This is what happens to the man who does not build up his brother's house." 25:10 His name will be known in Israel as The Family of the Untied Sandal. 25:11 When people quarrel with one another, and one man’s wife comes near to rescue her husband from the one striking him, and reaches out her hand to grab him by his private parts; 25:12 then you must cut off her hand; do not show any mercy. 25:13 You must not have different weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. 25:14 You must not have different measures in your house, one big and one small. 25:15 You must have accurate and just weights. You must have accurate and just measures, so that your days may be long in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you. 25:16 For everyone who does such things, even everyone who acts unfairly, is an abomination to Yahweh your God. 25:17 Remember what Amalek did to you on your way out of Egypt; 25:18 how he confronted you on the way and attacked the weak and feeble at the back when you were tired and exhausted; and he did not fear God. 25:19 Therefore, when Yahweh your God has given you peace from all your enemies surrounding you, in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you must wipe out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; do not forget.

26:1 It shall be, when you are come in to the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, and possess it, and dwell therein, 26:2 that you shall take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that Yahweh your God gives you; and you shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there. 26:3 You shall come to the priest who shall be in those days, and tell him, I profess this day to Yahweh your God, that I am come to the land which Yahweh swore to our fathers to give us. 26:4 The priest shall take the basket out of your hand, and set it down before the altar of Yahweh your God. 26:5 You shall answer and say before Yahweh your God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father; and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 26:6 The Egyptians dealt ill with us, and afflicted us, and laid on us hard bondage: 26:7 and we cried to Yahweh, the God of our fathers, and Yahweh heard our voice, and saw our affliction, and our toil, and our oppression; 26:8 and Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror, and with signs, and with wonders; 26:9 and he has brought us into this place, and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 26:10 Now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, Yahweh, have given me. You shall set it down before Yahweh your God, and worship before Yahweh your God. 26:11 You shall rejoice in all the good which Yahweh your God has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is in the midst of you. 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled. 26:13 You shall say before Yahweh your God, I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, and to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me: I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them: 26:14 I have not eaten of it in my mourning, neither have I put away of it, being unclean, nor given of it for the dead: I have listened to the voice of Yahweh my God; I have done according to all that you have commanded me. 26:15 Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel, and the ground which you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. 26:16 This day Yahweh your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances: you shall therefore keep and do them with all your heart, and with all your soul. 26:17 You have declared Yahweh this day to be your God, and that you would walk in his ways, and keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his ordinances, and listen to his voice: 26:18 and Yahweh has declared you this day to be a people for his own possession, as he has promised you, and that you should keep all his commandments; 26:19 and to make you high above all nations that he has made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that you may be a holy people to Yahweh your God, as he has spoken.

26:1 When you enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and settle there, 26:2 you must take some of the first produce from the ground that you harvest from the land the Lord your God has given you; put it in a basket and go to the place the Lord your God will choose for his name to dwell. 26:3 You shall go to the priest who is serving at that time and say to him, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” 26:4 The priest will take the basket from your hand and place it before the altar of the Lord your God. 26:5 You will then respond before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt and lived there with a few people, and there he became a great nation, powerful and numerous. 26:6 The Egyptians treated us badly; they oppressed us and forced us into hard labor. 26:7 Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our cry and saw our misery, toil, and oppression. 26:8 So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, and with signs and wonders. 26:9 And he brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 26:10 Now, look! I have brought the first of the produce from the ground that you, Lord, have given me. Place it before the Lord your God and worship him. 26:11 You shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given you and your household, including the Levite and the foreigner residing among you. 26:12 After you have finished tithing all your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be satisfied. 26:13 You will declare before the Lord your God, “I have removed the sacred portion from my house and given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow according to your command that you have given me. I have not disobeyed any of your commands or forgotten any of them. 26:14 I have not eaten any of it while I was mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, or offered any of it to the dead. I have listened to the voice of the Lord my God; I have done everything you commanded me. 26:15 Look down from your holy dwelling, from heaven, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us, as you swore to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. 26:16 Today the Lord your God commands you to follow these decrees and laws: carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 26:17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, keep his decrees, commands, and laws, and listen to his voice. 26:18 The Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession, as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 26:19 He will set you in praise, fame, and honor high above all the nations he has made, and you will be a holy people to the Lord your God, as he has spoken.

27:1 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandment which I command you this day. 27:2 It shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and plaster them with plaster: 27:3 and you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you are passed over; that you may go in to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 27:4 It shall be, when you are passed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 27:5 There you shall build an altar to Yahweh your God, an altar of stones: you shall lift up no iron tool on them. 27:6 You shall build the altar of Yahweh your God of uncut stones; and you shall offer burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh your God: 27:7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God. 27:8 You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly. 27:9 Moses and the priests the Levites spoke to all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and listen, Israel: this day you are become the people of Yahweh your God. 27:10 You shall therefore obey the voice of Yahweh your God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command you this day. 27:11 Moses commanded the people the same day, saying, 27:12 These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you are passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin. 27:13 These shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 27:14 The Levites shall answer, and tell all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 27:15 Cursed be the man who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to Yahweh, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret. All the people shall answer and say, Amen. 27:16 Cursed be he who sets light by his father or his mother. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:17 Cursed be he who removes his neighbor's landmark. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:18 Cursed be he who makes the blind to wander out of the way. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:19 Cursed be he who wrests the justice due to the foreigner, fatherless, and widow. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:20 Cursed be he who lies with his father's wife, because he has uncovered his father's skirt. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:21 Cursed be he who lies with any manner of animal. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:22 Cursed be he who lies with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:23 Cursed be he who lies with his mother-in-law. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:24 Cursed be he who strikes his neighbor in secret. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:25 Cursed be he who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person. All the people shall say, Amen. 27:26 Cursed be he who doesn't confirm the words of this law to do them. All the people shall say, Amen.

27:1 Moses and the elders of Israel told the people, "Follow all the commands I give you today." 27:2 When you cross over the Jordan into the land that Yahweh your God is giving you, you are to set up large stones and coat them with plaster. 27:3 You will write all the words of this law on them once you have crossed over, so that when you enter the land Yahweh your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 27:4 After crossing the Jordan, you will set up the stones I command you today on Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster. 27:5 There, you will build an altar to Yahweh your God, an altar made of stones; do not use any iron tools on them. 27:6 You will build the altar of Yahweh your God using uncut stones, and you will offer burnt offerings there to Yahweh your God. 27:7 You will also sacrifice peace offerings and eat there, rejoicing before Yahweh your God. 27:8 You will clearly write all the words of this law on the stones. 27:9 Moses and the priests, the Levites, addressed all Israel, saying, "Be silent and listen, Israel: today you have become the people of Yahweh your God." 27:10 Therefore, you must obey the voice of Yahweh your God and follow His commandments and statutes, which I command you today. 27:11 Moses instructed the people on the same day, saying, 27:12 "These tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people when you cross the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin." 27:13 "These tribes will stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali." 27:14 The Levites shall respond and proclaim to all the people of Israel loudly, 27:15 "Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to Yahweh, a creation of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret." All the people shall respond, "Amen." 27:16 "Cursed is anyone who dishonors his father or mother." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:17 "Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor's boundary marker." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:18 "Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:19 "Cursed is anyone who denies justice to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:20 "Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father's wife, for he has uncovered his father's nakedness." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:21 "Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:22 "Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:23 "Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with his mother-in-law." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:24 "Cursed is anyone who secretly attacks his neighbor." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:25 "Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person." All the people shall say, "Amen." 27:26 "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by putting them into practice." All the people shall say, "Amen."

28:1 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that Yahweh your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth: 28:2 and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. 28:3 You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field. 28:4 You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock. 28:5 Your basket and your kneading trough shall be blessed. 28:6 You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out. 28:7 Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee before you seven ways. 28:8 Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. 28:9 Yahweh will establish you for a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and walk in his ways. 28:10 All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Yahweh; and they shall be afraid of you. 28:11 Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give you. 28:12 Yahweh will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow. 28:13 Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do them, 28:14 and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if you will not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you this day, that all these curses shall come on you, and overtake you. 28:16 You shall be cursed in the city, and you shall be cursed in the field. 28:17 Your basket and your kneading trough shall be cursed. 28:18 The fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock shall be cursed. 28:19 You shall be cursed when you come in, and you shall be cursed when you go out. 28:20 Yahweh will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke, in all that you put your hand to do, until you are destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the evil of your doings, by which you have forsaken me. 28:21 Yahweh will make the pestilence cleave to you, until he has consumed you from off the land, where you go in to possess it. 28:22 Yahweh will strike you with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with the sword, and with blight, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish. 28:23 Your sky that is over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron. 28:24 Yahweh will make the rain of your land powder and dust: from the sky shall it come down on you, until you are destroyed. 28:25 Yahweh will cause you to be struck before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them, and shall flee seven ways before them: and you shall be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth. 28:26 Your dead body shall be food to all birds of the sky, and to the animals of the earth; and there shall be none to frighten them away. 28:27 Yahweh will strike you with the boil of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, of which you can not be healed. 28:28 Yahweh will strike you with madness, and with blindness, and with astonishment of heart; 28:29 and you shall grope at noonday, as the blind gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways: and you shall be only oppressed and robbed always, and there shall be none to save you. 28:30 You shall betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: you shall build a house, and you shall not dwell therein: you shall plant a vineyard, and shall not use its fruit. 28:31 Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it: your donkey shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you: your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to save you. 28:32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people; and your eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day: and there shall be nothing in the power of your hand. 28:33 The fruit of your ground, and all your labors, shall a nation which you don't know eat up; and you shall be only oppressed and crushed always; 28:34 so that you shall be mad for the sight of your eyes which you shall see. 28:35 Yahweh will strike you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, of which you can not be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. 28:36 Yahweh will bring you, and your king whom you shall set over you, to a nation that you have not known, you nor your fathers; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone. 28:37 You shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples where Yahweh shall lead you away. 28:38 You shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather little in; for the locust shall consume it. 28:39 You shall plant vineyards and dress them, but you shall neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worm shall eat them. 28:40 You shall have olive trees throughout all your borders, but you shall not anoint yourself with the oil; for your olive shall cast its fruit. 28:41 You shall father sons and daughters, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity. 28:42 All your trees and the fruit of your ground shall the locust possess. 28:43 The foreigner who is in the midst of you shall mount up above you higher and higher; and you shall come down lower and lower. 28:44 He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him: he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 28:45 All these curses shall come on you, and shall pursue you, and overtake you, until you are destroyed; because you didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you: 28:46 and they shall be on you for a sign and for a wonder, and on your seed forever. 28:47 Because you didn't serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; 28:48 therefore you shall serve your enemies whom Yahweh shall send against you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron on your neck, until he have destroyed you. 28:49 Yahweh will bring a nation against you from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies; a nation whose language you shall not understand; 28:50 a nation of fierce facial expressions, that shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young, 28:51 and shall eat the fruit of your livestock, and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed; that also shall not leave you grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish. 28:52 They shall besiege you in all your gates, until your high and fortified walls come down, in which you trusted, throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land, which Yahweh your God has given you. 28:53 You shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters, whom Yahweh your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemies shall distress you. 28:54 The man who is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children whom he has remaining; 28:55 so that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat, because he has nothing left him, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy shall distress you in all your gates. 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not adventure to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, 28:57 and toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she shall bear; for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy shall distress you in your gates. 28:58 If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, YAHWEH YOUR GOD; 28:59 then Yahweh will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. 28:60 He will bring on you again all the diseases of Egypt, which you were afraid of; and they shall cleave to you. 28:61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will Yahweh bring on you, until you are destroyed. 28:62 You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the sky for multitude; because you didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. 28:63 It shall happen that as Yahweh rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so Yahweh will rejoice over you to cause you to perish, and to destroy you; and you shall be plucked from off the land where you go in to possess it. 28:64 Yahweh will scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, which you have not known, you nor your fathers, even wood and stone. 28:65 Among these nations you shall find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of your foot: but Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul; 28:66 and your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you shall fear night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. 28:67 In the morning you shall say, Would it were even! and at even you shall say, Would it were morning! for the fear of your heart which you shall fear, and for the sight of your eyes which you shall see. 28:68 Yahweh will bring you into Egypt again with ships, by the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall sell yourselves to your enemies for bondservants and for bondmaids, and no man shall buy you.

28:1 If you listen carefully to the voice of Yahweh your God and follow all the commandments I give you today, Yahweh your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth: 28:2 and all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. 28:3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the field. 28:4 You will be blessed in the fruit of your body, the produce of your land, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock. 28:5 Your basket and your kneading bowl will be blessed. 28:6 You will be blessed when you enter and blessed when you exit. 28:7 Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise against you to be struck down before you. They will come at you one way and flee from you seven ways. 28:8 Yahweh will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in everything you do; and He will bless you in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you. 28:9 Yahweh will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of Yahweh your God and walk in His ways. 28:10 All the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of Yahweh, and they will fear you. 28:11 Yahweh will make you abundant in good things, in the fruit of your body, in the produce of your livestock, and in the fruit of your land, in the land which Yahweh swore to your ancestors to give you. 28:12 Yahweh will open His good treasure in the sky, to give you rain for your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hands; and you will lend to many nations, but you will not need to borrow. 28:13 Yahweh will make you the head and not the tail; you will be above only and not beneath, if you listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you today, to observe and to do them, 28:14 and do not turn aside from any of the words I command you today, to the right or to the left, by following other gods to serve them. 28:15 But it will happen, if you do not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe and do all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you. 28:16 You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the field. 28:17 Your basket and your kneading bowl will be cursed. 28:18 The fruit of your body, the produce of your land, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock will be cursed. 28:19 You will be cursed when you enter and cursed when you exit. 28:20 Yahweh will send upon you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in everything you attempt to do, until you are destroyed and perish quickly because of the evil of your actions in forsaking me. 28:21 Yahweh will make pestilence cling to you until He has consumed you from the land you are entering to possess. 28:22 Yahweh will strike you with consumption, fever, inflammation, fiery heat, the sword, blight, and mildew; and they will pursue you until you perish. 28:23 Your sky above will be like brass, and the ground beneath you will be like iron. 28:24 Yahweh will turn the rain for your land into powder and dust; it will come down on you from the sky until you are destroyed. 28:25 Yahweh will cause you to be struck down before your enemies; you will go against them one way and flee from them seven ways; and you will be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth. 28:26 Your dead body will become food for all the birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away. 28:27 Yahweh will strike you with the boil of Egypt, tumors, scurvy, and itching that cannot be healed. 28:28 Yahweh will strike you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind; 28:29 and you will grope at noon like a blind person gropes in darkness, and you will not prosper in your ways; you will only be oppressed and robbed continually, and there will be no one to save you. 28:30 You will betroth a wife, but another man will lie with her; you will build a house but will not live in it; you will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. 28:31 Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it; your donkey will be forcibly taken from you, and will not be returned; your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to save you. 28:32 Your sons and daughters will be given to another people; and your eyes will long for them all day long, but you will be powerless to do anything. 28:33 The produce of your land and all your labor will be consumed by a nation you do not know; you will be oppressed and crushed continually; 28:34 and you will be driven mad by the sights you see. 28:35 Yahweh will strike you in the knees and legs with painful, incurable boils, from the soles of your feet to the crown of your head. 28:36 Yahweh will bring you and your king whom you set over you to a nation you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors; and there you will serve other gods, wooden and stone idols. 28:37 You will become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away. 28:38 You will carry a lot of seed out to the field but gather little in, because the locusts will consume it. 28:39 You will plant vineyards and cultivate them, but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes, for the worms will eat them. 28:40 You will have olive trees all over your land, but you will not anoint yourself with the oil, as your olives will drop off. 28:41 You will father sons and daughters, but they will not be yours, for they will go into captivity. 28:42 All your trees and the fruits of your land will be possessed by locusts. 28:43 The foreigner among you will rise higher and higher, while you will come down lower and lower. 28:44 He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he will be the head and you will be the tail. 28:45 All these curses will come upon you, pursue you, and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you: 28:46 and they will be a sign and a wonder upon you and your descendants forever. 28:47 Because you did not serve Yahweh your God with joy and gladness of heart for the abundance of all things; 28:48 therefore, you will serve your enemies whom Yahweh will send against you in hunger, thirst, nakedness, and in need of all things; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 28:49 Yahweh will bring against you a nation from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down; a nation whose language you will not understand; 28:50 a fierce nation that will not respect the elderly or show favor to the young, 28:51 and will eat the fruit of your livestock and the produce of your land until you are destroyed; they will leave you neither grain, new wine, nor oil, the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish. 28:52 They will besiege you in all your gates until your high and fortified walls come down, the walls you trusted in throughout all your land; and they will besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land which Yahweh your God has given you. 28:53 You will eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters whom Yahweh your God has given you during the siege and the distress your enemies inflict upon you. 28:54 The man who is tender among you and very delicate will have an evil eye towards his brother, his wife, and the remnant of his children, 28:55 so that he will not give any of them the flesh of his children whom he will eat, as he will have nothing left during the siege and the distress your enemy inflicts upon you in all your gates. 28:56 The delicate woman among you, who would not dare to put her foot on the ground because of her delicateness, will have an evil eye toward her husband, her son, her daughter, 28:57 and the children she bears; for she will eat them secretly due to lack of all things during the siege and the distress your enemy inflicts upon you in your gates. 28:58 If you do not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book so that you may fear this glorious and fearsome name, YAHWEH YOUR GOD; 28:59 then Yahweh will make your plagues astonishing, and the plagues of your descendants, including severe and persistent plagues, and long-term sicknesses. 28:60 He will bring upon you all the diseases of Egypt that you feared, and they will cling to you. 28:61 Also, every sickness and plague not written in this book of the law will Yahweh bring upon you until you are destroyed. 28:62 You will be left few in number, while you used to be as numerous as the stars in the sky, because you did not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. 28:63 It will come to pass that as Yahweh rejoiced over you to do you good and to multiply you, so Yahweh will rejoice over you to bring you to ruin and destroy you; and you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess. 28:64 Yahweh will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other; and there you will serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your ancestors have not known. 28:65 Among those nations, you will find no ease, and there will be no rest for the soles of your feet; but Yahweh will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and pining soul; 28:66 and your life will hang in doubt before you; you will fear night and day and have no assurance of your life. 28:67 In the morning you will say, "If only it were evening!" and at evening you will say, "If only it were morning!" because of the fear in your heart and the sights your eyes will see. 28:68 Yahweh will bring you back to Egypt in ships, the very route I told you that you would never see again; and there, you will sell yourselves to your enemies as slaves, and no one will buy you.

29:1 These are the words of the covenant which Yahweh commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. 29:2 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, You have seen all that Yahweh did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land; 29:3 the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders: 29:4 but Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day. 29:5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes have not grown old on you, and your shoe has not grown old on your foot. 29:6 You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink; that you may know that I am Yahweh your God. 29:7 When you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us to battle, and we struck them: 29:8 and we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of the Manassites. 29:9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. 29:10 You stand this day all of you before Yahweh your God; your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of Israel, 29:11 your little ones, your wives, and your foreigner who is in the midst of your camps, from the one who cuts your wood to the one who draws your water; 29:12 that you may enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God, and into his oath, which Yahweh your God makes with you this day; 29:13 that he may establish you this day to himself for a people, and that he may be to you a God, as he spoke to you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 29:14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath, 29:15 but with him who stands here with us this day before Yahweh our God, and also with him who is not here with us this day 29:16 (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed; 29:17 and you have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them); 29:18 lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from Yahweh our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood; 29:19 and it happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart, to destroy the moist with the dry. 29:20 Yahweh will not pardon him, but then the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smoke against that man, and all the curse that is written in this book shall lie on him, and Yahweh will blot out his name from under the sky. 29:21 Yahweh will set him apart to evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that is written in this book of the law. 29:22 The generation to come, your children who shall rise up after you, and the foreigner who shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses with which Yahweh has made it sick; 29:23 and that the whole land of it is sulfur, and salt, and a burning, that it is not sown, nor bears, nor any grass grows therein, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which Yahweh overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: 29:24 even all the nations shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land? what means the heat of this great anger? 29:25 Then men shall say, Because they forsook the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, 29:26 and went and served other gods, and worshiped them, gods that they didn't know, and that he had not given to them: 29:27 therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against this land, to bring on it all the curse that is written in this book; 29:28 and Yahweh rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as at this day. 29:29 The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

29:1 These are the words of the covenant that Yahweh instructed Moses to establish with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant He made with them at Horeb. 29:2 Moses called all of Israel together and said to them, You have seen all that Yahweh did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land; 29:3 the great trials that you witnessed, the signs, and those great wonders: 29:4 but Yahweh has not given you a heart to understand, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, up to this day. 29:5 I have guided you for forty years in the wilderness: your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. 29:6 You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, so that you may know that I am Yahweh your God. 29:7 When you arrived at this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, and we defeated them: 29:8 we took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. 29:9 Therefore, keep the words of this covenant and follow them, so that you may prosper in all you do. 29:10 You are all standing today before Yahweh your God; your leaders, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of Israel, 29:11 your little ones, your wives, and your foreigners who are among you, from the one who gathers your wood to the one who draws your water; 29:12 so that you may enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God and His oath, which Yahweh your God is making with you today; 29:13 that He may establish you today as His people, and that He may be your God, as He promised you and as He swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 29:14 I am making this covenant and this oath not just with you, 29:15 but with those who are standing here with us today before Yahweh our God, and also with those who aren’t here with us today 29:16 (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we passed through the nations that you traveled through; 29:17 and you have seen their detestable practices, and their idols made of wood and stone, silver and gold that were among them); 29:18 so that there is not among you a man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away today from Yahweh our God, to serve the gods of those nations; lest there be among you a root that bears bitterness and wormwood; 29:19 and it happens that when he hears the words of this curse, he blesses himself in his heart, saying, I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart, destroying the moist with the dry. 29:20 Yahweh will not pardon him, and then the anger of Yahweh and His jealousy will burn against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall rest upon him, and Yahweh will erase his name from under heaven. 29:21 Yahweh will set him apart for evil from all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this law book. 29:22 The generation to come, your children who will rise up after you, and the foreigner who will come from a distant land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the illnesses with which Yahweh has afflicted it; 29:23 and that the whole land is burned with sulfur and salt, and is a burning waste, that it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow in it, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which Yahweh destroyed in His anger and wrath: 29:24 all the nations will ask, Why has Yahweh done this to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean? 29:25 Then people will answer, Because they abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt, 29:26 and they went and served other gods, and worshiped them, gods that they did not know, and that He had not given to them: 29:27 therefore, the anger of Yahweh was kindled against this land, bringing upon it all the curse that is written in this book; 29:28 and Yahweh uprooted them from their land in anger, and in wrath, and great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is today. 29:29 The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the revealed things belong to us and our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.

30:1 It shall happen, when all these things are come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Yahweh your God has driven you, 30:2 and shall return to Yahweh your God, and shall obey his voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; 30:3 that then Yahweh your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Yahweh your God has scattered you. 30:4 If any of your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there will Yahweh your God gather you, and from there he will bring you back: 30:5 and Yahweh your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and he will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers. 30:6 Yahweh your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live. 30:7 Yahweh your God will put all these curses on your enemies, and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 30:8 You shall return and obey the voice of Yahweh, and do all his commandments which I command you this day. 30:9 Yahweh your God will make you plenteous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, for good: for Yahweh will again rejoice over you for good, as he rejoiced over your fathers; 30:10 if you shall obey the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if you turn to Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul. 30:11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 30:12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it? 30:13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it? 30:14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it. 30:15 Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; 30:16 in that I command you this day to love Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances, that you may live and multiply, and that Yahweh your God may bless you in the land where you go in to possess it. 30:17 But if your heart turn away, and you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 30:18 I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land, where you pass over the Jordan to go in to possess it. 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed; 30:20 to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cleave to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

30:1 When all these things come upon you—the blessings and the curses I’ve set before you—you will remember them among the nations where Yahweh your God has scattered you. 30:2 You will return to Yahweh your God and obey His voice, following all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul. 30:3 Then Yahweh your God will restore your fortunes and show compassion on you; He will return and gather you from all the people where Yahweh your God has scattered you. 30:4 If any of your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there Yahweh your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. 30:5 Yahweh your God will bring you into the land your ancestors possessed, and you will take possession of it; He will make you prosperous and increase you even more than your ancestors. 30:6 Yahweh your God will change your heart and the hearts of your descendants, so that you will love Yahweh your God with all your heart and soul, enabling you to live. 30:7 Yahweh your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate and persecute you. 30:8 You will return and obey the voice of Yahweh, doing all His commands that I give you today. 30:9 Yahweh your God will bless you abundantly in all the work of your hands, in the offspring of your body, in your livestock, and in your crops, for good; Yahweh will once again delight in you, as He did in your ancestors, 30:10 if you obey the voice of Yahweh your God and keep His commands and statutes that are written in this law; if you turn to Yahweh your God with all your heart and soul. 30:11 For this command that I give you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. 30:12 It is not up in heaven, so that you should ask, “Who will go up to heaven for us and bring it to us so we can hear it and do it?” 30:13 Nor is it across the sea, so that you should ask, “Who will cross the sea for us and bring it to us so we can hear it and do it?” 30:14 But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so you can do it. 30:15 Look, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and disaster; 30:16 for I command you today to love Yahweh your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply, and that Yahweh your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to take possession of it. 30:17 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, and you are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 30:18 I declare to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not prolong your days in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 30:20 by loving Yahweh your God, listening to His voice, and holding fast to Him; for He is your life and the length of your days, and you may dwell in the land Yahweh swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

31:1 Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 31:2 He said to them, I am one hundred twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: and Yahweh has said to me, You shall not go over this Jordan. 31:3 Yahweh your God, he will go over before you; he will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken. 31:4 Yahweh will do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land; whom he destroyed. 31:5 Yahweh will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you. 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you. 31:7 Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage: for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. 31:8 Yahweh, he it is who does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: don't be afraid, neither be dismayed. 31:9 Moses wrote this law, and delivered it to the priests the sons of Levi, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and to all the elders of Israel. 31:10 Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tents, 31:11 when all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he shall choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 31:12 Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and your foreigner who is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; 31:13 and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it. 31:14 Yahweh said to Moses, Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may commission him. Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting. 31:15 Yahweh appeared in the Tent in a pillar of cloud: and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the Tent. 31:16 Yahweh said to Moses, Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers; and this people will rise up, and play the prostitute after the strange gods of the land, where they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 31:17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come on them; so that they will say in that day, Haven't these evils come on us because our God is not among us? 31:18 I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they shall have worked, in that they are turned to other gods. 31:19 Now therefore write you this song for you, and teach you it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 31:20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant. 31:21 It shall happen, when many evils and troubles are come on them, that this song shall testify before them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they frame this day, before I have brought them into the land which I swore. 31:22 So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel. 31:23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you. 31:24 It happened, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, 31:25 that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, saying, 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, that it may be there for a witness against you. 31:27 For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against Yahweh; and how much more after my death? 31:28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 31:29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days; because you will do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands. 31:30 Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.

31:1 Moses went and shared these words with all of Israel. 31:2 He said to them, "I am one hundred twenty years old today; I can no longer go in and out: and Yahweh has told me, 'You shall not cross this Jordan.' 31:3 Yahweh your God will go ahead of you; he will wipe out these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land: and Joshua will lead you across, just as Yahweh has said. 31:4 Yahweh will handle them the same way he did Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and their land; whom he destroyed. 31:5 Yahweh will deliver them to you, and you will do to them all the things I have commanded you. 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for Yahweh your God goes with you; he will not let you down or abandon you. 31:7 Moses called Joshua and said to him in front of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people into the land that Yahweh swore to their ancestors to give them; and you will help them inherit it. 31:8 Yahweh is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you, he will not let you down or abandon you: do not be afraid or discouraged." 31:9 Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and to all the elders of Israel. 31:10 Moses commanded them, saying, "At the end of every seven years, during the set time of the year of release, at the feast of tents, 31:11 when all Israel has gathered to appear before Yahweh your God in the place he will choose, you shall read this law to all Israel in their hearing. 31:12 Gather the people, the men and the women and the little ones, along with your foreigner living in your towns, so they can hear, learn, and fear Yahweh your God, and carefully follow all the words of this law; 31:13 and so that their children, who do not know it, may hear and learn to fear Yahweh your God as long as you live in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to possess it. 31:14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Look, your days are coming when you must die: call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so I can commission him." Moses and Joshua went and stood at the Tent of Meeting. 31:15 Yahweh appeared at the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood at the entrance of the Tent. 31:16 Yahweh said to Moses, "You will sleep with your ancestors, and this people will rise up and play the prostitute with the foreign gods of the land they are entering, and they will abandon me and break my covenant which I made with them. 31:17 Then my anger will ignite against them on that day, and I will abandon them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed, and many tragedies and troubles will come upon them; so they will say on that day, 'Did these tragedies happen to us because our God is not with us?' 31:18 I will definitely hide my face on that day because of all the evil they do, turning to other gods. 31:19 Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, so this song may serve as a witness for me against the children of Israel. 31:20 For when I have brought them into the land I swore to their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey, and they eat their fill and grow fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant. 31:21 It will happen, when many troubles have come upon them, that this song will serve as a testimony against them, for it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants: for I know their rebellious nature, which they are planning today, before I have brought them into the land I swore to them. 31:22 So Moses wrote this song that same day and taught it to the children of Israel. 31:23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, "Be strong and courageous; for you will bring the children of Israel into the land I swore to them: and I will be with you." 31:24 When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were complete, 31:25 he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, saying, 31:26 "Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, so it may serve as a witness against you. 31:27 For I know your rebellion and your stubbornness: look, while I am still alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Yahweh; and how much more after my death? 31:28 Gather all the elders of your tribes and your officers, so I can speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 31:29 For I know that after my death you will completely corrupt yourselves and turn away from the path I have commanded you; and evil will come upon you in the latter days, because you will do what is evil in the sight of Yahweh, provoking him to anger through the works of your hands." 31:30 Moses spoke to the entire assembly of Israel the words of this song until he finished.

32:1 Give ear, you heavens, and I will speak.
Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain.
My speech shall condense as the dew,
as the small rain on the tender grass,
as the showers on the herb.
32:3 For I will proclaim the name of Yahweh.
Ascribe greatness to our God!
32:4 The Rock, his work is perfect,
for all his ways are justice:
a God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
just and right is he.
32:5 They have dealt corruptly with him, they are not his children, it is their blemish.
They are a perverse and crooked generation.
32:6 Do you thus requite Yahweh,
foolish people and unwise?
Isn't he your father who has bought you?
He has made you, and established you.
32:7 Remember the days of old.
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
your elders, and they will tell you.
32:8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,
when he separated the children of men,
he set the bounds of the peoples
according to the number of the children of Israel.
32:9 For Yahweh's portion is his people.
Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
32:10 He found him in a desert land,
in the waste howling wilderness.
He surrounded him.
He cared for him.
He kept him as the apple of his eye.
32:11 As an eagle that stirs up her nest,
that flutters over her young,
he spread abroad his wings, he took them,
he bore them on his feathers.
32:12 Yahweh alone led him.
There was no foreign god with him.
32:13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth.
He ate the increase of the field.
He caused him to suck honey out of the rock,
oil out of the flinty rock;
32:14 Butter of the herd, and milk of the flock,
with fat of lambs,
rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats,
with the finest of the wheat.
Of the blood of the grape you drank wine.
32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked.
You have grown fat.
You have grown thick.
You have become sleek.
Then he forsook God who made him,
and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
32:16 They moved him to jealousy with strange gods.
They provoked him to anger with abominations.
32:17 They sacrificed to demons, which were no God,
to gods that they didn't know,
to new gods that came up of late,
which your fathers didn't dread.
32:18 Of the Rock who became your father, you are unmindful,
and have forgotten God who gave you birth.
32:19 Yahweh saw it, and abhorred them,
because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters.
32:20 He said, I will hide my face from them.
I will see what their end shall be;
for they are a very perverse generation,
children in whom is no faithfulness.
32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God.
They have provoked me to anger with their vanities.
I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people.
I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
32:22 For a fire is kindled in my anger,
Burns to the lowest Sheol,
Devours the earth with its increase,
and sets the foundations of the mountains on fire.
32:23 I will heap evils on them.
I will spend my arrows on them.
32:24 They shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat
and bitter destruction.
I will send the teeth of animals on them,
With the poison of crawling things of the dust.
32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave,
and in the chambers, terror;
on both young man and virgin,
The suckling with the gray-haired man.
32:26 I said, I would scatter them afar.
I would make the memory of them to cease from among men;
32:27 were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy,
lest their adversaries should judge wrongly,
lest they should say, Our hand is exalted,
Yahweh has not done all this.
32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel.
There is no understanding in them.
32:29 Oh that they were wise, that they understood this,
that they would consider their latter end!
32:30 How could one chase a thousand,
and two put ten thousand to flight,
unless their Rock had sold them,
and Yahweh had delivered them up?
32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock,
even our enemies themselves being judges.
32:32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom,
of the fields of Gomorrah.
Their grapes are grapes of gall,
Their clusters are bitter.
32:33 Their wine is the poison of serpents,
The cruel venom of asps.
32:34 Isn't this laid up in store with me,
sealed up among my treasures?
32:35 Vengeance is mine, and recompense,
at the time when their foot slides;
for the day of their calamity is at hand.
The things that are to come on them shall make haste.
32:36 For Yahweh will judge his people,
and have compassion on his servants,
when he sees that their power is gone,
There is none remaining, shut up or left at large.
32:37 He will say, Where are their gods,
The rock in which they took refuge;
32:38 Which ate the fat of their sacrifices,
And drank the wine of their drink offering?
Let them rise up and help you!
Let them be your protection.
32:39 See now that I, even I, am he,
There is no god with me.
I kill, and I make alive.
I wound, and I heal.
There is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
32:40 For I lift up my hand to heaven,
And say, As I live forever,
32:41 if I whet my glittering sword,
My hand take hold on judgment;
I will render vengeance to my adversaries,
and will recompense those who hate me.
32:42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood.
My sword shall devour flesh with the blood of the slain and the captives,
from the head of the leaders of the enemy.
32:43 Rejoice, you nations, with his people,
for he will avenge the blood of his servants.
He will render vengeance to his adversaries,
And will make expiation for his land, for his people.

32:44 Moses came and spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. 32:45 Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel; 32:46 He said to them, Set your heart to all the words which I testify to you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, even all the words of this law. 32:47 For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it. 32:48 Yahweh spoke to Moses that same day, saying, 32:49 Go up into this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel for a possession; 32:50 and die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people: 32:51 because you trespassed against me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didn't sanctify me in the midst of the children of Israel. 32:52 For you shall see the land before you; but you shall not go there into the land which I give the children of Israel.

32:44 Moses came and spoke all the words of this song to the people, he and Joshua, the son of Nun. 32:45 After Moses finished speaking all these words to all of Israel; 32:46 he said to them, Pay attention to all the words I’m testifying to you today, and teach your children to follow all the words of this law. 32:47 This isn’t just an empty thing for you; it’s your life, and through it, you will extend your days in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. 32:48 Yahweh spoke to Moses that same day, saying, 32:49 Go up to this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I’m giving to the children of Israel as a possession; 32:50 and die on the mountain you’re going up to, and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people: 32:51 because you disobeyed me in front of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didn’t honor me in front of the children of Israel. 32:52 You will see the land before you; but you won’t enter the land that I’m giving the children of Israel.

33:1 This is the blessing, with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 33:2 He said,

33:1 This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave to the children of Israel before he died. 33:2 He said,

Yahweh came from Sinai,
And rose from Seir to them.
He shone forth from Mount Paran.
He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.
At his right hand was a fiery law for them.
33:3 Yes, he loves the people.
All his saints are in your hand.
They sat down at your feet;
Everyone shall receive of your words.
33:4 Moses commanded us a law,
An inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
33:5 He was king in Jeshurun,
When the heads of the people were gathered,
All the tribes of Israel together.
33:6 Let Reuben live, and not die;
Nor let his men be few.

33:7 This is the blessing of Judah: and he said,

33:7 This is the blessing of Judah: and he said,

Hear, Yahweh, the voice of Judah.
Bring him in to his people.
With his hands he contended for himself.
You shall be a help against his adversaries.

33:8 Of Levi he said,

Of Levi he said,

Your Thummim and your Urim are with your godly one,
whom you proved at Massah,
with whom you strove at the waters of Meribah;
33:9 who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him;
Neither did he acknowledge his brothers,
Nor did he know his own children:
For they have observed your word,
and keep your covenant.
33:10 They shall teach Jacob your ordinances,
and Israel your law.
They shall put incense before you,
and whole burnt offering on your altar.
33:11 Yahweh, bless his substance.
Accept the work of his hands.
Strike through the hips of those who rise up against him,
of those who hate him, that they not rise again.

33:12 Of Benjamin he said,

33:12 About Benjamin he said,

The beloved of Yahweh shall dwell in safety by him.
He covers him all the day long.
He dwells between his shoulders.

33:13 Of Joseph he said,

Of Joseph he said,

His land is blessed by Yahweh,
for the precious things of the heavens, for the dew,
for the deep that couches beneath,
33:14 for the precious things of the fruits of the sun,
for the precious things of the growth of the moons,
33:15 for the chief things of the ancient mountains,
for the precious things of the everlasting hills,
33:16 for the precious things of the earth and its fullness,
the good will of him who lived in the bush.
Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph,
On the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.
33:17 The firstborn of his herd, majesty is his.
His horns are the horns of the wild ox.
With them he shall push the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth:
They are the ten thousands of Ephraim.
They are the thousands of Manasseh.

33:18 Of Zebulun he said,

Of Zebulun he said,

Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out;
and Issachar, in your tents.
33:19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain.
There they will offer sacrifices of righteousness,
for they shall draw out the abundance of the seas,
the hidden treasures of the sand.

33:20 Of Gad he said,

33:20 About Gad, he said,

He who enlarges Gad is blessed.
He dwells as a lioness,
and tears the arm, yes, the crown of the head.
33:21 He provided the first part for himself,
for there was the lawgiver's portion reserved.
He came with the heads of the people.
He executed the righteousness of Yahweh,
His ordinances with Israel.

33:22 Of Dan he said,

33:22 About Dan he said,

Dan is a lion's cub
that leaps out of Bashan.

33:23 Of Naphtali he said,

33:23 About Naphtali he said,

Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
full of the blessing of Yahweh,
Possess the west and the south.

33:24 Of Asher he said,

Of Asher, he said,

Asher is blessed with children.
Let him be acceptable to his brothers.
Let him dip his foot in oil.
33:25 Your bars shall be iron and brass.
As your days, so your strength will be.
33:26 There is none like God, Jeshurun,
who rides on the heavens for your help,
In his excellency on the skies.
33:27 The eternal God is your dwelling place.
Underneath are the everlasting arms.
He thrust out the enemy from before you,
and said, Destroy.
33:28 Israel dwells in safety;
the fountain of Jacob alone,
In a land of grain and new wine.
Yes, his heavens drop down dew.
33:29 You are happy, Israel.
Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh,
the shield of your help,
the sword of your excellency!
Your enemies shall submit themselves to you.
You shall tread on their high places.

34:1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. Yahweh showed him all the land of Gilead, to Dan, 34:2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the hinder sea, 34:3 and the South, and the Plain of the valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, to Zoar. 34:4 Yahweh said to him, This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, I will give it to your seed: I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there. 34:5 So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Yahweh. 34:6 He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth Peor: but no man knows of his tomb to this day. 34:7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 34:8 The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended. 34:9 Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him: and the children of Israel listened to him, and did as Yahweh commanded Moses. 34:10 There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom Yahweh knew face to face, 34:11 in all the signs and the wonders, which Yahweh sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, 34:12 and in all the mighty hand, and in all the great terror, which Moses worked in the sight of all Israel.

34:1 Moses climbed up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which overlooks Jericho. Yahweh showed him all the land of Gilead, to Dan, 34:2 and all of Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the western sea, 34:3 and the South, and the Plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, to Zoar. 34:4 Yahweh said to him, "This is the land I promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over there." 34:5 So Moses, the servant of Yahweh, died there in the land of Moab, as Yahweh had said. 34:6 He was buried in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor, but no one knows where his tomb is to this day. 34:7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired, and his strength had not diminished. 34:8 The children of Israel mourned for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended. 34:9 Joshua, son of Nun, was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the children of Israel listened to him and did as Yahweh commanded Moses. 34:10 Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom Yahweh knew face to face, 34:11 in all the signs and wonders that Yahweh sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to all his officials, and to all his land, 34:12 and in all the mighty acts and the great terror that Moses displayed in the sight of all Israel.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:40 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[2] back to 2:1 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[3] back to 11:4 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[4] back to 22:12 or, tassles

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassels

[5] back to 33:16 i. e. the burning bush of Exodus 3:3-4.

[5] back to 33:16 that is, the burning bush from Exodus 3:3-4.














Joshua

1:1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel. 1:3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses. 1:4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border. 1:5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. 1:6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 1:9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

1:1 After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, 1:2 "Moses my servant is dead; now get ready to cross the Jordan River, you and all these people, into the land I am about to give them, to the Israelites. 1:3 I have given you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 1:4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.'"

1:10 Then Joshua instructed the officers of the people, saying, 1:11 "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your food ready; because in three days, you will cross this Jordan to take possession of the land that Yahweh your God is giving you.'"

1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying, 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land. 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them 1:15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.'"

1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying, 1:13 "Remember what Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you: 'The Lord your God is giving you rest and will give you this land. 1:14 Your wives, your children, and your livestock can stay in the land Moses assigned to you east of the Jordan, but you need to cross over and support your fellow Israelites, all you brave warriors, until the Lord has given your brothers rest, as He has given you, and they have taken possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you can return to your own land and possess it, which Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.'"

1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 1:17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as he was with Moses. 1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."

1:16 They replied to Joshua, "We will do everything you’ve commanded us, and we will go wherever you send us. 1:17 Just as we followed Moses in everything, we will follow you. Just make sure that the Lord your God is with you, as He was with Moses. 1:18 Anyone who disobeys your orders and ignores your words will be put to death. Just be strong and courageous."

2:1 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

2:1 Joshua, the son of Nun, secretly sent two men from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go check out the land and Jericho." They went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and spent the night there.

2:2 The king of Jericho was told, "Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land."

2:2 The king of Jericho was informed, "Look, the men from the Israelites came here tonight to scout the land."

2:3 The king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land."

2:3 The king of Jericho sent a message to Rahab, saying, "Send out the men who came to you and have entered your house, because they have come to scout the land."

2:4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I didn't know where they came from. 2:5 It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I don't know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them." 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof. 2:7 The men pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. 2:8 Before they had laid down, she came up to them on the roof; 2:9 and she said to the men, "I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 2:10 For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 2:11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath. 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token; 2:13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death."

2:4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I didn't know where they were from. 2:5 It happened around the time the gate was closing, when it was dark, that the men left. I don't know where they went. Hurry after them; you might catch up." 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof. 2:7 The men chased them toward the Jordan to the crossing points, and as soon as those who were chasing them had left, they shut the gate. 2:8 Before they had gone to bed, she came up to them on the roof; 2:9 and she said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given you this land, and that fear of you has gripped us, and all the people in the land are melting in fear before you. 2:10 We’ve heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, Sihon and Og, whom you completely destroyed. 2:11 As soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and no one had the spirit to fight because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above and on earth below. 2:12 Now, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you will show kindness to my father’s house and give me a true sign; 2:13 and that you will spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all their belongings, and will save us from death."

2:14 The men said to her, "Our life for yours, if you don't talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

2:14 The men said to her, "We'll trade our lives for yours if you keep quiet about what we’re doing; and when God gives us the land, we'll treat you kindly and honestly."

2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall. 2:16 She said to them, "Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way."

2:15 Then she lowered them by a rope through the window because her house was built against the wall, and she lived on the wall. 2:16 She told them, "Go to the mountain so that the pursuers don’t find you; hide there for three days until the pursuers come back. After that, you can go on your way."

2:17 The men said to her, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear. 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. You shall gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household. 2:19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him. 2:20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you have made us to swear."

2:17 The men said to her, "We won’t be held responsible for the oath you made us swear. 2:18 Look, when we come into the land, you should tie this scarlet thread in the window you let us down from. Bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s family into the house with you. 2:19 It will be that if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, their blood will be on their own head, and we will be free of blame. Whoever is inside the house with you, their blood will be on our heads if any harm comes to them. 2:20 But if you mention this deal we have, then we won’t be responsible for the oath you made us swear."

2:21 She said, "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away, and they departed. She tied the scarlet line in the window.

2:21 She said, "Based on what you said, it will be done." She sent them away, and they left. She tied the red cord in the window.

2:22 They went, and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them. 2:23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had happened to them. 2:24 They said to Joshua, "Truly Yahweh has delivered into our hands all the land. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us."

2:22 They went to the mountain and stayed there for three days until the people searching for them had returned. The pursuers looked for them everywhere but couldn’t find them. 2:23 Then the two men came back, went down from the mountain, crossed over, and went to Joshua son of Nun; and they told him everything that had happened. 2:24 They said to Joshua, "Truly, the Lord has given us all the land, and all the people living there are terrified of us."

3:1 Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel. They lodged there before they passed over. 3:2 It happened after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp; 3:3 and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall move from your place, and follow it. 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Don't come near to it, that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before."

3:1 Joshua woke up early in the morning, and he and all the Israelites moved from Shittim and arrived at the Jordan. They stayed there before crossing over. 3:2 After three days, the officers went through the camp; 3:3 and they instructed the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God and the priests, the Levites carrying it, then you should move from your place and follow it. 3:4 However, keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and it. Don’t come too close, so you can know the way to go, because you haven’t traveled this way before."

3:5 Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you."

3:5 Joshua told the people, "Set yourselves apart; for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

3:6 Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people." They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

3:6 Joshua said to the priests, "Carry the ark of the covenant and go ahead of the people." They picked up the ark of the covenant and moved ahead of the people.

3:7 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 3:8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'"

3:7 God said to Joshua, "Today I will start to make you great in the eyes of all Israel so they will know that just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. 3:8 You are to instruct the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, you must stand still in the Jordan.'"

3:9 Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of Yahweh your God." 3:10 Joshua said, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite out from before you. 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passes over before you into the Jordan. 3:12 Now therefore take twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man. 3:13 It shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap."

3:9 Joshua said to the people of Israel, "Come here and listen to the words of Yahweh your God." 3:10 Joshua continued, "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will definitely drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites before you. 3:11 Look, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going ahead of you into the Jordan. 3:12 So now, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 3:13 When the feet of the priests carrying the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, touch the waters of the Jordan, the waters flowing down from above will be cut off, and they will stand in a heap."

3:14 It happened, when the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people, 3:15 and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest), 3:16 that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over right against Jericho. 3:17 The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.

3:14 When the people moved from their tents to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them, 3:15 and as those carrying the ark reached the Jordan, and the feet of the priests dipped into the water's edge (since the Jordan overflows its banks during harvest time), 3:16 the waters coming down from above stood still and piled up in a heap far away at Adam, the city near Zarethan; while those flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. Then the people crossed right opposite Jericho. 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had completely crossed the Jordan.

4:1 It happened, when all the nation had completely passed over the Jordan, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 4:2 "Take twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, 4:3 and command them, saying, 'Take from out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the lodging place, where you will lodge tonight.'"

4:1 It happened when the entire nation had crossed the Jordan that Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 4:2 "Pick twelve men from the people, one from each tribe, 4:3 and tell them, 'Take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the spot where the priests stood firm, and carry them with you. Set them down at the place where you will stay tonight.'"

4:4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man. 4:5 Joshua said to them, "Pass over before the ark of Yahweh your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you pick up a stone and put it on your shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; 4:6 that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do you mean by these stones?' 4:7 then you shall tell them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.'"

4:4 Then Joshua called the twelve men he had prepared from the children of Israel, one from each tribe. 4:5 Joshua said to them, "Cross over in front of the ark of Yahweh your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you pick up a stone and put it on your shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; 4:6 this will serve as a sign for you. When your children ask in the future, 'What do these stones mean?' 4:7 you will tell them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were stopped before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters were cut off. These stones will be a memorial for the children of Israel forever.'"

4:8 The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as Yahweh spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 4:9 Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day. 4:10 For the priests who bore the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan, until everything was finished that Yahweh commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over. 4:11 It happened, when all the people had completely passed over, that the ark of Yahweh passed over, with the priests, in the presence of the people.

4:8 The Israelites did what Joshua instructed and took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, as God had told Joshua, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel. They carried them to the place where they were staying and set them down there. 4:9 Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood; and they remain there to this day. 4:10 The priests carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything God had commanded Joshua to tell the people was accomplished, following all that Moses had instructed Joshua; and the people hurried across. 4:11 When everyone had fully crossed over, the ark of God crossed over with the priests, in full view of the people.

4:12 The children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spoke to them. 4:13 About forty thousand men, ready and armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho. 4:14 On that day, Yahweh magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

4:12 The children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed in front of the children of Israel, just as Moses instructed them. 4:13 About forty thousand men, prepared and equipped for battle, passed before Yahweh to fight in the plains of Jericho. 4:14 On that day, Yahweh elevated Joshua in the eyes of all Israel, and they respected him as they had respected Moses, for the rest of his life.

4:15 Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 4:16 "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan."

4:15 God spoke to Joshua, saying, 4:16 "Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant to come up out of the Jordan."

4:17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, "Come up out of the Jordan!" 4:18 It happened, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before. 4:19 The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, on the east border of Jericho.

4:17 So Joshua told the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan!" 4:18 When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stepped up out of the center of the Jordan and their feet touched dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to where they were, flooding over all its banks, just like before. 4:19 The people exited the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped at Gilgal, on the east edge of Jericho.

4:20 Joshua set up those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, n Gilgal. 4:21 He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean?' 4:22 Then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 4:23 For Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until you had passed over, as Yahweh your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us, until we had passed over; 4:24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of Yahweh, that it is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.'"

4:20 Joshua set up the twelve stones they took from the Jordan at Gilgal. 4:21 He told the Israelites, "When your kids ask their dads in the future, 'What do these stones mean?' 4:22 you should tell your children, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry land. 4:23 The Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you crossed over, just like the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed through; 4:24 so that all the people of the earth will know that the Lord's hand is powerful, and that you may always have reverence for the Lord your God.'"

5:1 It happened, when all the kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard how that Yahweh had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we had passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. 5:2 At that time, Yahweh said to Joshua, "Make flint knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time." 5:3 Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 5:4 This is the reason Joshua circumcised: all the people who came out of Egypt, who were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. 5:5 For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness by the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 5:6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, even the men of war who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh. Yahweh swore to them that he wouldn't let them see the land which Yahweh swore to their fathers that he would give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 5:7 Their children, whom he raised up in their place, were circumcised by Joshua; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way. 5:8 It happened, when they were done circumcising all the nation, that they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed.

5:1 It happened that when all the kings of the Amorites, who were west of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard that Yahweh had dried up the waters of the Jordan so the Israelites could cross, their hearts melted, and they no longer had any courage because of the Israelites. 5:2 At that time, Yahweh said to Joshua, "Make flint knives, and circumcise the Israelites a second time." 5:3 Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at the hill of the foreskins. 5:4 This is why Joshua circumcised them: all the men who had come out of Egypt, who were warriors, died in the wilderness along the way after leaving Egypt. 5:5 All the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not been circumcised. 5:6 The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all the warriors who had come out of Egypt had died because they didn't listen to Yahweh. Yahweh swore that he wouldn’t allow them to see the land that he had promised to their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. 5:7 Their children, whom he raised in their place, were circumcised by Joshua, for they were uncircumcised, since they had not been circumcised during the journey. 5:8 When they finished circumcising the entire nation, they stayed in their places in the camp until they healed.

5:9 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you." Therefore the name of that place was called Gilgal, to this day. 5:10 The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal. They kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho. 5:11 They ate unleavened cakes and parched grain of the produce of the land on the next day after the Passover, in the same day. 5:12 The manna ceased on the next day, after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The children of Israel didn't have manna any more; but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

5:9 The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have taken away the shame of Egypt from you." That’s why the place is called Gilgal, to this day. 5:10 The Israelites camped at Gilgal. They celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening in the plains of Jericho. 5:11 They ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the land the day after the Passover, on that same day. 5:12 The manna stopped the day after they had eaten from the produce of the land. The Israelites no longer had manna; instead, they ate the fruits of the land of Canaan that year.

5:13 It happened, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?"

5:13 While Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with his sword drawn. Joshua approached him and asked, "Are you on our side or on the side of our enemies?"

5:14 He said, "No; but I have come now as commander of Yahweh's army."

5:14 He said, "No; but I've come now as the leader of Yahweh's army."

Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshipped, and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?"

Joshua fell to the ground and worshiped, and said to him, "What does my lord want to say to his servant?"

5:15 The prince of Yahweh's army said to Joshua, "Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy." Joshua did so.

5:15 The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals, because the place where you are standing is holy." So, Joshua did that.

6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel. No one went out, and no one came in. 6:2 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty men of valor. 6:3 All your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days. 6:4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 6:5 It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him."

6:1 Jericho was completely shut up because of the Israelites. No one was allowed to enter or leave. 6:2 The Lord said to Joshua, "Look, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its strong warriors. 6:3 All of your soldiers should march around the city once a day for six days. 6:4 On the seventh day, seven priests will carry seven trumpets made from rams' horns in front of the ark. You will march around the city seven times, and the priests will blow the trumpets. 6:5 When they make a long blast with the ram's horn and you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people should shout loudly, and the walls of the city will collapse, allowing everyone to enter straight ahead."

6:6 Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Yahweh."

6:6 Joshua, son of Nun, called the priests and said to them, "Pick up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven rams' horn trumpets before the ark of the Lord."

6:7 They said to the people, "Advance! March around the city, and let the armed men pass on before Yahweh's ark."

6:7 They said to the people, "Go ahead! March around the city, and let the soldiers pass in front of the Lord's Ark."

6:8 It was so, that when Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before Yahweh advanced, and blew the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed them. 6:9 The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the ark went after them. The trumpets sounded as they went.

6:8 So, when Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven ram's horn trumpets in front of the Lord moved forward and blew the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. 6:9 The armed men went ahead of the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the ark trailed behind them. The trumpets sounded as they went along.

6:10 Joshua commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout." 6:11 So he caused the ark of Yahweh to go around the city, going about it once. Then they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. 6:12 Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of Yahweh. 6:13 The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Yahweh went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them. The rear guard came after the ark of Yahweh. The trumpets sounded as they went. 6:14 The second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. They did this six days.

6:10 Joshua instructed the people, saying, "Don't shout or let your voice be heard; don’t say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then, you will shout." 6:11 He made the ark of Yahweh go around the city, circling it once. After that, they returned to the camp and settled there. 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of Yahweh. 6:13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets made from ram's horns before the ark of Yahweh continued on, blowing the trumpets, while the armed men marched ahead of them. The rear guard followed the ark of Yahweh, and the trumpets sounded as they progressed. 6:14 On the second day, they marched around the city once more and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

6:15 It happened on the seventh day, that they rose early at the dawning of the day, and marched around the city in the same way seven times. Only on this day they marched around the city seven times. 6:16 It happened at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout, for Yahweh has given you the city! 6:17 The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to Yahweh. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 6:18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so would you make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it. 6:19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy to Yahweh. They shall come into Yahweh's treasury."

6:15 On the seventh day, they got up early at dawn and marched around the city in the same way seven times. Only this day, they marched around the city seven times. 6:16 When they completed the seventh lap and the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout, because the Lord has given you the city! 6:17 The city and everything in it must be set apart for the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone with her in her house will be spared, because she hid the messengers we sent. 6:18 But you must stay away from the things set apart, or you will bring trouble upon the camp of Israel by taking any of the devoted things. 6:19 All the silver, gold, and objects made of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord and must go into the Lord's treasury."

6:20 So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. It happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. 6:21 They utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, both young and old, and ox, and sheep, and donkey, with the edge of the sword. 6:22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the prostitute's house, and bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her." 6:23 The young men who were spies went in, and brought out Rahab with her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had. They also brought out all her relatives, and they set them outside of the camp of Israel. 6:24 They burnt the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only they put the silver, the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron into the treasury of Yahweh's house. 6:25 But Rahab the prostitute, her father's household, and all that she had, Joshua saved alive. She lived in the midst of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers, whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

6:20 So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they shouted loudly, and the wall collapsed, allowing everyone to enter the city, each person going straight ahead, and they took the city. 6:21 They completely destroyed everything in the city—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys—using the sword. 6:22 Joshua said to the two men who had explored the land, "Go into the prostitute's house and bring out the woman and everything she has, as you promised her." 6:23 The young spies went in and brought out Rahab, along with her father, mother, brothers, and all that she had. They also brought out all her relatives and set them outside the Israelite camp. 6:24 They burned the city and everything in it with fire, but they put the silver, gold, and bronze and iron articles into the treasury of the Lord's house. 6:25 However, Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, her father's household, and all that she had. She has lived among the Israelites to this day because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy on Jericho.

6:26 Joshua commanded them with an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed be the man before Yahweh, who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With the loss of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son shall he set up its gates." 6:27 So Yahweh was with Joshua; and his fame was in all the land.

6:26 Joshua made them swear an oath back then, saying, "Anyone who rebuilds this city, Jericho, is cursed before Yahweh. He will lose his firstborn when he lays its foundation, and he will lose his youngest son when he sets up its gates." 6:27 So Yahweh was with Joshua, and his reputation spread throughout the land.

7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted thing; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the devoted thing: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the children of Israel. 7:2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, Go up and spy out the land. The men went up and spied out Ai. 7:3 They returned to Joshua, and said to him, Don't let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai; don't make all the people to toil there; for they are but few. 7:4 So there went up there of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 7:5 The men of Ai struck of them about thirty-six men; and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent; and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 7:6 Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of Yahweh until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. 7:7 Joshua said, Alas, Lord Yahweh, why have you at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? would that we had been content and lived beyond the Jordan! 7:8 Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! 7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will compass us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what will you do for your great name? 7:10 Yahweh said to Joshua, Get you up; why are you thus fallen on your face? 7:11 Israel has sinned; yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: yes, they have even taken of the devoted thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also; and they have even put it among their own stuff. 7:12 Therefore the children of Israel can't stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they are become accursed: I will not be with you any more, except you destroy the devoted thing from among you. 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, There is a devoted thing in the midst of you, Israel; you can not stand before your enemies, until you take away the devoted thing from among you. 7:14 In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which Yahweh takes shall come near by families; and the family which Yahweh shall take shall come near by households; and the household which Yahweh shall take shall come near man by man. 7:15 It shall be, that he who is taken with the devoted thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he has; because he has transgressed the covenant of Yahweh, and because he has done folly in Israel. 7:16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel near by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: 7:17 and he brought near the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zerahites: and he brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: 7:18 and he brought near his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. 7:19 Joshua said to Achan, My son, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and make confession to him; and tell me now what you have done; don't hide it from me. 7:20 Achan answered Joshua, and said, Of a truth I have sinned against Yahweh, the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 7:21 when I saw among the spoil a goodly Babylonian mantle, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. 7:23 They took them from the midst of the tent, and brought them to Joshua, and to all the children of Israel; and they laid them down before Yahweh. 7:24 Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the mantle, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his cattle, and his donkeys, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. 7:25 Joshua said, Why have you troubled us? Yahweh shall trouble you this day. All Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire, and stoned them with stones. 7:26 They raised over him a great heap of stones, to this day; and Yahweh turned from the fierceness of his anger. Therefore the name of that place was called "The valley of Achor" to this day.

7:1 But the Israelites broke faith regarding the devoted things; Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things, and the Lord's anger burned against the Israelites. 7:2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, near Beth Aven, east of Bethel, and told them, "Go up and scout the land." The men went up and spied out Ai. 7:3 They returned to Joshua and said, "Don't have all the people go up; just send about two or three thousand men to attack Ai. There's no need for all the people to labor there, since they are few." 7:4 So about three thousand men went up, but they were routed by the men of Ai. 7:5 The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate to Shebarim, striking them down on the descent, and the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 7:6 Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down on the ground before the ark of the Lord until evening, along with the elders of Israel; they sprinkled dust on their heads. 7:7 Joshua said, "Alas, Lord God, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to hand us over to the Amorites, to destroy us? Would that we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 7:8 Oh, Lord, what can I say now that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies? 7:9 The Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear about it and surround us, cutting off our name from the earth. What will you do for your great name?" 7:10 The Lord said to Joshua, "Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? 7:11 Israel has sinned; they have broken my covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, deceived, and put them among their own belongings. 7:12 That's why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies because they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. 7:13 Get up, sanctify the people, and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow.' For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'There are devoted things among you, Israel; you cannot stand against your enemies until you remove the devoted things from among you.' 7:14 In the morning, you will present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord selects will come forward by clans, and the clan the Lord selects will come forward by households, and the household the Lord selects will come forward man by man. 7:15 The one caught with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, along with everything he has, because he has violated the covenant of the Lord and committed a disgraceful act in Israel." 7:16 So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel near by tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken. 7:17 He brought near the family of Judah, and took the family of the Zerahites; and he brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man. Zabdi was taken. 7:18 He brought near his household man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, was taken. 7:19 Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and make confession to him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." 7:20 Achan replied to Joshua, "I have indeed sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: 7:21 When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian cloak, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I covet them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 7:23 They took the items from the tent and brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and laid them down before the Lord. 7:24 Joshua, along with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his cattle, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and everything he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. 7:25 Joshua said, "Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him with stones; they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. 7:26 They raised over him a large pile of stones that remains to this day, and the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore, that place has been called "The Valley of Achor" to this day.

8:1 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai; behold, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land; 8:2 You shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king: only its spoil, and its livestock, you shall take for a prey to yourselves: set you an ambush for the city behind it. 8:3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them forth by night. 8:4 He commanded them, saying, Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; don't go very far from the city, but be all ready: 8:5 and I, and all the people who are with me, will approach to the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them; 8:6 and they will come out after us, until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: so we will flee before them; 8:7 and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city: for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand. 8:8 It shall be, when you have seized on the city, that you shall set the city on fire; according to the word of Yahweh you shall do: behold, I have commanded you. 8:9 Joshua sent them forth; and they went to set up the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. 8:10 Joshua arose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. 8:11 All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up, and drew near, and came before the city, and encamped on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between him and Ai. 8:12 He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. 8:13 So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. 8:14 It happened, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn't know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 8:15 Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. 8:16 All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city. 8:17 There was not a man left in Ai or Beth El, who didn't go out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel. 8:18 Yahweh said to Joshua, Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai; for I will give it into your hand. Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. 8:19 The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hurried and set the city on fire. 8:20 When the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people who fled to the wilderness turned back on the pursuers. 8:21 When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and killed the men of Ai. 8:22 The others came forth out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they struck them, so that they let none of them remain or escape. 8:23 The king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua. 8:24 It happened, when Israel had made an end of killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness in which they pursued them, and they were all fallen by the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all Israel returned to Ai, and struck it with the edge of the sword. 8:25 All that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. 8:26 For Joshua didn't draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 8:27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey to themselves, according to the word of Yahweh which he commanded Joshua. 8:28 So Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap forever, even a desolation, to this day. 8:29 The king of Ai he hanged on a tree until the evening: and at the going down of the sun Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree, and cast it at the entrance of the gate of the city, and raised thereon a great heap of stones, to this day. 8:30 Then Joshua built an altar to Yahweh, the God of Israel, in Mount Ebal, 8:31 as Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of uncut stones, on which no man had lifted up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings to Yahweh, and sacrificed peace offerings. 8:32 He wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote, in the presence of the children of Israel. 8:33 All Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, as well the foreigner as the native; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of Mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Yahweh had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. 8:34 Afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 8:35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua didn't read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the foreigners who were among them.

8:1 The LORD said to Joshua, "Don't be afraid or discouraged. Take all the warriors with you and go up to Ai. Look, I’ve given you the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 8:2 You will do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its king. Just remember to take the plunder and livestock for yourselves; set an ambush for the city behind it." 8:3 So, Joshua got up, and all the warriors went up to Ai. He chose thirty thousand of the bravest men and sent them out at night. 8:4 He told them, "Look, you’ll lie in ambush against the city from behind it. Don't go too far from the city but be ready. 8:5 I and all the people with me will approach the city. When they come out against us like before, we will flee from them. 8:6 They will come after us until we lead them away from the city, thinking, 'They’re running away from us again,' so we will run from them. 8:7 Then you will rise up from the ambush and take the city, for the LORD your God will hand it over to you. 8:8 Once you’ve captured the city, you must set it on fire, following the command of the LORD. I have instructed you." 8:9 Joshua sent them out, and they set up the ambush and camped between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai. Joshua spent the night among the people. 8:10 In the morning, Joshua rose early, assembled the people, and went up with the elders of Israel before the people to Ai. 8:11 All the warriors who were with him went up, and they approached and camped on the north side of Ai, with a valley between them and the city. 8:12 He took about five thousand men and placed them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. 8:13 So they arranged the troops, with the entire army north of the city and their ambush on the west; and that night, Joshua went into the valley. 8:14 When the king of Ai saw this, he quickly gathered his men and went out to battle against Israel at the appointed time, before the Arabah. He didn’t realize there was an ambush behind the city. 8:15 Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten and fled into the wilderness. 8:16 All the men in the city were called together to pursue them, and they chased after Joshua, drawing away from the city. 8:17 No one was left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel, leaving the city open as they chased. 8:18 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stretch out the javelin in your hand towards Ai, for I will give it to you." Joshua stretched out his javelin toward the city. 8:19 The ambush rose quickly from their hiding place and ran as soon as he lifted his hand, entering the city and taking it; they hurried and set it on fire. 8:20 When the men of Ai looked back, they saw smoke rising from the city toward heaven, and they had no way to escape. The people who fled to the wilderness turned back on their pursuers. 8:21 When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and the smoke was rising, they turned back and attacked the men of Ai. 8:22 Others came out of the city to engage them; they were caught in the middle, some on one side and some on the other, and they struck them down without letting any escape. 8:23 They took the king of Ai alive and brought him to Joshua. 8:24 After Israel had finished killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the fields and in the wilderness where they pursued them, and all of them had fallen by the sword until they were destroyed, all Israel returned to Ai and struck it with the sword. 8:25 That day, twelve thousand people fell, both men and women; all the men of Ai. 8:26 Joshua did not lower the hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had completely destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 8:27 The Israelites took only the livestock and the spoils of that city for themselves, following the command of the LORD given to Joshua. 8:28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent ruin, a desolation, to this day. 8:29 He hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening; at sunset, Joshua commanded them to take down his body from the tree, cast it at the entrance of the city gate, and raise a large pile of stones over it, which stands to this day. 8:30 Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 8:31 just as Moses, the servant of the LORD, had commanded the Israelites, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: an altar made of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used; and they offered burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings. 8:32 He wrote on the stones a copy of the Law of Moses, which he had written in the presence of the Israelites. 8:33 All Israel, including their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who carried the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, foreigners and natives alike; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses, the servant of the LORD, had commanded at first, to bless the people of Israel. 8:34 Then he read all the words of the Law, the blessings and curses, according to everything written in the Book of the Law. 8:35 Not a word from all that Moses commanded was missing; Joshua read it all to the assembly of Israel, including the women, children, and foreigners who were among them.

9:1 It happened, when all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the great sea in front of Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard of it; 9:2 that they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. 9:3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 9:4 they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins, old and torn and bound up, 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and old garments on them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become moldy. 9:6 They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him, and to the men of Israel, We are come from a far country: now therefore make you a covenant with us. 9:7 The men of Israel said to the Hivites, What if you dwell among us; and how shall we make a covenant with you? 9:8 They said to Joshua, We are your servants. Joshua said to them, Who are you? and from whence come you? 9:9 They said to him, From a very far country your servants are come because of the name of Yahweh your God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, 9:10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. 9:11 Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take provision in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them, and tell them, We are your servants: and now make you a covenant with us. 9:12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go to you; but now, behold, it is dry, and is become moldy: 9:13 and these wineskins, which we filled, were new; and behold, they are torn: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. 9:14 The men took of their provision, and didn't ask counsel at the mouth of Yahweh. 9:15 Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore to them. 9:16 It happened at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they lived among them. 9:17 The children of Israel traveled, and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim. 9:18 The children of Israel didn't strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes. 9:19 But all the princes said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. 9:20 This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them. 9:21 The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them. 9:22 Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, Why have you deceived us, saying, We are very far from you; when you dwell among us? 9:23 Now therefore you are cursed, and there shall never fail to be of you bondservants, both wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of my God. 9:24 They answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told your servants, how that Yahweh your God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were sore afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 9:25 Now, behold, we are in your hand: as it seems good and right to you to do to us, do. 9:26 So did he to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they didn't kill them. 9:27 That day Joshua made those wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of Yahweh, to this day, in the place which he should choose.

9:1 It happened that when all the kings on the other side of the Jordan, in the hill country, in the lowlands, and along the coast of the great sea facing Lebanon, including the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, heard about it; 9:2 they gathered together to fight against Joshua and Israel as one united force. 9:3 But when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 9:4 they also devised a clever plan. They pretended to be ambassadors, taking old sacks on their donkeys and worn-out, torn wineskins that were mended, 9:5 along with patched-up shoes and old clothes; all the bread they brought was dry and had become moldy. 9:6 They went to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country. Please make a treaty with us.” 9:7 The men of Israel asked the Hivites, “What if you live among us? How can we make a treaty with you?” 9:8 They responded to Joshua, “We are your servants.” Joshua asked them, “Who are you? Where are you from?” 9:9 They answered, “We have come from a very distant country because of the fame of Yahweh your God. We have heard reports of Him and all that He did in Egypt, 9:10 and what He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. 9:11 Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country told us, ‘Take provisions for the journey and go to meet them. Say to them, “We are your servants; now make a treaty with us.”’ 9:12 This bread we took hot from our homes on the day we set out to come to you; but now, look, it is dry and moldy. 9:13 And these wineskins we filled were new; now they’re torn. And our clothes and shoes are worn out from the very long journey.” 9:14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of Yahweh. 9:15 Joshua made peace with them and made a treaty to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 9:16 Three days after they made the treaty, the Israelites heard that they were their neighbors and living among them. 9:17 The Israelites set out and arrived at their cities on the third day, which were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim. 9:18 The Israelites did not attack them because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. The whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. 9:19 But all the leaders said to the entire assembly, “We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them. 9:20 This is what we will do to them: we will let them live, so that wrath does not come upon us because of the oath we swore to them.” 9:21 The leaders said to them, “Let them live,” so they became woodcutters and water carriers for the entire congregation, as the leaders had promised. 9:22 Joshua summoned them and asked, “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live far from you,’ when in fact you live among us? 9:23 Now you are under a curse, and you will always be slaves, woodcutters, and water carriers for the house of my God.” 9:24 They answered Joshua, “It was clearly communicated to your servants how Yahweh your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land before you; that’s why we were terrified for our lives because of you, and we did this.” 9:25 Now, look, we are in your hands; do what seems right for you to us.” 9:26 So he did this for them and rescued them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill them. 9:27 That day, Joshua established them as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of Yahweh, as it remains to this day, in the place He chooses.

10:1 Now it happened, when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; 10:2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 10:3 Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, and to Piram king of Jarmuth, and to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, 10:4 Come up to me, and help me, and let us strike Gibeon; for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel. 10:5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their armies, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it. 10:6 The men of Gibeon sent to Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Don't slack your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the hill country are gathered together against us. 10:7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 10:8 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't fear them: for I have delivered them into your hands; there shall not a man of them stand before you. 10:9 Joshua therefore came on them suddenly; for he went up from Gilgal all the night. 10:10 Yahweh confused them before Israel, and he killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth Horon, and struck them to Azekah, and to Makkedah. 10:11 It happened, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth Horon, that Yahweh cast down great stones from the sky on them to Azekah, and they died: they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel killed with the sword. 10:12 Then spoke Joshua to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand you still on Gibeon; You, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon. 10:13 The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn't this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the midst of the sky, and didn't hurry to go down about a whole day. 10:14 There was no day like that before it or after it, that Yahweh listened to the voice of a man: for Yahweh fought for Israel. 10:15 Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp to Gilgal. 10:16 These five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. 10:17 It was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 10:18 Joshua said, Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them: 10:19 but don't stay; pursue after your enemies, and strike the hindmost of them; don't allow them to enter into their cities: for Yahweh your God has delivered them into your hand. 10:20 It happened, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of killing them with a very great slaughter, until they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities, 10:21 that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. 10:22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings to me out of the cave. 10:23 They did so, and brought forth those five kings to him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon. 10:24 It happened, when they brought forth those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who went with him, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings. They came near, and put their feet on the necks of them. 10:25 Joshua said to them, Don't be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall Yahweh do to all your enemies against whom you fight. 10:26 Afterward Joshua struck them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging on the trees until the evening. 10:27 It happened at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave in which they had hidden themselves, and laid great stones on the mouth of the cave, to this very day. 10:28 Joshua took Makkedah on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and its king: he utterly destroyed them and all the souls who were therein; he left none remaining; and he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. 10:29 Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, to Libnah, and fought against Libnah: 10:30 and Yahweh delivered it also, and its king, into the hand of Israel; and he struck it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls who were therein; he left none remaining in it; and he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho. 10:31 Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, to Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it: 10:32 and Yahweh delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel; and he took it on the second day, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls who were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah. 10:33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua struck him and his people, until he had left him none remaining. 10:34 Joshua passed from Lachish, and all Israel with him, to Eglon; and they encamped against it, and fought against it; 10:35 and they took it on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword; and all the souls who were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish. 10:36 Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, to Hebron; and they fought against it: 10:37 and they took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and its king, and all its cities, and all the souls who were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but he utterly destroyed it, and all the souls who were therein. 10:38 Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir, and fought against it: 10:39 and he took it, and its king, and all its cities; and they struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls who were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to its king; as he had done also to Libnah, and to its king. 10:40 So Joshua struck all the land, the hill country, and the South, and the lowland, and the slopes, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but he utterly destroyed all that breathed, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded. 10:41 Joshua struck them from Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon. 10:42 All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because Yahweh, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. 10:43 Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp to Gilgal.

10:1 Now it happened that when Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard how Joshua had conquered Ai and completely destroyed it; just like he had done to Jericho and its king, he did the same to Ai and its king; and how the people of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were now among them; 10:2 they became very afraid because Gibeon was a big city, one of the royal cities, and bigger than Ai, and all its men were strong. 10:3 So Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, sent messages to Hoham, king of Hebron, Piram, king of Jarmuth, Japhia, king of Lachish, and Debir, king of Eglon, saying, 10:4 "Come to me and help me, and let’s attack Gibeon, because it has made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel." 10:5 So the five kings of the Amorites—the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon—gathered together with all their armies, and camped against Gibeon to wage war against it. 10:6 The men of Gibeon sent a message to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, "Don't pull back from your servants; come to us quickly and save us, and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that live in the hill country have gathered against us." 10:7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, along with all the fighting men and the mighty warriors. 10:8 The Lord said to Joshua, "Don’t be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hands; not one of them will stand against you." 10:9 Joshua then attacked them suddenly; because he marched all night from Gilgal. 10:10 The Lord confused them before Israel, and Joshua defeated them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, chasing them along the ascent of Beth Horon and striking them all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 10:11 While they were fleeing from Israel down the slope of Beth Horon, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them as far as Azekah, and more of them died from the hailstones than the Israelites killed with the sword. 10:12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day that the Lord delivered the Amorites into Israel's hands; he said in front of the Israelites, "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; you, Moon, over the valley of Aijalon." 10:13 The sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation had avenged itself on its enemies. Isn't this written in the Book of Jashar? The sun held its position in the sky and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. 10:14 There has never been a day like it before or since, when the Lord listened to a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. 10:15 Joshua returned, along with all Israel, to the camp at Gilgal. 10:16 The five kings fled and hid in the cave at Makkedah. 10:17 It was reported to Joshua, saying, "The five kings are found, hiding in the cave at Makkedah." 10:18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones to the mouth of the cave and set men there to guard them; 10:19 but don’t stop; pursue your enemies and cut off their retreat; don’t let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has delivered them into your hands." 10:20 When Joshua and the Israelites had finished killing them with a very great slaughter, until they were wiped out, and the few who remained had entered fortified cities, 10:21 all the people returned safely to Joshua at Makkedah; not one person spoke a word against any of the Israelites. 10:22 Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me." 10:23 They did so, bringing out the five kings from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 10:24 When they brought those kings to Joshua, he called for all the men of Israel and said to the commanders of the warriors who were with him, "Come near and put your feet on the necks of these kings." They approached and placed their feet on their necks. 10:25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid or discouraged; be strong and courageous, for this is what the Lord will do to all your enemies you fight." 10:26 After that, Joshua struck them down and executed them, hanging them on five trees, where they remained hanging until evening. 10:27 At sunset, Joshua commanded that they be taken down from the trees, thrown into the cave where they had hidden, and great stones were laid at the mouth of the cave, which remain to this day. 10:28 On that day, Joshua captured Makkedah and struck it down with the sword, along with its king, completely destroying everyone in it; he left no survivors, and he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. 10:29 Joshua and all Israel moved from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against it; 10:30 and the Lord also gave it and its king into Israel’s hands; he struck it with the sword, killing everyone in it; he left no survivors, and he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho. 10:31 Joshua moved from Libnah to Lachish, camped against it, and fought against it; 10:32 and the Lord gave Lachish into Israel’s hands; on the second day, he captured it, struck it down with the sword, and killed everyone in it, just as he had done with Libnah. 10:33 Then Horam, king of Gezer, came up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him and his people, leaving no survivors. 10:34 Joshua moved from Lachish to Eglon; they encamped against it and fought against it; 10:35 and they captured it that day, striking it down with the sword; everyone in it he completely destroyed, just as he had done to Lachish. 10:36 Joshua went up from Eglon to Hebron and fought against it; 10:37 and he captured it, struck it down with the sword, along with its king, all its cities, and everyone in them; he left no survivors, just as he had done to Eglon; he completely destroyed it, along with everyone in it. 10:38 Joshua returned with all Israel to Debir and fought against it; 10:39 and he captured it, its king, and all its cities, striking them down with the sword and completely destroying everyone in them; he left no survivors, just as he had done to Hebron and Debir, and to its king; as he did also to Libnah and its king. 10:40 So Joshua struck down all the land—the hill country, the southern region, the lowland, the slopes, and all their kings; he left no survivors, completely destroying all that breathed, as the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded. 10:41 Joshua defeated them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza, and all the region of Goshen, even to Gibeon. 10:42 Joshua captured all these kings and their territories at one time, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. 10:43 Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.

11:1 It happened, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 11:2 and to the kings who were on the north, in the hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west, 11:3 to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 11:4 They went out, they and all their armies with them, much people, even as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. 11:5 All these kings met together; and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel. 11:6 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't be afraid because of them; for tomorrow at this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: you shall hamstring their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. 11:7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell on them. 11:8 Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they struck them, and chased them to great Sidon, and to Misrephoth Maim, and to the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they struck them, until they left them none remaining. 11:9 Joshua did to them as Yahweh bade him: he hamstrung their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. 11:10 Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword: for Hazor before was the head of all those kingdoms. 11:11 They struck all the souls who were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was none left who breathed: and he burnt Hazor with fire. 11:12 All the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and he struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them; as Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded. 11:13 But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. 11:14 All the spoil of these cities, and the livestock, the children of Israel took for a prey to themselves; but every man they struck with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any who breathed. 11:15 As Yahweh commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua: and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that Yahweh commanded Moses. 11:16 So Joshua took all that land, the hill country, and all the South, and all the land of Goshen, and the lowland, and the Arabah, and the hill country of Israel, and the lowland of the same; 11:17 from Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even to Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon under Mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and struck them, and put them to death. 11:18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. 11:19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: they took all in battle. 11:20 For it was of Yahweh to harden their hearts, to come against Israel in battle, that he might utterly destroy them, that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 11:21 Joshua came at that time, and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel: Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. 11:22 There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain. 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that Yahweh spoke to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. The land had rest from war.

11:1 When Jabin king of Hazor heard about this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 11:2 and to the kings in the north, in the hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowlands, and in the heights of Dor on the west, 11:3 to the Canaanite on the east and the west, and the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 11:4 They set out with all their armies—many people, like the sand on the seashore, equipped with numerous horses and chariots. 11:5 All these kings came together and camped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. 11:6 Yahweh told Joshua, "Don't be afraid of them; tomorrow at this time I'll hand them all over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots." 11:7 So Joshua came, along with all the warriors, against them at the waters of Merom, and attacked them. 11:8 Yahweh gave them into the hands of Israel, who struck them down and chased them as far as great Sidon, Misrephoth Maim, and the valley of Mizpeh to the east, completely defeating them. 11:9 Joshua did what Yahweh commanded: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots. 11:10 At that time, Joshua turned back and captured Hazor, striking its king with the sword, because Hazor had previously been the head of all those kingdoms. 11:11 They struck down everyone in Hazor with the sword, completely destroying them; there was no one left who breathed, and he burned Hazor with fire. 11:12 Joshua took all the cities of those kings and struck them with the sword, completely destroying them, as Moses the servant of Yahweh had commanded. 11:13 However, he did not burn any of the cities that stood on their mounds, except for Hazor, which Joshua burned. 11:14 The Israelites took all the plunder from these cities, including the livestock, but they struck every person down with the sword until they had destroyed them all, leaving no one who breathed. 11:15 Just as Yahweh commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did everything; he left nothing undone of all that Yahweh commanded Moses. 11:16 So Joshua took all that land: the hill country, all the south, the land of Goshen, the lowland, the Arabah, the hill country of Israel, and the lowland of the same; 11:17 from Mount Halak, which rises towards Seir, to Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon at the foot of Mount Hermon; he took all their kings and struck them down. 11:18 Joshua waged war for a long time against all those kings. 11:19 There was not a city that made peace with the Israelites, except for the Hivites who lived in Gibeon; they took them all in battle. 11:20 For it was Yahweh who hardened their hearts to fight against Israel, to completely destroy them, showing them no favor, as Yahweh commanded Moses. 11:21 At that time, Joshua cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and the hill country of Israel; Joshua completely destroyed them along with their cities. 11:22 There were no Anakim left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did some remain. 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, as Yahweh had told Moses, and gave it as an inheritance to Israel, according to their tribes' divisions. The land had rest from war.

12:1 Now these are the kings of the land, whom the children of Israel struck, and possessed their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the Arabah eastward: 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and half Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, the border of the children of Ammon; 12:3 and the Arabah to the sea of Chinneroth, eastward, and to the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, eastward, the way to Beth Jeshimoth; and on the south, under the slopes of Pisgah: 12:4 and the border of Og king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 12:6 Moses the servant of Yahweh and the children of Israel struck them: and Moses the servant of Yahweh gave it for a possession to the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 12:7 These are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the children of Israel struck beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon even to Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir; and Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions; 12:8 in the hill country, and in the lowland, and in the Arabah, and in the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the South; the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 12:10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 12:11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 12:12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 12:13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 12:14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 12:15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 12:16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 12:17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 12:18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lassharon, one; 12:19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 12:20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 12:21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 12:22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 12:23 the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one; 12:24 the king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty-one.

12:1 Now these are the kings of the land, whom the Israelites defeated and took their land beyond the Jordan to the east, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the Arabah to the east: 12:2 Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the Arnon valley, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and half of Gilead, up to the river Jabbok, the border of the Ammonites; 12:3 and the Arabah to the Sea of Chinneroth to the east, and to the Salt Sea to the east, the way to Beth Jeshimoth; and to the south, under the slopes of Pisgah: 12:4 and the border of Og, king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei, 12:5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, Salecah, and all of Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half of Gilead, which was the border of Sihon, king of Heshbon. 12:6 Moses, the servant of Yahweh, and the Israelites defeated them: and Moses, the servant of Yahweh, gave their land as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 12:7 These are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated west of the Jordan, from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which goes up to Seir; and Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions; 12:8 in the hill country, in the lowland, in the Arabah, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South; the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 12:10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 12:11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 12:12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 12:13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 12:14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 12:15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 12:16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 12:17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 12:18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lassharon, one; 12:19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 12:20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 12:21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 12:22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 12:23 the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one; 12:24 the king of Tirzah, one: all the kings numbered thirty-one.

13:1 Now Joshua was old and well stricken in years; and Yahweh said to him, You are old and well stricken in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed. 13:2 This is the land that yet remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites; 13:3 from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is reckoned to the Canaanites; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim, 13:4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; 13:5 and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad under Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath; 13:6 all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians; them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only allot you it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. 13:7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 13:8 With him the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them: 13:9 from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; 13:11 and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah; 13:12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for these did Moses strike, and drove them out. 13:13 Nevertheless the children of Israel didn't drive out the Geshurites, nor the Maacathites: but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day. 13:14 Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the offerings of Yahweh, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spoke to him. 13:15 Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families. 13:16 Their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba; 13:17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth Baal, and Beth Baal Meon, 13:18 and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, 13:19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth Shahar in the mount of the valley, 13:20 and Beth Peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth, 13:21 and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land. 13:22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel kill with the sword among the rest of their slain. 13:23 The border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and the border of it. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and its villages. 13:24 Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad, according to their families. 13:25 Their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah; 13:26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; 13:27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, and Beth Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and the border of it, to the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward. 13:28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and its villages. 13:29 Moses gave inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families. 13:30 Their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities: 13:31 and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even for the half of the children of Machir according to their families. 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. 13:33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance: Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he spoke to them.

13:1 Now Joshua was old and advanced in years; and Yahweh said to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and there is still a lot of land to be possessed." 13:2 This is the land that remains: all the areas of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites; 13:3 from the Shihor, which is in front of Egypt, all the way to the border of Ekron in the north, which is considered part of the Canaanites; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim, 13:4 to the south; all the land of the Canaanites, Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; 13:5 and the land of the Gebalites, and all of Lebanon, toward the east, from Baal Gad at the foot of Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath; 13:6 all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, including all the Sidonians; I will drive them out before the children of Israel: only allocate it to Israel as an inheritance, as I have commanded you. 13:7 Therefore, divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 13:8 Along with him, the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses assigned to them, across the Jordan eastward, just as Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them: 13:9 from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; 13:11 and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all of Mount Hermon, and all of Bashan to Salecah; 13:12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was part of the remnant of the Rephaim); for these Moses struck down and drove out. 13:13 However, the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites: Geshur and Maacath are still living among Israel to this day. 13:14 Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the offerings to Yahweh, the God of Israel, made by fire are their inheritance, as he stated to them. 13:15 Moses assigned land to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families. 13:16 Their border was from Aroer, at the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba; 13:17 Heshbon and all its cities in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth Baal, and Beth Baal Meon, 13:18 and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, 13:19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth Shahar in the mountain of the valley, 13:20 and Beth Peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth, 13:21 and all the cities in the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck down along with the leaders of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. 13:22 Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, was also killed by the children of Israel with the sword among their slain. 13:23 The border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, with the border of it. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, along with the cities and their villages. 13:24 Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad, according to their families. 13:25 Their border included Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah; 13:26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; 13:27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, and Beth Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and its border to the farthest part of the Sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward. 13:28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and their villages. 13:29 Moses gave inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families. 13:30 Their border was from Mahanaim, all of Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities: 13:31 and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were assigned to the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to half of the children of Machir according to their families. 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, to the east. 13:33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance: Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he stated to them.

14:1 These are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed to them, 14:2 by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe. 14:3 For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan: but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them. 14:4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with its suburbs for their livestock and for their substance. 14:5 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land. 14:6 Then the children of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea. 14:7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. 14:8 Nevertheless my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Yahweh my God. 14:9 Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed Yahweh my God. 14:10 Now, behold, Yahweh has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness: and now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. 14:11 As yet I am as strong this day as I as in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, and to go out and to come in. 14:12 Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and cities great and fortified: it may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh spoke. 14:13 Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14:14 Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day; because that he wholly followed Yahweh, the God of Israel. 14:15 Now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba; which Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. The land had rest from war.

14:1 These are the inheritances that the children of Israel received in the land of Canaan, which were distributed to them by Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, 14:2 through the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded through Moses, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe. 14:3 Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan, but he did not give the Levites any inheritance among them. 14:4 The children of Joseph made up two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, except for cities to live in, along with their suburbs for livestock and other needs. 14:5 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land. 14:6 Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what Yahweh spoke to Moses, the man of God, about me and you in Kadesh Barnea." 14:7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of Yahweh, sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land, and I reported back to him as it was in my heart. 14:8 But my brothers who went up with me frightened the people, while I fully followed Yahweh my God. 14:9 On that day, Moses swore, saying, "Surely the land where you have walked will be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have fully followed Yahweh my God." 14:10 Now, look, Yahweh has kept me alive for these forty-five years, since the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. And now, look, I am 85 years old today. 14:11 I'm just as strong today as I was on the day Moses sent me; my strength is just as it was then, for war, and to go out and come in. 14:12 Therefore, give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke on that day; you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps Yahweh will be with me, and I will drive them out, as Yahweh spoke. 14:13 Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. 14:14 Thus, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he fully followed Yahweh, the God of Israel. 14:15 Previously, the name of Hebron was Kiriath Arba; that Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. The land had rest from war.

15:1 The lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was to the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south. 15:2 Their south border was from the uttermost part of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looks southward; 15:3 and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka; 15:4 and it passed along to Azmon, and went out at the brook of Egypt; and the goings out of the border were at the sea: this shall be your south border. 15:5 The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan; 15:6 and the border went up to Beth Hoglah, and passed along by the north of Beth Arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben; 15:7 and the border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is over against the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river; and the border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and the goings out of it were at En Rogel; 15:8 and the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite southward (the same is Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the valley of Rephaim northward; 15:9 and the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (the same is Kiriath Jearim); 15:10 and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed along by Timnah; 15:11 and the border went out to the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to Mount Baalah, and went out at Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea. 15:12 The west border was to the great sea, and the border of it. This is the border of the children of Judah according to their families. 15:13 To Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron). 15:14 Caleb drove out there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. 15:15 He went up there against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher. 15:16 Caleb said, He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife. 15:17 Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. 15:18 It happened, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her donkey; and Caleb said, What would you? 15:19 She said, Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. He gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 15:20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families. 15:21 The uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur, 15:22 and Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah, 15:23 and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan, 15:24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth, 15:25 Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth, Hezron (the same is Hazor), 15:26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah, 15:27 and Hazar Gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth Pelet, 15:28 and Hazar Shual, and Beersheba, and Biziothiah, 15:29 Baalah, and Iim, and Ezem, 15:30 and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, 15:31 and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah, 15:32 and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages. 15:33 In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah, 15:34 and Zanoah, and En Gannim, Tappuah, and Enam, 15:35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. 15:37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdal Gad, 15:38 and Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel, 15:39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon, 15:40 and Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Chitlish, 15:41 and Gederoth, Beth Dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. 15:42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan, 15:43 and Iphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib, 15:44 and Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages. 15:45 Ekron, with its towns and its villages; 15:46 from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages. 15:47 Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages; to the brook of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border of it. 15:48 In the hill country, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh, 15:49 and Dannah, and Kiriath Sannah (the same is Debir), 15:50 and Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim, 15:51 and Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages. 15:52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshan, 15:53 and Janim, and Beth Tappuah, and Aphekah, 15:54 and Humtah, and Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. 15:55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Jutah, 15:56 and Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah, 15:57 Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages. 15:58 Halhul, Beth Zur, and Gedor, 15:59 and Maarath, and Beth Anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages. 15:60 Kiriath Baal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. 15:61 In the wilderness, Beth Arabah, Middin, and Secacah, 15:62 and Nibshan, and the City of Salt, and En Gedi; six cities with their villages. 15:63 As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn't drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

15:1 The land allotted to the tribe of Judah, based on their families, stretched to the border of Edom, reaching the wilderness of Zin in the south, at the southernmost point. 15:2 Their southern border began at the southern end of the Salt Sea, from the bay facing south; 15:3 it went south of the ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, went up from the south of Kadesh Barnea, continued by Hezron, then up to Addar, and turned toward Karka; 15:4 it followed the path to Azmon, reaching the brook of Egypt; the boundary at this point was at the sea: this is your southern border. 15:5 The eastern border was the Salt Sea, extending to the end of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan; 15:6 it moved up to Beth Hoglah and ran north of Beth Arabah, then moved up to the stone of Bohan, son of Reuben; 15:7 it went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, continuing northward, looking toward Gilgal, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, on the south side of the river; and the border stretched to the waters of En Shemesh, with the end point at En Rogel; 15:8 the boundary raised through the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite to the south (which is Jerusalem); the border went up to the top of the mountain facing the valley of Hinnom to the west, at the farthest edge of the valley of Rephaim to the north; 15:9 and the boundary extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, moving out to the cities of Mount Ephron; it extended to Baalah (which is Kiriath Jearim); 15:10 from Baalah it turned westward to Mount Seir, passing along the side of Mount Jearim to the north (which is Chesalon), then went down to Beth Shemesh and passed along by Timnah; 15:11 the boundary went out to the side of Ekron to the north; it extended to Shikkeron, then passed along to Mount Baalah, and came out at Jabneel; the endpoint of the border was at the sea. 15:12 The western border was along the great sea, and this was the boundary. This is the land given to the children of Judah based on their families. 15:13 Caleb, son of Jephunneh, received a portion among the children of Judah, as commanded by Yahweh to Joshua, which was Kiriath Arba, father of Anak (this is Hebron). 15:14 Caleb expelled the three sons of Anak from there: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak. 15:15 He then went against the inhabitants of Debir: the name of Debir had previously been Kiriath Sepher. 15:16 Caleb announced, "Whoever attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher, to him I will give my daughter Achsah as a wife." 15:17 Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, captured it, and Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. 15:18 When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field; she got off her donkey, and Caleb asked her, "What do you want?" 15:19 She replied, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the South, also give me springs of water." He gave her the upper and lower springs. 15:20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah based on their families. 15:21 The southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah towards the border of Edom in the South included Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 15:22 Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 15:23 Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 15:24 Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, 15:25 Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth, Hezron (this is Hazor), 15:26 Amam, Shema, Moladah, 15:27 Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, 15:28 Hazar Shual, Beersheba, and Biziothiah, 15:29 Baalah, Iim, Ezem, 15:30 Eltolad, Chesil, and Hormah, 15:31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, 15:32 Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities totaled twenty-nine, along with their villages. 15:33 In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 15:34 Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam, 15:35 Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, 15:36 Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, Gederothaim; this makes fourteen cities with their villages. 15:37 Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal Gad, 15:38 Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel, 15:39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, 15:40 Cabbon, Lahmam, Chitlish, 15:41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah; these add up to sixteen cities with their villages. 15:42 Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 15:43 Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib, 15:44 Keilah, Achzib, Mareshah; these are nine cities with their villages. 15:45 Ekron, with its towns and villages; 15:46 extending from Ekron to the sea, everything next to Ashdod, including their villages. 15:47 Ashdod, its towns and villages; Gaza, its towns and villages; up to the brook of Egypt, and along the great sea, and the boundary of it. 15:48 In the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, 15:49 Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (which is Debir), 15:50 Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, 15:51 Goshen, Holon, Giloh; making eleven cities with their villages. 15:52 Arab, Dumah, Eshan, 15:53 Janim, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, 15:54 Humtah, Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. 15:55 Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Jutah, 15:56 Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah, 15:57 Kain, Gibeah, Timnah; ten cities with their villages. 15:58 Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor, 15:59 Maarath, Beth Anoth, Eltekon; six cities with their villages. 15:60 Kiriath Baal (which is Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. 15:61 In the wilderness: Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, 15:62 Nibshan, the City of Salt, En Gedi; six cities with their villages. 15:63 As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: the Jebusites continue to live with the children of Judah in Jerusalem to this day.

16:1 The lot came out for the children of Joseph from the Jordan at Jericho, at the waters of Jericho on the east, even the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel; 16:2 and it went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the Archites to Ataroth; 16:3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and the goings out of it were at the sea. 16:4 The children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance. 16:5 The border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper; 16:6 and the border went out westward at Michmethath on the north; and the border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah; 16:7 and it went down from Janoah to Ataroth, and to Naarah, and reached to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan. 16:8 From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and the goings out of it were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families; 16:9 together with the cities which were set apart for the children of Ephraim in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 16:10 They didn't drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and are become servants to do forced labor.

16:1 The land was allocated to the children of Joseph, from the Jordan near Jericho, at the waters of Jericho in the east, extending into the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel; 16:2 then it extended from Bethel to Luz, passing along the border of the Archites to Ataroth; 16:3 it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Lower Beth Horon, even to Gezer; and its exits were by the sea. 16:4 The children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance. 16:5 The border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was as follows: the border of their inheritance on the east was Ataroth Addar, up to Upper Beth Horon; 16:6 the border went out westward at Michmethath on the north; then it turned eastward to Taanath Shiloh, passing on the east side of Janoah; 16:7 it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and to Naarah, reaching Jericho, and exited at the Jordan. 16:8 From Tappuah the border went westward to the brook of Kanah; and its exits were by the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families; 16:9 along with the cities that were designated for the children of Ephraim within the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 16:10 They did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; so the Canaanites live among Ephraim to this day and have become forced laborers.

17:1 This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan. 17:2 So the lot was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families. 17:3 But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 17:4 They came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, Yahweh commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers: therefore according to the commandment of Yahweh he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. 17:5 There fell ten parts to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan; 17:6 because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. 17:7 The border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is before Shechem; and the border went along to the right hand, to the inhabitants of En Tappuah. 17:8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh; but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim. 17:9 The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook: these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh: and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and the goings out of it were at the sea: 17:10 southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea was his border; and they reached to Asher on the north, and to Issachar on the east. 17:11 Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, even the three heights. 17:12 Yet the children of Manasseh couldn't drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 17:13 It happened, when the children of Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and didn't utterly drive them out. 17:14 The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one part for an inheritance, seeing I am a great people, because hitherto Yahweh has blessed me? 17:15 Joshua said to them, If you are a great people, go up to the forest, and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you. 17:16 The children of Joseph said, The hill country is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are in Beth Shean and its towns, and they who are in the valley of Jezreel. 17:17 Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, You are a great people, and have great power; you shall not have one lot only: 17:18 but the hill country shall be yours; for though it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and the goings out of it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.

17:1 This was the land given to the tribe of Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph. Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead, received Gilead and Bashan because he was a warrior. 17:2 The rest of the children of Manasseh received their share according to their families: the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these were the sons of Manasseh, son of Joseph, by their families. 17:3 Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters. Here are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 17:4 They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, "Yahweh commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers." So, based on Yahweh's command, he granted them an inheritance among their father's brothers. 17:5 Manasseh received ten portions, excluding the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan; 17:6 the daughters of Manasseh also received an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead went to the rest of Manasseh's sons. 17:7 The territory of Manasseh stretched from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem; and the border extended to the right toward the inhabitants of En Tappuah. 17:8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah on the boundary of Manasseh belonged to the descendants of Ephraim. 17:9 The border went down to the Kanah brook, south of the brook; these cities belonged to Ephraim within the region of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and its western boundary was the sea: 17:10 southward was Ephraim's, and northward was Manasseh's, with the sea as a boundary; it extended to Asher in the north and Issachar in the east. 17:11 Manasseh had the cities of Beth Shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, as well as the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Endor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, including the three heights. 17:12 However, the children of Manasseh were unable to drive out the inhabitants of those cities; instead, the Canaanites continued to live there. 17:13 Eventually, when the Israelites grew stronger, they forced the Canaanites into labor but did not completely remove them. 17:14 The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given us only one lot and one share for an inheritance, when we are such a large people, since Yahweh has blessed us so far?" 17:15 Joshua replied, "If you are a large people, go up to the forest and clear land for yourselves in the territory of the Perizzites and Rephaim, for the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you." 17:16 The children of Joseph responded, "The hill country isn't enough for us, and all the Canaanites living in the valley have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shean and its villages and those in the Jezreel Valley." 17:17 Joshua addressed the house of Joseph, including Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a strong people and have great power; you will not only receive one lot: 17:18 the hill country will be yours; even though it is forested, you will clear it, and its borders will be yours. You will drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and are strong."

18:1 The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled themselves together at Shiloh, and set up the Tent of Meeting there: and the land was subdued before them. 18:2 There remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet divided their inheritance. 18:3 Joshua said to the children of Israel, How long are you slack to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has given you? 18:4 Appoint for you three men of each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall arise, and walk through the land, and describe it according to their inheritance; and they shall come to me. 18:5 They shall divide it into seven portions: Judah shall abide in his border on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their border on the north. 18:6 You shall describe the land into seven portions, and bring the description here to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh our God. 18:7 For the Levites have no portion among you; for the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance: and Gad and Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan eastward, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them. 18:8 The men arose, and went: and Joshua commanded those who went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh in Shiloh. 18:9 The men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book; and they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh. 18:10 Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before Yahweh: and there Joshua divided the land to the children of Israel according to their divisions. 18:11 The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the border of their lot went out between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. 18:12 Their border on the north quarter was from the Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward; and the goings out of it were at the wilderness of Beth Aven. 18:13 The border passed along from there to Luz, to the side of Luz (the same is Bethel), southward; and the border went down to Ataroth Addar, by the mountain that lies on the south of Beth Horon the lower. 18:14 The border extended there, and turned about on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lies before Beth Horon southward; and the goings out of it were at Kiriath Baal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter. 18:15 The south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath Jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah; 18:16 and the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En Rogel; 18:17 and it extended northward, and went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben; 18:18 and it passed along to the side over against the Arabah northward, and went down to the Arabah; 18:19 and the border passed along to the side of Beth Hoglah northward; and the goings out of the border were at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan: this was the south border. 18:20 The Jordan was its border on the east quarter. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the borders around it, according to their families. 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth Hoglah, and Emek Keziz, 18:22 and Beth Arabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel, 18:23 and Avvim, and Parah, and Ophrah, 18:24 and Chephar Ammoni, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages: 18:25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth, 18:26 and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah, 18:27 and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah, 18:28 and Zelah, Eleph, and the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

18:1 The entire community of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there, and the land was subdued before them. 18:2 Seven tribes of Israel had not yet divided their inheritance. 18:3 Joshua asked the Israelites, “How long will you wait to take possession of the land that Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, has given you? 18:4 Choose three men from each tribe; I will send them out to walk through the land, map it out according to their inheritance, and then they will return to me. 18:5 They will divide it into seven portions: Judah will remain in its territory to the south, and the house of Joseph will stay in their territory to the north. 18:6 You will map the land into seven portions and bring the description back to me; I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh our God. 18:7 The Levites have no portion among you; the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance. Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance east of the Jordan, which Moses, the servant of Yahweh, gave them. 18:8 The men got up and went. Joshua instructed those who were going to map the land, saying, “Go walk through the land, map it out, and come back to me; then I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh in Shiloh.” 18:9 The men went through the land, mapped it by cities into seven portions in a book, and returned to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh. 18:10 Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before Yahweh and divided the land among the Israelites according to their divisions. 18:11 The lot for the tribe of Benjamin came up according to their families, and their territory was between the tribes of Judah and Joseph. 18:12 Their northern border started at the Jordan and went up to the side of Jericho and continued into the hill country westward, ultimately reaching the wilderness of Beth Aven. 18:13 The border then extended from there to Luz, southward to Luz (also known as Bethel), and down to Ataroth Addar, near the mountain south of lower Beth Horon. 18:14 The border ran southward around the mountain that lies before Beth Horon, ending at Kiriath Baal (also known as Kiriath Jearim), a city belonging to the tribe of Judah; this was the western border. 18:15 The southern border began at the farthest point of Kiriath Jearim and extended westward to the spring of Nephtoah. 18:16 It went down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim to the north; then it descended to the valley of Hinnom, alongside the Jebusite area to the south, and down to En Rogel. 18:17 The border extended northward, reaching En Shemesh and continued to Geliloth, which is across from the ascent of Adummim; it then came down to the stone of Bohan, son of Reuben. 18:18 The border continued along the north side of the Arabah and descended to the Arabah. 18:19 The border moved along the northern side of Beth Hoglah, and its endpoints were at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the southern end of the Jordan: this was the southern border. 18:20 The Jordan River marked its eastern border. This was the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, defined by its borders according to their families. 18:21 The cities of the tribe of Benjamin, according to their families, included Jericho, Beth Hoglah, and Emek Keziz, 18:22 Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, 18:23 Avvim, Parah, and Ophrah, 18:24 Chephar Ammoni, Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages. 18:25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 18:26 Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah, 18:27 Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, 18:28 Zelah, Eleph, and the Jebusite (which is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin according to their families.

19:1 The second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Judah. 19:2 They had for their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah, 19:3 and Hazar Shual, and Balah, and Ezem, 19:4 and Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, 19:5 and Ziklag, and Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susah, 19:6 and Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages: 19:7 Ain, Rimmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages: 19:8 and all the villages that were around these cities to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 19:9 Out of the part of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon; for the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had inheritance in the midst of their inheritance. 19:10 The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families; and the border of their inheritance was to Sarid; 19:11 and their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth; and it reached to the brook that is before Jokneam; 19:12 and it turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor; and it went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia; 19:13 and from there it passed along eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah; 19:14 and the border turned about it on the north to Hannathon; and the goings out of it were at the valley of Iphtah El; 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. 19:16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages. 19:17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, even for the children of Issachar according to their families. 19:18 Their border was to Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem, 19:19 and Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath, 19:20 and Rabbith, and Kishion, and Ebez, 19:21 and Remeth, and Engannim, and En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez, 19:22 and the border reached to Tabor, and Shahazumah, and Beth Shemesh; and the goings out of their border were at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 19:23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages. 19:24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 19:25 Their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 19:26 and Allammelech, and Amad, and Mishal; and it reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath; 19:27 and it turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon, and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtah El northward to Beth Emek and Neiel; and it went out to Cabul on the left hand, 19:28 and Ebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon; 19:29 and the border turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah; and the goings out of it were at the sea by the region of Achzib; 19:30 Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages. 19:31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages. 19:32 The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, and Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum; and the goings out of it were at the Jordan; 19:34 and the border turned westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there to Hukkok; and it reached to Zebulun on the south, and reached to Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the sunrise. 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, 19:36 and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, 19:37 and Kedesh, and Edrei, and En Hazor, 19:38 Iron, and Migdal El, Horem, and Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. 19:39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages. 19:40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 19:41 The border of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh, 19:42 and Shaalabbin, and Aijalon, and Ithlah, 19:43 and Elon, and Timnah, and Ekron, 19:44 and Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath, 19:45 and Jehud, and Bene Berak, and Gath Rimmon, 19:46 and Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over against Joppa. 19:47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and lived therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 19:48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. 19:49 So they made an end of distributing the land for inheritance by its borders; and the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun in the midst of them: 19:50 according to the commandment of Yahweh they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and lived therein. 19:51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before Yahweh, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. So they made an end of dividing the land.

19:1 The second lot was drawn for Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families, and their inheritance was located among the inheritance of the children of Judah. 19:2 They inherited Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah, 19:3 and Hazar Shual, and Balah, and Ezem, 19:4 and Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, 19:5 and Ziklag, and Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susah, 19:6 and Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages: 19:7 Ain, Rimmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages: 19:8 and all the villages around these cities to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 19:9 The children of Judah gave part of their inheritance to the children of Simeon because the portion for the children of Judah was too much for them; thus, the children of Simeon had their inheritance in the midst of it. 19:10 The third lot was drawn for the children of Zebulun according to their families; their border extended to Sarid; 19:11 and their border went westward to Maralah, and reached Dabbesheth; and it reached to the brook before Jokneam; 19:12 and it turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor; and it passed out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia; 19:13 and from there it passed eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah; 19:14 and the border turned around it on the north to Hannathon; and its borders extended to the valley of Iphtah El; 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. 19:16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, including these cities with their villages. 19:17 The fourth lot was drawn for Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families. 19:18 Their border was at Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem, 19:19 and Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath, 19:20 and Rabbith, and Kishion, and Ebez, 19:21 and Remeth, and Engannim, and En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez, 19:22 and their border reached to Tabor, and Shahazumah, and Beth Shemesh; and the exits of their border were at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 19:23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, including these cities with their villages. 19:24 The fifth lot was drawn for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 19:25 Their border included Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 19:26 and Allammelech, and Amad, and Mishal; and it reached westward to Carmel, and to Shihorlibnath; 19:27 and it turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon, and reached Zebulun, and northward to the valley of Iphtah El to Beth Emek and Neiel; and it went out to Cabul on the left, 19:28 and Ebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon; 19:29 and the border turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah; and its exits were at the sea near the region of Achzib; 19:30 also Ummah, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages. 19:31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, including these cities with their villages. 19:32 The sixth lot was drawn for the children of Naphtali, for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, and Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum; and its exits were at the Jordan; 19:34 and the border turned westward to Aznoth Tabor, and from there went out to Hukkok; and it reached south to Zebulun, west to Asher, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the sunrise. 19:35 The fortified cities included Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, 19:36 and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, 19:37 and Kedesh, and Edrei, and En Hazor, 19:38 Iron, and Migdal El, Horem, and Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. 19:39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, including these cities with their villages. 19:40 The seventh lot was drawn for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 19:41 The border of their inheritance included Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh, 19:42 and Shaalabbin, and Aijalon, and Ithlah, 19:43 and Elon, and Timnah, and Ekron, 19:44 and Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath, 19:45 and Jehud, and Bene Berak, and Gath Rimmon, 19:46 and Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border facing Joppa. 19:47 The border of the children of Dan extended beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, took it, struck it down with the sword, possessed it, lived there, and named it Dan, after their father Dan. 19:48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, including these cities with their villages. 19:49 Thus, they completed distributing the land for inheritance by its borders; and the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun among them: 19:50 according to the command of Yahweh, they gave him the city he asked for, Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city and lived there. 19:51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, and Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of the children of Israel distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before Yahweh, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing the land.

20:1 Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses, 20:3 that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly and unawares may flee there: and they shall be to you for a refuge from the avenger of blood. 20:4 He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. 20:5 If the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unawares, and didn't hate him before. 20:6 He shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the manslayer return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city from whence he fled. 20:7 They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 20:8 Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. 20:9 These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unwittingly might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

20:1 God spoke to Joshua, saying, 20:2 Tell the people of Israel to designate the cities of refuge that I mentioned to you through Moses, 20:3 so that anyone who accidentally kills someone may escape there: these cities will be a safe haven from the avenger of blood. 20:4 He should flee to one of those cities, stand at the city gate, and explain his case to the elders of that city; they will take him into the city and provide him a place to live among them. 20:5 If the avenger of blood pursues him, they should not hand over the manslayer to him because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and didn't have hatred for him beforehand. 20:6 He must stay in that city until he appears before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priest who is there at that time: then the manslayer can return to his own city and his own house, to the place from which he fled. 20:7 They designated Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 20:8 On the other side of the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the territory of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the territory of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the territory of Manasseh. 20:9 These were the designated cities for all the people of Israel and for any foreigner living among them, so that anyone who accidentally kills someone could flee there and not die at the hands of the avenger of blood before standing before the congregation.

21:1 Then came near the heads of fathers' houses of the Levites to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel; 21:2 and they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, Yahweh commanded Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with its suburbs for our livestock. 21:3 The children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of Yahweh, these cities with their suburbs. 21:4 The lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of the Simeonites, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities. 21:5 The rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities. 21:6 The children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 21:7 The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 21:8 The children of Israel gave by lot to the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as Yahweh commanded by Moses. 21:9 They gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name: 21:10 and they were for the children of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi; for theirs was the first lot. 21:11 They gave them Kiriath Arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its suburbs around it. 21:12 But the fields of the city, and its villages, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession. 21:13 To the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs, 21:14 and Jattir with its suburbs, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs, 21:15 and Holon with its suburbs, and Debir with its suburbs, 21:16 and Ain with its suburbs, and Juttah with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes. 21:17 Out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs, 21:18 Anathoth with its suburbs, and Almon with its suburbs; four cities. 21:19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs. 21:20 The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim. 21:21 They gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs, 21:22 and Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs; four cities. 21:23 Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its suburbs, Gibbethon with its suburbs, 21:24 Aijalon with its suburbs, Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; four cities. 21:25 Out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; two cities. 21:26 All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their suburbs. 21:27 To the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities. 21:28 Out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, 21:29 Jarmuth with its suburbs, En Gannim with its suburbs; four cities. 21:30 Out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its suburbs, Abdon with its suburbs, 21:31 Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities. 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities. 21:33 All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their suburbs. 21:34 To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its suburbs, and Kartah with its suburbs, 21:35 Dimnah with its suburbs, Nahalal with its suburbs; four cities. 21:36 Out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with its suburbs, and Jahaz with its suburbs, 21:37 Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; four cities. 21:38 Out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Mahanaim with its suburbs, 21:39 Heshbon with its suburbs, Jazer with its suburbs; four cities in all. 21:40 All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities. 21:41 All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty-eight cities with their suburbs. 21:42 These cities were every one with their suburbs around them: thus it was with all these cities. 21:43 So Yahweh gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers; and they possessed it, and lived therein. 21:44 Yahweh gave them rest all around, according to all that he swore to their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; Yahweh delivered all their enemies into their hand. 21:45 There failed not anything of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel; all came to pass.

21:1 Then the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel; 21:2 and they addressed them in Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, God instructed Moses to provide us with cities to live in, along with their surrounding areas for our livestock. 21:3 The children of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, as God commanded, these cities with their surrounding areas. 21:4 The lot was drawn for the families of the Kohathites: the children of Aaron the priest, who were Levites, received by lot from the tribe of Judah, the tribe of the Simeonites, and the tribe of Benjamin, a total of thirteen cities. 21:5 The remaining Kohathites received by lot from the families of the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe of Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities. 21:6 The children of Gershon received by lot from the families of the tribe of Issachar, the tribe of Asher, the tribe of Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 21:7 The children of Merari received according to their families from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 21:8 The children of Israel distributed by lot to the Levites these cities and their surrounding areas, as God commanded through Moses. 21:9 They distributed cities from the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Simeon, which are here listed by name: 21:10 and they were for the children of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi; theirs was the first lot. 21:11 They gave them Kiriath Arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (this is Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding areas. 21:12 But the fields of the city and its villages were given to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession. 21:13 To the children of Aaron the priest, they gave Hebron with its surrounding areas, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its surrounding areas, 21:14 and Jattir with its surrounding areas, and Eshtemoa with its surrounding areas, 21:15 and Holon with its surrounding areas, and Debir with its surrounding areas, 21:16 and Ain with its surrounding areas, and Juttah with its surrounding areas, and Beth Shemesh with its surrounding areas; nine cities from those two tribes. 21:17 From the tribe of Benjamin, they gave Gibeon with its surrounding areas, Geba with its surrounding areas, 21:18 Anathoth with its surrounding areas, and Almon with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:19 All the cities belonging to the children of Aaron, the priests, totaled thirteen cities with their surrounding areas. 21:20 The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, received the cities of their lot from the tribe of Ephraim. 21:21 They gave them Shechem with its surrounding areas in the hill country of Ephraim, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its surrounding areas, 21:22 and Kibzaim with its surrounding areas, and Beth Horon with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:23 From the tribe of Dan, they gave Elteke with its surrounding areas, Gibbethon with its surrounding areas, 21:24 Aijalon with its surrounding areas, Gath Rimmon with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:25 From the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Taanach with its surrounding areas, and Gath Rimmon with its surrounding areas; two cities. 21:26 All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath totaled ten with their surrounding areas. 21:27 To the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its surrounding areas, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be Eshterah with its surrounding areas; two cities. 21:28 From the tribe of Issachar, they gave Kishion with its surrounding areas, Daberath with its surrounding areas, 21:29 Jarmuth with its surrounding areas, En Gannim with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:30 From the tribe of Asher, they gave Mishal with its surrounding areas, Abdon with its surrounding areas, 21:31 Helkath with its surrounding areas, and Rehob with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:32 From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee with its surrounding areas, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammothdor with its surrounding areas, and Kartan with its surrounding areas; three cities. 21:33 All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their surrounding areas. 21:34 To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, from the tribe of Zebulun, they gave Jokneam with its surrounding areas, and Kartah with its surrounding areas, 21:35 Dimnah with its surrounding areas, Nahalal with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:36 From the tribe of Reuben, they gave Bezer with its surrounding areas, and Jahaz with its surrounding areas, 21:37 Kedemoth with its surrounding areas, and Mephaath with its surrounding areas; four cities. 21:38 From the tribe of Gad, they gave Ramoth in Gilead with its surrounding areas, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Mahanaim with its surrounding areas, 21:39 Heshbon with its surrounding areas, Jazer with its surrounding areas; four cities in total. 21:40 All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities. 21:41 All the cities of the Levites among the possessions of the children of Israel totaled forty-eight cities with their surrounding areas. 21:42 Each of these cities had their surrounding areas around them: so it was for all these cities. 21:43 So God gave Israel all the land He swore to give to their ancestors; and they took possession of it and lived there. 21:44 God granted them peace all around, according to everything He swore to their ancestors: there was not a single man of all their enemies standing against them; God delivered all their enemies into their hands. 21:45 Nothing good that God had promised to the house of Israel failed to come to pass; everything was fulfilled.

22:1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 22:2 and said to them, You have kept all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you: 22:3 you have not left your brothers these many days to this day, but have performed the duty of the commandment of Yahweh your God. 22:4 Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your brothers, as he spoke to them: therefore now turn you, and get you to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan. 22:5 Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. 22:6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away; and they went to their tents. 22:7 Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given inheritance in Bashan; but to the other half gave Joshua among their brothers beyond the Jordan westward; moreover when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, 22:8 and spoke to them, saying, Return with much wealth to your tents, and with very much livestock, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much clothing: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers. 22:9 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which they owned, according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses. 22:10 When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to look on. 22:11 The children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertains to the children of Israel. 22:12 When the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up against them to war. 22:13 The children of Israel sent to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 22:14 and with him ten princes, one prince of a fathers' house for each of the tribes of Israel; and they were everyone of them head of their fathers' houses among the thousands of Israel. 22:15 They came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying, 22:16 Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following Yahweh, in that you have built you an altar, to rebel this day against Yahweh? 22:17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, although there came a plague on the congregation of Yahweh, 22:18 that you must turn away this day from following Yahweh? and it will be, seeing you rebel today against Yahweh, that tomorrow he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. 22:19 However, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh's tent dwells, and take possession among us: but don't rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of Yahweh our God. 22:20 Didn't Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the devoted thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man didn't perish alone in his iniquity. 22:21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22:22 The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, he knows; and Israel he shall know: if it be in rebellion, or if in trespass against Yahweh (don't save us this day), 22:23 that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Yahweh; or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings thereon, let Yahweh himself require it; 22:24 and if we have not rather out of carefulness done this, and of purpose, saying, In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel? 22:25 for Yahweh has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no portion in Yahweh: so might your children make our children cease from fearing Yahweh. 22:26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: 22:27 but it shall be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we may do the service of Yahweh before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not tell our children in time to come, You have no portion in Yahweh. 22:28 Therefore said we, It shall be, when they so tell us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say, Behold the pattern of the altar of Yahweh, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you. 22:29 Far be it from us that we should rebel against Yahweh, and turn away this day from following Yahweh, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of Yahweh our God that is before his tent. 22:30 When Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation, even the heads of the thousands of Israel that were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them well. 22:31 Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we know that Yahweh is in the midst of us, because you have not committed this trespass against Yahweh: now have you delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of Yahweh. 22:32 Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, to the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 22:33 The thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and spoke no more of going up against them to war, to destroy the land in which the children of Reuben and the children of Gad lived. 22:34 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: For, said they, it is a witness between us that Yahweh is God.

22:1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 22:2 and said to them, "You have followed all that Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you, and have obeyed my orders in everything I commanded you: 22:3 you have not abandoned your fellow Israelites these many days up to now, but have fulfilled the obligation of the Lord your God. 22:4 Now the Lord your God has given rest to your fellow Israelites, as he promised them: therefore, return to your tents in the land of your possession, which Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you on the other side of the Jordan. 22:5 Just be very careful to follow the command and the law that Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." 22:6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents. 22:7 Now to one half-tribe of Manasseh, Moses had given an inheritance in Bashan; but to the other half, Joshua gave a portion among their brothers on the west side of the Jordan; moreover, when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, 22:8 and said to them, "Return with great wealth to your tents, with a lot of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very much clothing: share the plunder of your enemies with your brothers." 22:9 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned and left the Israelites at Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to their possession, which they owned, as the Lord commanded through Moses. 22:10 When they arrived near the Jordan, in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large altar by the Jordan. 22:11 The Israelites heard someone say, "Look, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the edge of the land of Canaan, near the Jordan, on the side belonging to the Israelites." 22:12 When the Israelites heard this, the whole assembly gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them. 22:13 The Israelites sent Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead, 22:14 along with ten chief men, one from each of the tribes of Israel, every one of them the head of their family among the thousands of Israel. 22:15 They went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead and said to them, 22:16 "The whole assembly of the Lord says, 'What is this sin you have committed against the God of Israel by turning away from the Lord today by building yourselves an altar to rebel against the Lord? 22:17 Is the sin of Peor not enough for us, to which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, even though a plague broke out among the congregation of the Lord, 22:18 that you now turn away from the Lord? If you rebel against the Lord today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole assembly of Israel. 22:19 If the land you possess is defiled, then cross over to the Lord's land, where the Lord's tabernacle stands, and take possession among us. But do not rebel against the Lord or against us by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, in addition to the altar of the Lord our God that is before his tent. 22:20 Didn’t Achan son of Zerah commit a sin regarding the devoted things, causing wrath to fall on the whole Israelite community? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity." 22:21 Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22:22 "The Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, he knows; and let Israel know too! If this has been in rebellion or in disobedience to the Lord, do not save us today! 22:23 If we have built an altar to turn away from following the Lord, or to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings, or to offer sacrifices of fellowship offerings on it, may the Lord himself hold us accountable. 22:24 We have done this from careful consideration, saying, 'In the future your descendants might say to our descendants, "What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? 22:25 For the Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you Reubenites and Gadites; you have no share in the Lord." That is why your descendants might make our descendants cease fearing the Lord.' 22:26 So we said, 'Let us build an altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, 22:27 but as a witness between us and you and between the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and fellowship offerings; then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to our descendants, "You have no share in the Lord." 22:28 And when they say this to us or to our descendants in the future, we will reply, "Look at the replica of the Lord's altar which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you." 22:29 Far be it from us to rebel against the Lord and turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices besides the altar of the Lord our God that is before his tent." 22:30 When Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the community, the heads of the thousands of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said, it was good in their eyes. 22:31 Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, "Today we know that the Lord is among us because you have not committed this sin against the Lord. Now you have spared the Israelites from the Lord's hand." 22:32 Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest and the leaders returned from the Reubenites and the Gadites in Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the Israelites, and brought back a report. 22:33 The report pleased the Israelites, and they blessed God and did not intend to go up against them in war to destroy the land where the Reubenites and Gadites lived. 22:34 The Reubenites and the Gadites named the altar Ed: For, they said, it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.

23:1 It happened after many days, when Yahweh had given rest to Israel from their enemies all around, and Joshua was old and well stricken in years; 23:2 that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and said to them, I am old and well stricken in years: 23:3 and you have seen all that Yahweh your God has done to all these nations because of you; for Yahweh your God, he it is that has fought for you. 23:4 Behold, I have allotted to you these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even to the great sea toward the going down of the sun. 23:5 Yahweh your God, he will thrust them out from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and you shall possess their land, as Yahweh your God spoke to you. 23:6 Therefore be you very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left; 23:7 that you not come among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow down yourselves to them; 23:8 but cleave to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day. 23:9 For Yahweh has driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man has stood before you to this day. 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand; for Yahweh your God, he it is who fights for you, as he spoke to you. 23:11 Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love Yahweh your God. 23:12 Else if you do at all go back, and cleave to the remnant of these nations, even these who remain among you, and make marriages with them, and go in to them, and they to you; 23:13 know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you. 23:14 Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing has failed of all the good things which Yahweh your God spoke concerning you; all are happen to you, not one thing has failed of it. 23:15 It shall happen, that as all the good things are come on you of which Yahweh your God spoke to you, so will Yahweh bring on you all the evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you. 23:16 When you disobey the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them; then will the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land which he has given to you.

23:1 After many days, when the Lord had given Israel rest from their enemies all around, and Joshua was old and advanced in years; 23:2 Joshua called for all of Israel, including their elders, leaders, judges, and officials, and said to them, "I am old and advanced in years: 23:3 you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you; the Lord your God has fought for you. 23:4 Look, I have assigned to you these remaining nations as an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations I have cut off, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 23:5 The Lord your God will drive them out from before you and push them out of your sight; you will possess their land, as the Lord your God has promised you. 23:6 Therefore, be very courageous to keep and do everything written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so you do not turn away from it to the right or to the left; 23:7 and do not associate with these remaining nations among you; do not mention the names of their gods or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them; 23:8 but hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. 23:9 For the Lord has driven out great and strong nations before you; and as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. 23:10 One of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fights for you, as He has promised you. 23:11 So, take great care to love the Lord your God. 23:12 But if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations that remain among you, and intermarry with them, and go to them, and they to you; 23:13 know for sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive these nations out from before you, but they will become a snare and a trap for you, a scourge on your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the Lord your God has given you. 23:14 Look, this day I am going the way of all the earth; and you know in all your hearts and souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God spoke concerning you; everything has happened to you, not one thing has failed. 23:15 It will happen that as all the good things have come upon you that the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things, until He has destroyed you from this good land that the Lord your God has given you. 23:16 When you disobey the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them; then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and you will perish quickly from the good land that He has given you.

24:1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. 24:2 Joshua said to all the people, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor: and they served other gods. 24:3 I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. 24:4 I gave to Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave to Esau Mount Seir, to possess it: and Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 24:5 I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did in its midst: and afterward I brought you out. 24:6 I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and you came to the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and with horsemen to the Red Sea. 24:7 When they cried out to Yahweh, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea on them, and covered them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt: and you lived in the wilderness many days. 24:8 I brought you into the land of the Amorites, that lived beyond the Jordan: and they fought with you; and I gave them into your hand, and you possessed their land; and I destroyed them from before you. 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel: and he sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you; 24:10 but I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand. 24:11 You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Girgashite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I delivered them into your hand. 24:12 I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow. 24:13 I gave you a land whereon you had not labored, and cities which you didn't build, and you dwell therein; of vineyards and olive groves which you didn't plant do you eat. 24:14 Now therefore fear Yahweh, and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve you Yahweh. 24:15 If it seem evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh. 24:16 The people answered, Far be it from us that we should forsake Yahweh, to serve other gods; 24:17 for Yahweh our God, he it is who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed; 24:18 and Yahweh drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land: therefore we also will serve Yahweh; for he is our God. 24:19 Joshua said to the people, You can't serve Yahweh; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins. 24:20 If you forsake Yahweh, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after that he has done you good. 24:21 The people said to Joshua, No; but we will serve Yahweh. 24:22 Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen you Yahweh, to serve him. They said, We are witnesses. 24:23 Now therefore put away, said he, the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 24:24 The people said to Joshua, Yahweh our God will we serve, and to his voice will we listen. 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 24:26 Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Yahweh. 24:27 Joshua said to all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of Yahweh which he spoke to us: it shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God. 24:28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance. 24:29 It happened after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old. 24:30 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash. 24:31 Israel served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work of Yahweh, that he had worked for Israel. 24:32 The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money: and they became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. 24:33 Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country of Ephraim.

24:1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and called the elders of Israel, their leaders, judges, and officers; and they presented themselves before God. 24:2 Joshua said to all the people, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: Your ancestors lived long ago beyond the River, including Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, and they served other gods. 24:3 I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, led him throughout all the land of Canaan, multiplied his descendants, and gave him Isaac. 24:4 I gave Isaac Jacob and Esau; I assigned Mount Seir to Esau for his possession, and Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 24:5 I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with the wonders I performed there; afterward, I brought you out. 24:6 I brought your ancestors out of Egypt; you came to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued your ancestors with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 24:7 When they cried out to Yahweh, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, brought the sea down on them, and covered them; your eyes saw what I did in Egypt, and you lived in the wilderness for many days. 24:8 I brought you into the land of the Amorites, who lived beyond the Jordan; they fought against you, but I handed them over to you, and you took possession of their land, destroying them before you. 24:9 Then Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, rose up and fought against Israel; he sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you. 24:10 But I did not listen to Balaam; instead, he blessed you, and I delivered you from his hand. 24:11 You crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho, where the men of Jericho fought against you, as did the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites; I handed them over to you. 24:12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, driving out the two kings of the Amorites; you did not do it with your sword or bow. 24:13 I gave you a land you hadn't worked for, and cities you didn't build, and you live in them; you eat from vineyards and olive groves you didn't plant. 24:14 Now, therefore, fear Yahweh and serve him sincerely and truthfully; put away the gods your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt; serve Yahweh. 24:15 If it seems harmful to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh." 24:16 The people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake Yahweh and serve other gods; 24:17 for it was Yahweh our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, who did those great signs in our sight and protected us along the whole journey we traveled among all the peoples we encountered; 24:18 and Yahweh drove out from before us all the peoples, including the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore, we will also serve Yahweh, for he is our God." 24:19 Joshua said to the people, "You cannot serve Yahweh; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your disobedience or sins. 24:20 If you forsake Yahweh and serve foreign gods, he will turn and do you harm and consume you after he has treated you well." 24:21 The people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve Yahweh." 24:22 Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen Yahweh to serve him." They responded, "We are witnesses." 24:23 "Now then," he said, "put away the foreign gods that are among you and turn your hearts to Yahweh, the God of Israel." 24:24 The people said to Joshua, "We will serve Yahweh our God and listen to his voice." 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day and set for them statutes and ordinances at Shechem. 24:26 Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of Yahweh. 24:27 Joshua said to all the people, "Look, this stone will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of Yahweh that he spoke to us; it will be a witness against you if you deny your God." 24:28 So Joshua sent the people away, each man to his own inheritance. 24:29 After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died at the age of one hundred ten. 24:30 They buried him in the boundary of his inheritance at Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. 24:31 Israel served Yahweh throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him, who had known all the works of Yahweh that he had done for Israel. 24:32 The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for a hundred pieces of silver; it became the inheritance of the descendants of Joseph. 24:33 Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at the hill of Phinehas, his son, which was given to him in the hill country of Ephraim.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:10 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[2] back to 4:23 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[3] back to 5:9 "Gilgal" sounds like the Hebrew for "roll."

[3] back to 5:9 "Gilgal" sounds like the Hebrew word for "roll."

[4] back to 24:6 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Reed Sea














Judges

1:1 It happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them? 1:2 Yahweh said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. 1:3 Judah said to Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into your lot. So Simeon went with him. 1:4 Judah went up; and Yahweh delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they struck of them in Bezek ten thousand men. 1:5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek; and they fought against him, and they struck the Canaanites and the Perizzites. 1:6 But Adoni-Bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. 1:7 Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their food under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me." They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. 1:8 The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire. 1:9 Afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, and in the South, and in the lowland. 1:10 Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba); and they struck Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. 1:11 From there he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher.) 1:12 Caleb said, He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife. 1:13 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. 1:14 It happened, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her donkey; and Caleb said to her, What would you? 1:15 She said to him, Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 1:16 The children of the Kenite, Moses' brother-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people. 1:17 Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they struck the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. The name of the city was called Hormah. 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border. 1:19 Yahweh was with Judah; and drove out the inhabitants of the hill country; for he could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. 1:20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and he drove out there the three sons of Anak. 1:21 The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. 1:22 The house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel; and Yahweh was with them. 1:23 The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.) 1:24 The watchers saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said to him, Show us, we pray you, the entrance into the city, and we will deal kindly with you. 1:25 He showed them the entrance into the city; and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family. 1:26 The man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called its name Luz, which is its name to this day. 1:27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor of Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 1:28 It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and did not utterly drive them out. 1:29 Ephraim didn't drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. 1:30 Zebulun didn't drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites lived among them, and became subject to forced labor. 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob; 1:32 but the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for they did not drive them out. 1:33 Naphtali didn't drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labor. 1:34 The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the hill country; for they would not allow them to come down to the valley; 1:35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor. 1:36 The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

1:1 After Joshua died, the Israelites asked Yahweh, “Who will go up first to fight the Canaanites?” 1:2 Yahweh replied, “Judah will go up first; I’ve handed the land over to him.” 1:3 Judah said to his brother Simeon, “Come with me to my territory so we can fight the Canaanites, and I’ll go with you to yours.” So Simeon went with him. 1:4 Judah took the lead, and Yahweh handed the Canaanites and the Perizzites over to them; they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek. 1:5 They encountered Adoni-Bezek in Bezek, fought him, and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. 1:6 However, Adoni-Bezek fled, and they pursued him, captured him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. 1:7 Adoni-Bezek said, “Seventy kings, whose thumbs and big toes I had cut off, picked up scraps under my table; as I’ve done, so God has treated me.” They brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. 1:8 The people of Judah fought against Jerusalem, captured it, killed everyone with the sword, and burned the city. 1:9 Later, the people of Judah went to fight the Canaanites in the hill country, the Negev, and the foothills. 1:10 Judah attacked the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. 1:11 From there, he went against the residents of Debir (previously known as Kiriath Sepher). 1:12 Caleb declared, “Whoever attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher will receive my daughter Achsah as his wife.” 1:13 Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb’s younger brother, captured it, and Caleb gave him Achsah as his wife. 1:14 When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. She got off her donkey, and Caleb asked her, “What do you want?” 1:15 She replied, “Give me a blessing; since you’ve put me in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 1:16 The descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, moved up from the city of palms with the people of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, south of Arad, and settled among them. 1:17 Judah teamed up with his brother Simeon and defeated the Canaanites living in Zephath, completely destroying it. The city was named Hormah. 1:18 Judah also captured Gaza and its territory, Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. 1:19 Yahweh was with Judah, driving out the inhabitants of the hill country; however, he couldn’t drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had iron chariots. 1:20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had instructed, and he drove out the three sons of Anak from there. 1:21 The descendants of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem; instead, the Jebusites still live with the descendants of Benjamin in Jerusalem today. 1:22 The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and Yahweh was with them. 1:23 The house of Joseph sent spies to scout out Bethel (the city was formerly called Luz). 1:24 The spies saw a man coming out of the city and said to him, “Show us the entrance to the city, and we will deal kindly with you.” 1:25 He showed them the entrance to the city; they struck the city with the sword but spared the man and his entire family. 1:26 The man went to the land of the Hittites and built a city, naming it Luz, which remains its name to this day. 1:27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor of Taanach and its towns, nor the residents of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; the Canaanites continued to live there. 1:28 When Israel became strong, they forced the Canaanites into labor but did not completely drive them out. 1:29 Ephraim didn’t drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; so the Canaanites remained in Gezer among them. 1:30 Zebulun didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Kitron or Nahalol; the Canaanites lived among them and became subject to forced labor. 1:31 Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, or Rehob; 1:32 instead, the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out. 1:33 Naphtali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath; instead, he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, but the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath became subject to forced labor. 1:34 The Amorites forced the descendants of Dan into the hills, not allowing them to come down into the valley; 1:35 yet the Amorites settled in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. However, the house of Joseph prevailed, making them subject to forced labor. 1:36 The border of the Amorites extended from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

2:1 The angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore to your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you: 2:2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars. But you have not listened to my voice: why have you done this? 2:3 Therefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you. 2:4 It happened, when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. 2:5 They called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Yahweh. 2:6 Now when Joshua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man to his inheritance to possess the land. 2:7 The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel. 2:8 Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old. 2:9 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash. 2:10 Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn't know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel. 2:11 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals; 2:12 and they forsook Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked Yahweh to anger. 2:13 They forsook Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. 2:14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers who despoiled them; and he sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. 2:15 Wherever they went out, the hand of Yahweh was against them for evil, as Yahweh had spoken, and as Yahweh had sworn to them: and they were sore distressed. 2:16 Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who despoiled them. 2:17 Yet they didn't listen to their judges; for they played the prostitute after other gods, and bowed themselves down to them: they turned aside quickly out of the way in which their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Yahweh; but they didn't do so. 2:18 When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them. 2:19 But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn't cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way. 2:20 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice; 2:21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died; 2:22 that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. 2:23 So Yahweh left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

2:1 The angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and brought you to the land I promised your ancestors. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you.' 2:2 You must not make any agreements with the people living in this land; you must tear down their altars. But you haven’t listened to my voice. Why did you do this? 2:3 Therefore, I said, 'I won’t drive them out before you; they will be like thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a trap for you.' 2:4 When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people raised their voices and wept. 2:5 They named that place Bochim and sacrificed there to the Lord. 2:6 After Joshua sent the people away, the Israelites went to their own inherited land to possess it. 2:7 The people served the Lord throughout Joshua's lifetime and the lifetimes of the elders who outlived Joshua, those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 2:8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of one hundred ten. 2:9 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. 2:10 That whole generation also gathered to their ancestors; another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord or the work he had done for Israel. 2:11 The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. 2:12 They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors who brought them out of Egypt, and followed other gods, the gods of the surrounding peoples, and worshiped them, provoking the Lord to anger. 2:13 They abandoned the Lord and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 2:14 The Lord's anger burned against Israel, and he handed them over to marauders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, and they were unable to stand before their enemies. 2:15 Whenever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, just as the Lord had said and sworn to them; they were greatly distressed. 2:16 The Lord raised up judges who saved them from the hand of those who plundered them. 2:17 Yet they did not listen to their judges; they prostituted themselves to other gods, worshiping them. They quickly turned away from the way of their ancestors who followed the Lord's commands; but they did not do so. 2:18 When the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and saved them from their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord was moved to pity when they groaned because of those who oppressed them and troubled them. 2:19 But when the judge died, they returned to behave more corruptly than their ancestors, following other gods to serve them and bowing down to them. They did not cease from their practices or their stubborn ways. 2:20 The Lord's anger burned against Israel, and he said, "Because this nation has violated my covenant that I commanded their ancestors and has not listened to my voice, 2:21 I will no longer drive out any of the nations that Joshua left when he died. 2:22 I will use them to test Israel to see whether they will keep the Lord's way by walking in it, as their ancestors did." 2:23 So the Lord left those nations without driving them out quickly, and he did not hand them over to Joshua.

3:1 Now these are the nations which Yahweh left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; 3:2 only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing of it: 3:3 namely, the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. 3:4 They were left, to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of Yahweh, which he commanded their fathers by Moses. 3:5 The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 3:6 and they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons and served their gods. 3:7 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth. 3:8 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim eight years. 3:9 When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. 3:10 The Spirit of Yahweh came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand: and his hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim. 3:11 The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died. 3:12 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 3:13 He gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees. 3:14 The children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. 3:16 Ehud made him a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he girded it under his clothing on his right thigh. 3:17 He offered the tribute to Eglon king of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat man. 3:18 When he had made an end of offering the tribute, he sent away the people who bore the tribute. 3:19 But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to you, king. He said, Keep silence. All who stood by him went out from him. 3:20 Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, I have a message from God to you. He arose out of his seat. 3:21 Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body: 3:22 and the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn't draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind. 3:23 Then Ehud went forth into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on him, and locked them. 3:24 Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and they saw, and behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; and they said, Surely he is covering his feet in the upper chamber. 3:25 They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he didn't open the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth. 3:26 Ehud escaped while they waited, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped to Seirah. 3:27 It happened, when he had come, that he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he before them. 3:28 He said to them, Follow after me; for Yahweh has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. They went down after him, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn't allow a man to pass over. 3:29 They struck of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, every lusty man, and every man of valor; and there escaped not a man. 3:30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. The land had rest eighty years. 3:31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck of the Philistines six hundred men with an oxgoad: and he also saved Israel.

3:1 Now these are the nations that Yahweh left to challenge Israel, specifically those of Israel who had not experienced all the wars of Canaan; 3:2 so that the generations of the children of Israel would know and learn about warfare, particularly those who were previously unaware of it: 3:3 namely, the five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. 3:4 They were left to test Israel, to see whether they would obey the commandments of Yahweh that He commanded their ancestors through Moses. 3:5 The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 3:6 they took their daughters as wives and gave their own daughters to their sons, serving their gods. 3:7 The children of Israel did what was wrong in Yahweh’s sight, forgetting Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth. 3:8 Therefore, Yahweh's anger burned against Israel, and He sold them to Cushan Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim for eight years. 3:9 When the children of Israel cried out to Yahweh, He raised up a savior for them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 3:10 The Spirit of Yahweh came upon him, and he judged Israel; he went to war, and Yahweh gave Cushan Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands, and he defeated Cushan Rishathaim. 3:11 The land had peace for forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died. 3:12 The children of Israel again did what was wrong in Yahweh’s sight, and Yahweh made Eglon, king of Moab, strong against Israel because they had done what was wrong. 3:13 He gathered the children of Ammon and Amalek, went and attacked Israel, and captured the city of palm trees. 3:14 The children of Israel served Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years. 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried out to Yahweh, He raised up a savior for them, Ehud the son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite. The children of Israel sent tribute with him to Eglon, king of Moab. 3:16 Ehud made himself a double-edged sword a cubit long; he strapped it under his clothing on his right thigh. 3:17 He presented the tribute to Eglon, king of Moab, who was a very fat man. 3:18 When he finished offering the tribute, he sent away the people who had carried it. 3:19 But he turned back from the stone images near Gilgal and said, "I have a secret message for you, king." Eglon said, "Be quiet." All who stood by him left. 3:20 Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." Eglon got up from his seat. 3:21 Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly: 3:22 the blade went in after the haft, and the fat closed over the blade, for he didn’t draw the sword out of his body; it came out behind. 3:23 Then Ehud went out into the porch, shut the doors of the upper room behind him, and locked them. 3:24 When he had gone out, the servants came; they looked, and behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; they said, "Surely he is relieving himself in the upper chamber." 3:25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but when he didn’t open the doors of the upper room, they took the key and opened them, and behold, their lord was lying dead on the floor. 3:26 Ehud escaped while they waited, passing beyond the stone images, and escaped to Seirah. 3:27 When he arrived, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, following him. 3:28 He said to them, "Follow me; for Yahweh has given your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him, took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn’t allow anyone to cross over. 3:29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites that day, every strong man, every warrior; not a single one escaped. 3:30 So Moab was subdued that day under Israel's control. The land had peace for eighty years. 3:31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; he also saved Israel.

4:1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, when Ehud was dead. 4:2 Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 4:3 The children of Israel cried to Yahweh: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. 4:4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 4:5 She lived under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 4:6 She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, Hasn't Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, saying, Go and draw to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? 4:7 I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand. 4:8 Barak said to her, If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go. 4:9 She said, I will surely go with you: notwithstanding, the journey that you take shall not be for your honor; for Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. 4:10 Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh; and there went up ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab the brother-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh. 4:12 They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to Mount Tabor. 4:13 Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, to the river Kishon. 4:14 Deborah said to Barak, Up; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand; hasn't Yahweh gone out before you? So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. 4:15 Yahweh confused Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from his chariot, and fled away on his feet. 4:16 But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the army, to Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; there was not a man left. 4:17 However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 4:18 Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don't be afraid. He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. 4:19 He said to her, Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. She opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him. 4:20 He said to her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man does come and inquire of you, and say, Is there any man here? that you shall say, No. 4:21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him, and struck the pin into his temples, and it pierced through into the ground; for he was in a deep sleep; so he swooned and died. 4:22 Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek. He came to her; and behold, Sisera lay dead, and the tent peg was in his temples. 4:23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. 4:24 The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.

4:1 The people of Israel did evil again in the eyes of Yahweh after Ehud died. 4:2 Yahweh let them fall into the hands of Jabin, the king of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 4:3 The people of Israel cried out to Yahweh because he had nine hundred iron chariots and severely oppressed them for twenty years. 4:4 At that time, Deborah, a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. 4:5 She lived under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came to her for judgment. 4:6 She sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, "Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded you, saying, ‘Go and gather at Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun? 4:7 I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and troops, to the Kishon River, and I will hand him over to you.'" 4:8 Barak replied, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go." 4:9 She said, "I will go with you, but understand that the journey you take won’t be for your honor; because Yahweh will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman." Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh. 4:10 Barak called together Zebulun and Naphtali at Kedesh, and ten thousand men followed him, with Deborah also going with him. 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the other Kenites, descendants of Hobab, Moses' brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh. 4:12 They informed Sisera that Barak, the son of Abinoam, had gone up to Mount Tabor. 4:13 Sisera gathered all his chariots, including all nine hundred iron chariots, and all his troops from Harosheth of the Gentiles to the Kishon River. 4:14 Deborah said to Barak, "Get up! This is the day that Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hands; hasn’t Yahweh gone ahead of you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, followed by ten thousand men. 4:15 Yahweh caused confusion among Sisera, his chariots, and his army before Barak; Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. 4:16 But Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth of the Gentiles, and all of Sisera’s troops fell by the sword; not a single man was left. 4:17 However, Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin, king of Hazor, and the house of Heber the Kenite. 4:18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Come in, my lord, come in to me; don’t be afraid." He went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 4:19 He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty." She opened a jug of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. 4:20 He said to her, "Stand at the entrance of the tent; if anyone comes and asks you, ‘Is there anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’" 4:21 Then Jael, Heber's wife, took a tent peg and a hammer, quietly approached him, drove the peg through his temple, and into the ground while he was fast asleep; so he died. 4:22 Just as Barak was pursuing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said, "Come, I will show you the man you are looking for." He went to her, and there lay Sisera dead with the tent peg in his temple. 4:23 So that day, God subdued Jabin, king of Canaan, before the people of Israel. 4:24 The people of Israel pressed harder and harder against Jabin, king of Canaan, until they had completely destroyed him.

5:1 Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

5:1 Then Deborah and Barak, son of Abinoam, sang on that day, saying,

5:2 Because the leaders took the lead in Israel,
because the people offered themselves willingly,
be blessed, Yahweh!
5:3 Hear, you kings!
Give ear, you princes!
I, even I, will sing to Yahweh.
I will sing praise to Yahweh, the God of Israel.
5:4 Yahweh, when you went forth out of Seir,
when you marched out of the field of Edom,
the earth trembled, the sky also dropped.
Yes, the clouds dropped water.
5:5 The mountains quaked at the presence of Yahweh,
even Sinai, at the presence of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath,
in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied.
The travelers walked through byways.
5:7 The rulers ceased in Israel.
They ceased until I, Deborah, arose;
Until I arose a mother in Israel.
5:8 They chose new gods.
Then war was in the gates.
Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
5:9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel,
who offered themselves willingly among the people.
Bless Yahweh!
5:10 Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys,
you who sit on rich carpets,
and you who walk by the way.
5:11 Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water,
there they will rehearse the righteous acts of Yahweh,
Even the righteous acts of his rule in Israel.
Then the people of Yahweh went down to the gates.
5:12 Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, utter a song!
Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.
5:13 Then a remnant of the nobles and the people came down.
Yahweh came down for me against the mighty.
5:14 Those whose root is in Amalek came out of Ephraim,
after you, Benjamin, among your peoples.
Governors come down out of Machir.
Those who handle the marshal's staff came out of Zebulun.
5:15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah.
As was Issachar, so was Barak.
They rushed into the valley at his feet.
By the watercourses of Reuben,
there were great resolves of heart.
5:16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds,
To hear the whistling for the flocks?
At the watercourses of Reuben
There were great searchings of heart.
5:17 Gilead lived beyond the Jordan.
Why did Dan remain in ships?
Asher sat still at the haven of the sea,
and lived by his creeks.
5:18 Zebulun was a people that jeopardized their lives to the deaths;
Naphtali also, on the high places of the field.
5:19 The kings came and fought,
then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.
They took no plunder of silver.
5:20 From the sky the stars fought.
From their courses, they fought against Sisera.
5:21 The river Kishon swept them away,
that ancient river, the river Kishon.
My soul, march on with strength.
5:22 Then the horse hoofs stamped because of the prancings,
the prancings of their strong ones.
5:23 Curse Meroz, said the angel of Yahweh.
Curse bitterly its inhabitants,
because they didn't come to help Yahweh,
to help Yahweh against the mighty.
5:24 Jael shall be blessed above women,
the wife of Heber the Kenite;
blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
5:25 He asked for water.
She gave him milk.
She brought him butter in a lordly dish.
5:26 She put her hand to the tent peg,
and her right hand to the workmen's hammer.
With the hammer she struck Sisera.
She struck through his head.
Yes, she pierced and struck through his temples.
5:27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay.
At her feet he bowed, he fell.
Where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
5:28 Through the window she looked out, and cried:
Sisera's mother looked through the lattice.
Why is his chariot so long in coming?
Why do the wheels of his chariots wait?
5:29 Her wise ladies answered her,
Yes, she returned answer to herself,
5:30 Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil?
A lady, two ladies to every man;
to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments,
A spoil of dyed garments embroidered,
Of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the spoil?
5:31 So let all your enemies perish, Yahweh,
but let those who love him be as the sun when it rises forth in its strength.

The land had rest forty years.

The land had peace for forty years.

6:1 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. 6:2 The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds. 6:3 So it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east; they came up against them; 6:4 and they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, until you come to Gaza, and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey. 6:5 For they came up with their livestock and their tents; they came in as locusts for multitude; both they and their camels were without number: and they came into the land to destroy it. 6:6 Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the children of Israel cried to Yahweh. 6:7 It happened, when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh because of Midian, 6:8 that Yahweh sent a prophet to the children of Israel: and he said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; 6:9 and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land; 6:10 and I said to you, I am Yahweh your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But you have not listened to my voice. 6:11 The angel of Yahweh came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 6:12 The angel of Yahweh appeared to him, and said to him, Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor. 6:13 Gideon said to him, Oh, my lord, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us? and where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt? but now Yahweh has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian. 6:14 Yahweh looked at him, and said, Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian: have not I sent you? 6:15 He said to him, Oh, Lord, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. 6:16 Yahweh said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man. 6:17 He said to him, If now I have found favor in your sight, then show me a sign that it is you who talk with me. 6:18 Please don't go away, until I come to you, and bring out my present, and lay it before you. He said, I will wait until you come again. 6:19 Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of meal: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out to him under the oak, and presented it. 6:20 The angel of God said to him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth. He did so. 6:21 Then the angel of Yahweh put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there went up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of Yahweh departed out of his sight. 6:22 Gideon saw that he was the angel of Yahweh; and Gideon said, Alas, Lord Yahweh! because I have seen the angel of Yahweh face to face. 6:23 Yahweh said to him, Peace be to you; don't be afraid: you shall not die. 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it Yahweh is Peace: to this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 6:25 It happened the same night, that Yahweh said to him, Take your father's bull, even the second bull seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is by it; 6:26 and build an altar to Yahweh your God on the top of this stronghold, in the orderly manner, and take the second bull, and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down. 6:27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as Yahweh had spoken to him: and it happened, because he feared his father's household and the men of the city, so that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. 6:28 When the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah was cut down that was by it, and the second bull was offered on the altar that was built. 6:29 They said one to another, Who has done this thing? When they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing. 6:30 Then the men of the city said to Joash, Bring out your son, that he may die, because he has broken down the altar of Baal, and because he has cut down the Asherah that was by it. 6:31 Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? he who will contend for him, let him be put to death while it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him contend for himself, because one has broken down his altar. 6:32 Therefore on that day he named him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal contend against him, because he has broken down his altar. 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east assembled themselves together; and they passed over, and encamped in the valley of Jezreel. 6:34 But the Spirit of Yahweh came on Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after him. 6:35 He sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also were gathered together after him: and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. 6:36 Gideon said to God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken, 6:37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry on all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken. 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 6:39 Gideon said to God, Don't let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once: Please let me make a trial just this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew. 6:40 God did so that night: for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

6:1 The Israelites did what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord, and so the Lord handed them over to Midian for seven years. 6:2 Midian was strong against Israel, and because of them, the Israelites made shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. 6:3 Whenever Israel planted crops, the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the people from the east would invade. 6:4 They camped against them and destroyed the produce of the land all the way to Gaza, leaving no food for Israel—no sheep, ox, or donkey. 6:5 They came with their livestock and tents, swarming like locusts; they and their camels were uncountable, and they invaded the land to ruin it. 6:6 Israel was very oppressed because of Midian and cried out to the Lord. 6:7 When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, 6:8 the Lord sent a prophet to them, saying, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up from Egypt and out of the house of slavery; 6:9 I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and from all who oppressed you. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 6:10 I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you did not listen to me." 6:11 The angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was thrashing wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 6:12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 6:13 Gideon replied, "Pardon me, my lord, but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about, saying, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian." 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?" 6:15 "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 6:16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive." 6:17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is you talking to me. 6:18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you." "I will wait until you return," he said. 6:19 Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and made unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot. He brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, and he exclaimed, "Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!" That same night, the Lord said to him, "Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. In the morning, when the people of the town got up, there was Baal's altar demolished, and the Asherah pole beside it cut down, and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar! Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—

7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod: and the camp of Midian was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 7:2 Yahweh said to Gideon, The people who are with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, My own hand has saved me. 7:3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead. There returned of the people twenty-two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. 7:4 Yahweh said to Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for you there: and it shall be, that of whom I tell you, This shall go with you, the same shall go with you; and of whoever I tell you, This shall not go with you, the same shall not go. 7:5 So he brought down the people to the water: and Yahweh said to Gideon, Everyone who laps of the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, him you shall set by himself; likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink. 7:6 The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water. 7:7 Yahweh said to Gideon, By the three hundred men who lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand; and let all the people go every man to his place. 7:8 So the people took food in their hand, and their trumpets; and he sent all the men of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the three hundred men: and the camp of Midian was beneath him in the valley. 7:9 It happened the same night, that Yahweh said to him, Arise, get you down into the camp; for I have delivered it into your hand. 7:10 But if you fear to go down, go you with Purah your servant down to the camp: 7:11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your will hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp. 7:12 The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude. 7:13 When Gideon had come, behold, there was a man telling a dream to his fellow; and he said, Behold, I dreamed a dream; and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and came to the tent, and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat. 7:14 His fellow answered, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: into his hand God has delivered Midian, and all the army. 7:15 It was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and its interpretation, that he worshiped; and he returned into the camp of Israel, and said, Arise; for Yahweh has delivered into your hand the army of Midian. 7:16 He divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put into the hands of all of them trumpets, and empty pitchers, with torches within the pitchers. 7:17 He said to them, Look on me, and do likewise: and behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do. 7:18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow you the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, For Yahweh and for Gideon. 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men who were with him, came to the outermost part of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, when they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and broke in pieces the pitchers that were in their hands. 7:20 The three companies blew the trumpets, and broke the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands with which to blow; and they cried, The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon. 7:21 They stood every man in his place around the camp; and all the army ran; and they shouted, and put them to flight. 7:22 They blew the three hundred trumpets, and Yahweh set every man's sword against his fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. 7:23 The men of Israel were gathered together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after Midian. 7:24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan. 7:25 They took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian: and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people with him got up early and camped beside the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh in the valley. 7:2 Yahweh said to Gideon, "You have too many people with you for me to hand the Midianites over to them, otherwise Israel will boast against me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' 7:3 Now, therefore, announce to the people: 'Whoever is afraid and trembling, let him go back and leave Mount Gilead.'" Twenty-two thousand men went back, leaving only ten thousand. 7:4 Yahweh said to Gideon, "There are still too many people; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. The ones I tell you will go with you, and the ones I tell you not to will not go." 7:5 So he brought the people down to the water. Yahweh said to Gideon, "Everyone who licks up the water with his tongue like a dog, set him apart; likewise everyone who kneels down to drink." 7:6 The number of those who lapped, bringing their hands to their mouths, was three hundred men, but all the others knelt down to drink water. 7:7 Yahweh said to Gideon, "With these three hundred men who lapped, I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go back to their homes." 7:8 The people took their food and trumpets, and Gideon sent all the men of Israel back to their tents, keeping only the three hundred men. The camp of Midian was below him in the valley. 7:9 That night, Yahweh said to him, "Get up and go down into the camp, for I have given it into your hand." 7:10 "But if you are afraid to go down, take your servant Purah with you to the camp. 7:11 You will hear what they say, and afterward you will be strengthened to go down into the camp." So he went down with Purah, his servant, to the outermost part of the armed men in the camp. 7:12 The Midianites, Amalekites, and all the people of the east were in the valley like locusts in number; their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 7:13 When Gideon arrived, he heard a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, "I had a dream: a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, struck a tent, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat." 7:14 His companion answered, "This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon, son of Joash, a man of Israel. God has given Midian and the entire army into his hand." 7:15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Get up, for Yahweh has delivered the army of Midian into your hand." 7:16 He divided the three hundred men into three companies and put trumpets and empty pitchers into the hands of all of them, with torches inside the pitchers. 7:17 He said to them, "Look at me, and do as I do. When I come to the edge of the camp, do as I do. 7:18 When I blow the trumpet, I and everyone with me will blow our trumpets too, and shout, 'For Yahweh and for Gideon!'" 7:19 So Gideon and the hundred men with him came to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch when they had just posted the guard. They blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. 7:20 The three companies blew their trumpets, broke the pitchers, held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow. They shouted, "The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon!" 7:21 Every man stood in his place around the camp, and the entire army ran; they shouted and fled. 7:22 They blew the three hundred trumpets, and Yahweh caused every man's sword to turn against his fellow and against the entire army. The army fled as far as Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. 7:23 The men of Israel gathered from Naphtali, Asher, and all of Manasseh and pursued Midian. 7:24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against Midian and take the waters before them, as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim gathered and took the waters as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan. 7:25 They captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb, and they pursued Midian, bringing the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

8:1 The men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you served us thus, that you didn't call us, when you went to fight with Midian? They did chide with him sharply. 8:2 He said to them, What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn't the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 8:3 God has delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison with you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. 8:4 Gideon came to the Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men who were with him, faint, yet pursuing. 8:5 He said to the men of Succoth, Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. 8:6 The princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army? 8:7 Gideon said, Therefore when Yahweh has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers. 8:8 He went up there to Penuel, and spoke to them in like manner; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. 8:9 He spoke also to the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand men who drew sword. 8:11 Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and struck the army; for the army was secure. 8:12 Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and confused all the army. 8:13 Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle from the ascent of Heres. 8:14 He caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described for him the princes of Succoth, and its elders, seventy-seven men. 8:15 He came to the men of Succoth, and said, See Zebah and Zalmunna, concerning whom you did taunt me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are weary? 8:16 He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. 8:17 He broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the men of the city. 8:18 Then said he to Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom you killed at Tabor? They answered, As you are, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 8:19 He said, They were my brothers, the sons of my mother: as Yahweh lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you. 8:20 He said to Jether his firstborn, Up, and kill them. But the youth didn't draw his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise you, and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength. Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks. 8:22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, Rule you over us, both you, and your son, and your son's son also; for you have saved us out of the hand of Midian. 8:23 Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: Yahweh shall rule over you. 8:24 Gideon said to them, I would make a request of you, that you would give me every man the earrings of his spoil. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 8:25 They answered, We will willingly give them. They spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his spoil. 8:26 The weight of the golden earrings that he requested was one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple clothing that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels' necks. 8:27 Gideon made an ephod of it, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel played the prostitute after it there; and it became a snare to Gideon, and to his house. 8:28 So Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, and they lifted up their heads no more. The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. 8:29 Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house. 8:30 Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body; for he had many wives. 8:31 His concubine who was in Shechem, she also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech. 8:32 Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 8:33 It happened, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and played the prostitute after the Baals, and made Baal Berith their god. 8:34 The children of Israel didn't remember Yahweh their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side; 8:35 neither did they show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shown to Israel.

8:1 The men of Ephraim asked him, "Why did you treat us this way? You didn’t call us when you went to fight with Midian." They were really upset with him. 8:2 He replied, "What have I done compared to you? Isn’t what you’ve harvested from Ephraim better than what I did with Abiezer? 8:3 God has handed over the leaders of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, to you. What could I do compared to you?" Their anger toward him calmed down when he said that. 8:4 Gideon went to the Jordan, and crossed over with the three hundred men who were with him, exhausted but still pursuing. 8:5 He asked the men of Succoth, "Please give some loaves of bread to the people who are following me because they’re tired, and I’m pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian." 8:6 The princes of Succoth replied, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands, so we should give bread to your army?" 8:7 Gideon said, "When Yahweh has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hands, I will tear your flesh with the thorns from the wilderness and with briers." 8:8 He went up to Penuel and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him just like the men of Succoth had. 8:9 He also told the men of Penuel, "When I come back in peace, I will tear down this tower." 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor, with about fifteen thousand men left from all the armies of the east; one hundred twenty thousand men who drew their swords had fallen. 8:11 Gideon took the route of the people living in tents east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the army because it was secure. 8:12 Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them, capturing the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and confusing their entire army. 8:13 Gideon, the son of Joash, returned from the battle from the ascent of Heres. 8:14 He caught a young man from Succoth and asked him about the princes of Succoth and its elders, a total of seventy-seven men. 8:15 He went to the men of Succoth and said, "Look, here are Zebah and Zalmunna, the men you mocked, saying, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands so we should give bread to your tired soldiers?'" 8:16 He took the elders of the city, along with thorns from the wilderness and briers, and used them to teach the men of Succoth a lesson. 8:17 He destroyed the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. 8:18 Then he asked Zebah and Zalmunna, "What were the men like that you killed at Tabor?" They replied, "They were just like you; each one looked like the child of a king." 8:19 He said, "They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As Yahweh lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you." 8:20 He told Jether, his firstborn, "Get up and kill them." But the young man was too scared to draw his sword because he was still a boy. 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Get up and kill us yourselves, for as a man is, so is his strength." Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna and took the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. 8:22 The men of Israel said to Gideon, "Be our ruler, you and your son and your grandson, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian." 8:23 Gideon replied, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you; Yahweh will rule over you." 8:24 Gideon asked them for a favor, saying, "Give me the earrings you collected as spoils." (They had golden earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) 8:25 They said, "We will gladly give them." They spread out a garment and each tossed in the earrings they had taken as spoils. 8:26 The total weight of the gold earrings he requested was one thousand seven hundred shekels, in addition to the crescents, pendants, purple clothing that belonged to the kings of Midian, and chains around their camels' necks. 8:27 Gideon made an ephod from the gold and placed it in his city, Ophrah. All Israel began to worship it there, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family. 8:28 So Midian was subdued before the Israelites, and they no longer lifted their heads. The land had peace for forty years during Gideon’s lifetime. 8:29 Jerubbaal, the son of Joash, went and lived in his own house. 8:30 Gideon had seventy sons born to him because he had many wives. 8:31 His concubine who lived in Shechem also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. 8:32 Gideon the son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 8:33 But as soon as Gideon died, the Israelites turned back and worshipped the Baals, making Baal Berith their god. 8:34 The Israelites did not remember Yahweh their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies around them; 8:35 nor did they show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, in return for all the good he had done for Israel.

9:1 Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's brothers, and spoke with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, 9:2 Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. 9:3 His mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him. 9:5 He went to his father's house at Ophrah, and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one stone: but Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. 9:6 All the men of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem. 9:7 When they told it to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said to them, Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you. 9:8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive tree, Reign you over us. 9:9 But the olive tree said to them, Should I leave my fatness, with which by me they honor God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees? 9:10 The trees said to the fig tree, Come you, and reign over us. 9:11 But the fig tree said to them, Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave back and forth over the trees? 9:12 The trees said to the vine, Come you, and reign over us. 9:13 The vine said to them, Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees? 9:14 Then said all the trees to the bramble, Come you, and reign over us. 9:15 The bramble said to the trees, If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. 9:16 Now therefore, if you have dealt truly and righteously, in that you have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him according to the deserving of his hands 9:17 (for my father fought for you, and adventured his life, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: 9:18 and you are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, seventy persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother); 9:19 if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice you in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: 9:20 but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. 9:21 Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and lived there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. 9:22 Abimelech was prince over Israel three years. 9:23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: 9:24 that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. 9:25 The men of Shechem set an ambush for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. 9:26 Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him. 9:27 They went out into the field, and gathered their vineyards, and trod the grapes, and held festival, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech. 9:28 Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn't he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve you the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: but why should we serve him? 9:29 Would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. He said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out. 9:30 When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. 9:31 He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem; and behold, they constrain the city to take part against you. 9:32 Now therefore, up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field: 9:33 and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion. 9:34 Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. 9:35 Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people who were with him, from the ambush. 9:36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the tops of the mountains. Zebul said to him, You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. 9:37 Gaal spoke again and said, Behold, there come people down by the middle of the land, and one company comes by the way of the oak of Meonenim. 9:38 Then said Zebul to him, Where is now your mouth, that you said, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that you have despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. 9:39 Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. 9:40 Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even to the entrance of the gate. 9:41 Abimelech lived at Arumah: and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem. 9:42 It happened on the next day, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech. 9:43 He took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and behold, the people came forth out of the city; He rose up against them, and struck them. 9:44 Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the two companies rushed on all who were in the field, and struck them. 9:45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and killed the people who were therein: and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt. 9:46 When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. 9:47 It was told Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 9:48 Abimelech got him up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it up, and laid it on his shoulder: and he said to the people who were with him, What you have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done. 9:49 All the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire on them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. 9:50 Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it. 9:51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and there fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and got them up to the roof of the tower. 9:52 Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 9:53 A certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech's head, and broke his skull. 9:54 Then he called hastily to the young man his armor bearer, and said to him, Draw your sword, and kill me, that men not say of me, A woman killed him. His young man thrust him through, and he died. 9:55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man to his place. 9:56 Thus God requited the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did to his father, in killing his seventy brothers; 9:57 and all the wickedness of the men of Shechem did God requite on their heads: and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

9:1 Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal, went to Shechem to speak with his mother's brothers and all the family of his mother's father. He said, 9:2 "Please tell all the men of Shechem, what’s better for you: that all seventy sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one person rules over you? Remember, I am your own flesh and blood." 9:3 His mother's brothers shared all his words with the men of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech because they said, "He is our brother." 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal Berith, which Abimelech used to hire worthless men who followed him. 9:5 He went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone; only Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, escaped because he hid himself. 9:6 All the men of Shechem gathered together, along with all the household of Millo, and made Abimelech king at the oak of the pillar in Shechem. 9:7 When this was told to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and called out, "Listen to me, men of Shechem, that God may listen to you." 9:8 One time, the trees went to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, "Reign over us." 9:9 But the olive tree replied, "Should I sacrifice my richness, with which they honor God and man, to sway back and forth over the trees?" 9:10 The trees then said to the fig tree, "Come, and reign over us." 9:11 But the fig tree answered, "Should I give up my sweetness and my good fruit to sway back and forth over the trees?" 9:12 The trees said to the vine, "Come, and reign over us." 9:13 The vine replied, "Should I abandon my new wine, which cheers both God and man, to sway back and forth over the trees?" 9:14 Finally, all the trees said to the bramble, "Come, and reign over us." 9:15 The bramble replied to the trees, "If you truly want to make me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out from me and consume the cedars of Lebanon." 9:16 So now, if you have acted genuinely and justly in making Abimelech king, and if you have treated Jerubbaal and his household well, as he deserves 9:17 (for my father fought for you, risking his life, and delivered you from Midian; 9:18 yet today you have risen against my father's house, killing his seventy sons on one stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem because he is your brother); 9:19 if you have acted truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and his household, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him rejoice in you. 9:20 However, if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem, and let fire come from the men of Shechem and consume Abimelech. 9:21 Jotham ran away and fled to Beer, where he lived in fear of Abimelech, his brother. 9:22 Abimelech was ruler over Israel for three years. 9:23 God sent a spirit of conflict between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, and the men of Shechem treated Abimelech treacherously, 9:24 so that the violence committed against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal would come back on Abimelech, their brother who killed them, and on the men of Shechem who supported him in the murder of his brothers. 9:25 The men of Shechem set an ambush for him in the mountains and robbed everyone who passed by. When this was reported to Abimelech, 9:26 Gaal, the son of Ebed, came with his brothers and went to Shechem, and the men of Shechem trusted him. 9:27 They went out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, crushed them, celebrated, went into the house of their god, ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech. 9:28 Gaal, the son of Ebed, said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn't he the son of Jerubbaal? And Zebul, his officer? Serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem; why should we serve him? 9:29 I wish I were in charge; I would remove Abimelech! He said to Abimelech, "Increase your army and come out!" 9:30 When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard Gaal's words, he became angry. 9:31 He sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, "Look, Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you." 9:32 So, at night, you and your men wait in the fields. 9:33 In the morning, as soon as the sun is up, rise early and attack the city. If Gaal and his men come out against you, do whatever you can to them." 9:34 Abimelech, along with all his men, rose up at night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. 9:35 Gaal, the son of Ebed, came out and stood at the entrance of the city gate, and Abimelech and his men rose up from the ambush. 9:36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, there are people coming down from the mountains!" Zebul replied, "You see the shadows of the mountains as if they were men." 9:37 Gaal spoke again, "Look, there are people coming down the middle of the land, and one company comes from the direction of the oak of Meonenim." 9:38 Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your mouth now? You said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Isn't this the people you despised? Go out now and fight them!" 9:39 Gaal went out in front of the men of Shechem and fought Abimelech. 9:40 Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were wounded as they fell to the city gate. 9:41 Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers away from Shechem. 9:42 The next day, the people went out into the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech. 9:43 He divided the people into three companies, set an ambush in the fields, and watched as people came out of the city; he attacked them. 9:44 Abimelech and his men rushed to the city gate, and the other two companies rushed at everyone in the fields and struck them down. 9:45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he captured it, killed the people there, tore down the city, and sowed it with salt. 9:46 When all the men in the tower of Shechem heard about it, they went to the stronghold of the house of Elberith. 9:47 Abimelech was informed that all the men of the tower of Shechem had gathered together. 9:48 So Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon with all his men, took an axe in hand, cut down a branch from the trees, carried it on his shoulder, and said to his men, "What you have seen me do, hurry up and do the same." 9:49 All the people likewise cut down branches and followed Abimelech, bringing them to the stronghold and setting it on fire, so that all the men in the tower of Shechem died, about a thousand men and women. 9:50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez, camped against it, and captured it. 9:51 But there was a strong tower in the city, and all the men and women fled there, shut themselves inside, and went up to the roof of the tower. 9:52 Abimelech came to the tower and attacked it, getting close to the door to set it on fire. 9:53 A woman dropped a millstone on Abimelech's head, crushing his skull. 9:54 He quickly called to his armor-bearer and said, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that it won't be said that a woman killed me." His armor-bearer ran him through, and he died. 9:55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they all returned home. 9:56 Thus, God punished Abimelech for the evil he committed against his father by killing his seventy brothers, 9:57 and God also brought back the wickedness of the men of Shechem upon their own heads; and the curse of Jotham, the son of Jerubbaal, fell upon them.

10:1 After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 10:2 He judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir. 10:3 After him arose Jair, the Gileadite; and he judged Israel twenty-two years. 10:4 He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 10:5 Jair died, and was buried in Kamon. 10:6 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals, and the Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; and they forsook Yahweh, and didn't serve him. 10:7 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of Ammon. 10:8 They troubled and oppressed the children of Israel that year: eighteen years oppressed they all the children of Israel that were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 10:9 The children of Ammon passed over the Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed. 10:10 The children of Israel cried to Yahweh, saying, We have sinned against you, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baals. 10:11 Yahweh said to the children of Israel, Didn't I save you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? 10:12 The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and you cried to me, and I saved you out of their hand. 10:13 Yet you have forsaken me, and served other gods: therefore I will save you no more. 10:14 Go and cry to the gods which you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress. 10:15 The children of Israel said to Yahweh, We have sinned: do you to us whatever seems good to you; only deliver us, we pray you, this day. 10:16 They put away the foreign gods from among them, and served Yahweh; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpah. 10:18 The people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, What man is he who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

10:1 After Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man from Issachar, arose to rescue Israel; he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 10:2 He led Israel for twenty-three years, then he died and was buried in Shamir. 10:3 After him, Jair the Gileadite arose; he judged Israel for twenty-two years. 10:4 He had thirty sons who rode on thirty young donkeys, and they controlled thirty cities known as Havvoth Jair, which are still named that today in the land of Gilead. 10:5 Jair died and was buried in Kamon. 10:6 The Israelites once again did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, serving the Baals, the Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines; they turned away from Yahweh and did not serve him. 10:7 Yahweh's anger was stirred against Israel, and he handed them over to the Philistines and the Ammonites. 10:8 They tormented and oppressed the Israelites that year; for eighteen years, they oppressed all the Israelites who were on the other side of the Jordan, in the land of the Amorites in Gilead. 10:9 The Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin, and the house of Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed. 10:10 The Israelites cried out to Yahweh, saying, "We have sinned against you because we have turned away from our God and served the Baals." 10:11 Yahweh replied to the Israelites, "Did I not save you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, and the Philistines? 10:12 The Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites also oppressed you, and you cried out to me, and I saved you from their hands. 10:13 Yet you have turned away from me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 10:14 Go cry out to the gods you have chosen; let them save you in your time of trouble." 10:15 The Israelites said to Yahweh, "We have sinned; do whatever seems good to you, but please deliver us today." 10:16 They removed the foreign gods from among them and served Yahweh, and his heart was troubled by the suffering of Israel. 10:17 Then the Ammonites gathered and camped in Gilead. The Israelites assembled and camped in Mizpah. 10:18 The leaders of Gilead said to each other, "Who is the man who will begin the fight against the Ammonites? He will be the head over all the inhabitants of Gilead."

11:1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a prostitute: and Gilead became the father of Jephthah. 11:2 Gilead's wife bore him sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they drove out Jephthah, and said to him, You shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of another woman. 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and lived in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain fellows to Jephthah, and they went out with him. 11:4 It happened after a while, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. 11:5 It was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob; 11:6 and they said to Jephthah, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. 11:7 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, Didn't you hate me, and drive me out of my father's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress? 11:8 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Therefore are we turned again to you now, that you may go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon; and you shall be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. 11:9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, If you bring me home again to fight with the children of Ammon, and Yahweh deliver them before me, shall I be your head? 11:10 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Yahweh shall be witness between us; surely according to your word so will we do. 11:11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and chief over them: and Jephthah spoke all his words before Yahweh in Mizpah. 11:12 Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come to me to fight against my land? 11:13 The king of the children of Ammon answered to the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when he came up out of Egypt, from the Arnon even to the Jabbok, and to the Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably. 11:14 Jephthah sent messengers again to the king of the children of Ammon; 11:15 and he said to him, Thus says Jephthah: Israel didn't take away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon, 11:16 but when they came up from Egypt, and Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea, and came to Kadesh; 11:17 then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Please let me pass through your land; but the king of Edom didn't listen. In the same way, he sent to the king of Moab; but he would not: and Israel abode in Kadesh. 11:18 Then they went through the wilderness, and went around the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and they encamped on the other side of the Arnon; but they didn't come within the border of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab. 11:19 Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said to him, Let us pass, we pray you, through your land to my place. 11:20 But Sihon didn't trust Israel to pass through his border; but Sihon gathered all his people together, and encamped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel. 11:21 Yahweh, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they struck them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country. 11:22 They possessed all the border of the Amorites, from the Arnon even to the Jabbok, and from the wilderness even to the Jordan. 11:23 So now Yahweh, the God of Israel, has dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and should you possess them? 11:24 Won't you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whoever Yahweh our God has dispossessed from before us, them will we possess. 11:25 Now are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them? 11:26 While Israel lived in Heshbon and its towns, and in Aroer and its towns, and in all the cities that are along by the side of the Arnon, three hundred years; why didn't you recover them within that time? 11:27 I therefore have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me: Yahweh, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon. 11:28 However the king of the children of Ammon didn't listen to the words of Jephthah which he sent him. 11:29 Then the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over to the children of Ammon. 11:30 Jephthah vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, If you will indeed deliver the children of Ammon into my hand, 11:31 then it shall be, that whatever comes forth from the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, it shall be Yahweh's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. 11:32 So Jephthah passed over to the children of Ammon to fight against them; and Yahweh delivered them into his hand. 11:33 He struck them from Aroer until you come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a very great slaughter. So the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 11:34 Jephthah came to Mizpah to his house; and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances: and she was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 11:35 It happened, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! you have brought me very low, and you are one of those who trouble me; for I have opened my mouth to Yahweh, and I can't go back. 11:36 She said to him, My father, you have opened your mouth to Yahweh; do to me according to that which has proceeded out of your mouth, because Yahweh has taken vengeance for you on your enemies, even on the children of Ammon. 11:37 She said to her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may depart and go down on the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions. 11:38 He said, Go. He sent her away for two months: and she departed, she and her companions, and mourned her virginity on the mountains. 11:39 It happened at the end of two months, that she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she was a virgin. It was a custom in Israel, 11:40 that the daughters of Israel went yearly to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.

11:1 Jephthah the Gileadite was a strong and brave man, and he was the son of a prostitute: Gilead was the father of Jephthah. 11:2 Gilead's wife had sons; when they grew up, they kicked Jephthah out, saying to him, "You won’t inherit anything from our father’s house because you’re the son of another woman." 11:3 Jephthah then fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. There, some worthless men joined Jephthah, and they went out with him. 11:4 After some time, the Ammonites went to war against Israel. 11:5 When the Ammonites went to war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob; 11:6 they said to him, "Come and be our leader so we can fight the Ammonites." 11:7 Jephthah asked the elders of Gilead, "Didn’t you hate me and drive me out of my father’s house? Why come to me now when you’re in trouble?" 11:8 The elders of Gilead replied, "That’s why we’ve come back to you now—to go with us and fight the Ammonites. You’ll be our leader over all the people of Gilead." 11:9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I be your leader?" 11:10 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "The LORD will be our witness; we’ll do exactly what you say." 11:11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. Jephthah spoke all his words before the LORD at Mizpah. 11:12 Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, asking, "What do you want with me that you’ve come to fight my land?" 11:13 The king of the Ammonites replied to Jephthah’s messengers, "Israel took my land when they came up from Egypt—from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan. Now give it back peacefully." 11:14 Jephthah sent messengers again to the king of the Ammonites; 11:15 he said to him, "This is what Jephthah says: Israel didn’t take the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, 11:16 but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to Kadesh; 11:17 then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, asking, ‘Please let me pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom refused. They also sent to the king of Moab, but he wouldn’t let them pass, so Israel remained in Kadesh. 11:18 Then they went through the wilderness, going around the land of Edom and the land of Moab, and camped on the east side of the land of Moab, by the Arnon; they didn’t enter Moab because the Arnon was its border. 11:19 Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and said to him, ‘Let us pass through your land to our home.’ 11:20 But Sihon didn’t trust Israel to pass through his territory; he gathered all his people, camped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel. 11:21 The LORD, the God of Israel, handed Sihon and all his troops over to Israel, who struck them down; Israel then took possession of all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that area. 11:22 They took all the territory of the Amorites, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. 11:23 So now the LORD, the God of Israel, has dispossessed the Amorites for his people Israel, and should you take their land? 11:24 Aren’t you going to keep what Chemosh, your god, gives you to keep? So whatever the LORD our God has dispossessed from before us, we will take possession of. 11:25 Are you any better than Balak, the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever challenge Israel or go to war against them? 11:26 While Israel lived in Heshbon and its towns and in Aroer and its towns and all the cities along the Arnon, for three hundred years, why didn’t you recover them during that time? 11:27 I have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by going to war against me. Let the LORD be the judge today between the people of Israel and the Ammonites." 11:28 But the king of the Ammonites didn’t listen to the message Jephthah sent him. 11:29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he crossed over to the Ammonites. 11:30 Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, saying, "If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 11:31 then whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will offer it as a burnt offering." 11:32 So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight them, and the LORD delivered them into his hands. 11:33 He struck them down from Aroer to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a massive slaughter. So the Ammonites were defeated before the people of Israel. 11:34 Jephthah returned to Mizpah, his home, and his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and dances. She was his only child; he had neither son nor daughter besides her. 11:35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried out, "Oh no, my daughter! You’ve brought me down; you’re one of those who trouble me because I have made a vow to the LORD, and I cannot take it back." 11:36 She said to him, "My father, you’ve made a vow to the LORD; do to me as you’ve promised, since the LORD has avenged you on your enemies, the Ammonites." 11:37 She added, "Let this be done for me: give me two months to go to the mountains and mourn my virginity with my friends." 11:38 He said, "Go." So he sent her away for two months; she and her friends went and mourned her virginity in the mountains. 11:39 After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did with her as he had vowed. She was a virgin. It became a custom in Israel, 11:40 that the daughters of Israel went annually to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days each year.

12:1 The men of Ephraim were gathered together, and passed northward; and they said to Jephthah, Why did you pass over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didn't call us to go with you? we will burn your house on you with fire. 12:2 Jephthah said to them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, you didn't save me out of their hand. 12:3 When I saw that you didn't save me, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and Yahweh delivered them into my hand: why then are you come up to me this day, to fight against me? 12:4 Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim; and the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim, and in the midst of Manasseh. 12:5 The Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. It was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the men of Gilead said to him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, No; 12:6 then said they to him, Say now Shibboleth; and he said Sibboleth; for he couldn't manage to pronounce it right: then they laid hold on him, and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. There fell at that time of Ephraim forty-two thousand. 12:7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. 12:8 After him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 12:9 He had thirty sons; and thirty daughters he sent abroad, and thirty daughters he brought in from abroad for his sons. He judged Israel seven years. 12:10 Ibzan died, and was buried at Bethlehem. 12:11 After him Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. 12:12 Elon the Zebulunite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. 12:13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. 12:14 He had forty sons and thirty sons' sons, who rode on seventy donkey colts: and he judged Israel eight years. 12:15 Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

12:1 The men of Ephraim gathered together and went north. They said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to join you? We will burn your house down." 12:2 Jephthah replied, "My people and I were in serious conflict with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you didn’t help me". 12:3 "When I saw that you wouldn’t rescue me, I took matters into my own hands and went to battle against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my control. So, why have you come to fight me today?" 12:4 Jephthah then gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. The men of Gilead defeated Ephraim because they accused them, saying, "You Gileadites are fugitives in the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh." 12:5 The Gileadites took control of the Jordan River crossings to block the Ephraimites. So when any Ephraimite fugitives asked to cross, the Gileadites would ask him, "Are you from Ephraim?" If he answered, "No," 12:6 they would then say, "Say ‘Shibboleth’." If he said, "Sibboleth," because he couldn’t pronounce it correctly, they would seize him and kill him at the river crossings. At that time, 42,000 Ephraimites fell. 12:7 Jephthah judged Israel for six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in one of the towns of Gilead. 12:8 After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 12:9 He had thirty sons; he sent thirty daughters away and brought in thirty daughters from outside for his sons. He judged Israel for seven years. 12:10 Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem. 12:11 After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel for ten years. 12:12 Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. 12:13 After him, Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. 12:14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys, and he judged Israel for eight years. 12:15 Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

13:1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh; and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years. 13:2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and didn't bear. 13:3 The angel of Yahweh appeared to the woman, and said to her, See now, you are barren, and don't bear; but you shall conceive, and bear a son. 13:4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don't eat any unclean thing: 13:5 for, behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. 13:6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came to me, and his face was like the face of the angel of God, very awesome; and I didn't ask him whence he was, neither did he tell me his name: 13:7 but he said to me, Behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death. 13:8 Then Manoah entreated Yahweh, and said, Oh, Lord, please let the man of God whom you did send come again to us, and teach us what we shall do to the child who shall be born. 13:9 God listened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah, her husband, wasn't with her. 13:10 The woman made haste, and ran, and told her husband, and said to him, Behold, the man has appeared to me, who came to me the other day. 13:11 Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said to him, Are you the man who spoke to the woman? He said, I am. 13:12 Manoah said, Now let your words happen: what shall be the ordering of the child, and how shall we do to him? 13:13 The angel of Yahweh said to Manoah, Of all that I said to the woman let her beware. 13:14 She may not eat of anything that comes of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing; all that I commanded her let her observe. 13:15 Manoah said to the angel of Yahweh, I pray you, let us detain you, that we may make ready a kid for you. 13:16 The angel of Yahweh said to Manoah, Though you detain me, I won't eat of your bread; and if you will make ready a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh. For Manoah didn't know that he was the angel of Yahweh. 13:17 Manoah said to the angel of Yahweh, What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honor you? 13:18 The angel of Yahweh said to him, Why do you ask after my name, seeing it is wonderful? 13:19 So Manoah took the kid with the meal offering, and offered it on the rock to Yahweh: and the angel did wondrously, and Manoah and his wife looked on. 13:20 For it happened, when the flame went up toward the sky from off the altar, that the angel of Yahweh ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground. 13:21 But the angel of Yahweh did no more appear to Manoah or to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of Yahweh. 13:22 Manoah said to his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God. 13:23 But his wife said to him, If Yahweh were pleased to kill us, he wouldn't have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, neither would he have shown us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these. 13:24 The woman bore a son, and named him Samson: and the child grew, and Yahweh blessed him. 13:25 The Spirit of Yahweh began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

13:1 The Israelites again did what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord, and He handed them over to the Philistines for forty years. 13:2 There was a man from Zorah, part of the Danite family, named Manoah; his wife was unable to have children. 13:3 The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, "Look, you are barren and haven't given birth, but you will conceive and have a son." 13:4 "So be careful not to drink any wine or strong drink, and don't eat anything unclean. 13:5 For you will conceive and have a son, and no razor will touch his head because the child will be dedicated to God from the womb; and he will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines." 13:6 Then the woman went and told her husband, saying, "A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like that of the angel of God—very awesome; I didn't ask him where he was from, and he didn't tell me his name." 13:7 "But he said to me, 'Look, you will conceive and have a son, so be careful not to drink any wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, because the child will be a Nazirite to God from the womb until the day of his death.'" 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the Lord and said, "Oh Lord, please let the man of God you sent come back to us and teach us what we should do for the child who will be born." 13:9 God heard Manoah's voice, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was in the field, but Manoah, her husband, wasn't with her. 13:10 The woman hurried and ran to tell her husband, saying, "Look, the man who appeared to me the other day has come." 13:11 Manoah got up and followed his wife, and when he found the man, he asked, "Are you the man who spoke to my wife?" He replied, "I am." 13:12 Manoah said, "Now let your words happen; what is to be the boy's life, and how should we raise him?" 13:13 The angel of the Lord said to Manoah, "Of all I told the woman, let her take heed. 13:14 She must not eat anything from the vine, nor drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing; she should do everything I commanded her." 13:15 Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, "Please, let us keep you here so we can prepare a young goat for you." 13:16 The angel of the Lord said to Manoah, "Even if you keep me here, I won't eat your food; if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord." For Manoah didn't realize he was talking to the angel of the Lord. 13:17 Manoah asked the angel of the Lord, "What is your name so that when your words come true, we may honor you?" 13:18 The angel of the Lord answered, "Why do you ask my name, seeing that it is wonderful?" 13:19 So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering and offered it on the rock to the Lord, and the angel did a miraculous thing while Manoah and his wife watched. 13:20 When the flame went up toward heaven from the altar, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame, and Manoah and his wife fell on their faces to the ground. 13:21 The angel of the Lord did not appear again to Manoah or his wife; then Manoah realized he was the angel of the Lord. 13:22 Manoah said to his wife, "We will surely die because we have seen God." 13:23 But his wife said to him, "If the Lord had wanted to kill us, He would not have accepted our burnt offering and grain offering, nor would He have shown us all these things or told us anything like this at this time." 13:24 The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson; the child grew and the Lord blessed him. 13:25 The Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

14:1 Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. 14:2 He came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me as wife. 14:3 Then his father and his mother said to him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of your brothers, or among all my people, that you go to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? Samson said to his father, Get her for me; for she pleases me well. 14:4 But his father and his mother didn't know that it was of Yahweh; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel. 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of Timnah: and behold, a young lion roared against him. 14:6 The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on him, and he tore him as he would have torn a kid; and he had nothing in his hand: but he didn't tell his father or his mother what he had done. 14:7 He went down, and talked with the woman, and she pleased Samson well. 14:8 After a while he returned to take her; and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. 14:9 He took it into his hands, and went on, eating as he went; and he came to his father and mother, and gave to them, and they ate: but he didn't tell them that he had taken the honey out of the body of the lion. 14:10 His father went down to the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do. 14:11 It happened, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him. 14:12 Samson said to them, Let me now put forth a riddle to you: if you can declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing; 14:13 but if you can't declare it to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. They said to him, Put forth your riddle, that we may hear it. 14:14 He said to them,

14:1 Samson went to Timnah and saw a woman there from the daughters of the Philistines. 14:2 He went back and told his parents, saying, "I saw a woman in Timnah from the Philistines; now get her for me as my wife." 14:3 His parents replied, "Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives or among all our people that you would go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?" Samson said to his father, "Get her for me; she looks good to me." 14:4 But his father and mother didn't realize it was from the Lord; he was looking for a chance to confront the Philistines. At that time, the Philistines ruled over Israel. 14:5 So Samson and his parents went down to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly, a young lion roared at him. 14:6 The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart as easily as if he were tearing a young goat. He didn't have anything in his hand, but he didn't tell his parents what he had done. 14:7 He went down and spoke to the woman, and she impressed Samson. 14:8 Sometime later, he went back to get her, and he turned aside to see the lion's carcass. There, he found a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. 14:9 He took some in his hands and ate as he went along; when he got to his parents, he gave some to them, and they ate it. But he didn't tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion's body. 14:10 His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as young men often did. 14:11 When they saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him. 14:12 Samson said to them, "Let me tell you a riddle: if you can figure it out within the seven days of the feast, I'll give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes; 14:13 but if you can't solve it, then you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes." They replied, "Go ahead, tell us your riddle, so we can hear it." 14:14 He said to them,

Out of the eater came forth food.
Out of the strong came forth sweetness.

They couldn't in three days declare the riddle. 14:15 It happened on the seventh day, that they said to Samson's wife, Entice your husband, that he may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire: have you called us to impoverish us? is it not so? 14:16 Samson's wife wept before him, and said, You do but hate me, and don't love me: you have put forth a riddle to the children of my people, and haven't told it me. He said to her, Behold, I haven't told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell you? 14:17 She wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it happened on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore; and she told the riddle to the children of her people. 14:18 The men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? He said to them,

They couldn't figure out the riddle in three days. 14:15 On the seventh day, they said to Samson's wife, "Get your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we’ll burn you and your father's house down. You brought us here to ruin us, didn’t you?" 14:16 Samson's wife cried in front of him and said, "You just hate me and don't love me. You’ve given a riddle to my people, but you haven't shared it with me." He replied, "Look, I haven't even told my father or mother, so why would I tell you?" 14:17 She wept in front of him for the seven days of their feast, and on the seventh day, he told her because she pressed him hard. Then she shared the riddle with her people. 14:18 The men of the city asked him on the seventh day before sunset, "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" He replied to them,

If you hadn't plowed with my heifer,
you wouldn't have found out my riddle.

14:19 The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and struck thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the riddle. His anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. 14:20 But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

14:19 The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their belongings, and gave the clothes to those who explained the riddle. He was furious and went up to his father's house. 14:20 But Samson's wife was given to his friend, whom he had used as his companion.

15:1 But it happened after a while, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father wouldn't allow him to go in. 15:2 Her father said, I most certainly thought that you had utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to your companion: isn't her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her, instead. 15:3 Samson said to them, This time shall I be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I do them a mischief. 15:4 Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between every two tails. 15:5 When he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and also the olive groves. 15:6 Then the Philistines said, Who has done this? They said, Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife, and given her to his companion. The Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire. 15:7 Samson said to them, If you do after this manner, surely I will be avenged of you, and after that I will cease. 15:8 He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and lived in the cleft of the rock of Etam. 15:9 Then the Philistines went up, and encamped in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi. 15:10 The men of Judah said, Why are you come up against us? They said, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he has done to us. 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?" He said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them. 15:12 They said to him, We have come down to bind you, that we may deliver you into the hand of the Philistines. Samson said to them, Swear to me that you will not fall on me yourselves. 15:13 They spoke to him, saying, No; but we will bind you fast, and deliver you into their hand: but surely we will not kill you. They bound him with two new ropes, and brought him up from the rock. 15:14 When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands. 15:15 He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put forth his hand, and took it, and struck a thousand men therewith. 15:16 Samson said, With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps on heaps, With the jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand men. 15:17 It happened, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand; and that place was called Ramath Lehi. 15:18 He was very thirsty, and called on Yahweh, and said, You have given this great deliverance by the hand of your servant; and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised. 15:19 But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out of it. When he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: therefore its name was called En Hakkore, which is in Lehi, to this day. 15:20 He judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.

15:1 After a while, during the wheat harvest, Samson visited his wife bringing a young goat, and said, "I want to go into my wife’s room." But her father wouldn’t let him in. 15:2 Her father said, "I really thought you must have completely hated her, so I gave her to your friend. Isn’t her younger sister more beautiful than she is? Please take her instead." 15:3 Samson said to them, "This time I will be blameless against the Philistines when I harm them." 15:4 Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, tied their tails together, and put a firebrand between every two tails. 15:5 When he lit the brands on fire, he released them into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up both the sheaves and the standing grain, as well as the olive groves. 15:6 Then the Philistines asked, "Who did this?" They replied, "Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife and given her to his friend." The Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death. 15:7 Samson said to them, "If you act like this, I will surely take revenge on you, and after that, I will stop." 15:8 He struck them hard with a great slaughter and went down to live in the rock of Etam. 15:9 Then the Philistines went up, camped in Judah, and spread out in Lehi. 15:10 The men of Judah asked, "Why have you come against us?" They answered, "We have come to bind Samson to do to him as he has done to us." 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the rock of Etam and said to Samson, "Don’t you know that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?" He replied, "As they did to me, so I have done to them." 15:12 They said to him, "We have come down to bind you, so we can hand you over to the Philistines." Samson said to them, "Swear to me that you won’t attack me yourselves." 15:13 They answered him, "No, we will bind you tightly and hand you over to them; but we won’t kill you." They bound him with two new ropes and brought him up from the rock. 15:14 When he arrived at Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him, and the Spirit of Yahweh came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burned flax, and his shackles fell from his hands. 15:15 He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand, took it, and killed a thousand men with it. 15:16 Samson exclaimed, "With the jawbone of a donkey, I have piled them in heaps; with the jawbone of a donkey, I have killed a thousand men!" 15:17 When he finished speaking, he threw away the jawbone, and that place was called Ramath Lehi. 15:18 He was very thirsty and called out to Yahweh, saying, "You have given this great victory through your servant; now will I die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" 15:19 But God split open the hollow place in Lehi, and water flowed out of it. After he drank, his spirit returned, and he revived; therefore, that place is called En Hakkore, which is in Lehi, to this day. 15:20 He judged Israel for twenty years during the days of the Philistines.

16:1 Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her. 16:2 It was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come here. They surrounded him, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, Let be until morning light, then we will kill him. 16:3 Samson lay until midnight, and arose at midnight, and laid hold of the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and plucked them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain that is before Hebron. 16:4 It came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 16:5 The lords of the Philistines came up to her, and said to her, Entice him, and see in which his great strength lies, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will each give you of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. 16:6 Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, Please, in which your great strength lies, and with which you might be bound to afflict you. 16:7 Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man. 16:8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green cords which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. 16:9 Now she had an ambush waiting in the inner chamber. She said to him, "The Philistines are on you, Samson!" He broke the cords, as a string of tow is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known. 16:10 Delilah said to Samson, Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, Please, with which you might be bound. 16:11 He said to her, If they only bind me with new ropes with which no work has been done, then shall I become weak, and be as another man. 16:12 So Delilah took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. The ambush was waiting in the inner chamber. He broke them off his arms like a thread. 16:13 Delilah said to Samson, Hitherto you have mocked me, and told me lies: tell me with which you might be bound. He said to her, If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web. 16:14 She fastened it with the pin, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. He awakened out of his sleep, and plucked away the pin of the beam, and the web. 16:15 She said to him, How can you say, I love you, when your heart is not with me? you have mocked me these three times, and have not told me in which your great strength lies. 16:16 It happened, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, that his soul was troubled to death. 16:17 He told her all his heart, and said to her, "No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me, and I will become weak, and be like any other man." 16:18 When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he has told me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her, and brought the money in their hand. 16:19 She made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man, and shaved off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 16:20 She said, The Philistines are on you, Samson. He awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free. But he didn't know that Yahweh had departed from him. 16:21 The Philistines laid hold on him, and put out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he ground at the mill in the prison. 16:22 However the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaved. 16:23 The lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 16:24 When the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, Our god has delivered into our hand our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, who has slain many of us. 16:25 It happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. They called for Samson out of the prison; and he made sport before them. They set him between the pillars: 16:26 and Samson said to the boy who held him by the hand, Allow me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house rests, that I may lean on them. 16:27 Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were on the roof about three thousand men and women, who saw while Samson made sport. 16:28 Samson called to Yahweh, and said, Lord Yahweh, remember me, Please, and strengthen me, Please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. 16:29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and leaned on them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left. 16:30 Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were therein. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life. 16:31 Then his brothers and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the burial site of Manoah his father. He judged Israel twenty years.

16:1 Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and he spent the night with her. 16:2 Word got out to the people of Gaza, saying, "Samson has come here." They surrounded him and waited all night by the city gate, staying quiet until morning, saying, “Let’s wait until the morning light, then we’ll kill him.” 16:3 Samson stayed until midnight, then got up and took hold of the city gate doors, along with the two gateposts, and pulled them up, bars and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the mountain in front of Hebron. 16:4 Later, he fell in love with a woman in the valley of Sorek named Delilah. 16:5 The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, "Seduce him and find out where his great strength comes from, and how we can overpower him to capture him. Each of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver." 16:6 Delilah asked Samson, "Please tell me where your great strength comes from, and how you can be tied up to be controlled." 16:7 Samson replied, "If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have never been dried, I will become weak and be like any other man." 16:8 So the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. 16:9 She had an ambush ready in the inner chamber. She shouted, "Samson, the Philistines are here!" He broke the bowstrings like a piece of thread snaps when it touches fire. So, his strength was not discovered. 16:10 Delilah said to Samson, "Look, you’ve mocked me and told me lies. Now, please tell me how you can be tied up." 16:11 He told her, "If I’m tied up with new ropes that no one has ever used, I will become weak and be like any other man." 16:12 Delilah took new ropes and tied him up. She said, "The Philistines are on you, Samson!" The ambush was waiting in the inner chamber. He broke them off his arms like they were nothing. 16:13 Delilah said to Samson, "You’ve kept mocking me and telling me lies. Now tell me how you can be tied up." He answered, "If you weave the seven braids of my hair into a fabric." 16:14 She fastened it with a pin and said, "The Philistines are on you, Samson!" He woke up and pulled out the pin and the woven hair. 16:15 She said to him, "How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart isn't with me? You’ve made a fool of me three times and haven’t told me where your strength lies." 16:16 After she pressed him day after day with her nagging, he was so miserable that he finally told her everything. He said, "No razor has ever touched my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God since birth. If my head is shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become weak like any other man." 16:17 When Delilah realized he had told her everything, she sent for the rulers of the Philistines, saying, "Come back this time, for he has revealed his whole heart to me." So the rulers of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. 16:18 She got Samson to sleep on her knees; then she called for a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair. She began to torment him, and his strength left him. 16:19 She said, "The Philistines are on you, Samson!" He woke up and thought, "I will go out like I did before and shake myself free." But he didn’t realize that the Lord had left him. 16:20 The Philistines grabbed him and gouged out his eyes. They took him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles; then he was forced to grind grain in the prison. 16:21 However, his hair began to grow back after he had been shaved. 16:22 The rulers of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to celebrate, saying, "Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands." 16:23 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, "Our god has delivered us our enemy, the one who destroyed our country and killed many of us." 16:24 When their hearts were merry, they said, "Call for Samson so he can entertain us." They brought Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They placed him between the pillars. 16:25 Samson said to the boy who was leading him by the hand, "Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests so I can lean against them." 16:26 The house was full of men and women, and all the rulers of the Philistines were there. There were about three thousand people on the roof watching Samson perform. 16:27 Samson called out to the Lord, saying, "Sovereign Lord, remember me, please, and strengthen me just this once, O God, so that I may take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes." 16:28 Samson grabbed the two middle pillars that supported the house and leaned against them, one with his right hand and the other with his left. 16:29 Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He pushed with all his might, and the house fell on the rulers and all the people inside it. The dead he killed at his death were more than those he had killed during his life. 16:30 Then his brothers and all his father's family went down to get him. They took him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah, his father. He judged Israel for twenty years.

17:1 There was a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah. 17:2 He said to his mother, The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you did utter a curse, and did also speak it in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. His mother said, Blessed be my son of Yahweh. 17:3 He restored the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother; and his mother said, I most certainly dedicate the silver to Yahweh from my hand for my son, to make an engraved image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it to you. 17:4 When he restored the money to his mother, his mother took two hundred pieces of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made of it an engraved image and a molten image: and it was in the house of Micah. 17:5 The man Micah had a house of gods, and he made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. 17:7 There was a young man out of Bethlehem Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite; and he sojourned there. 17:8 The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to sojourn where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he traveled. 17:9 Micah said to him, Whence come you? He said to him, I am a Levite of Bethlehem Judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place. 17:10 Micah said to him, Dwell with me, and be to me a father and a priest, and I will give you ten pieces of silver by the year, and a suit of clothing, and your food. So the Levite went in. 17:11 The Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was to him as one of his sons. 17:12 Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. 17:13 Then said Micah, Now know I that Yahweh will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.

17:1 There was a man from the hill country of Ephraim named Micah. 17:2 He said to his mother, "The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were stolen from you, which you cursed and mentioned in my hearing, well, I have the silver; I took it." His mother replied, "Blessed be my son by Yahweh." 17:3 He returned the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother, and she said, "I definitely dedicate the silver to Yahweh from my hands for my son, to make a carved image and a molten image; now I will give it back to you." 17:4 When he returned the money to his mother, she took two hundred pieces of silver and gave them to the silversmith, who made a carved image and a molten image. They were placed in Micah's house. 17:5 Micah had a house of gods, and he made an ephod and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons to be his priest. 17:6 In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what they thought was right. 17:7 There was a young man from Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite and was living there. 17:8 The man left the city, left Bethlehem in Judah, to find somewhere to stay, and came to the hill country of Ephraim, to Micah's house, while he was traveling. 17:9 Micah asked him, "Where are you from?" He replied, "I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, and I am looking for a place to stay." 17:10 Micah said to him, "Stay with me, be a father and a priest to me, and I will give you ten pieces of silver a year, a set of clothes, and food." So the Levite went in. 17:11 The Levite agreed to stay with him, and the young man was like a son to him. 17:12 Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest and was in Micah's house. 17:13 Then Micah said, "Now I know that Yahweh will be good to me, since I have a Levite as my priest."

18:1 In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel. 18:2 The children of Dan sent of their family five men from their whole number, men of valor, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said to them, Go, search the land. They came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, and lodged there. 18:3 When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; and they turned aside there, and said to him, Who brought you here? and what do you in this place? and what have you here? 18:4 He said to them, Thus and thus has Micah dealt with me, and he has hired me, and I am become his priest. 18:5 They said to him, Ask counsel, we pray you, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous. 18:6 The priest said to them, Go in peace: before Yahweh is your way wherein you go. 18:7 Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people who were therein, how they lived in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure; for there was none in the land, possessing authority, that might put them to shame in anything, and they were far from the Sidonians, and had no dealings with any man. 18:8 They came to their brothers to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brothers said to them, What say you? 18:9 They said, Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good: and are you still? don't be slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land. 18:10 When you go, you shall come to a people secure, and the land is large; for God has given it into your hand, a place where there is no want of anything that is in the earth. 18:11 There set forth from there of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men girt with weapons of war. 18:12 They went up, and encamped in Kiriath Jearim, in Judah: therefore they called that place Mahaneh Dan, to this day; behold, it is behind Kiriath Jearim. 18:13 They passed there to the hill country of Ephraim, and came to the house of Micah. 18:14 Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish answered, and said to their brothers, Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and an engraved image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what you have to do. 18:15 They turned aside there, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even to the house of Micah, and asked him of his welfare. 18:16 The six hundred men girt with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate. 18:17 The five men who went to spy out the land went up, and came in there, and took the engraved image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood by the entrance of the gate with the six hundred men girt with weapons of war. 18:18 When these went into Micah's house, and fetched the engraved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image, the priest said to them, What do you? 18:19 They said to him, Hold your peace, lay your hand on your mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and a family in Israel? 18:20 The priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the engraved image, and went in the midst of the people. 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before them. 18:22 When they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men who were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan. 18:23 They cried to the children of Dan. They turned their faces, and said to Micah, What ails you, that you come with such a company? 18:24 He said, you have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and are gone away, and what have I more? and how then say you to me, What ails you? 18:25 The children of Dan said to him, "Don't let your voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows fall on you, and you lose your life, with the lives of your household." 18:26 The children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. 18:27 They took that which Micah had made, and the priest whom he had, and came to Laish, to a people quiet and secure, and struck them with the edge of the sword; and they burnt the city with fire. 18:28 There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man; and it was in the valley that lies by Beth Rehob. They built the city, and lived therein. 18:29 They called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel: however the name of the city was Laish at the first. 18:30 The children of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. 18:31 So they set them up Micah's engraved image which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

18:1 In those days, there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was searching for a place to settle; they had not yet received their land among the tribes of Israel. 18:2 The Danites sent five men from their family, brave men from Zorah and Eshtaol, to explore the land and scout it out; they told them, "Go, explore the land." They traveled to the hill country of Ephraim, to Micah's house, and stayed there. 18:3 When they were near Micah's house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; they went over and asked him, "Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?" 18:4 He replied, "Micah has treated me well; he has hired me, and I have become his priest." 18:5 They asked him, "Please inquire of God for us, so we can know if our journey will be successful." 18:6 The priest told them, "Go in peace; the Lord is watching over the way you are going." 18:7 Then the five men left and went to Laish, where they saw the people living in peace and safety, like the Sidonians, quiet and secure; there was no ruler in the land to put them to shame in anything, and they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone. 18:8 They returned to their relatives at Zorah and Eshtaol, who asked them, "What did you find?" 18:9 They replied, "Get up, let's attack them; we have seen the land, and it is very good. Don't hesitate; go and take possession of the land." 18:10 When you go, you will come to a people living in safety, and the land is wide; God has given it into your hands, a place with no lack of anything on earth. 18:11 From there, six hundred men from the Danites, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol. 18:12 They went up and camped at Kiriath Jearim in Judah; that is why they called that place Mahaneh Dan to this day; it is behind Kiriath Jearim. 18:13 They moved on to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah's house. 18:14 Then the five men who had explored Laish said to their relatives, "Do you know that there are in these houses an ephod, teraphim, an engraved image, and a molten image? Now, consider what you should do." 18:15 They turned in and went to the Levite's house, to Micah's house, and asked him how he was doing. 18:16 The six hundred armed men from the Danites stood at the entrance to the gate. 18:17 The five men who had scouted the land went inside, took the engraved image, the ephod, the teraphim, and the molten image; and the priest was standing at the entrance of the gate with the six hundred armed men. 18:18 When they entered Micah's house and took the engraved image, the ephod, the teraphim, and the molten image, the priest said to them, "What are you doing?" 18:19 They answered, "Be quiet, put your hand over your mouth, and come with us. Be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one man, or to be priest for a tribe and family in Israel?" 18:20 The priest was pleased, took the ephod, the teraphim, the engraved image, and went along with the people. 18:21 So they turned and left, taking the little ones, livestock, and possessions in front of them. 18:22 When they were a good distance from Micah's house, the men who lived near Micah gathered together and overtook the Danites. 18:23 They shouted to the Danites, who turned around and asked Micah, "What’s wrong that you’ve brought such a large group?" 18:24 He replied, "You’ve taken my gods that I made, and the priest, and you’ve left; what do I have now? How can you ask me what’s wrong?" 18:25 The Danites said to him, "Don't let your voice be heard among us, or angry men will fall on you, and you will lose your life along with the lives of your household." 18:26 The Danites continued on their way, and when Micah saw they were too strong for him, he went back home. 18:27 They took what Micah had made and the priest he had and went to Laish, a peaceful and secure people, attacked them with the sword, and burned the city with fire. 18:28 There was no one to rescue them because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with anyone; it was in the valley near Beth Rehob. They built the city and settled there. 18:29 They named the city Dan, after their father Dan, who was born to Israel; although the city was originally called Laish. 18:30 The Danites set up the engraved image for themselves, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the land was taken captive. 18:31 They continued to set up Micah's engraved image that he made, as long as the house of God was in Shiloh.

19:1 It happened in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehem Judah. 19:2 His concubine played the prostitute against him, and went away from him to her father's house to Bethlehem Judah, and was there the space of four months. 19:3 Her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly to her, to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of donkeys: and she brought him into her father's house; and when the father of the young lady saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. 19:4 His father-in-law, the young lady's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they ate and drink, and lodged there. 19:5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's father said to his son-in-law, Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way. 19:6 So they sat down, ate, and drank, both of them together: and the young lady's father said to the man, Please be pleased to stay all night, and let your heart be merry. 19:7 The man rose up to depart; but his father-in-law urged him, and he lodged there again. 19:8 He arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the young lady's father said, Please strengthen your heart and stay until the day declines; and they ate, both of them. 19:9 When the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father-in-law, the young lady's father, said to him, Behold, now the day draws toward evening, please stay all night: behold, the day grows to an end, lodge here, that your heart may be merry; and tomorrow get you early on your way, that you may go home. 19:10 But the man wouldn't stay that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus (the same is Jerusalem): and there were with him a couple of donkeys saddled; his concubine also was with him. 19:11 When they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said to his master, Please come and let us turn aside into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it. 19:12 His master said to him, We won't turn aside into the city of a foreigner, that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah. 19:13 He said to his servant, Come and let us draw near to one of these places; and we will lodge in Gibeah, or in Ramah. 19:14 So they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down on them near to Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. 19:15 They turned aside there, to go in to lodge in Gibeah: and he went in, and sat him down in the street of the city; for there was no man who took them into his house to lodge. 19:16 Behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even: now the man was of the hill country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. 19:17 He lifted up his eyes, and saw the wayfaring man in the street of the city; and the old man said, Where go you? and whence come you? 19:18 He said to him, We are passing from Bethlehem Judah to the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim; from there am I, and I went to Bethlehem Judah: and I am now going to the house of Yahweh; and there is no man who takes me into his house. 19:19 Yet there is both straw and provender for our donkeys; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for your handmaid, and for the young man who is with your servants: there is no want of anything. 19:20 The old man said, Peace be to you; howsoever let all your wants lie on me; only don't lodge in the street. 19:21 So he brought him into his house, and gave the donkeys fodder; and they washed their feet, and ate and drink. 19:22 As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain base fellows, surrounded the house, beating at the door; and they spoke to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man who came into your house, that we may know him. 19:23 The man, the master of the house, went out to them, and said to them, No, my brothers, please don't act so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into my house, don't do this folly. 19:24 Behold, here is my daughter a virgin, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble you them, and do with them what seems good to you: but to this man don't do any such folly. 19:25 But the men wouldn't listen to him: so the man laid hold on his concubine, and brought her forth to them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go. 19:26 Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, until it was light. 19:27 Her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way; and behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 19:28 He said to her, Up, and let us be going; but none answered: then he took her up on the donkey; and the man rose up, and got him to his place. 19:29 When he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel. 19:30 It was so, that all who saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt to this day: consider it, take counsel, and speak.

19:1 During those days, when there was no king in Israel, there was a Levite living on the other side of the hill country of Ephraim who took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 19:2 His concubine was unfaithful and went back to her father's house in Bethlehem, where she stayed for four months. 19:3 Her husband got up and went after her to speak gently to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a couple of donkeys with him. She brought him to her father's house, and when her father saw him, he was glad to meet him. 19:4 The young woman's father insisted he stay, and he stayed for three days, eating and drinking there. 19:5 On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning for him to leave, but the girl's father said to him, "Strengthen your heart with a bite of bread before you go." 19:6 So they sat down, ate, and drank together. The girl's father said to the man, "Please stay the night and let your heart be merry." 19:7 The man got up to leave, but his father-in-law urged him so he stayed another night. 19:8 He got up early on the fifth day to depart, but the girl's father said, "Please strengthen your heart and stay until the day cools down," and they both ate. 19:9 When the man finally got up to leave, he, along with his concubine and servant, heard the girl's father say, "Look, the day is getting late, please stay the night. It’s almost evening; lodge here so your heart can be merry, and then leave early tomorrow to go home." 19:10 But the man didn't want to stay that night; he got up and left, heading toward Jebus (which is Jerusalem), with his concubine accompanying him on two donkeys. 19:11 As they approached Jebus, the day was almost over, and the servant said to his master, "Please let us turn aside into this city of the Jebusites and spend the night there." 19:12 His master replied, "We won't turn aside into a city of foreigners who aren't part of Israel; we'll go to Gibeah instead." 19:13 He said to his servant, "Come, let’s draw near to one of these places; we can lodge in Gibeah or in Ramah." 19:14 They continued on their way and the sun set near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. 19:15 They turned aside to lodge in Gibeah, and he went in and sat down in the city square, since no one was willing to take them into their house for the night. 19:16 Then an old man came in from the fields at evening; he was from the hill country of Ephraim and stayed in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. 19:17 He looked up and saw the traveler in the square and asked, "Where are you going? Where are you from?" 19:18 The man replied, "We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the other side of the hill country of Ephraim; I’m from there, and I went to Bethlehem in Judah. I’m now heading to the house of the Lord, but no one has taken me into their home." 19:19 "We have straw and feed for our donkeys and bread and wine for me, your concubine, and the young man with your servants; we lack nothing." 19:20 The old man said, "Peace be with you; however, whatever you need is on me; just don’t stay in the street." 19:21 So he brought them into his house, fed the donkeys, and they washed their feet, then ate and drank. 19:22 While they were enjoying themselves, some wicked men from the city surrounded the house; they beat on the door and asked the old man, the master of the house, "Bring out the man who came to your house so we can know him." 19:23 The master of the house went out and said to them, "No, my brothers, don’t act so wickedly. This man has come into my house; don’t commit this terrible act." 19:24 "Look, here’s my virgin daughter and his concubine; let me bring them out to you, and you can humble them and do whatever you want with them, but don’t do anything to this man." 19:25 But the men wouldn’t listen to him, so the man took his concubine and brought her out to them; they abused her all night until morning, and when dawn broke, they let her go. 19:26 The woman came back at dawn and fell at the door of the man’s house where her lord was, until it was light. 19:27 Her lord got up in the morning, opened the door, and went out to leave; but behold, there was his concubine fallen at the door, with her hands on the threshold. 19:28 He said to her, "Get up, let’s go," but there was no answer. So he put her on the donkey, and the man got up and went to his home. 19:29 When he got home, he took a knife, grabbed his concubine, and cut her into twelve pieces, sending her throughout all the borders of Israel. 19:30 Everyone who saw it said, "No such thing has ever been done or seen since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt until now; think about it, take counsel, and speak."

20:1 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was assembled as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, to Yahweh at Mizpah. 20:2 The chiefs of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen who drew sword. 20:3 (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) The children of Israel said, Tell us, how was this wickedness brought to pass? 20:4 The Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered, I came into Gibeah that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge. 20:5 The men of Gibeah rose against me, and surrounded the house by night. They thought to have slain me, and they forced my concubine, and she is dead. 20:6 I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel. 20:7 Behold, you children of Israel, all of you, give here your advice and counsel. 20:8 All the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn to his house. 20:9 But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by lot; 20:10 and we will take ten men of one hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and one hundred of one thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to get food for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have worked in Israel. 20:11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. 20:12 The tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is happen among you? 20:13 Now therefore deliver up the men, the base fellows, who are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their brothers the children of Israel. 20:14 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel. 20:15 The children of Benjamin were numbered on that day out of the cities twenty-six thousand men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who were numbered seven hundred chosen men. 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed; everyone could sling stones at a hair-breadth, and not miss. 20:17 The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men who drew sword: all these were men of war. 20:18 The children of Israel arose, and went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? Yahweh said, Judah shall go up first. 20:19 The children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. 20:20 The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel set the battle in array against them at Gibeah. 20:21 The children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites on that day Twenty-two thousand men. 20:22 The people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves, and set the battle again in array in the place where they set themselves in array the first day. 20:23 The children of Israel went up and wept before Yahweh until even; and they asked of Yahweh, saying, Shall I again draw near to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? Yahweh said, Go up against him. 20:24 The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day. 20:25 Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword. 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came to Bethel, and wept, and sat there before Yahweh, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh. 20:27 The children of Israel asked of Yahweh (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, 20:28 and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? Yahweh said, Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver him into your hand. 20:29 Israel set ambushes all around Gibeah. 20:30 The children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and set themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times. 20:31 The children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to strike and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goes up to Bethel, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty men of Israel. 20:32 The children of Benjamin said, They are struck down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them away from the city to the highways. 20:33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of Maareh Geba. 20:34 There came over against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore; but they didn't know that evil was close on them. 20:35 Yahweh struck Benjamin before Israel; and the children of Israel destroyed of Benjamin that day twenty-five thousand one hundred men: all these drew the sword. 20:36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck; for the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah. 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. 20:38 Now the appointed sign between the men of Israel and the ambushers was that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city. 20:39 The men of Israel turned in the battle, and Benjamin began to strike and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons; for they said, Surely they are struck down before us, as in the first battle. 20:40 But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and behold, the whole of the city went up in smoke to the sky. 20:41 The men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that evil had come on them. 20:42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel to the way of the wilderness; but the battle followed hard after them; and those who came out of the cities destroyed them in its midst. 20:43 They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and trod them down at their resting place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrise. 20:44 There fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valor. 20:45 They turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men, and followed hard after them to Gidom, and struck of them two thousand men. 20:46 So that all who fell that day of Benjamin were twenty-five thousand men who drew the sword; all these were men of valor. 20:47 But six hundred men turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and abode in the rock of Rimmon four months. 20:48 The men of Israel turned again on the children of Benjamin, and struck them with the edge of the sword, both the entire city, and the livestock, and all that they found: moreover all the cities which they found they set on fire.

20:1 Then all the Israelites gathered together as one, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, to the Lord at Mizpah. 20:2 The leaders of all the people, representing all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves at the assembly of God's people, totaling four hundred thousand armed foot soldiers. 20:3 (Meanwhile, the Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) The Israelites asked, "How did this wickedness happen?" 20:4 The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, replied, "I went to Gibeah in Benjamin with my concubine to stay overnight. 20:5 The men of Gibeah attacked me and surrounded the house at night. They wanted to kill me and abused my concubine, who died. 20:6 I took my concubine, cut her into pieces, and sent her throughout the land of Israel to show the lewdness and folly that has occurred in Israel. 20:7 Look, all you Israelites, give advice and counsel here." 20:8 All the people stood together, saying, "None of us will return to our tents or go home." 20:9 But this is what we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by drawing lots; 20:10 and we will take ten men from every hundred across all the tribes of Israel, one hundred from every thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand to gather supplies for the people, so they can pay back Gibeah for the evil they committed in Israel. 20:11 So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one. 20:12 The tribes of Israel sent messengers throughout Benjamin, asking, "What is this terrible thing that has happened among you? 20:13 Now hand over the wicked men in Gibeah so we can execute them and remove this evil from Israel." But Benjamin refused to listen to their fellow Israelites. 20:14 The Benjaminites gathered together in Gibeah to prepare for battle against the Israelites. 20:15 That day, twenty-six thousand sword-wielding men from the cities of Benjamin were counted, in addition to the seven hundred select men from Gibeah. 20:16 Among these were seven hundred left-handed men who could hit a hair with a slingstone without missing. 20:17 The Israelites, excluding Benjamin, numbered four hundred thousand armed men, all experienced warriors. 20:18 The Israelites went up to Bethel and sought counsel from God; they asked, "Who should go up first to battle against the Benjaminites?" The Lord replied, "Judah shall go up first." 20:19 The Israelites rose early in the morning and camped against Gibeah. 20:20 The men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin; they arranged their battle formations against them at Gibeah. 20:21 The Benjaminites came out of Gibeah and struck down twenty-two thousand Israelites that day. 20:22 The Israelite men encouraged one another and arranged their battle lines again in the same place they had before. 20:23 The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening; they asked the Lord, "Should we fight against our brothers, the Benjaminites, again?" The Lord replied, "Go up against them." 20:24 The Israelites advanced against Benjamin a second day. 20:25 The Benjaminites attacked them out of Gibeah again, killing eighteen thousand Israelites, all armed men. 20:26 Then all the Israelites and the people went up to Bethel, weeping, sitting before the Lord, fasting that day until evening, and offering burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 20:27 The Israelites asked the Lord (for the Ark of the Covenant of God was there in those days, 20:28 and Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, stood before it at that time), saying, "Should we go out again to battle against our brothers, the Benjaminites, or should we stop?" The Lord answered, "Go up; tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand." 20:29 Israel set up ambushes all around Gibeah. 20:30 The Israelites advanced against the Benjaminites on the third day, arranging themselves against Gibeah as before. 20:31 The Benjaminites came out to fight against the people, leading them away from the city, and began killing the Israelites, as before, on the roads going up to Bethel and Gibeah, killing about thirty Israelites. 20:32 The Benjaminites said, "They are running away from us, just like the first time." But the Israelites said, "Let’s flee and draw them away from the city toward the highways." 20:33 All the Israelite men got up from their positions and set up to fight at Baal Tamar; the ambushers broke forth from their place at Maareh Geba. 20:34 Ten thousand elite men from all Israel faced Gibeah, and the battle was fierce; but they did not realize that disaster was closing in on them. 20:35 The Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and the Israelites destroyed twenty-five thousand one hundred men from Benjamin that day; all were armed men. 20:36 The Benjaminites realized they were defeated, for the Israelites had retreated, trusting the ambushers they had set against Gibeah. 20:37 The ambushers rushed into Gibeah, took the city by surprise, and slaughtered everyone with the sword. 20:38 The agreed-upon signal between the Israelites and the ambushers was to create a huge cloud of smoke from the city. 20:39 The Israelites turned in the battle, and the Benjaminites began to kill about thirty Israelite men, thinking, "Surely they are defeated like before." 20:40 But when the column of smoke began to rise from the city, the Benjaminites looked back and saw that the entire city was going up in smoke. 20:41 The Israelites turned, and the Benjaminites were terrified; they saw disaster was upon them. 20:42 Therefore, they turned and fled toward the wilderness, but the battle pursued them closely. Those who emerged from the cities attacked them in the middle of their flight. 20:43 They surrounded the Benjaminites, chased them, and crushed them at their rest area, toward Gibeah in the east. 20:44 Eighteen thousand men from Benjamin fell; all were valiant warriors. 20:45 They turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon; they killed five thousand men on the highways and continued to pursue them to Gidom, killing two thousand more. 20:46 So that day, the total number of lossses from Benjamin was twenty-five thousand armed men; all were valiant warriors. 20:47 But six hundred men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon and stayed there for four months. 20:48 The Israelites returned again against the Benjaminites, killing everyone in the city, the livestock, and everything they could find; every city they came across they set ablaze.

21:1 Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin as wife. 21:2 The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore. 21:3 They said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that there should be today one tribe lacking in Israel? 21:4 It happened on the next day that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. 21:5 The children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who didn't come up in the assembly to Yahweh? For they had made a great oath concerning him who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah, saying, He shall surely be put to death. 21:6 The children of Israel grieved for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day. 21:7 How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give them of our daughters to wives? 21:8 They said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah? Behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly. 21:9 For when the people were numbered, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead there. 21:10 The congregation sent there twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones. 21:11 This is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman who has lain by man. 21:12 They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead four hundred young virgins, who had not known man by lying with him; and they brought them to the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. 21:13 The whole congregation sent and spoke to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace to them. 21:14 Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh Gilead: and yet so they weren't enough for them. 21:15 The people grieved for Benjamin, because that Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. 21:16 Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for those who remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin? 21:17 They said, There must be an inheritance for those who are escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel. 21:18 However we may not give them wives of our daughters, for the children of Israel had sworn, saying, Cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin. 21:19 They said, Behold, there is a feast of Yahweh from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah. 21:20 They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards, 21:21 and see, and behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come you out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. 21:22 It shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, that we will say to them, Grant them graciously to us, because we didn't take for each man his wife in battle, neither did you give them to them, else would you now be guilty. 21:23 The children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of those who danced, whom they carried off: and they went and returned to their inheritance, and built the cities, and lived in them. 21:24 The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

21:1 Now the men of Israel had made a vow at Mizpah, saying, none of us will give our daughters to Benjamin as wives. 21:2 The people went to Bethel and sat there until evening before God, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly. 21:3 They said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there is one tribe missing in Israel? 21:4 The next day, the people got up early, built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. 21:5 The children of Israel asked, Who among all the tribes of Israel didn’t come to the assembly before Yahweh? For they had made a serious vow regarding anyone who didn’t come to Yahweh at Mizpah, saying, that person must surely be put to death. 21:6 The children of Israel mourned for Benjamin their brother, saying, There is one tribe cut off from Israel today. 21:7 How can we provide wives for those who remain, since we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give our daughters to them as wives? 21:8 They asked, Which tribe of Israel didn’t come to Yahweh at Mizpah? Look, none came from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly. 21:9 When the people were counted, it turned out that none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead were there. 21:10 The congregation sent twelve thousand of the bravest men and instructed them, saying, Go and attack the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the sword, including the women and children. 21:11 Here’s what you must do: completely destroy every male and every woman who has been with a man. 21:12 They found four hundred young virgins among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead who had never been with a man, and they brought them back to the camp at Shiloh, in the land of Canaan. 21:13 The whole congregation sent a message to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock of Rimmon and declared peace to them. 21:14 Benjamin returned at that time, and they gave them the women they had saved from Jabesh Gilead; however, it still wasn't enough for them. 21:15 The people mourned for Benjamin because Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. 21:16 Then the elders of the congregation said, What can we do for wives for those who are left, since the women have been taken from Benjamin? 21:17 They said, There needs to be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin so that a tribe is not wiped out from Israel. 21:18 However, we can’t give them our daughters as wives, since the children of Israel had sworn that anyone who gives a wife to Benjamin is cursed. 21:19 They said, Look, there is a yearly feast of Yahweh at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, east of the highway that leads from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah. 21:20 They instructed the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and hide in the vineyards, 21:21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance, then you come out of the vineyards, and each man can take a wife from the daughters of Shiloh and return to the land of Benjamin. 21:22 When their fathers or brothers come to complain, we will tell them, Please let them go, since we didn’t take a wife for each man in battle, and you didn’t give them to them, otherwise you would be guilty now. 21:23 The children of Benjamin did as they were instructed and took wives according to their number from those who danced; then they went and returned to their inheritance, built the cities, and settled in them. 21:24 At that time, the children of Israel went back to their tribes and families, each to their own inheritance. 21:25 In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what they thought was right.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 6:24 or, Yahweh Shalom

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, God Peace

[2] back to 11:16 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds














Ruth

1:1 It happened in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 1:2 The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab, and continued there. 1:3 Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 1:4 They took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they lived there about ten years. 1:5 Mahlon and Chilion died both of them; and the woman was left of her two children and of her husband. 1:6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that Yahweh had visited his people in giving them bread. 1:7 She went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 1:8 Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother's house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me. 1:9 Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept. 1:10 They said to her, No, but we will return with you to your people. 1:11 Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will you go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 1:12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight, and should also bear sons; 1:13 would you therefore wait until they were grown? would you therefore stay from having husbands? nay, my daughters, for it grieves me much for your sakes, for the hand of Yahweh is gone forth against me. 1:14 They lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth joined with her. 1:15 She said, Behold, your sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and to her god: return you after your sister-in-law. 1:16 Ruth said, "Don't entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; 1:17 where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried: Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me." 1:18 When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her. 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. It happened, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi? 1:20 She said to them, "Don't call me Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 1:21 I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty; why do you call me Naomi, seeing Yahweh has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?" 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

1:1 It was during the time when judges ruled that a famine struck the land. A man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live temporarily in Moab with his wife and two sons. 1:2 The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name was Naomi, and their two sons were named Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They arrived in Moab and settled there. 1:3 Elimelech, Naomi's husband, passed away, leaving her and her two sons. 1:4 The sons married Moabite women; one was named Orpah and the other Ruth, and they lived there for about ten years. 1:5 Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two children or her husband. 1:6 Then she set out with her daughters-in-law to return from Moab, for she had heard in Moab that Yahweh had provided food for His people. 1:7 She left the place where she had been, and her two daughters-in-law went with her as they traveled on the road back to Judah. 1:8 Naomi told her daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's house. May Yahweh show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to the dead and to me. 1:9 May Yahweh grant that each of you find rest in the home of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. 1:10 They said to her, "No, we will go with you to your people." 1:11 Naomi replied, "Return, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I able to have more sons, who could become your husbands? 1:12 Return, my daughters, go your own way; I’m too old to have a husband. Even if I said, 'I have hope,' and even if I had a husband tonight and gave birth to sons, 1:13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you refrain from marrying? No, my daughters. It’s more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of Yahweh has turned against me." 1:14 They wept again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. 1:15 Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods; you should follow her." 1:16 Ruth replied, "Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from following you. Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God; 1:17 where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh deal with me severely if even death separates you and me." 1:18 When Naomi realized Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 1:19 So the two of them continued on until they reached Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, "Is this Naomi?" 1:20 She replied, "Don’t call me Naomi; call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 1:21 I went away full, but Yahweh has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi when Yahweh has testified against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?" 1:22 So Naomi returned, accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

2:1 Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. 2:2 Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor. She said to her, Go, my daughter. 2:3 She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. 2:4 Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, Yahweh be with you. They answered him, Yahweh bless you. 2:5 Then said Boaz to his servant who was set over the reapers, Whose young lady is this? 2:6 The servant who was set over the reapers answered, It is the Moabite lady who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: 2:7 She said, Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that she stayed a little in the house. 2:8 Then said Boaz to Ruth, Don't you hear, my daughter? Don't go to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens. 2:9 Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them: haven't I commanded the young men not to touch you? and when you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner? 2:11 Boaz answered her, It has fully been shown me, all that you have done to your mother-in-law since the death of your husband; and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you didn't know before. 2:12 Yahweh recompense your work, and a full reward be given you of Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to take refuge. 2:13 Then she said, Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your handmaid, though I am not as one of your handmaidens. 2:14 At meal time Boaz said to her, Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar. She sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she ate, and was sufficed, and left of it. 2:15 When she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and don't reproach her. 2:16 Also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and don't rebuke her. 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 2:18 She took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed. 2:19 Her mother-in-law said to her, Where have you gleaned today? and where have you worked? blessed be he who did take knowledge of you. She showed her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz. 2:20 Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, Blessed be he of Yahweh, who has not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. Naomi said to her, The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen. 2:21 Ruth the Moabitess said, Yes, he said to me, You shall keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 2:22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his maidens, and that they not meet you in any other field. 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz, to glean to the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and she lived with her mother-in-law.

2:1 Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a wealthy man from Elimelech's family, named Boaz. 2:2 Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 2:3 So she went, entered the field, and gleaned behind the harvesters. She happened to come to a part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family. 2:4 Just then, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” They answered, “The Lord bless you!” 2:5 Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman?” 2:6 The foreman replied, “She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from Moab. 2:7 She asked, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She has been in the field all morning until now, except for a short break in the house.” 2:8 Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go glean in another field or leave this one, but stay here with my young women. 2:9 Watch the field they are harvesting and follow along. I have told the young men not to lay a hand on you, and whenever you are thirsty, go get a drink from the jars they have filled.” 2:10 Ruth fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and asked him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you notice me, a foreigner?” 2:11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you’ve done for your mother-in-law since your husband died, how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you didn’t know before. 2:12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” 2:13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I do not even deserve to be called your servant.” 2:14 At mealtime, Boaz said to her, “Come over here, have some bread, and dip it in the wine vinegar.” She sat down with the harvesters, and he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some leftover. 2:15 When she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 2:16 Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to glean, and don’t rebuke her.” 2:17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. 2:18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough. 2:19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose work she had been, saying, “The man’s name I worked with today is Boaz.” 2:20 Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian redeemers.” 2:21 Ruth the Moabitess said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’” 2:22 Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women. That way, you won’t be harmed in another field.” 2:23 So Ruth stayed close to the young women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished, and she lived with her mother-in-law.

3:1 Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 3:2 Now isn't Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he winnows barley tonight in the threshing floor. 3:3 Wash yourself therefore, and anoint you, and put your clothing on you, and get you down to the threshing floor, but don't make yourself known to the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 3:4 It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall mark the place where he shall lie, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lay you down; and he will tell you what you shall do. 3:5 She said to her, All that you say I will do. 3:6 She went down to the threshing floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law told her. 3:7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 3:8 It happened at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet. 3:9 He said, Who are you? She answered, I am Ruth your handmaid: spread therefore your skirt over your handmaid; for you are a near kinsman. 3:10 He said, Blessed are you by Yahweh, my daughter: you have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you didn't follow young men, whether poor or rich. 3:11 Now, my daughter, don't be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy woman. 3:12 Now it is true that I am a near kinsman; however there is a kinsman nearer than I. 3:13 Stay this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform to you the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to you, then will I do the part of a kinsman to you, as Yahweh lives: lie down until the morning. 3:14 She lay at his feet until the morning. She rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. 3:15 He said, Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city. 3:16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who are you, my daughter? She told her all that the man had done to her. 3:17 She said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, "Don't go empty to your mother-in-law." 3:18 Then said she, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day."

3:1 Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, "My daughter, shouldn’t I find a place of rest for you so that you will be okay?" 3:2 "Isn't Boaz our relative, with whose workers you have been? Look, he’s winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor." 3:3 "So wash yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you’re there until he has finished eating and drinking." 3:4 "When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying, then go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; he will tell you what to do." 3:5 She replied, "I will do everything you say." 3:6 She went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law instructed her. 3:7 After Boaz had eaten and drunk, and was feeling good, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of grain. She came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. 3:8 At midnight, the man was startled and turned over, and there was a woman lying at his feet. 3:9 He asked, "Who are you?" She answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your cloak over your servant, for you are a close relative." 3:10 He said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than you did in the past, because you haven’t gone after younger men, whether they are rich or poor." 3:11 "Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask, since everyone in my town knows you are a woman of noble character." 3:12 "It’s true that I am a close relative; however, there is another relative closer than I." 3:13 "Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he is willing to redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he doesn’t want to redeem you, then as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until morning." 3:14 She lay at his feet until morning. She got up before anyone could recognize each other, for he said, "Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor." 3:15 He said, "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it." She held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to the city. 3:16 When she returned to her mother-in-law, she asked, "How did it go, my daughter?" Ruth told her everything Boaz had done for her. 3:17 She said, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’" 3:18 Naomi replied, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how this turns out, for the man won’t rest until he has settled this today."

4:1 Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat him down there: and behold, the near kinsman of whom Boaz spoke came by; to whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. He turned aside, and sat down. 4:2 He took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit you down here. They sat down. 4:3 He said to the near kinsman, Naomi, who has come back out of the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: 4:4 I thought to disclose it to you, saying, Buy it before those who sit here, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it: but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is none to redeem it besides you; and I am after you. He said, I will redeem it. 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day you buy the field of the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance. 4:6 The near kinsman said, I can't redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance: take my right of redemption on you; for I can't redeem it. 4:7 Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. 4:8 So the near kinsman said to Boaz, Buy it for yourself. He drew off his shoe. 4:9 Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, You are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. 4:10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance, that the name of the dead not be cut off from among his brothers, and from the gate of his place: you are witnesses this day. 4:11 All the people who were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two built the house of Israel: and do you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem: 4:12 and let your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, of the seed which Yahweh shall give you of this young woman. 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh gave her conception, and she bore a son. 4:14 The women said to Naomi, Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel. 4:15 He shall be to you a restorer of life, and sustain you in your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him. 4:16 Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse to it. 4:17 The women her neighbors gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they named him Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 4:18 Now this is the history of the generations of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, 4:19 and Hezron became the father of Ram, and Ram became the father of Amminadab, 4:20 and Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon became the father of Salmon, 4:21 and Salmon became the father of Boaz, and Boaz became the father of Obed, 4:22 and Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of David.

4:1 Then Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Just then, the nearest relative, who Boaz had mentioned, passed by. Boaz called out to him, "Hey, you! Come over here and sit down." So, he went over and sat down. 4:2 Boaz took ten men from the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." They sat down. 4:3 He told the nearest relative, "Naomi, who has returned from the country of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4:4 I wanted to let you know so you can buy it in the presence of those sitting here and the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do it; but if you don’t want to, let me know so I can find out, because you're first in line to redeem it, and I’m next." The man replied, "I will redeem it." 4:5 Boaz then said, "On the day you buy the field from Naomi, you also have to acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the deceased, to maintain the name of the dead on his inheritance." 4:6 The nearest relative said, "I can’t redeem it for myself, or I might ruin my own inheritance. You take my right of redemption because I can’t redeem it." 4:7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel regarding redemption and exchanges, to confirm everything: a man would take off his sandal and give it to his neighbor; and this was how attestation was done in Israel. 4:8 So the nearest relative told Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." He took off his sandal. 4:9 Boaz then said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought everything that belonged to Elimelech, and everything belonging to Chilion and Mahlon, from Naomi. 4:10 Furthermore, I have purchased Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the name of the dead on his inheritance, so that the name of the dead will not be cut off from among his relatives or from the gate of his town. You are witnesses today." 4:11 All the people at the gate and the elders said, "We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel. May you have success in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 4:12 May your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman." 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. He went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 4:14 The women said to Naomi, "Praise be to the LORD, who has not left you without a guardian-redeemer today; may his name become famous in Israel! 4:15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." 4:16 Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became his caregiver. 4:17 The neighboring women named him, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi!" and they named him Obed; he was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 4:18 This then is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, 4:19 Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, 4:20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 4:21 Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, 4:22 Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.














The First Book of Samuel

1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: 1:2 and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 1:3 This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests to Yahweh, were there. 1:4 When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 1:5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but Yahweh had shut up her womb. 1:6 Her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Yahweh had shut up her womb. 1:7 as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of Yahweh, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. 1:8 Elkanah her husband said to her, Hannah, why weep you? and why don't you eat? and why is your heart grieved? am I not better to you than ten sons? 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the temple of Yahweh. 1:10 She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Yahweh, and wept sore. 1:11 She vowed a vow, and said, Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a boy, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come on his head. 1:12 It happened, as she continued praying before Yahweh, that Eli marked her mouth. 1:13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 1:14 Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? put away your wine from you. 1:15 Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh. 1:16 Don't count your handmaid for a wicked woman; for out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto. 1:17 Then Eli answered, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him. 1:18 She said, Let your handmaid find favor in your sight. So the woman went her way, and ate; and her facial expression wasn't sad any more. 1:19 They rose up in the morning early, and worshiped before Yahweh, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and Yahweh remembered her. 1:20 It happened, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of Yahweh. 1:21 The man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to Yahweh the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 1:22 But Hannah didn't go up; for she said to her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned; and then I will bring him, that he may appear before Yahweh, and there abide forever. 1:23 Elkanah her husband said to her, Do what seems you good; wait until you have weaned him; only Yahweh establish his word. So the woman waited and nursed her son, until she weaned him. 1:24 When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of Yahweh in Shiloh: and the child was young. 1:25 They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli. 1:26 She said, Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to Yahweh. 1:27 For this child I prayed; and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of him: 1:28 therefore also I have granted him to Yahweh; as long as he lives he is granted to Yahweh. He worshiped Yahweh there.

1:1 There was a man from Ramathaim Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, named Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: 1:2 He had two wives; one was named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 1:3 Each year, this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of Yahweh there. 1:4 On the day Elkanah sacrificed, he gave portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters, 1:5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, even though Yahweh had closed her womb. 1:6 Her rival provoked her greatly to upset her because Yahweh had closed her womb. 1:7 Year after year, whenever she went up to the house of Yahweh, Peninnah would provoke her, so Hannah wept and didn't eat. 1:8 Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you so sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 1:9 So Hannah stood up after they had eaten in Shiloh and after they had drunk. Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the temple of Yahweh. 1:10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to Yahweh, weeping bitterly. 1:11 She made a vow, saying, “Yahweh of Armies, if you will look on the misery of your servant and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will dedicate him to Yahweh for his whole life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1:12 As she kept praying before Yahweh, Eli observed her mouth. 1:13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; her lips moved, but her voice wasn’t heard, so Eli thought she was drunk. 1:14 Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” 1:15 Hannah replied, “No, my lord. I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I haven’t been drinking wine or beer; I’m pouring out my soul to Yahweh. 1:16 Don’t take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 1:17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1:18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” So she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 1:19 They got up early the next morning and worshiped before Yahweh, then they went back to their home in Ramah. Elkanah knew Hannah, his wife, and Yahweh remembered her. 1:20 In due time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked Yahweh for him.” 1:21 Elkanah and his family went up to offer their annual sacrifice to Yahweh and to fulfill his vow. 1:22 But Hannah didn’t go up; she told her husband, “I won’t go up until the child is weaned; then I will take him to appear before Yahweh and to remain there forever.” 1:23 Elkanah, her husband, replied, “Do what you think is best; stay here until you have weaned him. Only may Yahweh make good his word.” So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 1:24 After she had weaned him, she took him with her, along with three bulls, an ephah of flour, and a jar of wine, and brought him to the house of Yahweh in Shiloh. The child was young. 1:25 They slaughtered the bull, and brought the child to Eli. 1:26 She said, “Pardon me, my lord! As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to Yahweh. 1:27 I prayed for this child, and Yahweh has granted me what I asked of him. 1:28 So now I give him to Yahweh. For his whole life, he will be given over to Yahweh.” And he worshiped Yahweh there.

2:1 Hannah prayed, and said:

2:1 Hannah prayed and said:

My heart exults in Yahweh!
My horn is exalted in Yahweh.
My mouth is enlarged over my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
2:2 There is no one as holy as Yahweh,
For there is no one besides you,
nor is there any rock like our God.
2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly.
Don't let arrogance come out of your mouth,
For Yahweh is a God of knowledge.
By him actions are weighed.
2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken.
Those who stumbled are girded with strength.
2:5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread.
Those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
Yes, the barren has borne seven.
She who has many children languishes.
2:6 Yahweh kills, and makes alive.
He brings down to Sheol, and brings up.
2:7 Yahweh makes poor, and makes rich.
He brings low, he also lifts up.
2:8 He raises up the poor out of the dust.
He lifts up the needy from the dunghill,
To make them sit with princes,
and inherit the throne of glory,
for the pillars of the earth are Yahweh's.
He has set the world on them.
2:9 He will keep the feet of his holy ones,
but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness;
for no man shall prevail by strength.
2:10 Those who strive with Yahweh shall be broken to pieces.
He will thunder against them in the sky.
Yahweh will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give strength to his king,
and exalt the horn of his anointed.

2:11 Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. The child did minister to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were base men; they didn't know Yahweh. 2:13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand; 2:14 and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest took therewith. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 2:15 Yes, before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man who sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have boiled flesh of you, but raw. 2:16 If the man said to him, They will surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as your soul desires; then he would say, No, but you shall give it to me now: and if not, I will take it by force. 2:17 The sin of the young men was very great before Yahweh; for the men despised the offering of Yahweh. 2:18 But Samuel ministered before Yahweh, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 2:19 Moreover his mother made him a little robe, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 2:20 Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, Yahweh give you seed of this woman for the petition which was asked of Yahweh. They went to their own home. 2:21 Yahweh visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before Yahweh. 2:22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how that they lay with the women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 2:23 He said to them, Why do you such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people. 2:24 No, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: you make Yahweh's people to disobey. 2:25 If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Yahweh, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they didn't listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh was minded to kill them. 2:26 The child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men. 2:27 There came a man of God to Eli, and said to him, Thus says Yahweh, Did I reveal myself to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh's house? 2:28 and did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? 2:29 Why kick you at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people? 2:30 Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me forever: but now Yahweh says, Be it far from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 2:31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off your arm, and the arm of your father's house, that there shall not be an old man in your house. 2:32 You shall see the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. 2:33 The man of yours, whom I shall not cut off from my altar, shall be to consume your eyes, and to grieve your heart; and all the increase of your house shall die in the flower of their age. 2:34 This shall be the sign to you, that shall come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them. 2:35 I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before my anointed forever. 2:36 It shall happen, that everyone who is left in your house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Please put me into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.

2:11 Elkanah went home to Ramah. The child served Yahweh in front of Eli the priest. 2:12 Eli's sons were corrupt; they didn't know Yahweh. 2:13 The usual practice of the priests with the people was that when someone offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come while the meat was boiling, holding a three-pronged fork; 2:14 he would stick it into the pan, kettle, caldron, or pot, and whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. They did this in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 2:15 Yes, before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the person making the sacrifice, "Give me some meat to roast for the priest, because he won't take boiled meat from you, only raw." 2:16 If the person replied, "They’ll burn the fat first, and then you can take as much as you want," he would insist, "No, you must give it to me now; if not, I’ll take it by force." 2:17 The sin of the young men was very serious in Yahweh's sight because they despised Yahweh’s offerings. 2:18 But Samuel served Yahweh as a child, wearing a linen ephod. 2:19 His mother made him a little robe and brought it to him each year when she and her husband went up to offer the annual sacrifice. 2:20 Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, saying, "Yahweh grant you children through this woman, for the request you made to Yahweh." Then they went home. 2:21 Yahweh remembered Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew in Yahweh’s presence. 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they were having relations with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 2:23 He said to them, "Why are you doing these things? I keep hearing about your wicked actions from all the people." 2:24 "No, my sons; this report I hear is not good. You are causing Yahweh's people to break faith." 2:25 "If one person sins against another, God will judge him; but if someone sins against Yahweh, who will plead for them?" However, they would not listen to their father, for Yahweh intended to put them to death. 2:26 The child Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with both Yahweh and men. 2:27 A man of God came to Eli and said to him, "This is what Yahweh says: Did I not reveal myself to your ancestors when they were in Egypt, enslaved in Pharaoh’s house? 2:28 Did I not choose your ancestor from all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer sacrifices on my altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in my presence? Did I not give your ancestor all the offerings of the Israelites made by fire?" 2:29 "Why do you kick against my sacrifice and offering that I have commanded in my dwelling, and honor your sons more than me, by making yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of my people Israel?" 2:30 "Therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: I did indeed say that your family and your father’s household would serve me forever, but now Yahweh declares: Far be it from me! For those who honor me, I will honor, and those who despise me will be treated with contempt." 2:31 "The time is coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s household, so there won’t be an old man in your family line. 2:32 You will see the distress in my dwelling, despite the good being done for Israel, and there won’t be an old man in your household forever. 2:33 The man I do not cut off from my altar will cause your eyes to fail and grieve your heart, and all your descendants will die in the prime of life. 2:34 This will be a sign to you: the deaths of your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will occur on the same day. 2:35 I will raise up for myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in my heart and mind; I will build a lasting dynasty for him, and he will serve before my anointed one forever. 2:36 Everyone who is left in your family will come and bow before him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and will say, "Please put me in one of the priest’s positions so that I may eat a morsel of bread."

3:1 The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision. 3:2 It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), 3:3 and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down to sleep, in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was; 3:4 that Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, Here am I. 3:5 He ran to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. He said, I didn't call; lie down again. He went and lay down. 3:6 Yahweh called yet again, Samuel. Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. He answered, I didn't call, my son; lie down again. 3:7 Now Samuel didn't yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to him. 3:8 Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child. 3:9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call you, that you shall say, Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 3:10 Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for your servant hears. 3:11 Yahweh said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it shall tingle. 3:12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end. 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse on themselves, and he didn't restrain them. 3:14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated with sacrifice nor offering forever. 3:15 Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of Yahweh. Samuel feared to show Eli the vision. 3:16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. He said, Here am I. 3:17 He said, "What is the thing that Yahweh has spoken to you? Please don't hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you." 3:18 Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. He said, It is Yahweh: let him do what seems him good. 3:19 Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 3:20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh. 3:21 Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Yahweh.

3:1 The boy Samuel served the Lord in front of Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there were no frequent visions. 3:2 It happened at that time, when Eli was lying down in his place (his eyes had started to grow dim, so he couldn’t see), 3:3 and the lamp of God had not gone out yet, and Samuel had laid down to sleep, in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was; 3:4 the Lord called Samuel, and he said, Here I am. 3:5 He ran to Eli and said, Here I am; for you called me. Eli said, I didn’t call; go lie down again. So Samuel went and lay down. 3:6 The Lord called again, Samuel. Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, Here I am; for you called me. Eli answered, I didn’t call you, my son; go lie down again. 3:7 Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord been revealed to him yet. 3:8 The Lord called Samuel again the third time. He got up and went to Eli, and said, Here I am; for you called me. Eli realized that the Lord had called the boy. 3:9 So Eli told Samuel, Go, lie down: and if he calls you, say, Speak, Lord; for your servant is listening. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 3:10 The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for your servant is listening. 3:11 The Lord said to Samuel, Look, I am going to do something in Israel that will make everyone's ears tingle who hears about it. 3:12 On that day, I will carry out against Eli everything I’ve said about his family, from beginning to end. 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his family forever for the sin he knows about, because his sons have made themselves contemptible, and he didn’t stop them. 3:14 So I have sworn to Eli’s family that the sin of Eli's family will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering. 3:15 Samuel lay there until morning and then opened the doors of the Lord's house. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. 3:16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, Samuel, my son. He answered, Here I am. 3:17 Eli said, “What did the Lord say to you? Please don’t hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide anything from me of all the things he told you.” 3:18 Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Eli said, It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him. 3:19 Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground. 3:20 All Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. 3:21 The Lord appeared again at Shiloh because the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh through the word of the Lord.

4:1 The word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines encamped in Aphek. 4:2 The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was struck before the Philistines; and they killed of the army in the field about four thousand men. 4:3 When the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has Yahweh struck us today before the Philistines? Let us get the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of Shiloh to us, that it may come among us, and save us out of the hand of our enemies. 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh; and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 4:5 When the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 4:6 When the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What means the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? They understood that the ark of Yahweh was come into the camp. 4:7 The Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. They said, Woe to us! for there has not been such a thing heretofore. 4:8 Woe to us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? these are the gods that struck the Egyptians with all manner of plagues in the wilderness. 4:9 Be strong, and behave yourselves like men, O you Philistines, that you not be servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. 4:10 The Philistines fought, and Israel was struck, and they fled every man to his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. 4:11 The ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. 4:12 There ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn, and with earth on his head. 4:13 When he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. 4:14 When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What means the noise of this tumult? The man hurried, and came and told Eli. 4:15 Now Eli was ninety-eight years old; and his eyes were set, so that he could not see. 4:16 The man said to Eli, I am he who came out of the army, and I fled today out of the army. He said, How went the matter, my son? 4:17 He who brought the news answered, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people, and your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. 4:18 It happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck broke, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years. 4:19 His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and brought forth; for her pains came on her. 4:20 About the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, Don't be afraid; for you have brought forth a son. But she didn't answer, neither did she regard it. 4:21 She named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel; because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 4:22 She said, The glory is departed from Israel; for the ark of God is taken.

4:1 Samuel’s message reached all of Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines and set up camp beside Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. 4:2 The Philistines arranged themselves against Israel, and when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, with about four thousand men killed in the field. 4:3 When the people returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has Yahweh allowed us to be defeated today by the Philistines? Let’s bring the ark of the covenant of Yahweh from Shiloh so that it may come among us and save us from our enemies.” 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 4:5 When the ark of the covenant of Yahweh arrived in the camp, all of Israel shouted with a loud cheer, shaking the ground. 4:6 When the Philistines heard the shout, they asked, “What does this loud cheer mean in the Hebrew camp?” They realized that the ark of Yahweh had entered the camp. 4:7 The Philistines were terrified, saying, “God has come into the camp.” They cried out, “Woe to us! This has never happened before. 4:8 Woe to us! Who will rescue us from the hands of these powerful gods? These are the gods who inflicted all kinds of plagues on the Egyptians in the wilderness.” 4:9 “Be strong and act like men, you Philistines, or you’ll end up being slaves to the Hebrews, just as they have been to you. Stand up like men and fight!” 4:10 The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, fleeing to their tents. It was a huge massacre, with thirty thousand Israelite foot soldiers falling. 4:11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed. 4:12 A man from Benjamin ran from the army and came to Shiloh the same day, his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 4:13 When he arrived, Eli was sitting by the road watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city and told what had happened, the whole city cried out. 4:14 When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he asked, “What does this uproar mean?” The man hurried over and told Eli. 4:15 Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were so weak that he could not see. 4:16 The man said to Eli, “I’m the one who fled from the battlefield today.” Eli asked, “What happened, my son?” 4:17 The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a terrible slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been taken.” 4:18 As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his seat beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had judged Israel for forty years. 4:19 His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant, about to give birth. When she heard that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, for her pains came on her. 4:20 Just as she was dying, the women around her said, “Don’t be afraid; you’ve given birth to a son.” But she didn’t answer or care. 4:21 She named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God was taken and because of her father-in-law and husband. 4:22 She said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken.”

5:1 Now the Philistines had taken the ark of God, and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 5:2 The Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 5:3 When they of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon was fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of Yahweh. They took Dagon, and set him in his place again. 5:4 When they arose early on the next day morning, behold, Dagon was fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of Yahweh; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands lay cut off on the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 5:5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any who come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod, to this day. 5:6 But the hand of Yahweh was heavy on them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders. 5:7 When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us; for his hand is sore on us, and on Dagon our god. 5:8 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines to them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? They answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about to Gath. They carried the ark of the God of Israel there. 5:9 It was so, that after they had carried it about, the hand of Yahweh was against the city with a very great confusion: and he struck the men of the city, both small and great; and tumors broke out on them. 5:10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. It happened, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people. 5:11 They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and they said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to its own place, that it not kill us and our people. For there was a deadly confusion throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 5:12 The men who didn't die were struck with the tumors; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

5:1 The Philistines had captured the ark of God and took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 5:2 They put the ark of God in the temple of Dagon and placed it next to Dagon. 5:3 When the people of Ashdod got up the next morning, they found that Dagon had fallen face down on the ground in front of the ark of Yahweh. They picked Dagon up and put him back in his place. 5:4 The next morning, they saw that Dagon had fallen face down on the ground again before the ark of Yahweh; this time, his head and both palms were cut off and lying on the threshold, leaving only the stump of Dagon. 5:5 So, neither the priests of Dagon nor anyone entering Dagon's house in Ashdod steps on the threshold to this day. 5:6 The hand of Yahweh was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and He destroyed them, striking them with tumors, affecting both Ashdod and the surrounding areas. 5:7 When the men of Ashdod realized what was happening, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel can't stay with us, because His hand is heavy on us and on Dagon our god." 5:8 They called together all the leaders of the Philistines and asked, "What should we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They replied, "Let's move the ark of the God of Israel to Gath." They took the ark of the God of Israel there. 5:9 After moving it around, the hand of Yahweh was against that city, causing great confusion, and He struck the men of the city, both small and great, and tumors broke out among them. 5:10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. When the ark arrived at Ekron, the Ekronites cried out, saying, "They’ve brought the ark of the God of Israel here to kill us and our people!" 5:11 They called in all the leaders of the Philistines and said, "Send the ark of the God of Israel away; let it go back to its own place so it won't kill us and our people." There was deadly confusion throughout the entire city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 5:12 The men who didn’t die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry from the city went up to heaven.

6:1 The ark of Yahweh was in the country of the Philistines seven months. 6:2 The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, "What shall we do with the ark of Yahweh? Show us with which we shall send it to its place."

6:1 The ark of the Lord was in Philistine territory for seven months. 6:2 The Philistines summoned their priests and diviners, asking, "What should we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us how we can send it back to where it belongs."

6:3 They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, don't send it empty; but by all means return him a trespass offering: then you shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you."

6:3 They said, "If you’re going to send back the ark of the God of Israel, don't send it back empty; make sure to return a guilt offering. Then you’ll be healed, and you’ll understand why his hand hasn’t left you alone."

6:4 Then they said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?"

6:4 Then they asked, "What should we bring back to him as a trespass offering?"

They said, "Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. 6:5 Therefore you shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. 6:6 Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had worked wonderfully among them, didn't they let the people go, and they departed? 6:7 Now therefore take and prepare yourselves a new cart, and two milk cows, on which there has come no yoke; and tie the cows to the cart, and bring their calves home from them; 6:8 and take the ark of Yahweh, and lay it on the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which you return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by its side; and send it away, that it may go. 6:9 Behold; if it goes up by the way of its own border to Beth Shemesh, then he has done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it was a chance that happened to us."

They said, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice, based on the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on all of you, and on your lords. 6:5 Therefore, you should make images of your tumors and images of your mice that are harming the land; and you should give glory to the God of Israel: maybe he will lighten his hand from you, your gods, and your land. 6:6 Why then do you harden your hearts, like the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When he performed wonders among them, didn't they let the people go, and they left? 6:7 Now, therefore, take and prepare a new cart and two unyoked milk cows, and tie the cows to the cart, and take their calves home; 6:8 and take the ark of Yahweh and place it on the cart; and put the gold jewels you are returning as a trespass offering in a box by its side; and send it away so it can go. 6:9 Look; if it goes straight to Beth Shemesh, then he has done us this great evil: but if not, then we will know that it wasn’t his hand that struck us; it was just a coincidence."

6:10 The men did so, and took two milk cows, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home; 6:11 and they put the ark of Yahweh on the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors. 6:12 The cows took the straight way by the way to Beth Shemesh; they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth Shemesh. 6:13 They of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. 6:14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they split the wood of the cart, and offered up the cows for a burnt offering to Yahweh. 6:15 The Levites took down the ark of Yahweh, and the coffer that was with it, in which the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day to Yahweh. 6:16 When the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day. 6:17 These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering to Yahweh: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one; 6:18 and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Yahweh, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh. 6:19 He struck of the men of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of Yahweh, he struck of the people fifty thousand seventy men; and the people mourned, because Yahweh had struck the people with a great slaughter. 6:20 The men of Beth Shemesh said, Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God? and to whom shall he go up from us? 6:21 They sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Yahweh; come you down, and bring it up to you.

6:10 The men did that, took two milk cows, tied them to the cart, and left their calves at home; 6:11 then they placed the ark of Yahweh on the cart, along with the chest containing the gold mice and the images of their tumors. 6:12 The cows headed straight for Beth Shemesh, lowing as they went, without turning to the right or left; the lords of the Philistines followed them to the border of Beth Shemesh. 6:13 The people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley; they looked up, saw the ark, and rejoiced at the sight. 6:14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh and stopped there by a large stone: they chopped up the cart's wood and offered the cows as a burnt offering to Yahweh. 6:15 The Levites took down the ark of Yahweh and the chest that held the gold jewels, placing them on the great stone; the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to Yahweh that same day. 6:16 When the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron the same day. 6:17 These are the golden tumors the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to Yahweh: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, and one for Ekron; 6:18 along with the golden mice, corresponding to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, including fortified cities and country villages, right up to the great stone where they set down the ark of Yahweh, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh. 6:19 He struck down the people of Beth Shemesh because they looked into the ark of Yahweh, and he struck 50,070 men; the people mourned because Yahweh had caused a great slaughter among them. 6:20 The men of Beth Shemesh asked, Who can stand before Yahweh, this holy God? And to whom will he send it away from us? 6:21 They sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Yahweh; come down and take it up to you.

7:1 The men of Kiriath Jearim came, and fetched up the ark of Yahweh, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of Yahweh. 7:2 It happened, from the day that the ark abode in Kiriath Jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after Yahweh. 7:3 Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, If you do return to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to Yahweh, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served Yahweh only. 7:5 Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to Yahweh." 7:6 They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Yahweh, and fasted on that day, and said there, "We have sinned against Yahweh." Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah. 7:7 When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 7:8 The children of Israel said to Samuel, "Don't cease to cry to Yahweh our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines." 7:9 Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering to Yahweh: and Samuel cried to Yahweh for Israel; and Yahweh answered him. 7:10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel; but Yahweh thundered with a great thunder on that day on the Philistines, and confused them; and they were struck down before Israel. 7:11 The men of Israel went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines, and struck them, until they came under Beth Kar. 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto has Yahweh helped us. 7:13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more within the border of Israel: and the hand of Yahweh was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 7:14 The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and its border did Israel deliver out of the hand of the Philistines. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 7:15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 7:16 He went from year to year in circuit to Bethel and Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all those places. 7:17 His return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar to Yahweh.

7:1 The men of Kiriath Jearim came and took the ark of the Lord, bringing it into the home of Abinadab on the hill, and they appointed his son Eleazar to take care of the ark of the Lord. 7:2 It happened that from the day the ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim, a long time passed—twenty years in total—and all the people of Israel mourned for the Lord. 7:3 Samuel spoke to all the people of Israel, saying, "If you return to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you. Focus your hearts on the Lord and serve Him only, and He will rescue you from the Philistines." 7:4 The Israelites then got rid of the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the Lord alone. 7:5 Samuel said, "Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray for you to the Lord." 7:6 They came together at Mizpah, drew water, poured it out before the Lord, fasted that day, and said, "We have sinned against the Lord." Samuel judged the Israelites there at Mizpah. 7:7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelites were gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the Israelites heard about it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 7:8 The Israelites said to Samuel, "Don't stop crying out to the Lord our God for us so He will save us from the Philistines." 7:9 Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 7:10 While Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines were drawing near to fight against Israel; but the Lord thundered loudly that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. 7:11 The men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, striking them down all the way to Beth Kar. 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, naming it Ebenezer, saying, "Up to this point, the Lord has helped us." 7:13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not enter the territory of Israel again: the Lord's hand was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 7:14 The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from the Philistines. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 7:15 Samuel judged Israel all his life. 7:16 Every year he traveled in a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all those places. 7:17 His return was to Ramah, for there was his home; and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the Lord.

8:1 It happened, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah: they were judges in Beersheba. 8:3 His sons didn't walk in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice. 8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel to Ramah; 8:5 and they said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons don't walk in your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. Samuel prayed to Yahweh. 8:7 Yahweh said to Samuel, Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them. 8:8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also to you. 8:9 Now therefore listen to their voice: however you shall protest solemnly to them, and shall show them the manner of the king who shall reign over them. 8:10 Samuel told all the words of Yahweh to the people who asked of him a king. 8:11 He said, This will be the manner of the king who shall reign over you: he will take your sons, and appoint them to him, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and they shall run before his chariots; 8:12 and he will appoint them to him for captains of thousands, and captains of fifties; and he will set some to plow his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and the instruments of his chariots. 8:13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 8:14 He will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive groves, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 8:15 He will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 8:16 He will take your male servants, and your female servants, and your best young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 8:17 He will take the tenth of your flocks: and you shall be his servants. 8:18 You shall cry out in that day because of your king whom you shall have chosen you; and Yahweh will not answer you in that day. 8:19 But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No: but we will have a king over us, 8:20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 8:21 Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of Yahweh. 8:22 Yahweh said to Samuel, Listen to their voice, and make them a king. Samuel said to the men of Israel, Go you every man to his city.

8:1 When Samuel got old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 8:2 His firstborn son was Joel, and his second was Abijah; they served as judges in Beersheba. 8:3 However, his sons did not follow his ways; they were greedy, accepted bribes, and twisted justice. 8:4 So all the elders of Israel came together and approached Samuel at Ramah; 8:5 they said to him, “Look, you’re old, and your sons don’t follow your ways. Now appoint a king to rule us like all the other nations.” 8:6 Samuel was unhappy when they said, “Give us a king to rule us.” So he prayed to Yahweh. 8:7 Yahweh told Samuel, “Listen to the people in everything they say to you; it’s not you they’ve rejected, but me, as I should not be king over them. 8:8 They have done the same things since the day I brought them out of Egypt until now: they’ve forsaken me and served other gods, so they’re doing the same to you. 8:9 Now listen to their voice, but solemnly warn them and let them know what the king who will reign over them will be like.” 8:10 Samuel conveyed all the words of Yahweh to the people who asked him for a king. 8:11 He said, “This is how the king who will rule over you will behave: he’ll take your sons and make them serve in his chariots and be his horsemen; they’ll run before his chariots; 8:12 he will appoint some of them as captains of thousands and captains of fifties, and he will set some to plow his fields, harvest his crops, and make his weapons and chariot equipment. 8:13 He’ll take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 8:14 He’ll take your best fields, vineyards, and olive groves and give them to his servants. 8:15 He’ll take a tenth of your grain and vineyards and give it to his officers and servants. 8:16 He’ll take your male and female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys and assign them to his work. 8:17 He’ll take a tenth of your flocks, and you will become his servants. 8:18 In that day, you will cry out because of the king you’ve chosen for yourselves, but Yahweh will not answer you in that day.” 8:19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel and said, “No! We want a king over us, 8:20 so that we can be like all the other nations, with a king to rule us, lead us, and fight our battles.” 8:21 Samuel listened to all the people’s words and reported them to Yahweh. 8:22 Yahweh told Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them.” Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Each of you go back to your city.”

9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. 9:2 He had a son, whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a better person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 9:3 The donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with you, and arise, go seek the donkeys. 9:4 He passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didn't find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they weren't there: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didn't find them. 9:5 When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, Come, and let us return, lest my father leave off caring for the donkeys, and be anxious for us. 9:6 He said to him, See now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes surely to pass: now let us go there; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go. 9:7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? 9:8 The servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. 9:9 (In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he said, Come, and let us go to the seer; for he who is now called a prophet was before called a Seer.) 9:10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went to the city where the man of God was. 9:11 As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said to them, Is the seer here? 9:12 They answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he is come today into the city; for the people have a sacrifice today in the high place: 9:13 as soon as you are come into the city, you shall immediately find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he does bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat who are invited. Now therefore get you up; for at this time you shall find him. 9:14 They went up to the city; and as they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them, to go up to the high place. 9:15 Now Yahweh had revealed to Samuel a day before Saul came, saying, 9:16 Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel; and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked on my people, because their cry is come to me. 9:17 When Samuel saw Saul, Yahweh said to him, Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! this same shall have authority over my people. 9:18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, Please, where the seer's house is. 9:19 Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer; go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today: and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart. 9:20 As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don't set your mind on them; for they are found. For whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you, and for all your father's house? 9:21 Saul answered, Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? why then speak you to me after this manner? 9:22 Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the guest room, and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons. 9:23 Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, Set it by you. 9:24 The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, Behold, that which has been reserved! set it before you and eat; because to the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, I have invited the people. So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 9:25 When they were come down from the high place into the city, he talked with Saul on the housetop. 9:26 They arose early: and it happened about the spring of the day, that Samuel called to Saul on the housetop, saying, Up, that I may send you away. Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 9:27 As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us (and he passed on), but stand you still first, that I may cause you to hear the word of God.

9:1 Now there was a man from the tribe of Benjamin named Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah—a Benjamite and a brave man. 9:2 He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man; there was no one in Israel better than him. He was taller than anyone else, standing head and shoulders above the rest. 9:3 Kish's donkeys were lost, so he said to his son Saul, "Take one of the servants with you and go look for the donkeys." 9:4 They passed through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah but didn’t find them. Then they went through the land of Shaalim, but they were still gone. They also searched through the land of the Benjamites, but still no luck. 9:5 When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, "Let’s go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us." 9:6 The servant replied, "Look, there's a man of God in this city, and he’s respected; everything he says comes true. Let’s go see him; maybe he can tell us which way to go." 9:7 Saul said to his servant, "But what will we bring the man? The bread we had is gone, and we don’t have anything to offer the man of God. What do we have?" 9:8 The servant answered Saul, "I have a small amount of silver—about a quarter of a shekel. I'll give it to the man of God to tell us which way to go." 9:9 (In Israel's early days, when someone wanted to inquire of God, they would say, "Let’s go to the seer," because what is now called a prophet was once referred to as a Seer.) 9:10 Saul said to his servant, "Good idea; let’s go." So they went to the city where the man of God was. 9:11 As they ascended to the city, they met some young women who were going out to draw water, and they asked, "Is the seer here?" 9:12 The women answered, "Yes, he’s just ahead of you. Hurry! He’s come today to the city because the people are having a sacrifice at the high place. 9:13 As soon as you enter the city, you’ll find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people won’t start eating until he arrives, since he must bless the sacrifice first; afterward, those who are invited will eat. So go now; you’ll catch him." 9:14 They entered the city; and as they approached, Samuel was coming out to go up to the high place. 9:15 Now the Lord had revealed to Samuel the day before Saul arrived, saying, 9:16 "Tomorrow around this time I will send you a man from Benjamin, and you will anoint him as leader over my people Israel. He will save my people from the hands of the Philistines because I have heard their cry." 9:17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, "This is the man I told you about! He will govern my people." 9:18 Saul approached Samuel at the gate and asked, "Can you tell me where the seer’s house is?" 9:19 Samuel replied, "I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you will eat with me today. In the morning, I will let you go and tell you everything that’s on your mind." 9:20 As for your lost donkeys, don’t worry about them—they’ve been found. And for whom is everything desirable in Israel? Isn’t it for you and your father’s whole family? 9:21 Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel? Is my family not the least of all the families within the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me this way?" 9:22 Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the guest room, making them sit in the best place among those who were invited, about thirty people. 9:23 Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion I gave you, the one I told you to set aside." 9:24 The cook brought out the thigh and what was on it and placed it before Saul. Samuel said, "Here’s what’s been reserved! Set it before you and eat, for it was prepared for you at the appointed time. I invited the people." So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 9:25 After they came down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the rooftop. 9:26 They got up early, and around dawn, Samuel called to Saul on the rooftop, saying, "Get up so I can send you on your way." Saul got up, and he and Samuel went outside together. 9:27 When they were at the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go ahead of us" (and he passed on), "but stay here for a moment, so I can let you hear the word of God."

10:1 Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, Isn't it that Yahweh has anointed you to be prince over his inheritance? 10:2 When you are departed from me today, then you shall find two men by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you, The donkeys which you went to seek are found; and behold, your father has left off caring for the donkeys, and is anxious for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? 10:3 Then you shall go on forward from there, and you shall come to the oak of Tabor; and there shall meet you there three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: 10:4 and they will greet you, and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive of their hand. 10:5 After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall happen, when you are come there to the city, that you shall meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tambourine, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they will be prophesying: 10:6 and the Spirit of Yahweh will come mightily on you, and you shall prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another man. 10:7 Let it be, when these signs are come to you, that you do as occasion shall serve you; for God is with you. 10:8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: you shall wait seven days, until I come to you, and show you what you shall do. 10:9 It was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs happened that day. 10:10 When they came there to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he prophesied among them. 10:11 It happened, when all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? 10:12 One of the same place answered, Who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? 10:13 When he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place. 10:14 Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, Where went you? He said, To seek the donkeys; and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel. 10:15 Saul's uncle said, Tell me, Please, what Samuel said to you. 10:16 Saul said to his uncle, He told us plainly that the donkeys were found. But concerning the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel spoke, he didn't tell him. 10:17 Samuel called the people together to Yahweh to Mizpah; 10:18 and he said to the children of Israel, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all the kingdoms that oppressed you: 10:19 but you have this day rejected your God, who himself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to him, No, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes, and by your thousands. 10:20 So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found. 10:22 Therefore they asked of Yahweh further, Is there yet a man to come here? Yahweh answered, Behold, he has hid himself among the baggage. 10:23 They ran and fetched him there; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, "You see him whom Yahweh has chosen, that there is none like him among all the people?"

10:1 Then Samuel took the jar of oil, poured it on his head, kissed him, and said, "Isn't it that Yahweh has anointed you to be the prince over His inheritance?" 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men by Rachel's tomb, at the border of Benjamin near Zelzah. They will tell you, "The donkeys you went to look for have been found, and your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, 'What should I do for my son?'" 10:3 Then you will continue on and come to the oak of Tabor. There you will meet three men going up to God at Bethel, one carrying three goats, another with three loaves of bread, and another with a bottle of wine: 10:4 and they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you should accept from them. 10:5 After that, you will reach the hill of God, where the Philistine garrison is located. When you enter the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a lyre, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them, and they will be prophesying: 10:6 and the Spirit of Yahweh will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be transformed into a different person. 10:7 When these signs happen to you, do as the occasion calls for, because God is with you. 10:8 You will go down before me to Gilgal; and I will come down to you, to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings: you shall wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what to do. 10:9 So it was that when he turned to leave Samuel, God gave him a new heart, and all those signs happened that day. 10:10 When they arrived at the hill, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he prophesied among them. 10:11 It happened that when all who knew him before saw him prophesying with the prophets, the people said to one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" 10:12 One of the bystanders answered, "Who is their father?" Therefore, it became a saying, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" 10:13 When he finished prophesying, he went to the high place. 10:14 Saul's uncle said to him and his servant, "Where did you go?" He said, "To look for the donkeys, and when we saw that they weren't found, we went to Samuel." 10:15 Saul's uncle said, "Please tell me what Samuel said to you." 10:16 Saul replied to his uncle, "He told us clearly that the donkeys were found. But about the kingdom matter, which Samuel spoke of, he didn't tell him." 10:17 Samuel called all the people together to Yahweh at Mizpah; 10:18 and he said to the Israelites, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel says: I brought Israel up from Egypt and rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and from all the kingdoms that oppressed you. 10:19 But you have today rejected your God, who saves you from all your disasters and troubles; and you have said to Him, No, but set a king over us. Now, therefore, present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes and by your clans." 10:20 So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel close, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin close by their families; and the family of the Matrites was chosen, and Saul the son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, he could not be found. 10:22 So they asked Yahweh further, "Is there yet another man to come here?" Yahweh answered, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage." 10:23 They ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the others from the shoulders up. 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, "You see the man whom Yahweh has chosen; there is no one like him among all the people?"

All the people shouted, and said, Long live the king. 10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before Yahweh. Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 10:26 Saul also went to his house to Gibeah; and there went with him the army, whose hearts God had touched. 10:27 But certain worthless fellows said, How shall this man save us? They despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

All the people shouted and said, Long live the king. 10:25 Then Samuel explained to the people how the kingdom would work, wrote it down in a book, and placed it before Yahweh. Samuel sent everyone home, each man to his house. 10:26 Saul also went to his house in Gibeah, and with him went the army whose hearts God had touched. 10:27 However, some worthless men said, "How can this man save us?" They scorned him and didn’t bring him any gifts. But he remained silent.

11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh Gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you. 11:2 Nahash the Ammonite said to them, On this condition will I make it with you, that all your right eyes be put out; and I will lay it for a reproach on all Israel. 11:3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to you. 11:4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spoke these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept. 11:5 Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they weep? They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. 11:6 The Spirit of God came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly. 11:7 He took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, Whoever doesn't come forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen. The dread of Yahweh fell on the people, and they came out as one man. 11:8 He numbered them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 11:9 They said to the messengers who came, Thus you shall tell the men of Jabesh Gilead, Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have deliverance. The messengers came and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. 11:10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you. 11:11 It was so on the next day, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and struck the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it happened, that those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. 11:12 The people said to Samuel, Who is he who said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 11:13 Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for today Yahweh has worked deliverance in Israel. 11:14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. 11:15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Yahweh in Gilgal; and there they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before Yahweh; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came and camped against Jabesh Gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, "Make a deal with us, and we will serve you." 11:2 Nahash the Ammonite replied, "I will make a deal with you on this condition: all your right eyes will be gouged out, and it will be a disgrace for all Israel." 11:3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, "Give us seven days to send messengers throughout Israel; if nobody saves us, we will come out to you." 11:4 The messengers went to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words to the people, and everyone raised their voices and wept. 11:5 Just then, Saul came from the field behind his oxen and asked, "What’s wrong with the people? Why are they weeping?" They told him what the men of Jabesh had said. 11:6 The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul when he heard those words, and he became very angry. 11:7 He took a yoke of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them throughout all Israel with messengers, saying, "Whoever doesn’t follow Saul and Samuel, this will be done to their oxen." The fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out united. 11:8 Saul counted them at Bezek; the Israelites numbered three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah were thirty thousand. 11:9 They said to the messengers who came, "This is what you should tell the men of Jabesh Gilead: Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hottest, you will be rescued." The messengers went and told the men of Jabesh, and they were happy. 11:10 So the men of Jabesh said, "Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you can do whatever you think is best." 11:11 The next day, Saul organized the people into three groups and attacked the Ammonites during the morning watch, striking them until the heat of the day. The survivors were scattered so that no two of them remained together. 11:12 The people said to Samuel, "Who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring those men so we can put them to death." 11:13 But Saul said, "No one will be put to death today, because today the Lord has brought deliverance to Israel." 11:14 Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let’s go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there." 11:15 All the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord. They offered peace sacrifices before the Lord, and Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

12:1 Samuel said to all Israel, Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. 12:2 Now, behold, the king walks before you; and I am old and gray-headed; and behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my youth to this day. 12:3 Here I am: witness against me before Yahweh, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose donkey have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. 12:4 They said, You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything of any man's hand. 12:5 He said to them, Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand. They said, He is witness. 12:6 Samuel said to the people, It is Yahweh who appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 12:7 Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Yahweh concerning all the righteous acts of Yahweh, which he did to you and to your fathers. 12:8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried to Yahweh, then Yahweh sent Moses and Aaron, who brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them to dwell in this place. 12:9 But they forgot Yahweh their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; and they fought against them. 12:10 They cried to Yahweh, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken Yahweh, and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you. 12:11 Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety. 12:12 When you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, No, but a king shall reign over us; when Yahweh your God was your king. 12:13 Now therefore see the king whom you have chosen, and whom you have asked for: and behold, Yahweh has set a king over you. 12:14 If you will fear Yahweh, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, and both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of Yahweh your God, well: 12:15 but if you will not listen to the voice of Yahweh, but rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then will the hand of Yahweh be against you, as it was against your fathers. 12:16 Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes. 12:17 Isn't it wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, that he may send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of Yahweh, in asking you a king. 12:18 So Samuel called to Yahweh; and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. 12:19 All the people said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. 12:20 Samuel said to the people, "Don't be afraid; you have indeed done all this evil; yet don't turn aside from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart: 12:21 and don't turn aside; for then would you go after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain. 12:22 For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name's sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people to himself. 12:23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 12:24 Only fear Yahweh, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he has done for you. 12:25 But if you shall still do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your king."

12:1 Samuel said to all Israel, "Look, I have heard your requests and appointed a king over you. 12:2 Now, here is the king who leads you; I am old and gray, and my sons are with you. I've been with you since my youth until now. 12:3 Here I am: testify against me before Yahweh and his anointed: Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I stolen? Have I defrauded anyone? Have I oppressed anyone? Have I taken a bribe to close my eyes to wrongdoing? If I have, I will return it to you." 12:4 They said, "You haven't defrauded us, oppressed us, or taken anything from anyone." 12:5 He replied, "Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed is witness today, that you haven't found anything in my possession." They replied, "He is a witness." 12:6 Samuel told the people, "It was Yahweh who appointed Moses and Aaron, who brought your ancestors up from Egypt. 12:7 So, stand still, and I'll argue with you before Yahweh about all the righteous acts he did for you and your ancestors. 12:8 When Jacob entered Egypt and your ancestors cried out to Yahweh, he sent Moses and Aaron, who brought your ancestors out of Egypt and settled them in this place. 12:9 But they forgot Yahweh their God, so he sold them into the hands of Sisera, the commander of Hazor's army, the Philistines, and the king of Moab, and they fought against them. 12:10 They cried out to Yahweh, saying, "We have sinned, because we've turned away from Yahweh and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. Now save us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you." 12:11 Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel to save you from your enemies all around, and you lived in safety. 12:12 When you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites was coming against you, you told me, "No, we want a king to reign over us," even though Yahweh your God was your king. 12:13 Now look at the king you have chosen and asked for; behold, Yahweh has set a king over you. 12:14 If you will fear Yahweh, serve him, listen to his voice, and not rebel against Yahweh's commandments, then you and your king who reigns over you will follow Yahweh your God, that will be good. 12:15 But if you do not listen to Yahweh's voice and rebel against his commandments, then Yahweh's hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors. 12:16 Now stand still and see this great thing which Yahweh will do before your eyes. 12:17 Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on Yahweh to send thunder and rain, so you will know and see how great your wickedness is, that you have asked for a king. 12:18 So Samuel called on Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. All the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. 12:19 All the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God so we won't die, because we have added to all our sins this evil by asking for a king." 12:20 Samuel said to the people, "Don't be afraid; you have indeed done all this evil. Yet don't turn away from following Yahweh; serve him with all your heart. 12:21 Don't turn aside, or you will chase after worthless things that can’t profit or save you because they are worthless. 12:22 For Yahweh will not abandon his people for his great name's sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself. 12:23 As for me, I wouldn’t sin against Yahweh by stopping my prayers for you; I will teach you the good and right way. 12:24 Just fear Yahweh and serve him sincerely with all your heart, for consider the great things he has done for you. 12:25 But if you continue to do evil, you will be swept away, both you and your king."

13:1 Saul was forty years old when he began to reign; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. 13:3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 13:4 All Israel heard say that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. 13:5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven. 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits. 13:7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 13:8 He stayed seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel didn't come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 13:9 Saul said, Bring here the burnt offering to me, and the peace offerings. He offered the burnt offering. 13:10 It came to pass that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 13:11 Samuel said, What have you done? Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn't come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; 13:12 therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down on me to Gilgal, and I haven't entreated the favor of Yahweh: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt offering. 13:13 Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you: for now would Yahweh have established your kingdom on Israel forever. 13:14 But now your kingdom shall not continue: Yahweh has sought him a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you. 13:15 Samuel arose, and got him up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 13:16 Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 13:17 The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual; 13:18 and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: 13:20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, mattock, axe, and sickle; 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. 13:22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. 13:23 The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

13:1 Saul was forty years old when he began to rule; and after he had ruled for two years over Israel, 13:2 Saul selected three thousand men from Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and on the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home to their tents. 13:3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, announcing, "Let the Hebrews hear!" 13:4 All Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked the Philistine garrison and that Israel was despised by the Philistines. The people gathered after Saul to Gilgal. 13:5 The Philistines mobilized to fight Israel, with thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They set up camp in Michmash, east of Beth Aven. 13:6 When the Israelite men saw they were in dire straits (for they were distressed), they hid in caves, thickets, rocks, and pits. 13:7 Some of the Hebrews had crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him, trembling. 13:8 He waited seven days, the time Samuel had set, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 13:9 Saul said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings." He presented the burnt offering. 13:10 As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him and greet him. 13:11 Samuel asked, "What have you done?" Saul replied, "Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the expected days, and that the Philistines had gathered at Michmash; 13:12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down on me at Gilgal, and I haven't sought the favor of Yahweh.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13:13 Samuel told Saul, "You have acted foolishly; you did not keep the command of Yahweh your God, which He commanded you. If you had, Yahweh would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; Yahweh has sought out a man after His own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be leader over His people, because you did not keep what Yahweh commanded you." 13:15 Samuel rose and left Gilgal for Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul counted the men who were with him, about six hundred. 13:16 Saul, his son Jonathan, and the men with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines camped in Michmash. 13:17 The raiders came out of the Philistine camp in three groups: one group went toward Ophrah, in the land of Shual; 13:18 another group went toward Beth Horon; and another group took the road that overlooks the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 13:19 There was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears." 13:20 So all the Israelites went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles sharpened. 13:21 They had a file for the mattocks and plowshares, as well as for the forks and axes, and to set the goads. 13:22 Therefore, on the day of battle, there was neither sword nor spear found in the hands of anyone who was with Saul and Jonathan, except for Saul and his son Jonathan. 13:23 The Philistine garrison went out toward the pass at Michmash.

14:1 Now it fell on a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on yonder side. But he didn't tell his father. 14:2 Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people who were with him were about six hundred men; 14:3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn't know that Jonathan was gone. 14:4 Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 14:5 The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few. 14:7 His armor bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: turn you, behold, I am with you according to your heart. 14:8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will disclose ourselves to them. 14:9 If they say thus to us, Wait until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them. 14:10 But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up; for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign to us. 14:11 Both of them disclosed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. 14:12 The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. Jonathan said to his armor bearer, Come up after me; for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel. 14:13 Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor bearer killed them after him. 14:14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. 14:15 There was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling. 14:16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went here and there. 14:17 Then said Saul to the people who were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. When they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 14:18 Saul said to Ahijah, Bring here the ark of God. For the ark of God was there at that time with the children of Israel. 14:19 It happened, while Saul talked to the priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said to the priest, Withdraw your hand. 14:20 Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great confusion. 14:21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines as before, and who went up with them into the camp, from the country all around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 14:22 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hid themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. 14:23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over by Beth Aven. 14:24 The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man who eats any food until it be evening, and I be avenged on my enemies. So none of the people tasted food. 14:25 All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground. 14:26 When the people were come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. 14:27 But Jonathan didn't hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 14:28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man who eats food this day. The people were faint. 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. 14:30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines. 14:31 They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; 14:32 and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood. 14:33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against Yahweh, in that they eat with the blood. He said, you have dealt treacherously: roll a great stone to me this day. 14:34 Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, Bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don't sin against Yahweh in eating with the blood. All the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and killed them there. 14:35 Saul built an altar to Yahweh: the same was the first altar that he built to Yahweh. 14:36 Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. They said, Do whatever seems good to you. Then said the priest, Let us draw near here to God. 14:37 Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he didn't answer him that day. 14:38 Saul said, Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been this day. 14:39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 14:40 Then said he to all Israel, Be you on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. The people said to Saul, Do what seems good to you. 14:41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, Show the right. Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped. 14:42 Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. Jonathan was taken. 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die. 14:44 Saul said, God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan. 14:45 The people said to Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he has worked with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he didn't die. 14:46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place. 14:47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he put them to the worse. 14:48 He did valiantly, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who despoiled them. 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: 14:50 and the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. 14:51 Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. 14:52 There was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.

14:1 One day, Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come on, let’s go over to the Philistines' outpost on the other side." But he didn’t tell his father. 14:2 Saul was staying at the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree in Migron, and about six hundred men were with him; 14:3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, was wearing an ephod. The people didn’t know that Jonathan had left. 14:4 Between the passes where Jonathan planned to go over to the Philistines' outpost, there was a rocky crag on one side and another rocky crag on the other side; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 14:5 The northern crag was in front of Michmash, and the southern one was in front of Geba. 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let’s go over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Maybe Yahweh will help us, because there’s no limit to Yahweh when it comes to saving, whether by many or by few." 14:7 His armor bearer replied, "Do whatever you have in mind; I’m with you, heart and soul." 14:8 Jonathan said, "Alright, we’ll go over to the men and reveal ourselves to them. 14:9 If they say, 'Wait until we come to you,' we’ll stay where we are and won’t go up to them. 14:10 But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we’ll go up, because Yahweh has given them into our hands. That will be our sign." 14:11 So both of them revealed themselves to the Philistine outpost, and the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they’ve been hiding!" 14:12 The men in the outpost called to Jonathan and his armor bearer, "Come up to us, and we’ll show you something." Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Climb up after me, for Yahweh has given them into the hands of Israel." 14:13 Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor bearer followed him. They fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed them behind him. 14:14 That first attack, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, killed about twenty men in an area as small as half a furrow in a field. 14:15 There was a panic in the camp, in the fields, and among all the people; the outpost and raiders trembled, and the earth quaked with a tremendous shaking. 14:16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and saw that the crowd was melting away, scattering in every direction. 14:17 Then Saul said to the men with him, "Count how many of us are missing." When they counted, they found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 14:18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For at that time, the ark of God was with the Israelites. 14:19 While Saul was speaking to the priest, the uproar in the Philistine camp grew louder, so Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand." 14:20 Saul and all the men with him gathered and rushed into battle; and lo, every man’s sword was raised against his fellow, creating great confusion. 14:21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines and had gone up with them into the camp from the surrounding countryside, joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 14:22 Similarly, all the men of Israel who had hidden in the hills of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, and they also joined in pursuing them. 14:23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day, and the battle continued beyond Beth Aven. 14:24 The Israelites were in distress that day because Saul had made the people take an oath, saying, "Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening until I take revenge on my enemies." So no one tasted food. 14:25 All the people entered the forest, where there was honey on the ground. 14:26 When the people entered the forest, they saw that honey was flowing, but no one put their hand to their mouth because they feared the oath. 14:27 But Jonathan hadn’t heard when his father put the people under this oath, so he dipped the end of the rod he was holding into the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes became bright. 14:28 Then one of the people told him, "Your father strictly commanded the people with an oath, saying, 'Cursed be anyone who eats food today.' So the people are weak." 14:29 Jonathan replied, "My father has caused trouble for the land. Look how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 14:30 How much better it would have been if the people had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! For now there has been no great slaughter among the Philistines." 14:31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; 14:32 and they rushed to the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves, and slaughtered them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood. 14:33 Then they told Saul, "Look, the people are sinning against Yahweh by eating meat that has blood in it." He said, "You have acted treacherously; roll a large stone over here to me." 14:34 Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people and tell them, 'Bring me every man his ox and his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don't sin against Yahweh by eating with the blood.'" So all the people brought every man his ox that night and killed them there. 14:35 Saul built an altar to Yahweh; this was the first altar he built to Yahweh. 14:36 Saul said, "Let’s go down after the Philistines at night and plunder them until morning; let's not leave a single man alive." They replied, "Do whatever seems good to you." Then the priest said, "Let’s draw near to God." 14:37 Saul asked God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hands of Israel?" But God didn’t answer him that day. 14:38 So Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people, and let’s find out how this sin has occurred today. 14:39 As surely as Yahweh lives who rescues Israel, even if it is in Jonathan my son, he must die." But no one among the people answered him. 14:40 Then he said to all Israel, "You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side." The people responded to Saul, "Do what seems good to you." 14:41 So Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, "Show us the right." Jonathan and Saul were chosen by lot, but the people were cleared. 14:42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son." Jonathan was selected. 14:43 Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you did." Jonathan told him, "I merely tasted a little honey from the end of the rod that was in my hand; now I must die." 14:44 Saul said, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not executed, Jonathan!" 14:45 The people said to Saul, "Should Jonathan die, he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as Yahweh lives, not a hair on his head will fall to the ground; for he acted with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan, and he didn’t die. 14:46 Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own territory. 14:47 After Saul took over the kingdom of Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines; and wherever he turned, he inflicted defeat. 14:48 He was brave and struck down the Amalekites, and rescued Israel from those who plundered them. 14:49 Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; and his two daughters were named Merab, the firstborn, and Michal, the younger. 14:50 Saul's wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 14:51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner, the father of Abner, was the son of Abiel. 14:52 There was continual warfare against the Philistines during Saul’s reign, and whenever Saul saw any strong or valiant man, he took him into his service.

15:1 Samuel said to Saul, Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of Yahweh. 15:2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him in the way, when he came up out of Egypt. 15:3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don't spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. 15:4 Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. 15:5 Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. 15:6 Saul said to the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 15:7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt. 15:8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the cattle, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn't utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. 15:10 Then came the word of Yahweh to Samuel, saying, 15:11 It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments. Samuel was angry; and he cried to Yahweh all night. 15:12 Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set him up a monument, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal. 15:13 Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, Blessed are you by Yahweh: I have performed the commandment of Yahweh. 15:14 Samuel said, What means then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear? 15:15 Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 15:16 Then Samuel said to Saul, Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me this night. He said to him, Say on. 15:17 Samuel said, "Though you were little in your own sight, weren't you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you king over Israel; 15:18 and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' 15:19 Why then didn't you obey the voice of Yahweh, but flew on the spoil, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?" 15:20 Saul said to Samuel, Yes, I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal. 15:22 Samuel said, Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, he has also rejected you from being king. 15:24 Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 15:25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh. 15:26 Samuel said to Saul, I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of Yahweh, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel. 15:27 As Samuel turned about to go away, Saul laid hold on the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 15:28 Samuel said to him, Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 15:29 Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent. 15:30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, Please, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God. 15:31 So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshiped Yahweh. 15:32 Then said Samuel, Bring you here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. 15:33 Samuel said, As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women. Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal. 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. 15:35 Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death; for Samuel mourned for Saul: and Yahweh grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.

15:1 Samuel said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you as king over His people, Israel. Now, listen to what the Lord has to say." 15:2 The Lord of Hosts says, "I have seen what Amalek did to Israel, how he opposed them on their way when they came up from Egypt." 15:3 "Now go and attack Amalek, completely destroy everything they have. Do not spare anyone; kill men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys." 15:4 Saul gathered the people and counted them at Telaim: two hundred thousand soldiers, and ten thousand men from Judah. 15:5 Saul went to the city of Amalek and ambushed them in the valley. 15:6 Saul told the Kenites, "Go, get away from the Amalekites, so you won't be destroyed with them. You showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came out of Egypt." So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. 15:7 Saul struck down the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is near Egypt. 15:8 He took Agag, the king of the Amalekites, alive, and totally destroyed all the rest of the people with the sword. 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and kept the best sheep, cattle, fattened animals, lambs, and everything good; they didn't destroy them completely, but they destroyed everything worthless and weak. 15:10 Then the Lord spoke to Samuel, saying, 15:11 "I regret that I made Saul king, because he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions." Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all night. 15:12 Early the next morning, Samuel met with Saul, and someone told him that Saul had gone to Carmel, where he set up a monument for himself, and then proceeded down to Gilgal. 15:13 When Samuel arrived, Saul said, "The Lord bless you! I have done what the Lord commanded." 15:14 Samuel replied, "What then is this sound of sheep and cattle I hear?" 15:15 Saul answered, "They were brought from the Amalekites; the people spared the best of the sheep and cattle to offer as sacrifices to the Lord your God, but we completely destroyed the rest." 15:16 Samuel said to Saul, "Stay, and I will tell you what the Lord told me last night." Saul replied, "Go ahead." 15:17 Samuel said, "Although you seemed insignificant in your own eyes, weren't you made the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel; 15:18 and the Lord sent you on a mission, saying, 'Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.' 15:19 Why didn't you obey the Lord? Why did you rush to take the spoil and do evil in the Lord's sight?" 15:20 Saul said to Samuel, "But I did obey the Lord. I went on the mission the Lord assigned me, and I brought back Agag, the king of Amalek, and destroyed the Amalekites completely. 15:21 The soldiers took some of the sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal." 15:22 But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 15:23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king." 15:24 Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 15:25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord." 15:26 Samuel said to Saul, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel." 15:27 As Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. 15:28 Samuel said to him, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and given it to someone else, to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 15:29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind; for He is not a human being, that He should change His mind." 15:30 Saul replied, "I have sinned. Please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me so that I may worship the Lord your God." 15:31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord. 15:32 Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag, the king of the Amalekites." Agag came to him in chains, cheerful, and said, "Surely the bitterness of death has past." 15:33 Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so will your mother be childless among women." And Samuel put Agag to death before the Lord at Gilgal. 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his home in Gibeah. 15:35 Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but he mourned for him. And the Lord was grieved that He had made Saul king over Israel.

16:1 Yahweh said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go: I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons. 16:2 Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. Yahweh said, Take a heifer with you, and say, I am come to sacrifice to Yahweh. 16:3 Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do: and you shall anoint to me him whom I name to you. 16:4 Samuel did that which Yahweh spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Come you peaceably? 16:5 He said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice to Yahweh: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. He sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. 16:6 It happened, when they had come, that he looked at Eliab, and said, Surely Yahweh's anointed is before him. 16:7 But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Yahweh sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart." 16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, Neither has Yahweh chosen this. 16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. He said, Neither has Yahweh chosen this. 16:10 Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. Samuel said to Jesse, Yahweh has not chosen these. 16:11 Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all your children? He said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is keeping the sheep. Samuel said to Jesse, Send and get him; for we will not sit down until he come here. 16:12 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. Yahweh said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he. 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers: and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 16:14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh troubled him. 16:15 Saul's servants said to him, See now, an evil spirit from God troubles you. 16:16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp: and it shall happen, when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play with his hand, and you shall be well. 16:17 Saul said to his servants, Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me. 16:18 Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Yahweh is with him. 16:19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, Send me David your son, who is with the sheep. 16:20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son to Saul. 16:21 David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer. 16:22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Please let David stand before me; for he has found favor in my sight. 16:23 It happened, when the evil spirit from God was on Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

16:1 Yahweh said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I’m sending you to Jesse from Bethlehem, because I have chosen a king among his sons." 16:2 Samuel replied, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." Yahweh said, "Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh.’" 16:3 "Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You will anoint the one I indicate to you." 16:4 Samuel did what Yahweh told him and went to Bethlehem. The elders of the town trembled when they met him and asked, "Do you come in peace?" 16:5 He answered, "Yes, I come in peace. I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." He consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 16:6 When they arrived, he looked at Eliab and said, "Surely Yahweh’s anointed stands here before me." 16:7 But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don’t look at his appearance or his height, because I have rejected him. For Yahweh does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart." 16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass by Samuel. Samuel said, "Yahweh hasn’t chosen this one." 16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. Samuel said, "Yahweh hasn’t chosen this one either." 16:10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. Samuel told Jesse, "Yahweh hasn't chosen any of these." 16:11 Samuel asked Jesse, "Are these all your children?" Jesse replied, "There’s still the youngest, but he’s out tending the sheep." Samuel said to Jesse, "Send for him; we won’t sit down until he arrives." 16:12 Jesse sent for him, and he brought him in. He was ruddy, with a beautiful face and handsome appearance. Yahweh said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one." 16:13 Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in front of his brothers. From that day on, the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon David. Then Samuel went back to Ramah. 16:14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh tormented him. 16:15 Saul’s servants said to him, "Look, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you." 16:16 "Let our lord command his servants here to find someone who plays the harp well. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, he can play, and you will feel better." 16:17 Saul told his servants, "Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me." 16:18 One of the young men answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse from Bethlehem who is skilled at playing, a brave warrior, a man of war, and he speaks well. He is also a handsome person, and Yahweh is with him." 16:19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse, saying, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." 16:20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a bottle of wine, and a young goat, and sent them with David to Saul. 16:21 David came to Saul and stood before him, and Saul loved him greatly; David became his armor-bearer. 16:22 Saul sent a message to Jesse, saying, "Please let David stay with me; he has found favor in my sight." 16:23 Whenever the evil spirit from God came on Saul, David would take the harp and play. Saul would feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. 17:2 Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. 17:3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. 17:4 There went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 17:5 He had a helmet of brass on his head, and he was clad with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. 17:6 He had brass shin armor on his legs, and a javelin of brass between his shoulders. 17:7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield bearer went before him. 17:8 He stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, Why are you come out to set your battle in array? am I not a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? choose a man for you, and let him come down to me. 17:9 If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then you will be our servants, and serve us. 17:10 The Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. 17:11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 17:12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men. 17:13 The three eldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 17:14 David was the youngest; and the three eldest followed Saul. 17:15 Now David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 17:16 The Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17:17 Jesse said to David his son, Take now for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers; 17:18 and bring these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and look how your brothers fare, and take their pledge. 17:19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 17:20 David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the army which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. 17:21 Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army. 17:22 David left his baggage in the hand of the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers. 17:23 As he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke according to the same words: and David heard them. 17:24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. 17:25 The men of Israel said, Have you seen this man who is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. 17:26 David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 17:27 The people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man who kills him. 17:28 Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why are you come down? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle. 17:29 David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 17:30 He turned away from him toward another, and spoke after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. 17:31 When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him. 17:32 David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 17:33 Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 17:34 David said to Saul, Your servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, 17:35 I went out after him, and struck him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and struck him, and killed him. 17:36 Your servant struck both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. 17:37 David said, Yahweh who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, Go, and Yahweh shall be with you. 17:38 Saul clad David with his clothing, and he put a helmet of brass on his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail. 17:39 David girded his sword on his clothing, and he tried to go; for he had not proved it. David said to Saul, I can't go with these; for I have not proved them. David put them off him. 17:40 He took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 17:41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David; and the man who bore the shield went before him. 17:42 When the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair face. 17:43 The Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? The Philistine cursed David by his gods. 17:44 The Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky, and to the animals of the field. 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 17:46 This day will Yahweh deliver you into my hand; and I will strike you, and take your head from off you; and I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky, and to the wild animals of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 17:47 and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn't save with sword and spear: for the battle is Yahweh's, and he will give you into our hand. 17:48 It happened, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 17:49 David put his hand in his bag, and took there a stone, and slang it, and struck the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine, and killed him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 17:51 Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of its sheath, and killed him, and cut off his head therewith. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 17:52 The men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until you come to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. The wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath, and to Ekron. 17:53 The children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. 17:54 David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent. 17:55 When Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the army, Abner, whose son is this youth? Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I can't tell. 17:56 The king said, "Inquire whose son the young man is!"

17:1 The Philistines gathered their armies for battle and camped at Socoh, which is part of Judah, between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. 17:2 Saul and the Israelite men gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, arranging their troops against the Philistines. 17:3 The Philistines stood on one mountain and Israel on another, with a valley in between. 17:4 A champion from the Philistine camp named Goliath from Gath came out, who was six cubits and a span tall. 17:5 He wore a bronze helmet on his head and was dressed in a coat of mail that weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. 17:6 He had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin slung across his back. 17:7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and its head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his armor bearer went ahead of him. 17:8 He stood and shouted to the Israelite armies, asking why they had come out to line up for battle. He said, "Aren't I a Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man to fight me." 17:9 If he wins and kills me, we will be your servants, but if I prevail and kill him, you will be our servants and serve us. 17:10 The Philistine declared, "I defy the armies of Israel today; give me a man so we can fight together." 17:11 When Saul and the Israelites heard those words from the Philistine, they were terrified and very afraid. 17:12 David was the son of Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and he was old during Saul's time, advanced in years. 17:13 Jesse's three oldest sons had followed Saul to the battle, their names being Eliab the firstborn, Abinadab his brother, and Shammah the third. 17:14 David was the youngest; the three oldest followed Saul. 17:15 David would go back and forth from Saul to tend his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 17:16 The Philistine drew near morning and evening for forty days. 17:17 Jesse instructed David, "Take for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves, and hurry to the camp to your brothers; 17:18 bring these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and check on your brothers and get their pledge." 17:19 Now Saul and the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah fighting the Philistines. 17:20 David got up early the next morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and went as Jesse had instructed him. He arrived at the wagon area just as the army going to battle shouted for the fight. 17:21 The Israelites and Philistines arranged themselves for battle, army against army. 17:22 David left his supplies with the baggage keeper and ran to greet his brothers. 17:23 While he was talking with them, the champion Goliath came up from the Philistine ranks and spoke the same words, and David heard them. 17:24 When the men of Israel saw Goliath, they fled in fear. 17:25 The Israelites said, "Have you seen this man who has come to challenge Israel? He has come out to defy us, and whoever kills him, the king will reward with great riches, give him his daughter, and make his family free in Israel." 17:26 David asked the men standing by, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes the disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he dares defy the armies of the living God?" 17:27 The people answered him the same way, saying, "So shall it be done for the man who kills him." 17:28 Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking to the men and became angry, asking David, "Why have you come down here? Who is watching those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the wickedness of your heart; you came down to watch the battle." 17:29 David replied, "What have I done now? Is there not a reason?" 17:30 He turned away from Eliab to someone else and asked the same question, and the people answered him in the same way. 17:31 When David's words were repeated to Saul, he sent for David. 17:32 David said to Saul, "Don’t let anyone's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine." 17:33 Saul replied, "You can't fight this Philistine; you're just a boy, and he has been a warrior since his youth." 17:34 David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 17:35 I went after it, struck it, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. When it turned on me, I grabbed it by its fur, struck it, and killed it. 17:36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them because he has defied the armies of the living God." 17:37 David continued, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from this Philistine." Saul replied, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." 17:38 Saul dressed David in his own armor, placing a bronze helmet on his head and a coat of mail on him. 17:39 David fastened his sword over the armor but tried to walk, as he was not used to them. "I can't go with these," David said to Saul. "I’m not used to them." So he took them off. 17:40 David then took his staff in hand, chose five smooth stones from the brook, put them in his shepherd's bag, and slung his sling in his hand as he approached the Philistine. 17:41 The Philistine came closer to David, and his shield bearer walked before him. 17:42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was young, ruddy, and handsome. 17:43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?" And he cursed David by his gods. 17:44 The Philistine said to David, "Come here, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field." 17:45 David replied to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of the Armies, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. 17:46 Today the Lord will hand you over to me, and I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the bodies of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, so that the whole world will know there is a God in Israel 17:47 and that all this assembly will know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." 17:48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack David, David quickly ran toward the battle line to meet him. 17:49 David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, hitting the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. 17:50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking him down and killing him; but David had no sword in his hand. 17:51 David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword, drew it from its sheath, and killed him, cutting off his head. When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 17:52 The men of Israel and Judah surged forward, cheering, and pursued the Philistines as far as Gai and the gates of Ekron. The wounded Philistines fell along the way to Shaaraim, Gath, and Ekron. 17:53 The Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camp. 17:54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem but put the Philistine's armor in his tent. 17:55 When Saul saw David going out to meet the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is that young man?" Abner replied, "As your soul lives, O king, I don’t know." 17:56 The king said, "Find out whose son the young man is!"

17:57 As David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 17:58 Saul said to him, Whose son are you, you young man? David answered, I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

17:57 As David came back from defeating the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him to Saul, holding the Philistine's head in his hand. 17:58 Saul asked him, "Whose son are you, young man?" David replied, "I am the son of your servant Jesse from Bethlehem."

18:1 It happened, when he had made an end of speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 18:2 Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 18:4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his clothing, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his sash. 18:5 David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 18:6 It happened as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. 18:7 The women sang one to another as they played, and said, Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands. 18:8 Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 18:9 Saul eyed David from that day and forward. 18:10 It happened on the next day, that an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; 18:11 and Saul cast the spear; for he said, I will strike David even to the wall. David avoided out of his presence twice. 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because Yahweh was with him, and was departed from Saul. 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 18:14 David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Yahweh was with him. 18:15 When Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him. 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them. 18:17 Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you as wife: only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh's battles. For Saul said, Don't let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him. 18:18 David said to Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? 18:19 But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife. 18:20 Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 18:21 Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David, You shall this day be my son-in-law a second time. 18:22 Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you: now therefore be the king's son-in-law. 18:23 Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, Seems it to you a light thing to be the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? 18:24 The servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spoke David. 18:25 Saul said, Thus you shall tell David, The king desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 18:26 When his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law. The days were not expired; 18:27 and David arose and went, he and his men, and killed of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might be the king's son-in-law. Saul gave him Michal his daughter as wife. 18:28 Saul saw and knew that Yahweh was with David; and Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him. 18:29 Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul was David's enemy continually. 18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it happened, as often as they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

18:1 When he finished talking to Saul, the spirit of Jonathan was connected to David, and Jonathan loved him like his own brother. 18:2 Saul took him that day and wouldn’t let him go back home to his father’s house. 18:3 Jonathan and David made a pact because he loved him like his own brother. 18:4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his clothes, his sword, his bow, and his belt. 18:5 David went out wherever Saul sent him and acted wisely; Saul put him in charge of the soldiers, and everything looked good to the people and to Saul's servants. 18:6 It happened that when David returned from defeating the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel singing and dancing to welcome King Saul, with tambourines, joy, and music. 18:7 The women sang to each other as they danced, saying, "Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands." 18:8 Saul was very angry, and this made him upset; he said, "They have credited David with ten thousands, but me they have given only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?" 18:9 From that day on, Saul looked at David with suspicion. 18:10 The next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house; David played the harp as he did every day. Saul had his spear in his hand; 18:11 and Saul threw the spear, saying, "I will pin David to the wall." David dodged out of his way twice. 18:12 Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him and had left Saul. 18:13 So Saul moved him away and made him commander over a thousand men; David went out and came in before the people. 18:14 David acted wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 18:15 When Saul saw how wisely David behaved, he was in awe of him. 18:16 But all of Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in before them. 18:17 Saul said to David, "Look, my older daughter Merab, I will give her to you as a wife; just be courageous for me and fight the Lord's battles." For Saul said, "Let my hand not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him." 18:18 David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?" 18:19 But when the time came for Merab, Saul's daughter, to be given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite instead. 18:20 Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David, and they told Saul, and this pleased him. 18:21 Saul said, "I will give her to him, so that she may be a trap for him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore, Saul said to David, "You will be my son-in-law again today." 18:22 Saul commanded his servants, saying, "Speak to David quietly and say, ‘Look, the king has taken a liking to you, and all his servants love you; therefore, become the king’s son-in-law.’" 18:23 Saul's servants spoke those words to David. David replied, "Do you think it’s a small thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I’m a poor man and of little reputation?" 18:24 The servants of Saul told him what David said. 18:25 Saul said, "Tell David this: The king desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, as vengeance against the king’s enemies." Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 18:26 When his servants delivered this message to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. The time hadn’t expired; 18:27 David rose up, along with his men, and killed two hundred Philistines; he brought their foreskins back and gave them all to the king so that he could become the king’s son-in-law. Saul gave him Michal, his daughter, as a wife. 18:28 Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him. 18:29 Saul became even more afraid of David, and he remained David's enemy all the time. 18:30 Then the leaders of the Philistines went out to battle; and it happened that whenever they went out, David behaved himself more wisely than all of Saul’s servants, making his name highly regarded.

19:1 Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David. 19:2 Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeks to kill you: now therefore, please take care of yourself in the morning, and live in a secret place, and hide yourself: 19:3 and I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will commune with my father of you; and if I see anything, I will tell you. 19:4 Jonathan spoke good of David to Saul his father, and said to him, Don't let the king sin against his servant, against David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you: 19:5 for he put his life in his hand, and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice; why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause? 19:6 Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan: and Saul swore, As Yahweh lives, he shall not be put to death. 19:7 Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all those things. Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as before. 19:8 There was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and killed them with a great slaughter; and they fled before him. 19:9 An evil spirit from Yahweh was on Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing with his hand. 19:10 Saul sought to strike David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he struck the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night. 19:11 Saul sent messengers to David's house, to watch him, and to kill him in the morning: and Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, If you don't save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be slain. 19:12 So Michal let David down through the window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. 19:13 Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair at its head, and covered it with the clothes. 19:14 When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick. 19:15 Saul sent the messengers to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him. 19:16 When the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at its head. 19:17 Saul said to Michal, Why have you deceived me thus, and let my enemy go, so that he is escaped? Michal answered Saul, He said to me, Let me go; why should I kill you? 19:18 Now David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. He and Samuel went and lived in Naioth. 19:19 It was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. 19:20 Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came on the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 19:21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 19:22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to the great well that is in Secu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? One said, Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah. 19:23 He went there to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God came on him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 19:24 He also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

19:1 Saul talked to his son Jonathan and all his servants about killing David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, really liked David. 19:2 Jonathan told David, saying, "My father Saul is trying to kill you. So please be careful and hide in a safe place in the morning. 19:3 I’ll go out and stand with my father in the field where you are and talk to him about you. If I find out anything, I’ll let you know." 19:4 Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying, "Don't let the king sin against his servant David, because he hasn’t done anything wrong to you, and his actions have been very good for you. 19:5 He risked his life to kill the Philistine, and God gave a great victory to all of Israel. You saw it and were happy; so why would you want to kill an innocent man?" 19:6 Saul listened to Jonathan and swore, "As the Lord lives, David won’t be put to death." 19:7 Jonathan called David and informed him of everything. He brought David back to Saul, and he was in his presence again, just like before. 19:8 There was war again, and David went out to fight the Philistines, defeating them with a great slaughter; they fled before him. 19:9 An evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul while he was sitting in his house with his spear in hand, and David was playing the harp. 19:10 Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, but David escaped from Saul's presence, and the spear struck the wall. David fled and got away that night. 19:11 Saul sent messengers to watch David's house and kill him in the morning, but Michal, David's wife, warned him, saying, "If you don’t save yourself tonight, you’ll be killed tomorrow." 19:12 So Michal let David down through the window. He fled and escaped. 19:13 Michal took a household idol and placed it in the bed, putting a goat's hair pillow at its head and covering it with blankets. 19:14 When Saul sent messengers to capture David, she said, "He’s sick." 19:15 Saul sent messengers back to see David, saying, "Bring him to me in the bed so I can kill him." 19:16 When the messengers arrived, they found the idol in the bed with the goat's hair pillow at its head. 19:17 Saul said to Michal, "Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy escape?" Michal answered Saul, "He told me, ‘Let me go; why should I kill you?’" 19:18 David fled and escaped and went to Samuel at Ramah, telling him everything Saul had done to him. He and Samuel went to live in Naioth. 19:19 Someone told Saul, "David is at Naioth in Ramah." 19:20 Saul sent messengers to capture David, but when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's messengers, and they prophesied too. 19:21 When Saul heard this, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied as well. Saul sent messengers a third time, and they also prophesied. 19:22 Then he went to Ramah himself and came to the big well in Secu, asking, "Where are Samuel and David?" Someone said, "They’re at Naioth in Ramah." 19:23 He went to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God came upon him too, and he prophesied until he reached Naioth in Ramah. 19:24 He even stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel, lying there naked all day and night. That’s why they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

20:1 David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity?" and "What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?"

20:1 David ran away from Naioth in Ramah and went to Jonathan, asking, "What have I done? What’s my wrongdoing?" and "What is my sin against your father that makes him want to kill me?"

20:2 He said to him, "Far from it; you shall not die: behold, my father does nothing either great or small, but that he discloses it to me; and why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so."

20:2 He said to him, "Not at all; you won't die. Look, my father doesn't do anything significant or minor without telling me; why would he keep this from me? That's not the case."

20:3 David swore moreover, and said, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he says, 'Don't let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved:' but truly as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death."

20:3 David further swore and said, "Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes; and he says, 'Don't let Jonathan know this, or he will be upset:' but truly, as Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, there is only a step between me and death."

20:4 Then said Jonathan to David, "Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you."

20:4 Then Jonathan said to David, "I'll do whatever you want."

20:5 David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to dine with the king; but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at evening. 20:6 If your father miss me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city; for it is the yearly sacrifice there for all the family.' 20:7 If he says, 'It is well;' your servant shall have peace: but if he be angry, then know that evil is determined by him. 20:8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you: but if there be in me iniquity, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father?"

20:5 David said to Jonathan, "Look, tomorrow is the new moon, and I can’t miss dinner with the king; but let me go hide in the field until the evening of the third day. 20:6 If your father notices that I'm missing, tell him, 'David really asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there’s a yearly sacrifice for the whole family.' 20:7 If he says, 'That’s fine,' then your servant will be safe; but if he gets angry, then you’ll know he has evil plans against me. 20:8 So please be kind to your servant, because you’ve made a covenant with me before Yahweh; but if I’ve done something wrong, just kill me yourself. Why should you take me to your father?"

20:9 Jonathan said, "Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then wouldn't I tell you that?"

20:9 Jonathan said, "I would never let that happen; if I knew that my dad planned to harm you, wouldn’t I let you know?"

20:10 Then said David to Jonathan, "Who shall tell me if perchance your father answer you roughly?"

20:10 Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will let me know if your dad responds to you harshly?"

20:11 Jonathan said to David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." They both went out into the field. 20:12 Jonathan said to David, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, be witness: when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you? 20:13 Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don't disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father. 20:14 You shall not only while yet I live show me the loving kindness of Yahweh, that I not die; 20:15 but also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the surface of the earth." 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Yahweh will require it at the hand of David's enemies. 20:17 Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 20:18 Then Jonathan said to him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 20:19 When you have stayed three days, you shall go down quickly, and come to the place where you did hide yourself when the business was in hand, and shall remain by the stone Ezel. 20:20 I will shoot three arrows on its side, as though I shot at a mark. 20:21 Behold, I will send the boy, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I tell the boy, Behold, the arrows are on this side of you; take them, and come; for there is peace to you and no hurt, as Yahweh lives. 20:22 But if I say thus to the boy, Behold, the arrows are beyond you; go your way; for Yahweh has sent you away. 20:23 As touching the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, Yahweh is between you and me forever. 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat food. 20:25 The king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's place was empty. 20:26 Nevertheless Saul didn't say anything that day: for he thought, Something has happened to him. He is not clean. Surely he is not clean. 20:27 It happened on the next day after the new moon, which was the second day, that David's place was empty: and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why doesn't the son of Jesse come to meat, neither yesterday, nor today? 20:28 Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: 20:29 and he said, Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he has commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away, I pray you, and see my brothers. Therefore he is not come to the king's table. 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, You son of a perverse rebellious woman, don't I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Therefore now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.

20:11 Jonathan said to David, "Come, let’s go out into the field." They both went out into the field. 20:12 Jonathan said to David, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, be my witness: when I talk to my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, if he has good things to say about David, should I not then send word to you and let you know? 20:13 May Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, if it pleases my father to harm you, and if I don’t inform you and send you away so you can go in peace: may Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father. 20:14 You must always show me the kindness of Yahweh while I’m still alive, so I won’t die; 20:15 and you must never cut off your kindness from my family forever; not even when Yahweh has eliminated all of David’s enemies from the face of the earth." 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Yahweh will hold David’s enemies accountable. 20:17 Jonathan made David swear again, out of the love he had for him; he loved him as he loved his own life. 20:18 Then Jonathan said to him, Tomorrow is the new moon: you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 20:19 After you’ve hidden for three days, you should quickly go down to the place where you hid before, and stay by the stone Ezel. 20:20 I will shoot three arrows on its side, as if I were aiming at a target. 20:21 Look, I will send the boy, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I tell the boy, Look, the arrows are on this side of you; take them and come; for there is peace for you and no danger, as Yahweh lives. 20:22 But if I say to the boy, Look, the arrows are beyond you; go away; for Yahweh has sent you away. 20:23 As for the matter we discussed, look, Yahweh is between you and me forever. 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat. 20:25 The king sat in his usual place, by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat beside Saul; but David’s place was empty. 20:26 Still, Saul didn’t say anything that day: he thought, Something must have happened to him. He must be unclean. Surely he’s unclean. 20:27 On the next day after the new moon, which was the second day, David’s place was empty again: and Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to eat, either yesterday or today? 20:28 Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem: 20:29 and he said, Please let me go, because our family is having a sacrifice in the city; and my brother has told me to be there: now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me go and see my brothers. That’s why he hasn’t come to the king’s table. 20:30 Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, You son of a rebellious woman, don’t I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother? 20:31 As long as the son of Jesse is alive on this earth, you will not be established, nor will your kingdom. Therefore, send and bring him to me, for he will surely die.

20:32 Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?"

20:32 Jonathan replied to his father Saul, and said to him, "Why should he be executed? What has he done?"

20:33 Saul cast his spear at him to strike him. By this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. 20:35 It happened in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little boy with him. 20:36 He said to his boy, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 20:37 When the boy was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the boy, and said, Isn't the arrow beyond you? 20:38 Jonathan cried after the boy, Go fast! Hurry! Don't delay! Jonathan's boy gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. 20:39 But the boy didn't know anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 20:40 Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy, and said to him, Go, carry them to the city. 20:41 As soon as the boy was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. 20:42 Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of Yahweh, saying, Yahweh shall be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed, forever. He arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

20:33 Saul threw his spear at him to hit him. This made Jonathan realize that his father was set on killing David. 20:34 So Jonathan got up from the table in anger and didn't eat any food on the second day of the month; he was upset for David because his father had shamed him. 20:35 The next morning, Jonathan went out to the field at the time he had agreed upon with David, and a little boy was with him. 20:36 He said to the boy, "Run, find the arrows I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him. 20:37 When the boy reached the spot where Jonathan had shot the arrow, Jonathan called out to him, "Isn’t the arrow beyond you?" 20:38 Jonathan shouted to the boy, "Go fast! Hurry! Don’t delay!" The boy collected the arrows and came back to his master. 20:39 But the boy didn’t know anything; only Jonathan and David were aware of what was going on. 20:40 Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said to him, "Go, take these to the city." 20:41 As soon as the boy left, David came out from a place to the South, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed three times; they kissed each other and cried together until David cried the most. 20:42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have both sworn in the name of Yahweh, saying, 'Yahweh will be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.'" He got up and left; Jonathan went back into the city.

21:1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said to him, Why are you alone, and no man with you? 21:2 David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has commanded me a business, and has said to me, Let no man know anything of the business about which I send you, and what I have commanded you: and I have appointed the young men to such and such a place. 21:3 Now therefore what is under your hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever there is present. 21:4 The priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under my hand, but there is holy bread; if only the young men have kept themselves from women. 21:5 David answered the priest, and said to him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days; when I came out, the vessels of the young men were holy, though it was but a common journey; how much more then today shall their vessels be holy? 21:6 So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the show bread, that was taken from before Yahweh, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. 21:7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before Yahweh; and his name was Doeg the Edomite, the best of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul. 21:8 David said to Ahimelech, Isn't there here under your hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. 21:9 The priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if you will take that, take it; for there is no other except that here. David said, There is none like that; give it to me. 21:10 David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 21:11 The servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David the king of the land? Didn't they sing one to another about him in dances, saying, 'Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands?'" 21:12 David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 21:13 He changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard. 21:14 Then said Achish to his servants, Look, you see the man is mad; why then have you brought him to me? 21:15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

21:1 Then David went to Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and asked him, "Why are you alone? Where is everyone?" 21:2 David replied to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has sent me on a mission and instructed me not to let anyone know anything about it or what I've told you. I've arranged for the young men to meet at such and such a place." 21:3 So, what do you have on hand? Please give me five loaves of bread, or whatever you have available." 21:4 The priest answered David, "I don’t have any ordinary bread, but I do have holy bread, as long as the young men have kept themselves away from women." 21:5 David told the priest, "Of course, we have been away from women for about three days. When I set out, the young men’s vessels were holy, even if it was just a regular journey. How much more so today will their vessels be holy?" 21:6 So the priest gave him the holy bread; there was no bread there except for the showbread that was taken from before Yahweh to put hot bread in its place when it was taken away. 21:7 Now, there was a man among Saul's servants that day, detained before Yahweh; his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. 21:8 David asked Ahimelech, "Do you have a spear or a sword available? I didn’t bring my sword or my weapons because the king's mission was urgent." 21:9 The priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, is here, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it, because there is no other sword here." David said, "There’s nothing like it; give it to me." 21:10 David left and fled that day in fear of Saul, going to Achish, the king of Gath. 21:11 The servants of Achish said to him, "Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Didn’t they sing about him, saying, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" 21:12 David took these words to heart and was very afraid of Achish, the king of Gath. 21:13 He pretended to be insane in front of them, scratching on the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down his beard. 21:14 Achish said to his servants, "Look, you see the man is crazy; why did you bring him to me?" 21:15 "Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this guy to act crazy in my presence? Should this man come into my house?"

22:1 David therefore departed there, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. 22:2 Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. 22:3 David went there to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said to the king of Moab, Please let my father and my mother come forth, and be with you, until I know what God will do for me. 22:4 He brought them before the king of Moab: and they lived with him all the while that David was in the stronghold. 22:5 The prophet Gad said to David, Don't stay in the stronghold; depart, and get you into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth. 22:6 Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him: now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 22:7 Saul said to his servants who stood about him, Hear now, you Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give everyone of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, 22:8 that all of you have conspired against me, and there is none who discloses to me when my son makes a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you who is sorry for me, or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? 22:9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. 22:10 He inquired of Yahweh for him, and gave him food, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. 22:11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. 22:12 Saul said, Hear now, you son of Ahitub. He answered, Here I am, my lord. 22:13 Saul said to him, Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread, and a sword, and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and is taken into your council, and is honorable in your house? 22:15 Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: don't let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more. 22:16 The king said, You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you, and all your father's house. 22:17 The king said to the guard who stood about him, Turn, and kill the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and didn't disclose it to me. But the servants of the king wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh. 22:18 The king said to Doeg, Turn you, and fall on the priests. Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell on the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore a linen ephod. 22:19 Nob, the city of the priests, struck he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing babies, and cattle and donkeys and sheep, with the edge of the sword. 22:20 One of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Yahweh's priests. 22:22 David said to Abiathar, I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. 22:23 Abide you with me, don't be afraid; for he who seeks my life seeks your life: for with me you shall be in safeguard.

22:1 David left and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and all his father's household heard this, they went down to join him. 22:2 Everyone who was struggling, in debt, or unhappy gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. 22:3 David then went to Mizpeh in Moab and asked the king of Moab to allow his father and mother to stay with him until he found out what God would do for him. 22:4 He brought them before the king of Moab, and they stayed with him for as long as David was in the stronghold. 22:5 The prophet Gad told David, "Don't stay in the stronghold; leave and go to the land of Judah." So David left and went to the forest of Hereth. 22:6 Saul heard that David had been discovered along with the men who were with him. Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, holding a spear, surrounded by his servants. 22:7 Saul said to the servants around him, "Listen up, you Benjaminites. Will the son of Jesse give each of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you captains of thousands and hundreds, 22:8 that all of you have conspired against me, and no one tells me when my son makes a deal with the son of Jesse? None of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my son has turned my servant against me to lie in wait, as is happening today?" 22:9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with Saul's servants, answered, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub." 22:10 He asked God for him, gave him food, and the sword of Goliath the Philistine. 22:11 Then the king summoned Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his family, the priests who were in Nob; they all came to the king. 22:12 Saul said, "Listen, son of Ahitub." He replied, "Here I am, my lord." 22:13 Saul asked him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, by giving him bread and a sword, and asking God for him so he can rise against me, to lie in wait, as is happening today?" 22:14 Ahimelech answered the king, "Who among all your servants is as loyal as David, your son-in-law, who is in your council and is honored in your house? 22:15 Have I just started asking God for him? No way! Don't blame your servant or my father's household for this; I know nothing about any of this, big or small." 22:16 The king said, "You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and your father's house." 22:17 The king commanded his guards, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand is also with David, and they knew he was escaping but didn't tell me." But the king's servants refused to carry out the order to kill the priests of the Lord. 22:18 The king said to Doeg, "You turn and kill the priests." So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, killing eighty-five men who wore linen ephods that day. 22:19 He also attacked Nob, the city of the priests, killing men, women, children, nursing babies, cattle, donkeys, and sheep with the sword. 22:20 One of Ahimelech's sons, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22:22 David said to Abiathar, "I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would definitely tell Saul: I have caused the deaths of all the people in your father's house. 22:23 Stay with me; don't be afraid, for the one who seeks my life seeks yours as well. With me, you will be safe."

23:1 They told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors. 23:2 Therefore David inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go and strike these Philistines? Yahweh said to David, Go, and strike the Philistines, and save Keilah. 23:3 David's men said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 23:4 Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered him, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand. 23:5 David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their livestock, and killed them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 23:6 It happened, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. 23:7 It was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. Saul said, God has delivered him into my hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars. 23:8 Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 23:9 David knew that Saul was devising mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring here the ephod. 23:10 Then said David, O Yahweh, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 23:11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Yahweh, the God of Israel, I beg you, tell your servant. Yahweh said, He will come down. 23:12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver up to me and my men into the hand of Saul? Yahweh said, They will deliver you up. 23:13 Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. It was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he gave up going there. 23:14 David abode in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn't deliver him into his hand. 23:15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood. 23:16 Jonathan, Saul's son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 23:17 He said to him, Don't be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows. 23:18 They two made a covenant before Yahweh: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. 23:19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doesn't David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert? 23:20 Now therefore, O king, come down, according to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him up into the king's hand. 23:21 Saul said, Blessed be you of Yahweh; for you have had compassion on me. 23:22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who has seen him there; for it is told me that he deals very subtly. 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hides himself, and come you again to me of a certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall happen, if he be in the land, that I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah. 23:24 They arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah on the south of the desert. 23:25 Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 23:26 Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them. 23:27 But there came a messenger to Saul, saying, Haste you, and come; for the Philistines have made a raid on the land. 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth. 23:29 David went up from there, and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

23:1 They told David, "Look, the Philistines are attacking Keilah and stealing from the threshing floors." 23:2 So David asked Yahweh, "Should I go and fight these Philistines?" Yahweh replied to David, "Yes, go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah." 23:3 David's men said to him, "Look, we're afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah to face the Philistine armies?" 23:4 Then David asked Yahweh again. Yahweh answered him, "Get up and go down to Keilah; I will hand the Philistines over to you." 23:5 David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines, drove off their livestock, and inflicted a great slaughter. So David saved the people of Keilah. 23:6 When Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, fled to David at Keilah, he brought an ephod with him. 23:7 Saul was told that David had come to Keilah. Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hands; he's trapped because he's entered a city with gates and bars." 23:8 Saul gathered all his troops to go down to Keilah and besieged David and his men. 23:9 David knew that Saul was plotting against him, so he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring me the ephod." 23:10 David then said, "O Yahweh, God of Israel, your servant has heard that Saul is coming to Keilah to destroy the city because of me. 23:11 Will the people of Keilah hand me over to him? Will Saul come down as your servant has heard? Yahweh, God of Israel, please tell your servant." Yahweh replied, "He will come down." 23:12 David then asked, "Will the people of Keilah hand my men over to Saul?" Yahweh said, "They will hand you over." 23:13 So David and his about six hundred men got up and left Keilah, going wherever they could. Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, so he stopped pursuing him. 23:14 David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness and remained in the hill country of Ziph. Saul searched for him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into Saul's hands. 23:15 David saw that Saul had come out to take his life, and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a forest. 23:16 Jonathan, Saul's son, went to David in the forest and strengthened him in God. 23:17 He said to him, "Don't be afraid, because my father Saul won’t find you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; my father knows this too." 23:18 The two of them made a covenant before Yahweh; David stayed in the forest, and Jonathan went back home. 23:19 Then the Ziphites went to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Doesn't David hide among us in the strongholds of the forest, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of the desert?" 23:20 "Now, O king, come down whenever your heart desires, and we will hand him over to you." 23:21 Saul said, "Blessed are you by Yahweh, for you have shown me kindness." 23:22 "Please go and check again, and find out exactly where he is hiding and who has seen him there; it's been reported to me that he is very cunning." 23:23 "So see and identify all the hiding places where he lurks, and come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he's in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." 23:24 They got up and went to Ziph before Saul, but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah south of the desert. 23:25 Saul and his men went to look for him. When David was told, he went down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard this, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. 23:26 Saul was on one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side. David hurried to escape from Saul, for Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. 23:27 But a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come; the Philistines have raided the land." 23:28 So Saul stopped chasing David and went against the Philistines; therefore they named that place Sela Hammahlekoth. 23:29 David moved from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

24:1 It happened, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi. 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. 24:3 He came to the sheep pens by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were abiding in the innermost parts of the cave. 24:4 The men of David said to him, Behold, the day of which Yahweh said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe secretly. 24:5 It happened afterward, that David's heart struck him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 24:6 He said to his men, Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, Yahweh's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Yahweh's anointed. 24:7 So David checked his men with these words, and didn't allow them to rise against Saul. Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 24:8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance. 24:9 David said to Saul, Why listen you to men's words, saying, Behold, David seeks your hurt? 24:10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that Yahweh had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you; but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Yahweh's anointed. 24:11 Moreover, my father, behold, yes, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and didn't kill you, know you and see that there is neither evil nor disobedience in my hand, and I have not sinned against you, though you hunt after my life to take it. 24:12 Yahweh judge between me and you, and Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand shall not be on you. 24:13 As says the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be on you. 24:14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. 24:15 Yahweh therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hand. 24:16 It came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, Is this your voice, my son David? Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 24:17 He said to David, You are more righteous than I; for you have rendered to me good, whereas I have rendered to you evil. 24:18 You have declared this day how that you have dealt well with me, because when Yahweh had delivered me up into your hand, you didn't kill me. 24:19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away unharmed? Therefore may Yahweh reward you good for that which you have done to me this day. 24:20 Now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 24:21 Swear now therefore to me by Yahweh, that you will not cut off my seed after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house. 24:22 David swore to Saul. Saul went home; but David and his men got them up to the stronghold.

24:1 Once Saul returned from chasing the Philistines, someone told him, "Look, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi." 24:2 So Saul took three thousand of the best men from all of Israel and went to look for David and his men in the rocky areas where the wild goats are. 24:3 He came to some sheep pens along the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were hiding in the back of the cave. 24:4 David's men said to him, "Today is the day the Lord told you about: 'I will give your enemy into your hands, and you can do whatever you want with him.'" David got up and secretly cut off a piece of Saul's robe. 24:5 Afterward, David felt guilty for cutting off the piece of Saul's robe. 24:6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, by harming him, since he is the Lord's anointed." 24:7 So David restrained his men with these words and did not allow them to attack Saul. Saul left the cave and went on his way. 24:8 David then got up, left the cave, and called out to Saul, "My lord the king!" When Saul turned around, David bowed down with his face to the ground. 24:9 David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to people saying, 'David is out to harm you'? 24:10 Look, today your own eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some of my men urged me to kill you, but I spared you because I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' 24:11 Moreover, my father, look, here is the hem of your robe in my hand! I cut off the hem of your robe, but I didn't kill you. Now you can see and know that I harbor no evil or rebellion against you, and I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting my life to take it. 24:12 May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you, but my hand will not be against you. 24:13 As the old proverb says, 'Wickedness comes from the wicked,' but my hand will not be against you. 24:14 Who are you chasing, king of Israel? Are you chasing after a dead dog or a flea? 24:15 May the Lord be the judge and decide between you and me, look, and plead my case, and deliver me from your hand." 24:16 When David finished saying these things, Saul said, "Is that your voice, my son David?" Saul raised his voice and wept. 24:17 He said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 24:18 You have shown today how well you have treated me; when the Lord put me in your hands, you did not kill me. 24:19 If a man finds his enemy, will he let him go unharmed? Therefore, may the Lord reward you for the good you have done to me today. 24:20 Now I realize that you will surely be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 24:21 Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not wipe out my name from my father’s house." 24:22 David swore to Saul. Then Saul went home, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.

25:1 Samuel died; and all Israel gathered themselves together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 25:2 There was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail; and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful face: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. 25:4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 25:5 David sent ten young men, and David said to the young men, Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: 25:6 and thus you shell tell him who lives in prosperity, Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 25:7 Now I have heard that you have shearers: your shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there anything missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel. 25:8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you: therefore let the young men find favor in your eyes; for we come in a good day. Please give whatever comes to your hand, to your servants, and to your son David. 25:9 When David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. 25:10 Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there are many servants who break away from their masters these days. 25:11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don't know where they come from? 25:12 So David's young men turned on their way, and went back, and came and told him according to all these words. 25:13 David said to his men, Gird you on every man his sword. They girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the baggage. 25:14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to Greet our master; and he railed at them. 25:15 But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields: 25:16 they were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 25:17 Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a worthless fellow that one can't speak to him. 25:18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched grain, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. 25:19 She said to her young men, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she didn't tell her husband, Nabal. 25:20 It was so, as she rode on her donkey, and came down by the covert of the mountain, that behold, David and his men came down toward her; and she met them. 25:21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to him: and he has returned me evil for good. 25:22 God do so to the enemies of David, and more also, if I leave of all that belongs to him by the morning light so much as one who urinates on a wall. 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried, and alighted from her donkey, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground. 25:24 She fell at his feet, and said, On me, my lord, on me be the iniquity; and please let your handmaid speak in your ears. Hear the words of your handmaid. 25:25 Please don't let my lord regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I your handmaid didn't see the young men of my lord, whom you did send. 25:26 Now therefore, my lord, as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, seeing Yahweh has withheld you from blood guiltiness, and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now therefore let your enemies, and those who seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. 25:27 Now this present which your servant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. 25:28 Please forgive the trespass of your handmaid: for Yahweh will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord fights the battles of Yahweh; and evil shall not be found in you all your days. 25:29 Though men be risen up to pursue you, and to seek your soul, yet the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with Yahweh your God; and the souls of your enemies, them shall he sling out, as from the hollow of a sling. 25:30 It shall come to pass, when Yahweh shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and shall have appointed you prince over Israel, 25:31 that this shall be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. When Yahweh shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember your handmaid. 25:32 David said to Abigail, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me: 25:33 and blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, that have kept me this day from blood guiltiness, and from avenging myself with my own hand. 25:34 For in very deed, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, who has withheld me from hurting you, except you had hurried and come to meet me, surely there wouldn't have been left to Nabal by the morning light so much as one who urinates on a wall. 25:35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him: and he said to her, Go up in peace to your house; behold, I have listened to your voice, and have accepted your person. 25:36 Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: therefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 25:37 It happened in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, that his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 25:38 It happened about ten days after, that Yahweh struck Nabal, so that he died. 25:39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from evil: and the evil-doing of Nabal has Yahweh returned on his own head. David sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take her to him as wife. 25:40 When the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, David has sent us to you, to take you to him as wife. 25:41 She arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 25:42 Abigail hurried, and arose, and rode on a donkey, with five ladies of hers who followed her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. 25:43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they became both of them his wives. 25:44 Now Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.

25:1 Samuel died; and all Israel came together, mourned for him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. David got up and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 25:2 There was a man in Maon whose land was in Carmel; he was very prominent and had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 25:3 The man's name was Nabal, and his wife's name was Abigail. She was smart and beautiful, but the man was harsh and evil in his dealings; he belonged to the house of Caleb. 25:4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 25:5 David sent ten young men and told them, “Go up to Carmel, greet Nabal in my name. 25:6 Say this: ‘Peace to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have. 25:7 I’ve heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds have been with us, and we’ve done them no harm. Nothing was missing from them while they were in Carmel. 25:8 Ask your young men, and they will confirm this. Please let them find favor in your eyes, because we come at a good time. Give whatever you can to your servants and to your son David.’” 25:9 When David's young men arrived, they spoke to Nabal exactly what David had said, and then they were silent. 25:10 Nabal answered David's servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who break away from their masters. 25:11 Should I take my bread, my water, and the meat I’ve prepared for my shearers and give it to men whose origins I don’t know?” 25:12 So David's young men turned and went back and told him all these words. 25:13 David said to his men, “Put on your swords!” Each man put on his sword, and David also strapped on his sword. About four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 25:14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he insulted them. 25:15 The men treated us very well, and we weren’t harmed; nothing was missing while we were with them in the fields. 25:16 They were like a wall around us, day and night, while we were with them shepherding the sheep. 25:17 So think about what you should do, because there’s trouble coming for our master and his entire household. He’s such a worthless man that no one can talk to him.” 25:18 Abigail quickly gathered two hundred loaves of bread, two bottles of wine, five prepared sheep, five measures of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 25:19 She told her young men, “Go ahead of me; I’m coming after you.” But she didn’t tell her husband, Nabal. 25:20 As she rode her donkey down the mountain, she met David and his men coming toward her. 25:21 David had said, “It’s been useless to protect everything this man has in the wilderness; I haven’t missed a thing, and he’s returned me evil for good. 25:22 May God punish me and more, if I leave so much as one male alive by morning.” 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried, got off her donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed to the ground. 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “On me, my lord, be the guilt. Let your servant speak to you; please listen to what I have to say. 25:25 Don’t pay any attention to that worthless man, Nabal. He’s just like his name; he’s foolish. I didn’t see the young men you sent. 25:26 Now, my lord, as the Lord lives and as you live, because the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from taking matters into your own hands, may your enemies be like Nabal. 25:27 Please accept this gift that your servant has brought you and give it to the young men who follow you. 25:28 Forgive the wrongs of your servant, for the Lord will certainly make your lord a lasting dynasty because you fight the battles of the Lord and no wrongdoing will be found in you all your days. 25:29 Even if men chase you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies will be hurled away as from the pocket of a sling. 25:30 When the Lord has done for my lord all the good he promised you and has appointed you ruler over Israel, 25:31 don’t let this be a cause for grief or a troubled conscience to my lord, about either shedding blood without cause or avenging himself. When the Lord has brought success to my lord, remember your servant.” 25:32 David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today. 25:33 Blessed is your advice, and blessed are you, for keeping me from bloodshed and from avenging myself. 25:34 As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you hadn’t come quickly to meet me, not one male would have been left to Nabal by morning.” 25:35 So David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. I’ve heard your words and accepted your plea.” 25:36 Abigail went back to Nabal, and there he was holding a feast in his house, like that of a king. He was very drunk, so she told him nothing, big or small, until morning. 25:37 In the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him what had happened, and his heart failed him, and he became like a stone. 25:38 About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. 25:39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for insulting me, and has kept me from doing wrong. The Lord has brought Nabal's wrongdoing down on his own head.” David then sent word to Abigail to take her as his wife. 25:40 When David's servants went to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to take you back to him as his wife.” 25:41 She bowed down with her face to the ground and replied, “I am your servant and will wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 25:42 Abigail hurried, got ready, and mounted her donkey, with five of her female servants following her; she went after the messengers of David and became his wife. 25:43 David also took Ahinoam from Jezreel, and both of them became his wives. 25:44 Now Saul had given his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

26:1 The Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doesn't David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert? 26:2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 26:3 Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 26:4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come of a certainty. 26:5 David arose, and came to the place where Saul had encamped; and David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his army: and Saul lay within the place of the wagons, and the people were encamped around him. 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? Abishai said, I will go down with you. 26:7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him. 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God has delivered up your enemy into your hand this day: now therefore please let me strike him with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time. 26:9 David said to Abishai, Don't destroy him; for who can put forth his hand against Yahweh's anointed, and be guiltless? 26:10 David said, As Yahweh lives, Yahweh will strike him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall go down into battle and perish. 26:11 Yahweh forbid that I should put forth my hand against Yahweh's anointed: but now please take the spear that is at his head, and the jar of water, and let us go. 26:12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head; and they got them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Yahweh was fallen on them. 26:13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them; 26:14 and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Don't you answer, Abner? Then Abner answered, Who are you who cries to the king? 26:15 David said to Abner, Aren't you a valiant man? and who is like you in Israel? why then have you not kept watch over your lord, the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king your lord. 26:16 This thing isn't good that you have done. As Yahweh lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, Yahweh's anointed. Now see where the king's spear is, and the jar of water that was at his head. 26:17 Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this your voice, my son David? David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king. 26:18 He said, Why does my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand? 26:19 Now therefore, please let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it be Yahweh that has stirred you up against me, let him accept an offering: but if it be the children of men, cursed be they before Yahweh: for they have driven me out this day that I shouldn't cling to Yahweh's inheritance, saying, Go, serve other gods. 26:20 Now therefore, don't let my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of Yahweh: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one does hunt a partridge in the mountains. 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David; for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. 26:22 David answered, Behold the spear, O king! let then one of the young men come over and get it. 26:23 Yahweh will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; because Yahweh delivered you into my hand today, and I wouldn't put forth my hand against Yahweh's anointed. 26:24 Behold, as your life was much set by this day in my eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of Yahweh, and let him deliver me out of all oppression. 26:25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be you, my son David: you shall both do mightily, and shall surely prevail. So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

26:1 The Ziphites went to Saul in Gibeah and said, "Isn't David hiding in the Hill of Hachilah, which is near the desert?" 26:2 Then Saul got up and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to look for David in the wilderness. 26:3 Saul camped in the Hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, on the way. But David stayed in the wilderness and saw that Saul had come after him into the wilderness. 26:4 David sent out spies and confirmed that Saul was indeed coming. 26:5 David went to the place where Saul had camped and saw where Saul lay, along with Abner, the son of Ner, the commander of his army; Saul was lying where the wagons were, and the people were camped around him. 26:6 Then David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai, the son of Zeruiah (Joab's brother), "Who will go down with me to Saul's camp?" Abishai said, "I will go with you." 26:7 So David and Abishai came to the troops at night. There lay Saul, sleeping in the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground next to his head, and Abner and the people were lying around him. 26:8 Then Abishai said to David, "God has delivered your enemy into your hands today. Please let me strike him down with the spear right now, and I won’t have to do it a second time." 26:9 David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him; for who can raise a hand against the Lord’s anointed and remain guiltless?" 26:10 David said, "As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him; or his day will come to die; or he will go down into battle and perish. 26:11 The Lord forbid that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But now, please take the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let's go." 26:12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they quietly got away, and no one saw it or knew it, nor did anyone wake up, for they were all asleep because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them. 26:13 Then David went to the other side and stood on top of a mountain far away; there was a great distance between them. 26:14 David called out to the people and to Abner, the son of Ner, saying, "Aren't you going to answer, Abner?" Then Abner answered, "Who are you who calls to the king?" 26:15 David said to Abner, "Aren't you a heroic man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord, the king? For someone came to destroy your lord, the king." 26:16 "This is not a good thing you have done. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die because you have not kept watch over your lord, the Lord’s anointed. Now see where the king's spear is, and the jar of water that was at his head." 26:17 Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" David said, "Yes, my lord, O king." 26:18 Saul asked, "Why does my lord pursue his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?" 26:19 "Now, please let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering; but if it is people who have done this, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out today so that I cannot cling to the Lord's inheritance, saying, 'Go, serve other gods.' 26:20 Therefore, don't let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the Lord; for the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, like someone hunting a partridge in the mountains." 26:21 Then Saul said, "I have sinned. Return, my son David; for I will no longer harm you, because you valued my life this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly and made a terrible mistake." 26:22 David answered, "Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and get it." 26:23 "The Lord will repay each person for his righteousness and faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed." 26:24 "Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so let my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and let Him deliver me from all trouble." 26:25 Then Saul said to David, "Blessed be you, my son David. You will do great things and surely succeed." So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

27:1 David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. 27:2 David arose, and passed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 27:3 David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife. 27:4 It was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him. 27:5 David said to Achish, If now I have found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you? 27:6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: why Ziklag pertains to the kings of Judah to this day. 27:7 The number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months. 27:8 David and his men went up, and made a raid on the Geshurites, and the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for those nations were the inhabitants of the land, who were of old, as you go to Shur, even to the land of Egypt. 27:9 David struck the land, and saved neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the cattle, and the donkeys, and the camels, and the clothing; and he returned, and came to Achish. 27:10 Achish said, Against whom have you made a raid today? David said, Against the South of Judah, and against the South of the Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites. 27:11 David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did David, and so has been his manner all the while he has lived in the country of the Philistines. 27:12 Achish believed David, saying, He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant forever.

27:1 David thought to himself, "I'm going to end up dying at the hands of Saul one day. There's nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up looking for me across all of Israel, and I’ll be safe from him." 27:2 So David got up and crossed over, along with the six hundred men with him, to Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 27:3 David lived with Achish in Gath, he and his men, each man with his household, including David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife. 27:4 Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, and he stopped searching for him. 27:5 David said to Achish, "If I have found favor in your eyes, please give me a place in one of the cities in the region so I can live there. Why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?" 27:6 Achish gave him Ziklag that day, and that’s why Ziklag belongs to the kings of Judah to this day. 27:7 The total time that David lived in the land of the Philistines was a year and four months. 27:8 David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, as those nations were the inhabitants of the land from ancient times, all the way to Shur and the land of Egypt. 27:9 David attacked the land and left no man or woman alive, taking away the sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing; then he returned and went back to Achish. 27:10 Achish asked, "Where did you raid today?" David replied, "Against the South of Judah, the South of the Jerahmeelites, and the South of the Kenites." 27:11 David didn’t save any man or woman alive to bring to Gath, saying, "If I do, they might tell on us, saying, 'So did David,' and that’s been his way ever since he lived in the land of the Philistines." 27:12 Achish believed David, saying, "He has made his people Israel completely hate him; therefore he will be my servant forever."

28:1 It happened in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me in the army, you and your men. 28:2 David said to Achish, Therefore you shall know what your servant will do. Achish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever. 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Saul had put away those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 28:4 The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa. 28:5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 28:6 When Saul inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn't answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 28:7 Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. His servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at Endor. 28:8 Saul disguised himself, and put on other clothing, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Please divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whoever I shall name to you. 28:9 The woman said to him, Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: why then lay you a snare for my life, to cause me to die? 28:10 Saul swore to her by Yahweh, saying, As Yahweh lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing. 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up to you? He said, Bring me up Samuel. 28:12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me? for you are Saul. 28:13 The king said to her, Don't be afraid: for what do you see? The woman said to Saul, I see a god coming up out of the earth. 28:14 He said to her, What form is he of? She said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a robe. Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance. 28:15 Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up? Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do. 28:16 Samuel said, Why then do you ask of me, seeing Yahweh is departed from you, and is become your adversary? 28:17 Yahweh has done to you, as he spoke by me: and Yahweh has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to David. 28:18 Because you didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, and didn't execute his fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore has Yahweh done this thing to you this day. 28:19 Moreover Yahweh will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me: Yahweh will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines. 28:20 Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. 28:21 The woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me. 28:22 Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way. 28:23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed. 28:24 The woman had a fattened calf in the house; and she hurried, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread of it: 28:25 and she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they ate. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

28:1 In those days, the Philistines gathered their armies for battle against Israel. Achish said to David, "You can be sure that you and your men will go out with me in the army." 28:2 David replied to Achish, "You will know what your servant will do." Achish said to David, "Then I will make you my bodyguard forever." 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his hometown. Saul had removed those who practiced witchcraft and the mediums from the land. 28:4 The Philistines assembled and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all of Israel and camped at Gilboa. 28:5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was terrified, and his heart trembled greatly. 28:6 When Saul asked the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, neither through dreams, Urim, nor prophets. 28:7 Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium so I can go to her and ask her." His servants replied, "There's a woman in Endor who has a familiar spirit." 28:8 Saul disguised himself, put on different clothes, and went with two men to the woman at night. He said, "Please consult a spirit for me and bring up whoever I name." 28:9 The woman said to him, "You know what Saul has done—he has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why are you setting a trap for my life to bring about my death?" 28:10 Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, "As the Lord lives, you will not be punished for doing this." 28:11 The woman asked, "Whom shall I bring up for you?" He said, "Bring me Samuel." 28:12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out loudly and spoke to Saul, saying, "Why have you deceived me? You are Saul." 28:13 The king said to her, "Don't be afraid. What do you see?" The woman told Saul, "I see a spirit coming up out of the earth." 28:14 He asked her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up, and he is wearing a robe." Saul recognized that it was Samuel, and he bowed down with his face to the ground. 28:15 Samuel asked Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" Saul answered, "I am in deep distress; the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has turned away from me and doesn't answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. That's why I have called you to tell me what I should do." 28:16 Samuel replied, "Why do you ask me, since the Lord has turned away from you and has become your enemy? 28:17 The Lord has done what he foretold through me: the Lord has torn the kingdom from your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 28:18 Because you did not obey the Lord's command and did not carry out his fierce anger against Amalek, the Lord has done this to you today. 28:19 Moreover, the Lord will hand Israel over to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also hand the army of Israel over to the Philistines." 28:20 Immediately, Saul fell on the ground, terrified by Samuel's words. He had no strength left because he had not eaten anything all day or all night. 28:21 The woman approached Saul and saw that he was deeply shaken. She said to him, "Look, your servant has listened to your voice. I put my life in my hands and listened to what you said. 28:22 Now please listen to your servant and let me set a piece of bread before you. Eat, so you will have strength when you go on your way." 28:23 But he refused, saying, "I won't eat." His servants, along with the woman, urged him, and he finally listened to them. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. 28:24 The woman had a fattened calf at her house; she hurried to kill it. She took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread. 28:25 She brought it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they got up and left that night.

29:1 Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites encamped by the spring which is in Jezreel. 29:2 The lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and David and his men passed on in the rearward with Achish. 29:3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, Isn't this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell away to me to this day? 29:4 But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where you have appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us: for with what should this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? should it not be with the heads of these men? 29:5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands? 29:6 Then Achish called David, and said to him, As Yahweh lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day: nevertheless the lords don't favor you. 29:7 Therefore now return, and go in peace, that you not displease the lords of the Philistines. 29:8 David said to Achish, But what have I done? and what have you found in your servant so long as I have been before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king? 29:9 Achish answered David, I know that you are good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle. 29:10 Therefore now rise up early in the morning with the servants of your lord who have come with you; and as soon as you are up early in the morning, and have light, depart. 29:11 So David rose up early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. The Philistines went up to Jezreel.

29:1 Now the Philistines gathered all their armies at Aphek, and the Israelites camped by the spring in Jezreel. 29:2 The lords of the Philistines moved on in hundreds and thousands, while David and his men followed behind with Achish. 29:3 Then the Philistine leaders asked, What are these Hebrews doing here? Achish replied to the leaders, Isn’t this David, the servant of Saul, the king of Israel, who has been with me for a while now, or rather for years? I haven’t found anything wrong with him since he joined me. 29:4 But the Philistine leaders were angry with him and said, Make the man return to the place you assigned him, and let him not come with us to battle, or else he might become an enemy in the fight; how could this guy win favor with his lord if not by attacking us? 29:5 Isn’t this David, the one they sang about in dances, saying, Saul has killed thousands, David tens of thousands? 29:6 Then Achish called David and said, As Yahweh lives, you have been trustworthy, and your presence with me in the army is good in my eyes; I haven’t found any fault in you since the day you came to me, but the lords don’t approve of you. 29:7 So now, go back and leave in peace, so you won’t upset the lords of the Philistines. 29:8 David replied to Achish, But what have I done? What have you found in your servant all this time I’ve been with you that makes you think I can’t go fight the enemies of my lord the king? 29:9 Achish answered David, I know you’re as good in my sight as an angel of God, but the Philistine leaders have said, He must not go with us to battle. 29:10 So now, get up early in the morning with the servants of your lord who’ve come with you, and as soon as it’s light, leave. 29:11 David got up early the next morning, he and his men, to return to the land of the Philistines. The Philistines went up to Jezreel.

30:1 It happened, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the South, and on Ziklag, and had struck Ziklag, and burned it with fire, 30:2 and had taken captive the women and all who were therein, both small and great: they didn't kill any, but carried them off, and went their way. 30:3 When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captive. 30:4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 30:5 David's two wives were taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 30:6 David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God. 30:7 David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, Please bring me here the ephod. Abiathar brought there the ephod to David. 30:8 David inquired of Yahweh, saying, If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them? He answered him, Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them, and shall without fail recover all. 30:9 So David went, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed. 30:10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they couldn't go over the brook Besor. 30:11 They found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he ate; and they gave him water to drink. 30:12 They gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him; for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights. 30:13 David said to him, To whom belong you? and whence are you? He said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick. 30:14 We made a raid on the South of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the South of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire. 30:15 David said to him, Will you bring me down to this troop? He said, Swear to me by God, that you will neither kill me, nor deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this troop. 30:16 When he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad over all the ground, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. 30:17 David struck them from the twilight even to the evening of the next day: and there not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who rode on camels and fled. 30:18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and David rescued his two wives. 30:19 There was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken to them: David brought back all. 30:20 David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drove before those other livestock, and said, This is David's spoil. 30:21 David came to the two hundred men, who were so faint that they could not follow David, whom also they had made to abide at the brook Besor; and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people who were with him: and when David came near to the people, he greeted them. 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and base fellows, of those who went with David, and said, Because they didn't go with us, we will not give them anything of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that he may lead them away, and depart. 30:23 Then said David, You shall not do so, my brothers, with that which Yahweh has given to us, who has preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand. 30:24 Who will listen to you in this matter? for as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike. 30:25 It was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day. 30:26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold, a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of Yahweh: 30:27 To those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the South, and to those who were in Jattir, 30:28 and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa, 30:29 and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, 30:30 and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Borashan, and to those who were in Athach, 30:31 and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men used to stay.

30:1 It happened that when David and his men arrived in Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had raided the southern region and attacked Ziklag, burning it to the ground, 30:2 and taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They didn’t kill anyone but took them away and left. 30:3 When David and his men reached the city, they saw that it was burned with fire; their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken captive. 30:4 David and the people with him raised their voices and cried until they could cry no more. 30:5 David's two wives had been captured: Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 30:6 David was deeply troubled because the people talked about stoning him, as their souls were bitter, each man grieving for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in Yahweh his God. 30:7 David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Please bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 30:8 David asked Yahweh, "Should I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" Yahweh answered him, "Pursue them; you will certainly overtake them and recover all." 30:9 So David went, along with the six hundred men who were with him, and they reached the brook Besor, where those who stayed behind remained. 30:10 But David continued the pursuit with four hundred men, as two hundred were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor. 30:11 They found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave him bread, and he ate; they provided him with water to drink. 30:12 They gave him a piece of fig cake and two clusters of raisins, and when he had eaten, he revived, for he hadn’t eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 30:13 David asked him, "Who do you belong to, and where are you from?" He replied, "I am a young Egyptian, a servant of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me because I fell sick three days ago. 30:14 We raided the southern area of the Cherethites, the territory belonging to Judah, and the southern part of Caleb. We burned Ziklag." 30:15 David asked him, "Will you lead me to this raiding party?" The young man said, "Swear to me by God that you won't kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will lead you to them." 30:16 When he had led David down, they were scattered all over the ground, eating, drinking, and dancing, because of all the great plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 30:17 David attacked them from sunset until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except for four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. 30:18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, and he rescued his two wives. 30:19 Nothing was missing, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, nor any of the plunder they had taken; David brought back everything. 30:20 David took all the herds and flocks, which they drove ahead of the other livestock, and he said, "This is David's plunder." 30:21 David returned to the two hundred men who had been too tired to follow him, staying by the brook Besor. They went out to meet David and those with him, and when David approached, he greeted them. 30:22 Then all the wicked men and troublemakers who had gone with David said, "Because they didn’t join us, we won’t share any of the plunder we recovered, except for their wives and children; they can take them and go." 30:23 David replied, "You must not do that, my brothers, with what Yahweh has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the raiding party that came against us. 30:24 Who will listen to you in this matter? For the share of the one who went down to battle will be the same as that of the one who stayed with the supplies; they will share alike." 30:25 From that day on, David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel, and it continues to this day. 30:26 When David returned to Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, his friends, saying, "Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the enemies of Yahweh." 30:27 He sent it to those in Bethel, those in Ramoth of the South, those in Jattir, 30:28 those in Aroer, those in Siphmoth, those in Eshtemoa, 30:29 those in Racal, those in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, those in the cities of the Kenites, 30:30 those in Hormah, those in Borashan, those in Athach, 30:31 those in Hebron, and to all the places where David and his men used to stay.

31:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. 31:2 The Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. 31:4 Then said Saul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell on it. 31:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him. 31:6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together. 31:7 When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them. 31:8 It happened on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 31:9 They cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines all around, to carry the news to the house of their idols, and to the people. 31:10 They put his armor in the house of the Ashtaroth; and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan. 31:11 When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard concerning him that which the Philistines had done to Saul, 31:12 all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. 31:13 They took their bones, and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

31:1 The Philistines fought against Israel, and the Israelites ran away from the Philistines, falling slain on Mount Gilboa. 31:2 The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons fiercely, killing Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 31:3 The battle turned heavily against Saul, and the archers caught up with him; he was in great distress because of the archers. 31:4 Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and mistreat me." But his armor bearer was too afraid to do it, so Saul took his sword and fell on it. 31:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. 31:6 So Saul died, along with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men, on the same day. 31:7 When the Israelites on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the Israelites had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled; the Philistines came and settled in them. 31:8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 31:9 They cut off his head, took off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to announce it to the house of their idols and to the people. 31:10 They placed his armor in the temple of Ashtaroth and nailed his body to the wall of Beth Shan. 31:11 When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 31:12 all the brave men got up, traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; they went to Jabesh and burned them there. 31:13 They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted for seven days.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 25:22 or, male.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, guy.

[2] back to 25:34 or, male.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, male.














The Second Book of Samuel

1:1 It happened after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; 1:2 it happened on the third day, that behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn, and earth on his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 1:3 David said to him, From whence come you? He said to him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. 1:4 David said to him, How went the matter? Please tell me. He answered, The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. 1:5 David said to the young man who told him, How know you that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead? 1:6 The young man who told him said, As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him. 1:7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, Here am I. 1:8 He said to me, Who are you? I answered him, I am an Amalekite. 1:9 He said to me, Stand, I pray you, beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me. 1:10 So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord. 1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the men who were with him: 1:12 and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. 1:13 David said to the young man who told him, Whence are you? He answered, I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite. 1:14 David said to him, How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh's anointed? 1:15 David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall on him. He struck him, so that he died. 1:16 David said to him, Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain Yahweh's anointed.

1:1 It happened after Saul’s death, when David returned from defeating the Amalekites, and he had stayed two days in Ziklag; 1:2 on the third day, a man came out of Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and showed respect. 1:3 David asked him, “Where are you coming from?” He replied, “I’ve escaped from the camp of Israel.” 1:4 David asked him, “What happened? Please tell me.” He answered, “The people fled from the battle, many are fallen and dead; Saul and his son Jonathan are dead too.” 1:5 David asked the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan are dead?” 1:6 The young man said, “As I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, I saw Saul leaning on his spear, and the chariots and horsemen were closing in on him. 1:7 When he looked back, he saw me and called to me. I replied, ‘Here I am.’ 1:8 He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 1:9 He told me, ‘Please stand beside me and kill me, for I’m in terrible pain, and my life is still in me.’ 1:10 So I stood beside him and killed him, knowing he wouldn’t survive after falling; I took the crown from his head and the bracelet from his arm and brought them here to my lord. 1:11 Then David grabbed his clothes and tore them; and all the men with him did the same: 1:12 they mourned, wept, and fasted until evening for Saul, for his son Jonathan, for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 1:13 David asked the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” He answered, “I’m the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite.” 1:14 David asked him, “How were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?” 1:15 David called one of the young men and said, “Go near and kill him.” So he struck him down, and he died. 1:16 David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head; your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord's anointed.’”

1:17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son 1:18 (and he bade them teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):

1:17 David expressed his sorrow for Saul and his son Jonathan 1:18 (and he instructed them to teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: look, it’s written in the book of Jashar):

1:19 Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
1:20 Don't tell it in Gath.
Don't publish it in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
1:21 You mountains of Gilboa,
let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings;
For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away,
The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil.
1:22 From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
Jonathan's bow didn't turn back.
Saul's sword didn't return empty.
1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives.
In their death, they were not divided.
They were swifter than eagles.
They were stronger than lions.
1:24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet delicately,
who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.
1:25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan is slain on your high places.
1:26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan.
You have been very pleasant to me.
Your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women.
1:27 How are the mighty fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!

2:1 It happened after this, that David inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? Yahweh said to him, Go up. David said, Where shall I go up? He said, To Hebron. 2:2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 2:3 His men who were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they lived in the cities of Hebron. 2:4 The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, saying, The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul. 2:5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, Blessed be you of Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 2:6 Now Yahweh show loving kindness and truth to you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because you have done this thing. 2:7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be you valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. 2:8 Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; 2:9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 2:10 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 2:11 The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 2:12 Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 2:13 Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. 2:14 Abner said to Joab, Please let the young men arise and play before us. Joab said, Let them arise. 2:15 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 2:16 They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 2:17 The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle. 2:19 Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 2:20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it you, Asahel? He answered, It is I. 2:21 Abner said to him, Turn you aside to your right hand or to your left, and lay you hold on one of the young men, and take you his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother? 2:23 However he refused to turn aside: therefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. 2:24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 2:25 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill. 2:26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don't you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you bid the people return from following their brothers?" 2:27 Joab said, As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed everyone his brother. 2:28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more. 2:29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. 2:30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel. 2:31 But the servants of David had struck of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred sixty men died. 2:32 They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.

2:1 After this, David asked Yahweh, "Should I go up to any of the cities in Judah?" Yahweh replied, "Go up." David then asked, "Where should I go?" He said, "To Hebron." 2:2 So David went there, along with his two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel. 2:3 David brought his men with him, each man with his household, and they settled in the cities of Hebron. 2:4 The men of Judah came and anointed David king over the house of Judah. They informed David that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul. 2:5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead and said to them, "Blessed are you by Yahweh, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, Saul, by burying him. 2:6 May Yahweh show you steadfast love and faithfulness, and I will also reward you for this kindness, because you have done this." 2:7 "Now, be strong and courageous, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me as their king." 2:8 Meanwhile, Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, had taken Ishbosheth, Saul's son, and brought him to Mahanaim; 2:9 he made him king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all of Israel. 2:10 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he ruled for two years. However, the house of Judah followed David. 2:11 David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah for seven years and six months. 2:12 Abner the son of Ner and the servants of Ishbosheth left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon. 2:13 Joab the son of Zeruiah and David's servants went out to meet them by the pool of Gibeon; they sat down, one group on one side of the pool, and the other group on the opposite side. 2:14 Abner said to Joab, "Let the young men get up and compete before us." Joab replied, "Let them get up." 2:15 So they stood up and were counted: twelve from Benjamin and Ishbosheth's men, and twelve from David's servants. 2:16 They each caught their opponent by the head and stabbed him with his own sword, so they fell together; that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 2:17 The battle that day was fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before David's servants. 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as swift as a wild gazelle. 2:19 Asahel chased after Abner and did not veer to the right or left as he followed him. 2:20 Abner looked back and asked, "Is that you, Asahel?" He answered, "Yes, it's me." 2:21 Abner said, "Turn aside to your right or left and grab one of the young men and take his armor." But Asahel refused to turn aside. 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I face Joab, your brother?" 2:23 Asahel, however, refused to turn aside, so Abner struck him with the back end of his spear, and the spear came out from his back. Asahel fell there and died on the spot, and everyone who came to the place where Asahel fell stood still. 2:24 Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun set as they reached the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah, on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. 2:25 The men of Benjamin gathered behind Abner, forming a united group, and they positioned themselves on top of a hill. 2:26 Abner called out to Joab, saying, "Will the sword keep consuming forever? Don't you realize it will bring bitterness in the end? How long before you tell the people to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?" 2:27 Joab replied, "As God lives, if you hadn't spoken, the people would have stopped pursuing their brothers by morning." 2:28 So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the people stopped and no longer pursued Israel or fought anymore. 2:29 Abner and his men traveled all night through the Arabah, crossed the Jordan, passed through all Bithron, and reached Mahanaim. 2:30 Joab returned from pursuing Abner, and when he had gathered all the people, nineteen of David's men were missing, along with Asahel. 2:31 But David's servants had struck down three hundred sixty of Benjamin and Abner's men. 2:32 They took Asahel and buried him in his father's tomb in Bethlehem. Joab and his men traveled all night, and dawn broke on them at Hebron.

3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 3:2 To David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 3:4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 3:5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 3:6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul. 3:7 Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in to my father's concubine? 3:8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? This day do I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this woman. 3:9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Yahweh has sworn to David, I don't do even so to him; 3:10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. 3:11 He could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 3:12 Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you. 3:13 He said, Well; I will make a league with you; but one thing I require of you: that is, you shall not see my face, except you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face. 3:14 David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I pledged to be married to me for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines. 3:15 Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish. 3:16 Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner to him, Go, return: and he returned. 3:17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past you sought for David to be king over you: 3:18 now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. 3:19 Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin. 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. 3:21 Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires. David sent Abner away; and he went in peace. 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. 3:23 When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 3:24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done? behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone? 3:25 You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do. 3:26 When Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah: but David didn't know it. 3:27 When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 3:28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner: 3:29 let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread. 3:30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 3:31 David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. King David followed the bier. 3:32 They buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 3:33 The king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dies? 3:34 Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.

3:1 There was a long war between Saul's house and David's house: David became stronger and stronger, while Saul's house became weaker and weaker. 3:2 David had sons born in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3:3 his second was Chileab, by Abigail, the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 3:4 his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; 3:5 his sixth was Ithream, by Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 3:6 During the war between Saul's house and David's house, Abner became strong in Saul's house. 3:7 Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, "Why did you go in to my father's concubine?" 3:8 Abner was very angry at Ishbosheth's words and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I showed kindness to Saul's house, your father, his brothers, and his friends, and I haven't delivered you into David's hands; yet you accuse me today of a fault concerning this woman. 3:9 May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I don't act as Yahweh has sworn to David; 3:10 to transfer the kingdom from Saul's house and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba." 3:11 Ishbosheth couldn't answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him. 3:12 Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "Whose is the land?" and also, "Make a covenant with me, and my hand will be with you to bring all Israel to you." 3:13 David replied, "Okay; I will make a covenant with you, but one thing I require: you must not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see me." 3:14 David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I was promised for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines." 3:15 Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish. 3:16 Her husband went with her, weeping as he followed her to Bahurim. Abner said to him, "Go back." So he returned. 3:17 Abner spoke with the elders of Israel, saying, "In the past, you sought David to be king over you. 3:18 Now, do it; for Yahweh has spoken concerning David, saying, 'By my servant David, I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.'" 3:19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin, and then he went to speak to David in Hebron about everything that seemed good to Israel and the entire house of Benjamin. 3:20 So Abner came to David in Hebron with twenty men. David made a feast for Abner and the men with him. 3:21 Abner said to David, "I will rise and go gather all Israel to my lord the king, so they can make a covenant with you, and you can reign over all that you desire." David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. 3:22 Meanwhile, David's servants and Joab returned from a raid, bringing a great spoil with them, but Abner wasn't with David in Hebron because he had sent him away in peace. 3:23 When Joab and all the army with him arrived, they told Joab, "Abner son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he's gone in peace." 3:24 Then Joab went to the king and asked, "What have you done? Abner came to you; why did you send him away? He's gone!" 3:25 "You know Abner son of Ner came to deceive you, to find out your going in and coming out, and to learn all that you do." 3:26 After Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David didn't know it. 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to talk quietly and stabbed him there, killing him for the blood of Asahel, his brother. 3:28 Later, when David heard about it, he said, "I and my kingdom are innocent before Yahweh forever concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. 3:29 Let it fall on Joab's head and on his father's house, and let there not be anyone from Joab's house who has a discharge, is a leper, leans on a staff, falls by the sword, or lacks bread." 3:30 Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon during battle. 3:31 David said to Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn for Abner." King David followed the coffin. 3:32 They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king raised his voice and wept at Abner's grave, and all the people wept. 3:33 The king lamented for Abner and said, "Should Abner die like a fool?" 3:34 "Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t in chains. You fell as a man falls before the wicked."

All the people wept again over him. 3:35 All the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun be down. 3:36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people. 3:37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner. 3:38 The king said to his servants, "Don't you know that there a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 3:39 I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evil-doer according to his wickedness."

All the people cried again over him. 3:35 Everyone came to encourage David to eat bread while it was still daytime; but David swore, saying, "May God deal with me, and more so, if I eat bread or anything else until the sun goes down." 3:36 Everyone noticed it, and they were pleased; since everything the king did made the people happy. 3:37 So everyone in Israel understood that day that it was not the king who killed Abner, the son of Ner. 3:38 The king said to his servants, "Don't you know that today a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel? 3:39 I am weak today, even though I'm anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too tough for me. May Yahweh repay the wrongdoer according to his wickedness."

4:1 When Ishbosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled. 4:2 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, had two men who were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin: 4:3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have lived as foreigners there until this day). 4:4 Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the news came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. 4:5 The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, as he took his rest at noon. 4:6 They came there into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they struck him in the body: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 4:7 Now when they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, they struck him, and killed him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night. 4:8 They brought the head of Ishbosheth to David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold, the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; and Yahweh has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. 4:9 David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, As Yahweh lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 4:10 when one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of him, and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 4:11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? 4:12 David commanded his young men, and they killed them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

4:1 When Ishbosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, he became weak, and all the Israelites were disturbed. 4:2 Ishbosheth had two men who were captains of groups: one was named Baanah and the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, from the tribe of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin: 4:3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, where they've lived as foreigners until this day). 4:4 Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news came about Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel; and his nurse picked him up and fled. As she hurried to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. 4:5 The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went to Ishbosheth's house around midday when he was resting. 4:6 They went into the house pretending they were there to get wheat; and they struck him and killed him. Rechab and Baanah his brother managed to escape. 4:7 When they entered the house, he was lying in his bedroom, and they killed him, beheaded him, took his head, and made their way through the Arabah all night. 4:8 They brought Ishbosheth's head to David in Hebron and said to the king, "Look, here is the head of Ishbosheth, son of Saul, your enemy who sought to take your life; and Yahweh has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and his descendants." 4:9 David answered Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, "As Yahweh lives, who has saved my soul from all trouble, 4:10 when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' thinking they were bringing good news, I grabbed him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 4:11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house on his bed, should I not now demand his blood from you and remove you from the earth?" 4:12 David commanded his young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hung them by the pool in Hebron. But they took Ishbosheth's head and buried it in Abner's grave in Hebron.

5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 5:2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel. 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh: and they anointed David king over Israel. 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. 5:6 The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, Except you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here; thinking, David can't come in here. 5:7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David. 5:8 David said on that day, Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him get up to the watercourse, and strike the lame and the blind, who are hated of David's soul. Therefore they say, There are the blind and the lame; he can't come into the house. 5:9 David lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of David. David built around from Millo and inward. 5:10 David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh, the God of Armies, was with him. 5:11 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house. 5:12 David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. 5:13 David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron; and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. 5:14 These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 5:15 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 5:16 and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. 5:17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold. 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 5:19 David inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand. 5:20 David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and he said, Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim. 5:21 They left their images there; and David and his men took them away. 5:22 The Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 5:23 When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, You shall not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees. 5:24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall bestir yourself; for then is Yahweh gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines. 5:25 David did so, as Yahweh commanded him, and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gezer.

5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Look, we are your own flesh and blood. 5:2 In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel in and out. And the Lord said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their prince.' 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them there before the Lord. They anointed David as king over Israel. 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years. 5:5 In Hebron, he ruled over Judah for seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem, he reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. 5:6 The king and his men went to Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, "You can't come in here unless you remove the blind and the lame," thinking, "David can't enter here." 5:7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion; that is, the city of David. 5:8 David declared that day, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites, let him go up the water shaft and strike the blind and the lame, whom David hates." Therefore they say, "There are the blind and the lame; he can't come into the city." 5:9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. He built up the area around Millo and inward. 5:10 David became more and more powerful, for the Lord God Almighty was with him. 5:11 Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David, along with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; they built a palace for David. 5:12 David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had made his kingdom great for the sake of his people Israel. 5:13 David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to him. 5:14 Here are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5:15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 5:16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. 5:17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, they all went to find David, and he heard about it and went down to the stronghold. 5:18 Meanwhile, the Philistines had spread out in the valley of Rephaim. 5:19 David asked the Lord, "Should I go up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The Lord answered David, "Go up, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you." 5:20 David went to Baal Perazim and defeated them there, saying, "The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breakthrough of water." So he named that place Baal Perazim. 5:21 They left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away. 5:22 The Philistines came again and spread out in the valley of Rephaim. 5:23 When David asked the Lord, he said, "Don't go up. Instead, circle around behind them and attack them near the mulberry trees. 5:24 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, get ready, because that means the Lord has gone out before you to strike the Philistine army." 5:25 David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

6:1 David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 6:2 David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim. 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 6:4 They brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was in the hill, with the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 6:5 David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with castanets, and with cymbals. 6:6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the cattle stumbled. 6:7 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. 6:8 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah, to this day. 6:9 David was afraid of Yahweh that day; and he said, How shall the ark of Yahweh come to me? 6:10 So David would not remove the ark of Yahweh to him into the city of David; but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 6:11 The ark of Yahweh remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months: and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom, and all his house. 6:12 It was told king David, saying, Yahweh has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David with joy. 6:13 It was so, that, when those who bore the ark of Yahweh had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. 6:14 David danced before Yahweh with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Yahweh with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 6:16 It was so, as the ark of Yahweh came into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Yahweh; and she despised him in her heart. 6:17 They brought in the ark of Yahweh, and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh. 6:18 When David had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of Armies. 6:19 He dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a cake of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed everyone to his house. 6:20 Then David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself! 6:21 David said to Michal, It was before Yahweh, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Yahweh, over Israel: therefore will I play before Yahweh. 6:22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in my own sight: but of the handmaids of whom you have spoken, they shall honor me. 6:23 Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

6:1 David once again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in total. 6:2 David got up and, along with all the people with him, went from Baale Judah to bring up the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim. 6:3 They placed the ark of God on a new cart and took it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 6:4 They brought it out from the house of Abinadab on the hill, with the ark of God, and Ahio went ahead of the ark. 6:5 David and all the house of Israel celebrated before Yahweh with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and stringed instruments, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. 6:6 When they reached the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark of God because the oxen stumbled. 6:7 The anger of Yahweh burned against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his mistake; and he died there beside the ark of God. 6:8 David was upset because Yahweh had broken out against Uzzah; and he named that place Perez Uzzah, to this day. 6:9 David was afraid of Yahweh that day, and he said, “How can the ark of Yahweh come to me?” 6:10 So David wouldn’t move the ark of Yahweh into the city of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 6:11 The ark of Yahweh remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. 6:12 It was reported to King David that Yahweh had blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belonged to him, because of the ark of God. David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the city of David with joy. 6:13 It happened that when those carrying the ark of Yahweh had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. 6:14 David danced before Yahweh with all his might; he was wearing a linen ephod. 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Yahweh with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 6:16 As the ark of Yahweh entered the city of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked out the window and saw King David dancing and leaping before Yahweh, and she despised him in her heart. 6:17 They brought the ark of Yahweh in and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that David had set up for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh. 6:18 After David finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of Armies. 6:19 He distributed to all the people, including the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. Then everyone went home. 6:20 After that, David returned to bless his household. Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet David and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, who exposed himself today in the eyes of the servant girls like one of those worthless fellows who shamelessly exposes himself!” 6:21 David replied to Michal, “It was before Yahweh, who chose me over your father and his entire house, to appoint me as leader over the people of Yahweh, over Israel. Therefore, I will celebrate before Yahweh. 6:22 I will be even more undignified than this, and I will be low in my own eyes; but by the servant girls you mentioned, I will be honored.” 6:23 Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no children to the day of her death.

7:1 It happened, when the king lived in his house, and Yahweh had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 7:2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains. 7:3 Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in your heart; for Yahweh is with you. 7:4 It happened the same night, that the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying, 7:5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus says Yahweh, Shall you build me a house for me to dwell in? 7:6 for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have moved around in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7:7 In all places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, spoke I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? 7:8 Now therefore thus you shall tell my servant David, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people, over Israel; 7:9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 7:10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as at the first, 7:11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh tells you that Yahweh will make you a house. 7:12 When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 7:13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 7:14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; 7:15 but my loving kindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. 7:16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before you: your throne shall be established forever. 7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to David. 7:18 Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, Who am I, Lord Yahweh, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 7:19 This was yet a small thing in your eyes, Lord Yahweh; but you have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of men, Lord Yahweh! 7:20 What can David say more to you? for you know your servant, Lord Yahweh. 7:21 For your word's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 7:22 Therefore you are great, Yahweh God: for there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 7:23 What one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, and to make him a name, and to do great things for you, and awesome things for your land, before your people, whom you redeem to you out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 7:24 You did establish to yourself your people Israel to be a people to you forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God. 7:25 Now, Yahweh God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm you it forever, and do as you have spoken. 7:26 Let your name be magnified forever, saying, Yahweh of Armies is God over Israel; and the house of your servant David shall be established before you. 7:27 For you, Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, I will build you a house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray this prayer to you. 7:28 Now, O Lord Yahweh, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant: 7:29 now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord Yahweh, have spoken it: and with your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed forever.

7:1 It happened when the king was living in his house, and the Lord had granted him peace from all his enemies around him, 7:2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "Look, I live in a house made of cedar, but the ark of God is housed in curtains." 7:3 Nathan replied to the king, "Go ahead and do whatever is in your heart; for the Lord is with you." 7:4 That same night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 7:5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 7:6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, until this day, but have moved around in a tent and a tabernacle. 7:7 In all the places where I have walked with all the children of Israel, did I ever say a word to any of the tribes of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" 7:8 Now therefore, this is what you shall tell my servant David: 'This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel; 7:9 and I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make your name great, like the names of the great ones on the earth. 7:10 I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them anymore, as they did at first, 7:11 and as they did from the day I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Furthermore, the Lord tells you that the Lord will build you a house. 7:12 When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 7:13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 7:14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the strokes inflicted by human beings; 7:15 but my love will not be taken from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 7:16 Your house and your kingdom will be established forever before you; your throne will be established forever." 7:17 According to all these words and according to all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. 7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said, "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me this far? 7:19 This was insignificant in your eyes, Lord God; but you have also spoken about your servant's house for a long time to come; and this is also in line with your plans, Lord God! 7:20 What more can David say to you? You know your servant, Lord God. 7:21 For the sake of your word and according to your own heart, you have worked all this greatness to make your servant know it. 7:22 Therefore you are great, Lord God, for there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 7:23 What other nation on earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem as a people for himself, and to make himself a name, and to do great and awesome things for you, and for your land, before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 7:24 You established your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, Lord, became their God. 7:25 Now, Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and his house, and do as you have said. 7:26 Let your name be magnified forever, saying, 'The Lord of Hosts is God over Israel'; and may the house of your servant David be established before you. 7:27 For you, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house': therefore your servant has found it in his heart to pray this prayer to you. 7:28 Now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant: 7:29 now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord God, have said it: and with your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed forever.

8:1 After this it happened that David struck the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines. 8:2 He struck Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. The Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute. 8:3 David struck also Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River. 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots. 8:5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 8:7 David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8:8 From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. 8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer, 8:10 then Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to Greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: 8:11 These also did king David dedicate to Yahweh, with the silver and gold that he dedicated of all the nations which he subdued; 8:12 of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 8:13 David got him a name when he returned from smiting the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, even eighteen thousand men. 8:14 He put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 8:15 David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness to all his people. 8:16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 8:17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe; 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers.

8:1 After this, David attacked the Philistines and defeated them, taking control of the capital city from their hands. 8:2 He also fought against Moab, measuring them off with a line: two lines were designated for death and one for life. The Moabites became David's servants and brought him tribute. 8:3 David also defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he was trying to reclaim his territory by the River. 8:4 David captured one thousand seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand foot soldiers, hamstringing all the chariot horses except for enough to keep one hundred chariots. 8:5 When the Syrians from Damascus went to help Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David killed twenty-two thousand of them. 8:6 David established garrisons in Damascus, and the Syrians became his servants, bringing him tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. 8:7 David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's servants and brought them to Jerusalem. 8:8 He also took a large amount of bronze from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer. 8:9 When Toi, king of Hamath, heard that David had defeated Hadadezer's army, 8:10 he sent his son Joram to greet and bless David because he had fought against Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought silver, gold, and bronze vessels with him: 8:11 These were also dedicated to the Lord by King David, along with the silver and gold he dedicated from all the nations he had defeated; 8:12 from Syria, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and the spoils from Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 8:13 David gained a reputation when he returned from defeating the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, killing eighteen thousand men. 8:14 He set up garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David's servants. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. 8:15 David ruled over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness to all his people. 8:16 Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was in charge of the army; Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the recorder; 8:17 Zadok, the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech, the son of Abiathar, served as priests; Seraiah was the scribe; 8:18 Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was in charge of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons served as chief ministers.

9:1 David said, Is there yet any who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 9:2 There was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, Are you Ziba? He said, Your servant is he. 9:3 The king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? Ziba said to the king, Jonathan has yet a son, who is lame of his feet. 9:4 The king said to him, Where is he? Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar. 9:5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. 9:6 Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. David said, Mephibosheth. He answered, Behold, your servant! 9:7 David said to him, "Don't be afraid of him; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." 9:8 He did obeisance, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?" 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that pertained to Saul and to all his house have I given to your master's son. 9:10 You shall till the land for him, you, and your sons, and your servants; and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 9:11 Then said Ziba to the king, According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your shall servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. All that lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth. 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem; for he ate continually at the king's table. He was lame in both his feet.

9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul so I can show him kindness because of Jonathan?” 9:2 There was a servant from Saul's house named Ziba, and they called him to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He answered, “Yes, I am your servant.” 9:3 The king asked, “Is there anyone left in the house of Saul whom I can show God's kindness to?” Ziba replied, “Jonathan has a son, but he is crippled in both feet.” 9:4 The king asked, “Where is he?” Ziba answered, “He’s at the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.” 9:5 Then King David sent for him and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. 9:6 Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul, came to David, fell on his face, and paid his respects. David said, “Mephibosheth?” He replied, “Yes, your servant!” 9:7 David said to him, “Don’t be afraid, because I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 9:8 He bowed down and said, “What is your servant that you should notice a dead dog like me?” 9:9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, “I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 9:10 You and your sons and your servants will farm the land for him and bring in the crops so that your master's grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will always eat at my table.” Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 9:11 Ziba said to the king, “I’ll do whatever my lord the king commands. As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he will eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. Everyone in Ziba’s household was a servant to Mephibosheth. 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem because he ate at the king's table regularly. He was crippled in both feet.

10:1 It happened after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 10:2 David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me. So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon. 10:3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, Do you think that David honors your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Hasn't David sent his servants to you to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? 10:4 So Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 10:5 When they told it to David, he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, Wait at Jericho until your beards are grown, and then return. 10:6 When the children of Ammon saw that they were become odious to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men. 10:7 When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty men. 10:8 The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. 10:9 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: 10:10 The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and he put them in array against the children of Ammon. 10:11 He said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Yahweh do that which seems him good. 10:13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him. 10:14 When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem. 10:15 When the Syrians saw that they were defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 10:16 Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 10:17 It was told David; and he gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. 10:18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrians the men of seven hundred chariots, and forty thousand horsemen, and struck Shobach the captain of their army, so that he died there. 10:19 When all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

10:1 After this, the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun took over the throne. 10:2 David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, because his father was kind to me." So David sent his servants to comfort him about his father's death. David's servants went into the land of the Ammonites. 10:3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, their lord, "Do you really think David is honoring your father by sending comforters to you? Isn't David just sending his servants to spy on the city and to conquer it?" 10:4 So Hanun took David's servants, shaved half of their beards, cut their clothes in half down to their hips, and sent them away. 10:5 When David heard about this, he sent someone to meet them because the men were deeply ashamed. The king said, "Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back, and then return." 10:6 When the Ammonites realized they had made themselves repulsive to David, they hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob and the Syrians of Zobah—twenty thousand foot soldiers—and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, along with twelve thousand men from Tob. 10:7 When David heard this, he sent Joab and all the elite warriors. 10:8 The Ammonites went out and arranged themselves for battle at the city gate, while the Syrians from Zobah, Rehob, Tob, and Maacah were in the field by themselves. 10:9 When Joab saw that he was surrounded by the battle in front and behind, he chose the best of Israel's men and arranged them to face the Syrians. 10:10 He put the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, arranging them to confront the Ammonites. 10:11 He said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, you come help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I'll come help you." 10:12 "Be courageous, and let us be strong for our people and the cities of our God. May Yahweh do what he sees fit." 10:13 So Joab and the men with him moved forward to fight the Syrians, and they fled before him. 10:14 When the Ammonites saw that the Syrians had fled, they also fled before Abishai and ran into the city. Then Joab returned from fighting the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem. 10:15 When the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped. 10:16 Hadadezer sent for the Syrians beyond the River, and they came to Helam, with Shobach, the captain of Hadadezer's army, leading them. 10:17 David was informed, and he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. The Syrians positioned themselves against David and fought him. 10:18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven hundred chariot drivers and forty thousand horsemen among the Syrians, and he struck down Shobach, the commander of their army, so that he died there. 10:19 When all the kings who served Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became their servants. As a result, the Syrians were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.

11:1 It happened, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. 11:2 It happened at evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look on. 11:3 David send and inquired after the woman. One said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 11:4 David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in to him, and he lay with her (for she was purified from her uncleanness); and she returned to her house. 11:5 The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, I am with child. 11:6 David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. Joab sent Uriah to David. 11:7 When Uriah was come to him, David asked of him how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered. 11:8 David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash your feet. Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of food from the king. 11:9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and didn't go down to his house. 11:10 When they had told David, saying, Uriah didn't go down to his house, David said to Uriah, Haven't you come from a journey? why did you not go down to your house? 11:11 Uriah said to David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in booths; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open field; shall I then go into my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing. 11:12 David said to Uriah, Stay here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the next day. 11:13 When David had called him, he ate and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but didn't go down to his house. 11:14 It happened in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 11:15 He wrote in the letter, saying, Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire you from him, that he may be struck, and die. 11:16 It happened, when Joab kept watch on the city, that he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew that valiant men were. 11:17 The men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people, even of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. 11:18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war; 11:19 and he commanded the messenger, saying, "When you have made an end of telling all the things concerning the war to the king, 11:20 it shall be that, if the king's wrath arise, and he tells you, 'Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Didn't you know that they would shoot from the wall? 11:21 who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Didn't a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?' then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'"

11:1 It happened when the year turned, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab, along with his servants and all Israel; they defeated the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. 11:2 One evening, David got up from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's palace. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing; the woman was incredibly beautiful. 11:3 David sent someone to find out more about her. Someone said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 11:4 David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he slept with her (because she had just finished her menstrual period); then she returned home. 11:5 The woman became pregnant and sent a message to David, saying, "I am pregnant." 11:6 David sent word to Joab, saying, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." Joab sent Uriah to David. 11:7 When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab was doing, how the troops were faring, and how the war was going. 11:8 David told Uriah, "Go home and wash your feet." Uriah left the king's palace, and a meal from the king followed him. 11:9 However, Uriah slept at the entrance of the king's palace with all the king's servants and did not go home. 11:10 When David was told that Uriah did not go home, he asked Uriah, "Haven't you just come from a journey? Why didn't you go home?" 11:11 Uriah replied to David, "The ark, Israel, and Judah are staying in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Should I then go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As you live and as your soul lives, I will not do this!" 11:12 David said to Uriah, "Stay here today as well, and tomorrow I will send you back." So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. 11:13 When David summoned him, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. That evening, Uriah went out to lie on his bed with the king's servants but did not go home. 11:14 In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 11:15 He wrote in the letter, "Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is the fiercest, then pull back from him so that he will be struck down and die." 11:16 It happened that when Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to the spot where he knew the strongest soldiers were. 11:17 The men of the city came out and fought against Joab, and some of the people, including some of David's servants, fell; Uriah the Hittite also died. 11:18 Then Joab sent a report to David about everything that had happened in the war; 11:19 and he instructed the messenger, saying, "When you have finished telling the king everything about the battle, 11:20 if the king gets angry and asks you, 'Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot from the wall? 11:21 Who killed Abimelech, the son of Jerubbesheth? Wasn't it a woman who dropped a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so close to the wall?' then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead too.'"

11:22 So the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for. 11:23 The messenger said to David, The men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field, and we were on them even to the entrance of the gate. 11:24 The shooters shot at your servants from off the wall; and some of the king's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also. 11:25 Then David said to the messenger, Thus you shall tell Joab, Don't let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another; make your battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage you him. 11:26 When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she made lamentation for her husband. 11:27 When the mourning was past, David sent and took her home to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased Yahweh.

11:22 So the messenger went, and came back to David with everything Joab had sent him to say. 11:23 The messenger told David, "Our men fought hard against them and pushed them back into the field, but they drove us all the way to the gate. 11:24 The archers shot at your servants from the wall; some of your king's men are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead." 11:25 Then David said to the messenger, "Tell Joab this: Don’t let this upset you because the sword takes both sides; make your attack against the city stronger and take it down: and encourage him." 11:26 When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 11:27 After the mourning period was over, David sent for her and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But what David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord.

12:1 Yahweh sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, "There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 12:2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 12:3 but the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and raised. It grew up together with him, and with his children. It ate of his own food, drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was to him like a daughter. 12:4 A traveler came to the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man who had come to him, but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man who had come to him."

12:1 God sent Nathan to David. He went to him and said, "There were two men in one city; one was rich, and the other was poor. 12:2 The rich man had a lot of flocks and herds, 12:3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb that he had purchased and raised. It grew up with him and his children. It ate his food, drank from his cup, and lay in his arms; it was like a daughter to him. 12:4 When a traveler came to the rich man, he refused to take from his own flock and herd to prepare for the traveler who had come to him, instead, he took the poor man's lamb and cooked it for the man who had arrived."

12:5 David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this is worthy to die! 12:6 He shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity!"

12:5 David was extremely angry at the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die! 12:6 He must repay the lamb four times over because he did this and had no compassion!"

12:7 Nathan said to David, "You are the man. This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 12:8 I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that would have been too little, I would have added to you many more such things. 12:9 Why have you despised the word of Yahweh, to do that which is evil in his sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 12:10 Now therefore the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' 12:11 This is what Yahweh says: 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he will lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12:12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.'"

12:7 Nathan said to David, "You are the one. This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'I appointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from Saul's grip. 12:8 I gave you your master's house and your master's wives to take care of, and I gave you the kingdoms of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added even more. 12:9 Why have you rejected the word of the Lord by doing what is wrong in His eyes? You killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, took his wife, and then had him killed with the sword of the Ammonites. 12:10 Because of this, the sword will never leave your house, since you have despised me and taken Uriah the Hittite's wife as your own.' 12:11 This is what the Lord says: 'Look, I will bring disaster upon you from your own family; I will take your wives right in front of you and give them to your neighbor, who will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12:12 You acted in secret, but I will do this thing in front of all Israel and in broad daylight.'"

12:13 David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against Yahweh."

12:13 David said to Nathan, "I've sinned against the Lord."

Nathan said to David, "Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die. 12:14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to Yahweh's enemies to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." 12:15 Nathan departed to his house.

Nathan said to David, "The Lord has also forgiven your sin. You won’t die. 12:14 However, because of what you’ve done, you’ve given Yahweh's enemies a reason to insult Him, the child born to you will surely die." 12:15 Nathan went back to his house.

Yahweh struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it was very sick. 12:16 David therefore begged God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth. 12:17 The elders of his house arose, and stood beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. 12:18 It happened on the seventh day, that the child died. The servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he didn't listen to our voice: how will he then harm himself, if we tell him that the child is dead! 12:19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said to his servants, Is the child dead? They said, He is dead. 12:20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his clothing; and he came into the house of Yahweh, and worshiped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he ate. 12:21 Then said his servants to him, What thing is this that you have done? you did fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, you did rise and eat bread. 12:22 He said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live? 12:23 But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me. 12:24 David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her: and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Yahweh loved him; 12:25 and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh's sake. 12:26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city. 12:27 Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah; yes, I have taken the city of waters. 12:28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it; lest I take the city, and it be called after my name. 12:29 David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it. 12:30 He took the crown of their king from off his head; and its weight was a talent of gold, and in it were precious stones; and it was set on David's head. He brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much. 12:31 He brought forth the people who were therein, and put them under saws, and under iron picks, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick kiln: and he did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Yahweh struck the child that Uriah's wife had with David, and the child was very sick. 12:16 David therefore begged God for the child; he fasted, went in, and lay on the ground all night. 12:17 The elders of his household stood beside him to lift him up from the ground, but he refused and would not eat bread with them. 12:18 On the seventh day, the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him the child was dead, for they said, "While the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he didn't listen to us; how can we tell him the child is dead? He might harm himself!" 12:19 But when David saw his servants whispering, he understood that the child was dead. He asked his servants, "Is the child dead?" They replied, "He is dead." 12:20 Then David got up from the ground, washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, went into the house of Yahweh, and worshiped. After that, he went to his own house, and when he asked for food, they set bread before him, and he ate. 12:21 His servants said to him, "What is this thing you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you got up and ate bread." 12:22 He replied, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, because I said, 'Who knows if Yahweh will be gracious to me so the child may live?' 12:23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 12:24 David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, went to her, and slept with her; she bore a son, and he named him Solomon. Yahweh loved him; 12:25 and He sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and Nathan named him Jedidiah for Yahweh's sake. 12:26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal city. 12:27 Joab sent messengers to David and said, "I have fought against Rabbah; yes, I have taken the city of waters. 12:28 Now gather the rest of the people together, camp against the city, and take it, lest I take the city and it be named after me." 12:29 David gathered all the people together, went to Rabbah, fought against it, and captured it. 12:30 He took the crown of their king from his head; its weight was a talent of gold, and it had precious stones in it; it was placed on David's head. He brought out a great deal of plunder from the city. 12:31 He brought out the people who were there and put them under saws, iron picks, and axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick kiln; and he did so to all the cities of the Ammonites. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

13:1 It happened after this, that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 13:2 Amnon was so troubled that he fell sick because of his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her. 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man. 13:4 He said to him, Why, son of the king, are you thus lean from day to day? Won't you tell me? Amnon said to him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. 13:5 Jonadab said to him, Lay you down on your bed, and feign yourself sick: and when your father comes to see you, tell him, Please let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and dress the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it from her hand. 13:6 So Amnon lay down, and feigned himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said to the king, Please let her sister Tamar come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand. 13:7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to your brother Amnon's house, and dress him food. 13:8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. She took dough, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 13:9 She took the pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. Amnon said, Have out all men from me. They went out every man from him. 13:10 Amnon said to Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand. Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. 13:11 When she had brought them near to him to eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, Come, lie with me, my sister. 13:12 She answered him, No, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel. Don't you do this folly. 13:13 I, where shall I carry my shame? and as for you, you will be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you. 13:14 However he would not listen to her voice; but being stronger than she, he forced her, and lay with her. 13:15 Then Amnon hated her with exceeding great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. Amnon said to her, Arise, be gone. 13:16 She said to him, Not so, because this great wrong in putting me forth is worse than the other that you did to me. But he would not listen to her. 13:17 Then he called his servant who ministered to him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. 13:18 She had a garment of various colors on her; for with such robes were the king's daughters who were virgins dressed. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. 13:19 Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her garment of various colors that was on her; and she laid her hand on her head, and went her way, crying aloud as she went. 13:20 Absalom her brother said to her, Has Amnon your brother been with you? but now hold your peace, my sister: he is your brother; don't take this thing to heart. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. 13:21 But when king David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 13:22 Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 13:23 It happened after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. 13:24 Absalom came to the king, and said, See now, your servant has sheepshearers; let the king, I pray you, and his servants go with your servant. 13:25 The king said to Absalom, No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you. He pressed him: however he would not go, but blessed him. 13:26 Then said Absalom, If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us. The king said to him, Why should he go with you? 13:27 But Absalom pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 13:28 Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark you now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, Smite Amnon, then kill him; don't be afraid; haven't I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 13:29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man got him up on his mule, and fled. 13:30 It happened, while they were in the way, that the news came to David, saying, Absalom has slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. 13:31 Then the king arose, and tore his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 13:32 Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered, Don't let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 13:33 Now therefore don't let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead; for Amnon only is dead. 13:34 But Absalom fled. The young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming by way of the hillside behind him. 13:35 Jonadab said to the king, Behold, the king's sons are come: as your servant said, so it is. 13:36 It happened, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice, and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. 13:37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day. 13:38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 13:39 the soul of king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

13:1 After this, Absalom, the son of David, had a beautiful sister named Tamar, and Amnon, another son of David, fell in love with her. 13:2 Amnon was so distressed that he became sick over his sister Tamar, because she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her. 13:3 But Amnon had a crafty friend named Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was very clever. 13:4 He asked Amnon, “Why are you looking so thin day after day? What’s wrong?” Amnon replied, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.” 13:5 Jonadab said, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick. When your father comes to see you, tell him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat, and let her prepare the food in my sight so I can watch her and eat it from her hand.’” 13:6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make me some cakes in my sight that I may eat from her hand.” 13:7 Then David sent home for Tamar, saying, “Go now to your brother Amnon’s house and prepare him some food.” 13:8 Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house, where he was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, and made cakes while he watched. 13:9 She took the pan and served the cakes to him, but he refused to eat. Amnon said, “Have everyone leave me.” So everyone left him. 13:10 Amnon then said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the room so I can eat from your hand.” Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the room to Amnon her brother. 13:11 When she got close enough for him to eat, he grabbed her and said, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 13:12 She answered, “No, my brother, don’t force me; such a thing shouldn’t be done in Israel. Don’t commit this shameful act.” 13:13 “Where could I carry my disgrace? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Just speak to the king; he will not withhold me from you.” 13:14 But he refused to listen to her, and being stronger than she was, he raped her. 13:15 Afterward, Amnon hated her with a passion greater than the love he had felt for her. He said to her, “Get up and get out.” 13:16 She replied, “Not so! Putting me out is worse than the wrong you just did to me.” But he refused to listen to her. 13:17 He called his servant and said, “Put this woman out of my sight and lock the door behind her.” 13:18 She was wearing a robe of many colors, for this was how the king's daughters who were virgins dressed. His servant put her out and locked the door behind her. 13:19 Tamar put ashes on her head, tore her colorful robe, and laid her hand on her head as she went away, crying loudly. 13:20 Absalom, her brother, asked her, “Has Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet, my sister; he is your brother. Don’t take this matter to heart.” So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 13:21 When King David heard about all these things, he was very angry. 13:22 Absalom didn’t say anything good or bad to Amnon, for Absalom hated Amnon because he had raped his sister Tamar. 13:23 Two full years later, Absalom had sheep shearers at Baal Hazor, near Ephraim, and he invited all the king’s sons. 13:24 Absalom went to the king and said, “Look, your servant has sheep shearers. Please let the king and his servants come with me.” 13:25 The king replied to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, or we will be a burden to you.” Absalom urged him, but the king wouldn’t go; he blessed him instead. 13:26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king asked, “Why should he go with you?” 13:27 But Absalom pressed him, and the king let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 13:28 Absalom instructed his servants, “Watch when Amnon is feeling good from the wine. When I say, ‘Strike Amnon,’ kill him. Don’t be afraid; I have commanded you. Be courageous and act.” 13:29 The servants of Absalom did what he commanded and killed Amnon. Then all the king's sons got up, each one fleeing on their own mule. 13:30 While they were on their way, the news reached David: “Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and not one of them is left.” 13:31 The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay on the ground; all his servants stood by with torn clothing. 13:32 Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, said, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king's sons; only Amnon is dead, for this has been Absalom’s plan ever since the day he raped his sister Tamar.” 13:33 “So don’t let my lord the king take this to heart, thinking that all the king's sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead.” 13:34 But Absalom fled. The watchman looked up and saw many people coming from the hillside behind him. 13:35 Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons are coming! Just as your servant said, it has happened.” 13:36 As soon as he finished speaking, the king's sons arrived, lifted up their voices, and wept. The king and all his servants wept very bitterly. 13:37 But Absalom fled to Talmai, the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day. 13:38 So Absalom fled to Geshur and was there for three years. 13:39 David's heart longed to go out to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.

14:1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. 14:2 Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, please act like a mourner, and put on mourning clothing, Please, and don't anoint yourself with oil, but be as a woman who has a long time mourned for the dead: 14:3 and go in to the king, and speak on this manner to him. So Joab put the words in her mouth. 14:4 When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. 14:5 The king said to her, What ails you? She answered, Of a truth I am a widow, and my husband is dead. 14:6 Your handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one struck the other, and killed him. 14:7 Behold, the whole family is risen against your handmaid, and they say, Deliver him who struck his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he killed, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my husband neither name nor remainder on the surface of the earth. 14:8 The king said to the woman, Go to your house, and I will give a command concerning you. 14:9 The woman of Tekoa said to the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house; and the king and his throne be guiltless. 14:10 The king said, Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me, and he shall not touch you any more. 14:11 Then said she, Please let the king remember Yahweh your God, that the avenger of blood destroy not any more, lest they destroy my son. He said, As Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of your son fall to the earth. 14:12 Then the woman said, Please let your handmaid speak a word to my lord the king. He said, Say on. 14:13 The woman said, Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God? for in speaking this word the king is as one who is guilty, in that the king does not bring home again his banished one. 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him. 14:15 Now therefore seeing that I have come to speak this word to my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and your handmaid said, I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. 14:16 For the king will hear, to deliver his servant out of the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God. 14:17 Then your handmaid said, Please let the word of my lord the king be comfortable; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: and Yahweh your God be with you. 14:18 Then the king answered the woman, Please don't hide anything from me that I shall ask you. The woman said, Let my lord the king now speak. 14:19 The king said, Is the hand of Joab with you in all this? The woman answered, As your soul lives, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken; for your servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your handmaid; 14:20 to change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth. 14:21 The king said to Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom back. 14:22 Joab fell to the ground on his face, and did obeisance, and blessed the king: and Joab said, Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant. 14:23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 14:24 The king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and didn't see the king's face. 14:25 Now in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 14:26 When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year's end that he cut it; because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it); he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king's weight. 14:27 To Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a beautiful face. 14:28 Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem; and he didn't see the king's face. 14:29 Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king; but he would not come to him: and he sent again a second time, but he would not come. 14:30 Therefore he said to his servants, Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire. Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 14:31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom to his house, and said to him, Why have your servants set my field on fire? 14:32 Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent to you, saying, Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, Why am I come from Geshur? it were better for me to be there still. Now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be iniquity in me, let him kill me. 14:33 So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

14:1 Now Joab, the son of Zeruiah, noticed that the king’s heart was inclined toward Absalom. 14:2 Joab sent for a wise woman from Tekoa and instructed her, “Please pretend to be in mourning and dress in mourning clothes. Don't put any oil on yourself, but act like someone who has mourned for a long time for the dead: 14:3 and go to the king and speak to him in this way.” Joab provided her the words to say. 14:4 When the woman from Tekoa approached the king, she fell on her face to the ground, bowed low, and said, “Help, O king.” 14:5 The king asked her, “What’s wrong?” She replied, “Truly, I am a widow; my husband is dead. 14:6 Your servant had two sons, and they fought in the field, and there was no one to stop them, and one struck the other and killed him. 14:7 Now the entire family has risen against your servant and demands that you deliver the one who killed his brother so they can execute him for the life of his brother he killed, and they are trying to destroy the heir too. This will extinguish the last flame left for me, and my husband will have no name or descendants on the earth.” 14:8 The king told the woman, “Go home, and I will issue a command concerning you.” 14:9 The woman of Tekoa said to the king, “My lord, O king, let the guilt be on me and my father’s house; and let the king and his throne be innocent.” 14:10 The king said, “Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me, and he will not harm you anymore.” 14:11 Then she said, “Please let the king remember Yahweh your God, so that the avenger of blood doesn’t destroy any more lives, lest they kill my son.” He replied, “As Yahweh lives, not one hair of your son will fall to the ground.” 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He replied, “Go ahead.” 14:13 The woman said, “Why have you devised such a thing against the people of God? In saying this, the king is as guilty as anyone, since the king does not bring back his banished one. 14:14 We must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again; God doesn’t take away life, but devises ways so that those who are banished are not outcasts from Him. 14:15 Now therefore, since I have come to speak this word to my lord the king, it’s because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, ‘I will now speak to the king; perhaps he will grant the request of his servant.’ 14:16 For the king will listen to deliver his servant from the man who would destroy me and my son together from the inheritance of God. 14:17 Then your servant said, “Please let the king’s words be comforting; for you, my lord the king, are wise like an angel of God, knowing good and evil; and may Yahweh your God be with you.” 14:18 Then the king responded to the woman, “Do not hide anything from me that I am about to ask you.” The woman answered, “Let my lord the king speak.” 14:19 The king asked, “Is Joab behind all this?” The woman replied, “As your soul lives, my lord the king, there’s nothing I can turn from what my lord the king has said; your servant Joab commanded me and put all these words in the mouth of your servant. 14:20 It’s Joab who has done this to change the situation; and my lord is as wise as an angel of God, knowing all the things that are on earth.” 14:21 The king told Joab, “Look, I have granted this request; go bring the young man Absalom back.” 14:22 Joab fell with his face to the ground and bowed to the king and blessed him. Joab said, “Now your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, the king, because you have fulfilled your servant’s request.” 14:23 So Joab got up and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 14:24 The king said, “Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house and did not see the king’s face. 14:25 Now in all Israel, no one was praised as much as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, there was no blemish on him. 14:26 When he cut his hair (which he did at the end of each year because it was too heavy for him), he weighed his hair at two hundred shekels, according to the king’s weight. 14:27 To Absalom were born three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar; she was a beautiful woman. 14:28 Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and he did not see the king’s face. 14:29 Then Absalom sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab wouldn’t come to him; and he sent again a second time, but he still wouldn’t come. 14:30 Therefore, he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 14:31 Then Joab got up and went to Absalom’s house and asked him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 14:32 Absalom replied to Joab, “Look, I sent for you saying ‘Come here so I can send you to the king,’ to ask, ‘Why have I come back from Geshur? It would have been better for me to stay there!’ Now therefore let me see the king’s face, and if there is guilt in me, let him kill me.” 14:33 So Joab went to the king and told him; and when he summoned Absalom, he came to the king and bowed with his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.

15:1 It happened after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 15:2 Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city are you? He said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 15:3 Absalom said to him, Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized of the king to hear you. 15:4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice! 15:5 It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him. 15:6 In this manner Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 15:7 It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron. 15:8 For your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh. 15:9 The king said to him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. 15:10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, Absalom is king in Hebron. 15:11 With Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn't know anything. 15:12 Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. 15:13 There came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 15:14 David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword. 15:15 The king's servants said to the king, Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king shall choose. 15:16 The king went forth, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house. 15:17 The king went forth, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak. 15:18 All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 15:19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Why go you also with us? return, and abide with the king: for you are a foreigner, and also an exile; return to your own place. 15:20 Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us, seeing I go where I may? return you, and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you. 15:21 Ittai answered the king, and said, As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will your servant be. 15:22 David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones who were with him. 15:23 All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. 15:24 Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. 15:25 The king said to Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of Yahweh, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation: 15:26 but if he say thus, I have no delight in you; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seems good to him. 15:27 The king said also to Zadok the priest, "Aren't you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 15:28 Behold, I will stay at the fords of the wilderness, until word comes from you to inform me." 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they abode there. 15:30 David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people who were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 15:31 One told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. David said, Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 15:32 It happened that when David had come to the top of the ascent, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and earth on his head. 15:33 David said to him, If you pass on with me, then you will be a burden to me: 15:34 but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so will I now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. 15:35 Don't you have Zadok and Abiathar the priests there with you? therefore it shall be, that whatever thing you shall hear out of the king's house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 15:36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them you shall send to me everything that you shall hear. 15:37 So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

15:1 After this, Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, along with fifty men to run ahead of him. 15:2 He got up early and stood by the gate. Whenever someone came to the king to settle a dispute, Absalom called out to them, asking, "Which city are you from?" They would reply, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." 15:3 Absalom responded, "Your case seems good and right, but there's no one appointed by the king to hear you." 15:4 He added, "If only I were made judge in the land! Then everyone with a dispute could come to me, and I would give them justice!" 15:5 When anyone approached to bow to him, he reached out his hand, grabbed them, and kissed them. 15:6 In this way, Absalom acted toward all of Israel who came to the king for judgment: he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 15:7 After forty years, Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and fulfill my vow that I made to the Lord in Hebron." 15:8 He explained, "Your servant made this vow while I was living in Geshur, Syria, saying, 'If the Lord brings me back to Jerusalem, I will serve Him.'" 15:9 The king replied, "Go in peace." So Absalom got up and went to Hebron. 15:10 But Absalom sent spies to every tribe in Israel, saying, "When you hear the sound of the trumpet, declare, 'Absalom is king in Hebron!'" 15:11 Along with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who had been invited and went in good faith, unaware of anything. 15:12 Absalom also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city of Giloh while he was offering sacrifices. The conspiracy grew strong, as more people joined Absalom. 15:13 A messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." 15:14 David said to all his servants with him in Jerusalem, "Get up and flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom! We must hurry to leave, or he will catch us quickly and bring disaster upon us, striking the city with the sword!" 15:15 The king's servants replied, "Your servants are ready to do whatever you decide, my lord the king." 15:16 The king left, and all his household followed him. He left ten women, who were concubines, to take care of the house. 15:17 The king went out, and all the people followed him, stopping at Beth Merhak. 15:18 All his servants passed by him, including the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the Gittites—six hundred men who had come with him from Gath—who went ahead of the king. 15:19 Then the king asked Ittai the Gittite, "Why are you coming with us? Go back and stay with the king, since you are a foreigner and an exile. Return to your own place." 15:20 He continued, "You only arrived yesterday. Should I make you wander around with us today, while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you; may kindness and faithfulness go with you." 15:21 Ittai answered the king, "As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king goes, whether in death or in life, there your servant will be." 15:22 David said to Ittai, "Go and cross over." So Ittai the Gittite crossed over with all his men and their families. 15:23 The entire country wept loudly as all the people passed by. The king also crossed over the Kidron Valley, and all the people crossed over toward the wilderness. 15:24 Look, Zadok also arrived, and all the Levites with him, carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished leaving the city. 15:25 The king told Zadok, "Take the ark of God back to the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. 15:26 But if He says, 'I have no delight in you,' here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him." 15:27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Aren't you a seer? Return to the city in peace, you and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 15:28 Look, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until I receive word from you." 15:29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. 15:30 David went up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. He had his head covered and went barefoot; and all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. 15:31 Someone told David, "Ahithophel is one of the conspirators with Absalom." David prayed, "Lord, please turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." 15:32 When David reached the top of the ascent, where God was worshiped, Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his coat torn and dirt on his head. 15:33 David said to him, "If you go with me, you will be a burden to me; 15:34 but if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father's servant in the past, so I will now be your servant,' then you can help me thwart Ahithophel's advice. 15:35 Do you have Zadok and Abiathar the priests there with you? Whatever you hear from the king's house, you must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 15:36 Look, they are there with their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son, and you can send them to me with everything you hear." 15:37 So Hushai, David's friend, went into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

16:1 When David was a little past the top of the ascent, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 16:2 The king said to Ziba, What do you mean by these? Ziba said, The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink. 16:3 The king said, Where is your master's son? Ziba said to the king, Behold, he abides at Jerusalem; for he said, Today will the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. 16:4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, all that pertains to Mephibosheth is yours. Ziba said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in your sight, my lord, O king. 16:5 When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out, and cursed still as he came. 16:6 He cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 16:7 Thus said Shimei when he cursed, Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and base fellow: 16:8 Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son; and behold, you are taken in your own mischief, because you are a man of blood. 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head." 16:10 The king said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, Curse David; who then shall say, Why have you done so? 16:11 David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeks my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him. 16:12 It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will requite me good for his cursing of me this day. 16:13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. 16:14 The king, and all the people who were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there. 16:15 Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16:16 It happened, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, Long live the king, Long live the king. 16:17 Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend? 16:18 Hushai said to Absalom, No; but whom Yahweh, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide. 16:19 Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence. 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do. 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's concubines, that he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred of your father: then will the hands of all who are with you be strong. 16:22 So they spread Absalom a tent on the top of the house; and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 16:23 The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

16:1 When David was a little past the top of the ascent, suddenly, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, met him with a couple of donkeys that were saddled, carrying two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 16:2 The king asked Ziba, What do you mean by these? Ziba replied, The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on; the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat; and the wine is for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink. 16:3 The king asked, Where is your master's son? Ziba answered the king, Look, he remains in Jerusalem; for he said, Today the house of Israel will restore me to my father’s kingdom. 16:4 Then the king said to Ziba, Look, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours. Ziba responded, I bow down before you; let me find favor in your sight, my lord, king. 16:5 When King David arrived at Bahurim, a man from the house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out, cursing him as he approached. 16:6 He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right and his left. 16:7 Shimei yelled as he cursed, Go away, go away, you man of blood, you worthless man: 16:8 Yahweh has brought back upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and Yahweh has given the kingdom into the hands of Absalom your son; and look, you are caught in your own wrongdoing because you are a man of blood. 16:9 Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Allow me to go over and cut off his head." 16:10 The king replied, What do I have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and Yahweh has told him, Curse David; who then can say, Why have you done that? 16:11 David said to Abishai and all his servants, Look, my son, who came from my own body, is seeking my life: how much more might this Benjamite do it? Let him be, and let him curse; for Yahweh has ordered him to. 16:12 It may be that Yahweh will consider the wrong done to me and will return good to me for his cursing of me today. 16:13 So David and his men continued on their way; and Shimei followed along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went, throwing stones at him, and kicking up dust. 16:14 The king and all the people who were with him arrived weary; and he refreshed himself there. 16:15 Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, along with Ahithophel. 16:16 It happened that when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, he said to Absalom, Long live the king, Long live the king. 16:17 Absalom asked Hushai, Is this how you show kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend? 16:18 Hushai replied to Absalom, No; but I will be loyal to whom Yahweh, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, and I will stay with him. 16:19 Besides, who should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? Just as I served in your father's presence, so will I serve in your presence. 16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, Give your advice on what we should do. 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's concubines, whom he left to take care of the house; and all Israel will hear that you are hated by your father: then the strength of all who are with you will be fortified. 16:22 So they set up a tent for Absalom on the roof of the house; and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 16:23 The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like seeking counsel from the oracle of God: so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: 17:2 and I will come on him while he is weary and exhausted, and will make him afraid; and all the people who are with him shall flee; and I will strike the king only; 17:3 and I will bring back all the people to you: the man whom you seek is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. 17:4 The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he says. 17:6 When Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not, speak up. 17:7 Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good. 17:8 Hushai said moreover, You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, as a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will happen, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say, There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom. 17:10 Even he who is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 17:11 But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that you go to battle in your own person. 17:12 So shall we come on him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light on him as the dew falls on the ground; and of him and of all the men who are with him we will not leave so much as one. 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there not be one small stone found there. 17:14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom. 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled this way. 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Don't lodge this night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people who are with him. 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told king David: for they might not be seen to come into the city. 17:18 But a boy saw them, and told Absalom: and they went both of them away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down there. 17:19 The woman took and spread the covering over the well's mouth, and strewed bruised grain thereon; and nothing was known. 17:20 Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? The woman said to them, They have gone over the brook of water. When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 17:21 It happened, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said to David, Arise you, and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counseled against you. 17:22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they passed over the Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them who had not gone over the Jordan. 17:23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and arose, and got him home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father. 17:24 Then David came to Mahanaim. Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 17:25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. 17:26 Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, 17:28 brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and meal, and parched grain, and beans, and lentils, and parched pulse, 17:29 and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David, and for the people who were with him, to eat: for they said, The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

17:1 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will go and pursue David tonight: 17:2 I will attack him while he is tired and worn out, and that will scare him; then all the people with him will run away, and I will only strike down the king. 17:3 I’ll bring all the people back to you: the man you want is as good as all returned: so all the people will be safe." 17:4 This advice pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 17:5 Then Absalom said, "Call Hushai the Archite as well, and let’s hear what he has to say." 17:6 When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him, "Ahithophel has given this advice: should we follow what he says? If not, speak up." 17:7 Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice that Ahithophel gave this time isn’t good." 17:8 Hushai continued, "You know your father and his men are mighty warriors, and they are fierce like a bear robbed of her cubs in the wild; your father is a warrior and won’t spend the night with the troops. 17:9 Right now, he’s hiding in a pit or some other place. When even a few of them fall at first, everyone will say, 'There’s a slaughter among Absalom’s followers.' 17:10 Even the bravest, whose heart is like a lion’s, will completely melt; for everyone in Israel knows that your father is a mighty man and those with him are brave. 17:11 But I suggest that all of Israel gather together to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand by the sea in number, and that you lead the battle yourself. 17:12 Then we can attack him wherever he may be found, and we will overwhelm him like dew falls on the ground; not one of his men will be left. 17:13 If he finds refuge in a city, then all of Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will pull it into the river until not a single stone remains there." 17:14 Absalom and all the men of Israel agreed, "Hushai the Archite's advice is better than Ahithophel's." For God had planned to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel so that He could bring disaster upon Absalom. 17:15 Then Hushai said to the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, "Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; I have advised this way." 17:16 "So quickly send someone to tell David, saying, 'Don’t spend the night at the fords of the wilderness; you must cross over quickly; otherwise, the king and all his people will be overwhelmed.'" 17:17 Meanwhile, Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel, and a servant girl would go and tell them; they would then go and inform King David, since they couldn’t be seen entering the city. 17:18 But a boy saw them and informed Absalom, and they both quickly fled and went to the house of a man in Bahurim who had a well in his courtyard; they hid there. 17:19 The woman took the covering and spread it over the well’s mouth, and scattered crushed grain on it; thus, nothing was discovered. 17:20 Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house and asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman replied, "They have crossed the brook." When they searched and couldn’t find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 17:21 After they left, the two men climbed out of the well and went to King David; they said to him, "Get up and cross the water quickly; for Ahithophel has given this advice against you." 17:22 Then David got up, and all the people with him crossed the Jordan; by morning light, no one was left who hadn’t crossed the Jordan. 17:23 When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled his donkey, returned to his hometown, put his house in order, and committed suicide; he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. 17:24 Then David arrived at Mahanaim. Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 17:25 Absalom appointed Amasa as the commander of the army instead of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Israelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 17:26 Israel and Absalom encamped in Gilead. 17:27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah, belonging to the Ammonites, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 17:28 brought beds, basins, earthenware vessels, wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans, lentils, and parched pulse, 17:29 honey, butter, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat; for they said, "The people are hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness."

18:1 David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 18:2 David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. 18:3 But the people said, You shall not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city. 18:4 The king said to them, What seems you best I will do. The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. 18:5 The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom. 18:6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim. 18:7 The people of Israel were struck there before the servants of David, and there was a great slaughter there that day of twenty thousand men. 18:8 For the battle was there spread over the surface of all the country; and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. 18:9 Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the sky and earth; and the mule that was under him went on. 18:10 A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak. 18:11 Joab said to the man who told him, Behold, you saw it, and why didn't you strike him there to the ground? and I would have given you ten pieces of silver, and a sash. 18:12 The man said to Joab, Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn't put forth my hand against the king's son; for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. 18:13 Otherwise if I had dealt falsely against his life (and there is no matter hid from the king), then you yourself would have set yourself against me. 18:14 Then said Joab, I may not wait thus with you. He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. 18:15 Ten young men who bore Joab's armor surrounded and struck Absalom, and killed him. 18:16 Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people. 18:17 They took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones: and all Israel fled everyone to his tent. 18:18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the king's dale; for he said, I have no son to keep my name in memory: and he called the pillar after his own name; and it is called Absalom's monument, to this day. 18:19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king news, how that Yahweh has avenged him of his enemies. 18:20 Joab said to him, You shall not be the bearer of news this day, but you shall bear news another day; but this day you shall bear no news, because the king's son is dead. 18:21 Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the king what you have seen. The Cushite bowed himself to Joab, and ran. 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But come what may, Please let me also run after the Cushite. Joab said, Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news? 18:23 But come what may, said he, I will run. He said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite. 18:24 Now David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone. 18:25 The watchman cried, and told the king. The king said, If he be alone, there is news in his mouth. He came apace, and drew near. 18:26 The watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. The king said, He also brings news. 18:27 The watchman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. The king said, He is a good man, and comes with good news. 18:28 Ahimaaz called, and said to the king, All is well. He bowed himself before the king with his face to the earth, and said, Blessed be Yahweh your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king. 18:29 The king said, Is it well with the young man Absalom? Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was. 18:30 The king said, Turn aside, and stand here. He turned aside, and stood still. 18:31 Behold, the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, News for my lord the king; for Yahweh has avenged you this day of all those who rose up against you. 18:32 The king said to the Cushite, Is it well with the young man Absalom? The Cushite answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you to do you hurt, be as that young man is. 18:33 The king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would I had died for you, Absalom, my son, my son!

18:1 David counted the people with him and appointed commanders of thousands and hundreds to lead them. 18:2 David sent the people out, one-third under Joab, one-third under Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the people, "I will definitely go with you." 18:3 But the people said, "You must not go out; if we run away, they won't care about us, and even if half of us die, they still won't care. But you are worth ten thousand of us, so it's better that you stay ready to help us from the city." 18:4 The king replied, "I’ll do what you think is best." He stood at the gate, and all the people went out in groups of hundreds and thousands. 18:5 The king instructed Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, "Be gentle for my sake with the young man Absalom." Everyone heard the king command the captains about Absalom. 18:6 So the people went out to the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. 18:7 The people of Israel were defeated there by David's men, and there was a massive slaughter of twenty thousand that day. 18:8 The battle spread across the entire area, and the forest caused more casualties that day than the sword did. 18:9 Absalom unexpectedly encountered David's men. He was riding on his mule, and as it went beneath the thick branches of a large tree, his head got caught in the tree, leaving him hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule he was riding kept going. 18:10 A man saw this and reported it to Joab, saying, "Look, I saw Absalom hanging from a tree." 18:11 Joab asked the man who brought him the news, "Why didn’t you kill him right there? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt." 18:12 The man replied, "Even if I had a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I wouldn’t lift my hand against the king’s son; for we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, 'Watch out that no one touches the young man Absalom.' 18:13 If I had acted against his life (and nothing is hidden from the king), you would have turned against me." 18:14 Joab then said, "I can't waste time with you." He took three javelins in his hand and thrust them through Absalom's heart while he was still alive in the oak tree. 18:15 Ten young men who carried Joab's armor surrounded Absalom and killed him. 18:16 Joab blew the trumpet, and the people stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab had stopped them. 18:17 They took Absalom and threw him into a large pit in the forest, and they raised a massive heap of stones over him. Then everyone in Israel went home. 18:18 While he was alive, Absalom had set up a pillar for himself in the king's valley, because he said, "I have no son to keep my name alive," and he named the pillar after himself; it’s called Absalom’s monument to this day. 18:19 Then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said, "Let me run and bring the king news that Yahweh has avenged him of his enemies." 18:20 Joab replied, "You’re not going to be the bearer of news today; you can bring news another day, but today you won’t bring news because the king’s son is dead." 18:21 Joab then said to the Cushite, "Go tell the king what you have seen." The Cushite bowed to Joab and ran. 18:22 Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, urged Joab again, "But please let me also run after the Cushite." Joab asked, "Why do you want to run, my son, knowing you won’t get a reward for the news?" 18:23 "But whatever happens, I will run," he insisted. Joab said, "Run." So Ahimaaz ran along the plain and outran the Cushite. 18:24 David was sitting between the two gates. The watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, lifted his eyes, and saw a man running alone. 18:25 The watchman shouted and told the king. The king said, "If he’s alone, he brings news." As the man got closer, 18:26 the watchman saw another man running; he called to the porter and said, "Look, another man is running alone." The king said, "He also brings news." 18:27 The watchman said, "I think the first one’s running style is like Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok." The king said, "He’s a good man, and he comes with good news." 18:28 Ahimaaz called out and said to the king, "Everything is good." He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, "Blessed be Yahweh your God, who has delivered your enemies into your hands." 18:29 The king asked, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" Ahimaaz replied, "When Joab sent the king's servant, me your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I don’t know what it was." 18:30 The king said, "Step aside and stand here." He stepped aside and stood still. 18:31 Then the Cushite arrived and said, "News for my lord the king; Yahweh has avenged you today against all who rose up against you." 18:32 The king asked the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" The Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man." 18:33 The king was deeply shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept, saying as he went, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"

19:1 It was told Joab, Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom. 19:2 The victory that day was turned into mourning to all the people; for the people heard say that day, The king grieves for his son. 19:3 The people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 19:4 The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, my son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son! 19:5 Joab came into the house to the king, and said, You have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, who this day have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines; 19:6 in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared this day, that princes and servants are nothing to you: for this day I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased you well. 19:7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably to your servants; for I swear by Yahweh, if you don't go forth, there will not stay a man with you this night: and that will be worse to you than all the evil that has happened to you from your youth until now. 19:8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. They told to all the people, saying, Behold, the king is sitting in the gate: and all the people came before the king. Now Israel had fled every man to his tent. 19:9 All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land from Absalom. 19:10 Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why don't you speak a word of bringing the king back? 19:11 King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, to bring him to his house. 19:12 You are my brothers, you are my bone and my flesh: why then are you the last to bring back the king? 19:13 Say you to Amasa, Aren't you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren't captain of the army before me continually in the room of Joab. 19:14 He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent to the king, saying, Return you, and all your servants. 19:15 So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan. 19:16 Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, who was of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David. 19:17 There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went through the Jordan in the presence of the king. 19:18 A ferry boat went to bring over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan. 19:19 He said to the king, Don't let my lord impute iniquity to me, neither do you remember that which your servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. 19:20 For your servant does know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. 19:21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, Shall Shimei not be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh's anointed? 19:22 David said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for don't I know that I am this day king over Israel? 19:23 The king said to Shimei, You shall not die. The king swore to him. 19:24 Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; and he had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace. 19:25 It happened, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth? 19:26 He answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for your servant said, I will saddle me a donkey, that I may ride thereon, and go with the king; because your servant is lame. 19:27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in your eyes. 19:28 For all my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king; yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right therefore have I yet that I should cry any more to the king? 19:29 The king said to him, Why speak you any more of your matters? I say, You and Ziba divide the land. 19:30 Mephibosheth said to the king, yes, let him take all, because my lord the king is come in peace to his own house. 19:31 Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan. 19:32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even eighty years old: and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. 19:33 The king said to Barzillai, Come you over with me, and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem. 19:34 Barzillai said to the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 19:35 I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king? 19:36 Your servant would but just go over the Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? 19:37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you. 19:38 The king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good to you: and whatever you shall require of me, that will I do for you. 19:39 All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place. 19:40 So the king went over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with him: and all the people of Judah brought the king over, and also half the people of Israel. 19:41 Behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king, and his household, over the Jordan, and all David's men with him? 19:42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is a close relative to us: why then are you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all at the king's cost? or has he given us any gift? 19:43 The men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than you: why then did you despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? The words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

19:1 Someone told Joab, "Look, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." 19:2 That day, the victory turned into mourning for all the people; they heard that the king was grieving for his son. 19:3 The people slipped back into the city that day like those ashamed who flee in battle. 19:4 The king covered his face and cried out loudly, "My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!" 19:5 Joab went into the king's house and said, "You have embarrassed all your servants today, who saved your life, and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives, and concubines; 19:6 since you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You've made it clear today that princes and servants mean nothing to you: it seems that if Absalom had lived and we had all died today, it would have pleased you." 19:7 So now, get up, go out, and speak kindly to your servants; I swear by Yahweh, if you don’t go out, no one will stay with you tonight: and that will be worse for you than all the bad things that have happened to you from your youth until now. 19:8 The king got up and sat at the gate. They announced to all the people, "Look, the king is sitting at the gate!" and all the people came before the king. Now Israel had fled, each man to his tent. 19:9 All the people were arguing among all the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king saved us from our enemies and rescued us from the Philistines; now he has fled the land because of Absalom." 19:10 "Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, is dead in battle. So why don’t you say something to bring the king back?" 19:11 King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, "Speak to the elders of Judah, asking, 'Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house? All Israel has spoken to the king about bringing him back to his house.'" 19:12 "You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood; so why are you the last to bring back the king?" 19:13 "Tell Amasa, 'Aren't you my own flesh and blood? May God do that to me and more if you aren’t my commander in place of Joab.'" 19:14 He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah like one man; so they sent a message to the king, saying, "Return, you and all your servants." 19:15 So the king returned and crossed the Jordan. Judah went to Gilgal to meet the king and bring him over the Jordan. 19:16 Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 19:17 There were a thousand men from Benjamin with him, along with Ziba, the servant of Saul's household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants; they crossed the Jordan in the king's presence. 19:18 A ferry boat was sent to take the king's household across and to do what he deemed best. Shimei son of Gera fell down before the king when he crossed the Jordan. 19:19 He said to the king, "Don’t hold my lord accountable for my sins, or hold against me what your servant did wrong the day your majesty left Jerusalem. 19:20 For your servant knows that I have sinned; that’s why I’ve come today, the first of all the house of Joseph, to meet my lord the king." 19:21 But Abishai son of Zeruiah replied, "Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for cursing Yahweh's anointed?" 19:22 David said, "What do I have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Should anyone be put to death today in Israel? For don’t I know that I am today king over Israel?" 19:23 The king said to Shimei, "You won’t die." The king swore it. 19:24 Mephibosheth son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes since the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 19:25 When he arrived in Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" 19:26 He answered, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. Your servant said, 'I will saddle a donkey for myself, so I can ride and go with the king,' because your servant is lame." 19:27 "He slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is like an angel of God; do therefore what is good in your sight. 19:28 For all my father's house were like dead men before you, yet you put your servant among those who eat at your own table. What right do I have to complain to the king anymore?" 19:29 The king said to him, "Why keep mentioning your matters? I say, 'You and Ziba divide the land.'" 19:30 Mephibosheth replied to the king, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has come home safely." 19:31 Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; he crossed the Jordan with the king to help him across. 19:32 Now Barzillai was very old, around eighty years; he had provided the king with supplies while he was at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 19:33 The king said to Barzillai, "Come over with me, and I will provide for you in Jerusalem." 19:34 Barzillai replied to the king, "How many days do I have left to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 19:35 I am now eighty years old: can I tell the difference between good and bad? Can your servant enjoy what I eat or drink? Can I still hear the voices of singing men and women? Why should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?" 19:36 "Your servant will only go over the Jordan with the king; why should the king reward me with such a gift?" 19:37 "Please let your servant return, so I can die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother. But look, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; do for him whatever seems good to you." 19:38 The king replied, "Chimham will go with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you; and whatever you require of me, I will do for you." 19:39 All the people crossed the Jordan, and the king went over; he kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place. 19:40 So the king crossed over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with him. All the people of Judah brought the king over, along with half the people of Israel. 19:41 Look, all the men of Israel came to the king and said, "Why have our brothers, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king and his household across the Jordan, along with all of David's men?" 19:42 The men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is related to us; why then are you angry about this? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense, or has he given us any gift?" 19:43 The men of Israel responded to the men of Judah, saying, "We have ten shares in the king; we have more claim on David than you do. Why then did you despise us, so that our advice was not first sought in bringing back our king?" The words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words of the men of Israel.

20:1 There happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew the trumpet, and said, We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, Israel. 20:2 So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah joined with their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem. 20:3 David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in custody, and provided them with sustenance, but didn't go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood. 20:4 Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present. 20:5 So Amasa went to call the men of Judah together; but he stayed longer than the set time which he had appointed him. 20:6 David said to Abishai, Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take your lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight. 20:7 There went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 20:8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was girded with his apparel of war that he had put on, and thereon was a sash with a sword fastened on his waist in its sheath; and as he went forth it fell out. 20:9 Joab said to Amasa, Is it well with you, my brother? Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 20:10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he struck him therewith in the body, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and didn't strike him again; and he died. Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. 20:11 There stood by him one of Joab's young men, and said, He who favors Joab, and he who is for David, let him follow Joab. 20:12 Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the midst of the highway. When the man saw that all the people stood still, he carried Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a garment over him, when he saw that everyone who came by him stood still. 20:13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 20:14 He went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Beth Maacah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him. 20:15 They came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people who were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. 20:16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, "Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, 'Come near here, that I may speak with you.'" 20:17 He came near to her; and the woman said, Are you Joab? He answered, I am. Then she said to him, Hear the words of your handmaid. He answered, I do hear. 20:18 Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. 20:19 I am of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel: you seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why will you swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh? 20:20 Joab answered, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. 20:21 The matter is not so: but a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David; deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. The woman said to Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall. 20:22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king. 20:23 Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites; 20:24 and Adoram was over the men subject to forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; 20:25 and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 20:26 and also Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David.

20:1 There was a lowlife named Sheba, son of Bichri, from the tribe of Benjamin. He blew the trumpet and shouted, “We have no stake in David, nor any inheritance in the son of Jesse. Everyone to their tents, Israel!” 20:2 So all the men of Israel abandoned David to follow Sheba, son of Bichri, but the men of Judah stayed loyal to their king, from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem. 20:3 When David arrived at his house in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the house and put them in confinement, providing for them, but he did not go into them. They remained confined until the day they died, living as widows. 20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Gather the men of Judah together within three days, and be here yourself.” 20:5 Amasa went to bring the men of Judah together, but he took longer than the time David had given him. 20:6 David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba, son of Bichri, could cause us more trouble than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he’ll find fortified cities and escape from us.” 20:7 Joab’s men, the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men went out of Jerusalem to chase after Sheba, son of Bichri. 20:8 When they reached the great stone at Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was dressed in battle gear and had a sword strapped to his waist in its sheath, but as he stepped forward, it fell out. 20:9 Joab said to Amasa, “Are you okay, my brother?” Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to give him a kiss. 20:10 But Amasa didn’t notice the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab struck him in the abdomen, spilling his guts on the ground, and didn’t strike him again; he died. Joab and his brother Abishai pursued after Sheba, son of Bichri. 20:11 One of Joab’s young men stood by him and called out, “Whoever supports Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!” 20:12 Amasa was lying there in his blood in the middle of the road. When the man saw that all the people were standing still, he moved Amasa off the road into a field and covered him with a garment, because he saw that everyone who came by him stopped. 20:13 Once Amasa was removed from the road, everyone went on after Joab to pursue Sheba, son of Bichri. 20:14 Joab went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, to Beth Maacah, and to all the Berites; they gathered together and followed him. 20:15 They arrived and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maacah, raising a mound against the city, which stood against the rampart, while all the people with Joab battered the wall to bring it down. 20:16 Then a wise woman cried out from the city, “Listen! Please say to Joab, ‘Come here so I can talk to you.’” 20:17 He approached her, and the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” He replied, “I am.” Then she said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.” He responded, “I’m listening.” 20:18 She continued, “They used to say, ‘Seek advice at Abel,’ and that’s how they settled disputes. 20:19 I’m one of those who are loyal and peaceful in Israel, but you want to destroy a city that’s like a mother to Israel. Why would you want to wipe out the inheritance of the Lord?” 20:20 Joab replied, “Far be it from me to destroy or swallow up.” 20:21 “It’s not about that; it’s just that a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba, son of Bichri, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Just hand him over, and I will leave the city.” The woman said to Joab, “Look, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” 20:22 Then the woman went to the people with her wise advice. They cut off the head of Sheba, son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and the people dispersed from the city, each returning to their own tent. Joab went back to Jerusalem to the king. 20:23 Now Joab was the commander of all Israel’s army; Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was in charge of the Cherethites and Pelethites; 20:24 Adoram was responsible for those who worked in forced labor; Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was the recorder; 20:25 Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 20:26 and Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David.

21:1 There was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh said, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites. 21:2 The king called the Gibeonites, and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah); 21:3 and David said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of Yahweh? 21:4 The Gibeonites said to him, It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul, or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel. He said, What you shall say, that will I do for you. 21:5 They said to the king, The man who consumed us, and who devised against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the borders of Israel, 21:6 let seven men of his sons be delivered to us, and we will hang them up to Yahweh in Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of Yahweh. The king said, I will give them. 21:7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of Yahweh's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 21:8 But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: 21:9 He delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before Yahweh, and they fell all seven together. They were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, at the beginning of barley harvest. 21:10 Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water was poured on them from the sky; and she allowed neither the birds of the sky to rest on them by day, nor the animals of the field by night. 21:11 It was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done. 21:12 David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa; 21:13 and he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son: and they gathered the bones of those who were hanged. 21:14 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. After that God was entreated for the land. 21:15 The Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. David grew faint; 21:16 and Ishbibenob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. 21:17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, You shall go no more out with us to battle, that you don't quench the lamp of Israel. 21:18 It came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the sons of the giant. 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 21:20 There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. 21:21 When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, killed him. 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

21:1 There was a famine during David's reign that lasted three years in a row, so David sought guidance from Yahweh. Yahweh told him it was because of Saul and his bloody house, as he had killed the Gibeonites. 21:2 The king called the Gibeonites and asked them (the Gibeonites were not part of the children of Israel, but a remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn an oath to them, but Saul tried to eliminate them out of zeal for the Israelites and Judah); 21:3 and David asked the Gibeonites, What can I do for you? How can I make amends so that you will bless Yahweh's people? 21:4 The Gibeonites replied, We don't want silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor is it our responsibility to execute anyone in Israel. He said, Whatever you say, I will do for you. 21:5 They told the king, The man who destroyed us and plotted against us, so that we would be wiped out from all of Israel's territory, 21:6 let seven of his sons be handed over to us, and we will hang them up to Yahweh in Gibeah of Saul, whom Yahweh chose. The king agreed to give them to them. 21:7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath that existed between David and Jonathan. 21:8 However, the king took the two sons of Rizpah, Aiah's daughter, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal, the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel, the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: 21:9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who hanged them on the mountain before Yahweh, and all seven were put to death together. They were executed during the harvest season, at the beginning of the barley harvest. 21:10 Rizpah, Aiah's daughter, took sackcloth and spread it out on a rock, from the start of the harvest until water was poured on them from the sky; she allowed neither birds of the sky to rest on them by day nor wild animals to come near them by night. 21:11 David was informed of what Rizpah, Saul's concubine, had done. 21:12 David went and collected the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan, his son, from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had taken them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them after killing Saul on Gilboa; 21:13 and he brought the bones of Saul and Jonathan back from there: and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. 21:14 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan in the land of Benjamin, in Zela, in Kish's tomb, his father’s burial place; and they completed all that the king commanded. Afterward, God was reconciled to the land. 21:15 The Philistines waged war again against Israel, and David and his servants went down to fight the Philistines. David became exhausted; 21:16 and Ishbibenob, one of the descendants of the giant, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze and who was armed with a new sword, intended to kill David. 21:17 But Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, came to David's aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, saying, You must not go out to battle with us anymore, to ensure you don’t extinguish the lamp of Israel. 21:18 After this incident, there was another battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was also a descendant of the giant. 21:19 There was another fight with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan, the son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite, killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear's staff was like a weaver's beam. 21:20 Again, there was a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great height who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, totaling twenty-four; he was also born of the giant. 21:21 When he challenged Israel, Jonathan, the son of Shimei, David's brother, killed him. 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and his men.

22:1 David spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 22:2 and he said,

22:1 David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day the Lord rescued him from the grasp of all his enemies and from Saul: 22:2 and he said,

Yahweh is my rock,
my fortress,
and my deliverer, even mine;
22:3 God, my rock, in him I will take refuge;
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my high tower, and my refuge.
My savior, you save me from violence.
22:4 I will call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised:
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
22:5 For the waves of death surrounded me.
The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me.
The snares of death caught me.
22:7 In my distress I called on Yahweh.
Yes, I called to my God.
He heard my voice out of his temple.
My cry came into his ears.
22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled.
The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken,
because he was angry.
22:9 Smoke went up out of his nostrils.
Fire out of his mouth devoured.
Coals were kindled by it.
22:10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down.
Thick darkness was under his feet.
22:11 He rode on a cherub, and flew.
Yes, he was seen on the wings of the wind.
22:12 He made darkness pavilions around himself:
gathering of waters, and thick clouds of the skies.
22:13 At the brightness before him,
coals of fire were kindled.
22:14 Yahweh thundered from heaven.
The Most High uttered his voice.
22:15 He sent out arrows, and scattered them;
lightning, and confused them.
22:16 Then the channels of the sea appeared.
The foundations of the world were laid bare by the rebuke of Yahweh,
At the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
22:17 He sent from on high and he took me.
He drew me out of many waters.
22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
22:19 They came on me in the day of my calamity,
but Yahweh was my support.
22:20 He also brought me out into a large place.
He delivered me, because he delighted in me.
22:21 Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness.
He rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands.
22:22 For I have kept the ways of Yahweh,
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22:23 For all his ordinances were before me.
As for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
22:24 I was also perfect toward him.
I kept myself from my iniquity.
22:25 Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
According to my cleanness in his eyesight.
22:26 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful.
With the perfect man you will show yourself perfect.
22:27 With the pure you will show yourself pure.
With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.
22:28 You will save the afflicted people,
But your eyes are on the haughty, that you may bring them down.
22:29 For you are my lamp, Yahweh.
Yahweh will light up my darkness.
22:30 For by you, I run against a troop.
By my God, I leap over a wall.
22:31 As for God, his way is perfect.
The word of Yahweh is tested.
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
22:32 For who is God, besides Yahweh?
Who is a rock, besides our God?
22:33 God is my strong fortress.
He makes my way perfect.
22:34 He makes his feet like hinds' feet,
and sets me on my high places.
22:35 He teaches my hands to war,
so that my arms bend a bow of brass.
22:36 You have also given me the shield of your salvation.
Your gentleness has made me great.
22:37 You have enlarged my steps under me.
My feet have not slipped.
22:38 I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them.
I didn't turn again until they were consumed.
22:39 I have consumed them,
and struck them through,
so that they can't arise.
Yes, they have fallen under my feet.
22:40 For you have armed me with strength for the battle.
You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
22:41 You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me,
that I might cut off those who hate me.
22:42 They looked, but there was none to save;
even to Yahweh, but he didn't answer them.
22:43 Then I beat them as small as the dust of the earth.
I crushed them as the mire of the streets, and spread them abroad.
22:44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people.
You have kept me to be the head of the nations.
A people whom I have not known will serve me.
22:45 The foreigners will submit themselves to me.
As soon as they hear of me, they will obey me.
22:46 The foreigners will fade away,
and will come trembling out of their close places.
22:47 Yahweh lives!
Blessed be my rock!
Exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,
22:48 even the God who executes vengeance for me,
who brings down peoples under me,
22:49 who brings me away from my enemies.
Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me.
You deliver me from the violent man.
22:50 Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations.
Will sing praises to your name.
22:51 He gives great deliverance to his king,
and shows loving kindness to his anointed,
to David and to his seed, forevermore.

23:1 Now these are the last words of David.

These are David's last words.

David the son of Jesse says,
the man who was raised on high says,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the sweet psalmist of Israel:
23:2 The Spirit of Yahweh spoke by me.
His word was on my tongue.
23:3 The God of Israel said,
the Rock of Israel spoke to me,
one who rules over men righteously,
who rules in the fear of God,
23:4 He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises,
a morning without clouds,
When the tender grass springs out of the earth,
Through clear shining after rain.
23:5 Most certainly my house is not so with God,
yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things, and sure,
for it is all my salvation, and all my desire,
although he doesn't make it grow.
23:6 But all of the ungodly shall be as thorns to be thrust away,
because they can't be taken with the hand,
23:7 But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear.
They shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.

23:8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time. 23:9 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away. 23:10 He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil. 23:11 After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. 23:12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory. 23:13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim. 23:14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 23:15 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 23:16 The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh. 23:17 He said, Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. 23:18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three. 23:19 Wasn't he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the first three. 23:20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. 23:21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear. 23:22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men. 23:23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the first three. David set him over his guard. 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 23:25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 23:30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash. 23:31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 23:32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 23:33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite, 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 23:35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 23:36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 23:38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 23:39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

23:8 These are the names of David's mighty warriors: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; he was Adino the Eznite, who killed eight hundred men at once. 23:9 Next was Eleazar, the son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty warriors with David, who stood up against the Philistines when they had gathered to fight, while the rest of Israel fled. 23:10 He got up and struck down the Philistines until his hand was exhausted, and his hand stuck to the sword; and the Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to collect the spoil. 23:11 After him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines formed a troop around a plot of ground full of lentils, and the troops fled from them. 23:12 But he stood in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines; and the Lord brought about a great victory. 23:13 Three of the thirty chief men went down to David during the harvest time to the cave of Adullam, while the Philistine troops were camped in the valley of Rephaim. 23:14 David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 23:15 David longed and said, "Oh, if someone would bring me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem by the gate!" 23:16 The three mighty men broke through the Philistine army, drew water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it, pouring it out to the Lord. 23:17 He said, "Far be it from me, Lord, that I should do this: should I drink the blood of the men who risked their lives?" So he refused to drink it. These are the deeds of the three mighty men. 23:18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He raised his spear against three hundred men and killed them, gaining a name among the three. 23:19 Wasn't he the most honorable of the three? Therefore he became their captain; yet he didn’t measure up to the first three. 23:20 Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had accomplished mighty deeds, killed two Moabite sons of Ariel; he also went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. 23:21 He killed an impressive Egyptian: the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a club, took the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear. 23:22 These are the deeds of Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, who gained a name among the three mighty men. 23:23 He was more honored than the thirty, but he didn’t measure up to the first three. David appointed him over his guard. 23:24 Asahel, the brother of Joab, was one of the thirty; Elhanan, the son of Dodo from Bethlehem, 23:25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 23:29 Heleb, son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai from Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 23:30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash. 23:31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 23:32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 23:33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite, 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 23:35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 23:36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers for Joab, son of Zeruiah, 23:38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 23:39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in total.

24:1 Again the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them, saying, Go, number Israel and Judah. 24:2 The king said to Joab the captain of the army, who was with him, Go now back and forth through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number you the people, that I may know the sum of the people. 24:3 Joab said to the king, Now Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it: but why does my lord the king delight in this thing? 24:4 Notwithstanding, the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel. 24:5 They passed over the Jordan, and encamped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer: 24:6 then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; and they came to Dan Jaan, and around to Sidon, 24:7 and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beersheba. 24:8 So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 24:9 Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. 24:10 David's heart struck him after that he had numbered the people. David said to Yahweh, I have sinned greatly in that which I have done: but now, Yahweh, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly. 24:11 When David rose up in the morning, the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 24:12 Go and speak to David, Thus says Yahweh, I offer you three things: choose one of them, that I may do it to you. 24:13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said to him, Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? now advise you, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me. 24:14 David said to Gad, I am in distress. Let us fall now into the hand of Yahweh; for his mercies are great; and let me not fall into the hand of man. 24:15 So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning even to the time appointed; and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. 24:16 When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, Yahweh relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, It is enough; now stay your hand. The angel of Yahweh was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 24:17 David spoke to Yahweh when he saw the angel who struck the people, and said, Behold, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me, and against my father's house. 24:18 Gad came that day to David, and said to him, Go up, rear an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 24:19 David went up according to the saying of Gad, as Yahweh commanded. 24:20 Araunah looked forth, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24:21 Araunah said, Why is my lord the king come to his servant? David said, To buy the threshing floor of you, to build an altar to Yahweh, that the plague may be stopped from afflicting the people. 24:22 Araunah said to David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him: behold, the cattle for the burnt offering, and the threshing instruments and the yokes of the oxen for the wood: 24:23 all this, king, does Araunah give to the king. Araunah said to the king, Yahweh your God accept you. 24:24 The king said to Araunah, No; but I will most certainly buy it of you at a price. Neither will I offer burnt offerings to Yahweh my God which cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 24:25 David built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So Yahweh was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

24:1 Once again, the anger of Yahweh burned against Israel, and He stirred David to act against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah." 24:2 The king said to Joab, the commander of the army who was with him, "Go now and wander through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and count the people so that I can know their total." 24:3 Joab responded to the king, "May Yahweh your God multiply the people a hundred times as many as they are; may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do this?" 24:4 Nevertheless, the king's command overruled Joab and the commanders of the army. Joab and the commanders went out from the king's presence to take a census of the people of Israel. 24:5 They crossed the Jordan and camped at Aroer, on the right side of the city in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer: 24:6 then they went to Gilead and the land of Tahtim Hodshi; they went to Dan Jaan and around to Sidon, 24:7 and reached the stronghold of Tyre, and all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites; and they went southward into Judah, at Beersheba. 24:8 After traveling throughout the land, they returned to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 24:9 Joab reported the total number of people to the king: there were 800,000 valiant men who could draw the sword in Israel, and 500,000 men in Judah. 24:10 David’s heart troubled him after he had counted the people. David said to Yahweh, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done; please, Yahweh, take away the guilt of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly." 24:11 The next morning, the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 24:12 "Go and tell David, 'Yahweh says this: I’m giving you three options; choose one of them for me to do to you.'" 24:13 So Gad went to David and told him, "Would you like seven years of famine in your land? Or would you rather flee for three months before your enemies while they pursue you? Or should there be three days of pestilence in your land? Choose one and let me know what answer I should give to Him who sent me." 24:14 David said to Gad, "I’m in great distress. Let us fall into the hands of Yahweh, for His mercies are great, but don’t let me fall into human hands." 24:15 So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel from morning until the appointed time, and 70,000 men died from Dan to Beersheba. 24:16 When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, Yahweh relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, "Enough; withdraw your hand." The angel of Yahweh was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 24:17 David spoke to Yahweh when he saw the angel striking the people and said, "Look, I have sinned and acted wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand be against me and my father's house." 24:18 Gad came that day to David and said to him, "Go up and build an altar to Yahweh on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite." 24:19 David went up according to Gad's word, as Yahweh commanded. 24:20 Araunah looked out and saw the king and his servants approaching him, and Araunah went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. 24:21 Araunah asked, "Why has my lord the king come to his servant?" David replied, "To buy your threshing floor to build an altar to Yahweh, so the plague may be stopped from afflicting the people." 24:22 Araunah said to David, "Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up; here are the cattle for the burnt offering, as well as the threshing tools and the ox yokes for the wood." 24:23 "All of this, my king, Araunah gives to the king. May Yahweh your God accept you." 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I will definitely buy it at full price. I won’t offer burnt offerings to Yahweh my God that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 24:25 David built an altar to Yahweh there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So Yahweh was moved by the prayers for the land, and the plague was stopped from Israel.














The First Book of Kings

1:1 Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat. 1:2 Therefore his servants said to him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm. 1:3 So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 1:4 The young lady was very beautiful; and she cherished the king, and ministered to him; but the king didn't know her intimately. 1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 1:6 His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why have you done so? and he was also a very goodly man; and he was born after Absalom. 1:7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 1:9 Adonijah killed sheep and cattle and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants: 1:10 but Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he didn't call. 1:11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Haven't you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord doesn't know it? 1:12 Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life, and the life of your son Solomon. 1:13 Go and get you in to king David, and tell him, Didn't you, my lord, king, swear to your handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? why then does Adonijah reign? 1:14 Behold, while you yet talk there with the king, I also will come in after you, and confirm your words. 1:15 Bathsheba went in to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the king. 1:16 Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance to the king. The king said, What would you? 1:17 She said to him, My lord, you swore by Yahweh your God to your handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne. 1:18 Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don't know it: 1:19 and he has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn't called Solomon your servant. 1:20 You, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 1:21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 1:22 Behold, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 1:23 They told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. When he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 1:24 Nathan said, My lord, king, have you said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? 1:25 For he is gone down this day, and has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king's sons, and the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priest; and behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and say, Long live king Adonijah. 1:26 But he hasn't called me, even me your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon. 1:27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and you haven't shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 1:28 Then king David answered, Call to me Bathsheba. She came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 1:29 The king swore, and said, As Yahweh lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 1:30 most certainly as I swore to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place; most certainly so will I do this day. 1:31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live forever. 1:32 King David said, Call to me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. They came before the king. 1:33 The king said to them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: 1:34 and let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel; and blow you the trumpet, and say, Long live king Solomon. 1:35 Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne; for he shall be king in my place; and I have appointed him to be prince over Israel and over Judah. 1:36 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: Yahweh, the God of my lord the king, say so too. 1:37 As Yahweh has been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon. 1:39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil out of the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, Long live king Solomon. 1:40 All the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with the sound of them. 1:41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar? 1:42 While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news. 1:43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, Most certainly our lord king David has made Solomon king: 1:44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and they have caused him to ride on the king's mule; 1:45 and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon; and they are come up from there rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that you have heard. 1:46 Also Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom. 1:47 Moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, Your God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and make his throne greater than your throne: and the king bowed himself on the bed. 1:48 Also thus said the king, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, my eyes even seeing it. 1:49 All the guests of Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way. 1:50 Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 1:51 It was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah fears king Solomon; for, behold, he has laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear to me first that he will not kill his servant with the sword. 1:52 Solomon said, If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die. 1:53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and did obeisance to king Solomon; and Solomon said to him, Go to your house.

1:1 Now King David was old and frail; they covered him with blankets, but he felt no warmth. 1:2 So his servants said to him, "Let’s find a young virgin for my lord the king. She can stand before him and take care of him, and let her lie in your arms so that my lord the king may feel warm." 1:3 They searched all over Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 1:4 The young woman was very beautiful; she cared for the king and served him, but the king did not have sexual relations with her. 1:5 Then Adonijah, the son of Haggith, proclaimed, "I will be king!" He prepared chariots and horsemen, and had fifty men run before him. 1:6 His father had never reprimanded him by asking, "Why do you do this?" He was also very handsome and was born after Absalom. 1:7 He conspired with Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest, and they supported Adonijah. 1:8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David did not side with Adonijah. 1:9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep and cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, near En Rogel, and invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants; 1:10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon. 1:11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, saying, "Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith is reigning, and David our lord does not know it?" 1:12 "Now, please come, let me give you advice to save your life and the life of your son Solomon. 1:13 Go to King David and tell him, 'Did you, my lord the king, not swear to your servant, saying, "Solomon your son will reign after me and sit on my throne?" Why, then, does Adonijah reign?' 1:14 While you are still speaking with the king, I will come in and confirm your words." 1:15 Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber; he was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to him. 1:16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king. The king asked, "What is it you want?" 1:17 She said to him, "My lord, you swore by Yahweh your God to your servant, saying, 'Solomon your son will reign after me and sit on my throne.' 1:18 But now, Adonijah is reigning, and you, my lord the king, do not know it. 1:19 He has sacrificed an abundance of cattle and sheep and has invited all the king’s sons, along with Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army; but he did not invite your servant Solomon. 1:20 You, my lord the king, are the focus of all Israel, so you need to tell them who will sit on your throne after you. 1:21 Otherwise, when my lord the king lies down with his ancestors, my son Solomon and I will be treated as criminals." 1:22 Just as she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. 1:23 They announced to the king, "Nathan the prophet is here." When he approached the king, he bowed with his face to the ground. 1:24 Nathan said, "My lord the king, have you declared that Adonijah shall reign after me and sit on my throne? 1:25 For today he has gone down and sacrificed many cattle and sheep, and has invited all the king’s sons, the army commanders, and Abiathar the priest; look, they are eating and drinking in his presence and saying, 'Long live King Adonijah!' 1:26 But he did not call me, your servant, or Zadok the priest, or Benaiah son of Jehoiada, or your servant Solomon. 1:27 Is this what my lord the king has done, and has not revealed to your servants who should sit on your throne after you?" 1:28 Then King David said, "Call Bathsheba." She came into the king’s presence and stood before him. 1:29 The king swore, saying, "As Yahweh lives, who has delivered my soul from every trouble, 1:30 I will surely carry out this vow I made to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel: 'Solomon your son shall reign after me and sit on my throne in my place.' I will do this today." 1:31 Bathsheba bowed low with her face to the ground and gave honor to the king, saying, "May my lord King David live forever!" 1:32 King David then said, "Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada." They came before the king. 1:33 The king instructed them, "Take my servants with you, have my son Solomon ride on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. 1:34 There let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and say, 'Long live King Solomon!' 1:35 Then come up after him, and he is to sit on my throne, for he will be king in my place; I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah." 1:36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, "Amen! May Yahweh, the God of my lord the king, say so too! 1:37 As Yahweh has been with my lord the king, may He also be with Solomon and make his reign even greater than yours." 1:38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon. 1:39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet, and all the people said, "Long live King Solomon!" 1:40 All the people followed him, and they played pipes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the ground shook with the sound. 1:41 Adonijah and all the guests with him heard it just as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he asked, "Why does the city seem to be in such an uproar?" 1:42 Just then, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came in, and Adonijah said, "Come in; you are a worthy man and bring good news." 1:43 Jonathan replied to Adonijah, "Indeed, our lord King David has made Solomon king! 1:44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; they have made him ride on the king's mule. 1:45 Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have come up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise you have heard. 1:46 Solomon now sits on the throne of the kingdom! 1:47 Furthermore, the king's servants have gone to bless our lord King David, saying, 'May your God make Solomon’s name more distinguished than yours and make his throne greater than yours.' The king bowed down on the bed. 1:48 He also said, 'Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne today, while my own eyes see it.'" 1:49 All the guests of Adonijah were terrified, and they each got up and went their own way. 1:50 Adonijah feared Solomon; he got up, went, and took hold of the horns of the altar. 1:51 Solomon was informed, "Adonijah fears King Solomon, and is taking hold of the horns of the altar, saying, 'Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not kill his servant with the sword.'" 1:52 Solomon responded, "If he proves to be a worthy man, not a hair of him will fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die." 1:53 So King Solomon sent for him, and they brought him down from the altar. He came in and bowed to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, "Go home."

2:1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2:2 I am going the way of all the earth: be you strong therefore, and show yourself a man; 2:3 and keep the instruction of Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself. 2:4 That Yahweh may establish his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, If your children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. 2:5 Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was about his waist, and in his shoes that were on his feet. 2:6 Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don't let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 2:7 But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 2:8 Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Yahweh, saying, I will not put you to death with the sword. 2:9 Now therefore don't hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood. 2:10 David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. 2:11 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty-three years reigned he in Jerusalem. 2:12 Solomon sat on the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. 2:13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. She said, Come you peaceably? He said, Peaceably. 2:14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to tell you. She said, Say on. 2:15 He said, You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: however the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's; for it was his from Yahweh. 2:16 Now I ask one petition of you; don't deny me. She said to him, Say on. 2:17 He said, "Please speak to Solomon the king (for he will not tell you 'no'), that he give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife." 2:18 Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for you to the king. 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went to king Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. The king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself to her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a throne to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand. 2:20 Then she said, I ask one small petition of you; don't deny me. The king said to her, Ask on, my mother; for I will not deny you. 2:21 She said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife. 2:22 King Solomon answered his mother, Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is my elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 2:23 Then king Solomon swore by Yahweh, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. 2:24 Now therefore as Yahweh lives, who has established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me a house, as he promised, surely Adonijah shall be put to death this day. 2:25 King Solomon sent by Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell on him, so that he died. 2:26 To Abiathar the priest said the king, Get you to Anathoth, to your own fields; for you are worthy of death: but I will not at this time put you to death, because you bear the ark of the Lord Yahweh before David my father, and because you were afflicted in all in which my father was afflicted. 2:27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest to Yahweh, that he might fulfill the word of Yahweh, which he spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. 2:28 The news came to Joab; for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he didn't turn after Absalom. Joab fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 2:29 It was told king Solomon, Joab is fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on him. 2:30 Benaiah came to the Tent of Yahweh, and said to him, Thus says the king, Come forth. He said, No; but I will die here. Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. 2:31 The king said to him, Do as he has said, and fall on him, and bury him; that you may take away the blood, which Joab shed without cause, from me and from my father's house. 2:32 Yahweh will return his blood on his own head, because he fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, and my father David didn't know it, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah. 2:33 So shall their blood return on the head of Joab, and on the head of his seed forever: but to David, and to his seed, and to his house, and to his throne, shall there be peace for ever from Yahweh. 2:34 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell on him, and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 2:35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the army; and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar. 2:36 The king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and don't go forth from there any where. 2:37 For on the day you go out, and pass over the brook Kidron, know you for certain that you shall surely die: your blood shall be on your own head. 2:38 Shimei said to the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do. Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. 2:39 It happened at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. They told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants are in Gath. 2:40 Shimei arose, and saddled his donkey, and went to Gath to Achish, to seek his servants; and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath. 2:41 It was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again. 2:42 The king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Didn't I adjure you by Yahweh, and protest to you, saying, Know for certain, that on the day you go out, and walk abroad any where, you shall surely die? and you said to me, The saying that I have heard is good. 2:43 Why then have you not kept the oath of Yahweh, and the commandment that I have instructed you with? 2:44 The king said moreover to Shimei, You know all the wickedness which your heart is privy to, that you did to David my father: therefore Yahweh shall return your wickedness on your own head. 2:45 But king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before Yahweh forever. 2:46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he went out, and fell on him, so that he died. The kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

2:1 As David's days were coming to an end, he instructed his son Solomon, saying, 2:2 "I am going the way of all the earth: be strong and act like a man; 2:3 and follow the teachings of the LORD your God, walk in His ways, observe His decrees, and His commandments, His regulations, and His testimonies, as written in the law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all you do and wherever you go. 2:4 Then the LORD will fulfill the promise He made to me, saying, 'If your children pay attention to their way, to walk in truth with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.' 2:5 Furthermore, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them and shed blood during peacetime, staining his belt and sandals with their blood. 2:6 Therefore, act according to your wisdom, and don't let his gray head go to the grave in peace. 2:7 But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them eat at your table, for they were loyal to me when I fled from your brother Absalom. 2:8 Also, you have Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a terrible curse when I went to Mahanaim. He came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the LORD, saying, 'I will not put you to death with the sword.' 2:9 So don’t let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man and know what to do; you must bring his gray head down to the grave with blood. 2:10 David died and was buried in the city of David. 2:11 David reigned over Israel for forty years; he ruled seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 2:12 Solomon took the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. 2:13 Then Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. She asked, "Do you come in peace?" He replied, "In peace." 2:14 He continued, "I have something to discuss with you." She said, "Go ahead." 2:15 He said, "You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel looked to me to reign. But the kingdom has been transferred to my brother, for it was his by the LORD's decision. 2:16 Now I have one request of you; please don't deny me." She said to him, "Go ahead." 2:17 He said, "Please speak to King Solomon (for he won't refuse you) and ask him to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife." 2:18 Bathsheba replied, "Alright; I will speak to the king for you." 2:19 Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king rose to meet her, bowed to her, sat down on his throne, and had a throne set for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right. 2:20 Then she said, "I have one small request; please do not deny me." The king replied, "Ask on, my mother; I will not deny you." 2:21 She said, "Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife." 2:22 King Solomon responded to his mother, "Why do you ask for Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Why not ask for the kingdom for him as well? He is my older brother; there’s also Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah." 2:23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, "May God deal with me ever so severely if Adonijah has not spoken this request against his own life! 2:24 As surely as the LORD lives, who has established me and set me on the throne of my father David, and who has made me a dynasty as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today." 2:25 King Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah, and he died. 2:26 To Abiathar the priest, the king said, "Go to your fields in Anathoth, for you deserve to die; but I will not put you to death now because you carried the ark of the LORD God before my father David and shared in all my father’s hardships." 2:27 So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest of the LORD in order to fulfill the word of the LORD that He had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. 2:28 The news reached Joab; since he had supported Adonijah but had not supported Absalom, Joab fled to the Tent of the LORD and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar. 2:29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the Tent of the LORD and was near the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, "Go, strike him down." 2:30 Benaiah arrived at the Tent of the LORD and said to him, "The king says, 'Come out.'" Joab replied, "No, I will die here." Benaiah reported to the king, saying, "This is what Joab said, and this is how he answered me." 2:31 The king said to him, "Do as he says, strike him down, and bury him, to clear me and my father's house of the guilt of the innocent blood Joab shed. 2:32 The LORD will bring back his blood on his own head because he killed two men who were more righteous and better than he, and he killed them with the sword without my father David's knowledge, namely Abner son of Ner, commander of the Israelite army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of the Judahite army. 2:33 Their blood will return upon the head of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his household, and his throne, may there be peace forever from the LORD." 2:34 Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck him down, and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 2:35 The king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada as commander of the army in Joab’s place and designated Zadok the priest in Abiathar's place. 2:36 The king then sent for Shimei and said to him, "Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. 2:37 On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, you can be sure you will die; your blood will be on your own head." 2:38 Shimei replied to the king, "The sentence is fair; I will do what my lord the king has said." Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a long time. 2:39 But after three years, two of Shimei's slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. They told Shimei, "Look, your slaves are in Gath." 2:40 Shimei saddled his donkey and went to Gath to Achish to search for his slaves; he went and brought his slaves back from Gath. 2:41 Solomon was informed that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned. 2:42 The king sent for Shimei and said to him, "Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, 'Know for certain that on the day you leave and go anywhere, you will surely die'? And you said to me, 'The sentence is fair.' 2:43 Why then did you not keep the oath of the LORD and the command I gave you?" 2:44 The king also said to Shimei, "You know that you have been guilty of evil against my father David, and the LORD will bring back your evil upon your own head. 2:45 But King Solomon will be blessed, and the throne of David will be established before the LORD forever." 2:46 So the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him down so that he died. The kingdom was established securely in Solomon's hands.

3:1 Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of Yahweh, and the wall of Jerusalem all around. 3:2 Only the people sacrificed in the high places, because there was no house built for the name of Yahweh until those days. 3:3 Solomon loved Yahweh, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 3:4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer on that altar. 3:5 In Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give you. 3:6 Solomon said, You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 3:7 Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I don't know how to go out or come in. 3:8 Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude. 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people? 3:10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 3:11 God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; 3:12 behold, I have done according to your word: behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you. 3:13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like you, all your days. 3:14 If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David did walk, then I will lengthen your days. 3:15 Solomon awoke; and behold, it was a dream: and he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants. 3:16 Then there came two women who were prostitutes, to the king, and stood before him. 3:17 The one woman said, Oh, my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. 3:18 It happened the third day after I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also; and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. 3:19 This woman's child died in the night, because she lay on it. 3:20 She arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while your handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 3:21 When I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead; but when I had looked at it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, whom I bore. 3:22 The other woman said, No; but the living is my son, and the dead is your son. This said, No; but the dead is your son, and the living is my son. Thus they spoke before the king. 3:23 Then said the king, The one says, This is my son who lives, and your son is the dead: and the other says, No; but your son is the dead, and my son is the living. 3:24 The king said, Get me a sword. They brought a sword before the king. 3:25 The king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. 3:26 Then spoke the woman whose the living child was to the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no way kill it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it. 3:27 Then the king answered, Give her the living child, and in no way kill it: she is its mother. 3:28 All Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do justice.

3:1 Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter as his wife, bringing her to the city of David, until he finished building his own palace, the temple of Yahweh, and the walls of Jerusalem. 3:2 However, the people still offered sacrifices at high places, because no temple had been built for the name of Yahweh up to that time. 3:3 Solomon loved Yahweh and followed the laws of his father David, but he still offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places. 3:4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices there, as it was the most important high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 3:5 In Gibeon, Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream at night, and God said, "Ask what I should give you." 3:6 Solomon replied, "You have shown great kindness to your servant David, my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity of heart; and you have continued this great kindness by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as is the case today." 3:7 Now, Yahweh my God, you have made me king in place of David my father, but I am just a little child; I don't know how to go in or come out. 3:8 Your servant is among the people you have chosen, a great people so numerous that they cannot be counted. 3:9 Therefore, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people, so I can distinguish between right and wrong; for who is able to govern this great people of yours? 3:10 The request pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked for this. 3:11 God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life, riches, or the death of your enemies, but for wisdom to discern justice, 3:12 I will give you what you asked for: a wise and discerning heart. There has been no one like you before, and there will be no one like you after. 3:13 I have also given you what you did not ask for—both riches and honor—so that no other king will be like you all your days. 3:14 If you walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and commandments as your father David did, I will lengthen your days." 3:15 Solomon awoke; it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and held a feast for all his servants. 3:16 Then two women who were prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 3:17 One woman said, "Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was there. 3:18 Three days after my child was born, this woman also gave birth, and we were alone in the house; there was no one else there. 3:19 During the night, her child died because she lay on it. 3:20 She got up in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your servant slept, and put him in her arms, and laid her dead child in my arms. 3:21 When I got up in the morning to nurse my child, I saw that he was dead; but when I examined him closely in the morning light, I realized that it was not my child." 3:22 The other woman said, "No! The living one is my son, and the dead one is yours." The first woman replied, "No! The dead one is yours; the living one is my son." And they argued before the king. 3:23 Then the king said, "One says, ‘My son is alive, and your son is dead,' while the other says, ‘No! Your son is dead, and mine is alive.’" 3:24 The king said, "Bring me a sword." They brought a sword to the king. 3:25 The king said, "Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other." 3:26 Then the woman who was the child's mother spoke to the king, for her heart was broken for her son. She said, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child and do not kill him!" But the other woman said, "It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it!" 3:27 Then the king declared, "Give the living child to the first woman—do not kill him; she is his mother." 3:28 All Israel heard of the verdict that the king had given, and they held the king in awe because they saw that he had the wisdom of God to administer justice.

4:1 King Solomon was king over all Israel. 4:2 These were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest; 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder; 4:4 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 4:5 and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, and the king's friend; 4:6 and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor. 4:7 Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household: each man had to make provision for a month in the year. 4:8 These are their names: Ben Hur, in the hill country of Ephraim; 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; 4:10 Ben Hesed, in Arubboth (to him pertained Socoh, and all the land of Hepher); 4:11 Ben Abinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as wife); 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; 4:13 Ben Geber, in Ramoth Gilead (to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; even to him pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 4:14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim; 4:15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon as wife); 4:16 Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth; 4:17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 4:18 Shimei the son of Ela, in Benjamin; 4:19 Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer who was in the land. 4:20 Judah and Israel were many as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry. 4:21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought tribute, and served Solomon all the days of his life. 4:22 Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and sixty measures of meal, 4:23 ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl. 4:24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings on this side the River: and he had peace on all sides around him. 4:25 Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. 4:26 Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 4:27 Those officers provided food for king Solomon, and for all who came to king Solomon's table, every man in his month; they let nothing be lacking. 4:28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds brought they to the place where the officers were, every man according to his duty. 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and very great understanding, even as the sand that is on the seashore. 4:30 Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations all around. 4:32 He spoke three thousand proverbs; and his songs were one thousand five. 4:33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of fish. 4:34 There came of all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

4:1 King Solomon ruled over all of Israel. 4:2 These were the princes under him: Azariah, the son of Zadok, the priest; 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, the recorder; 4:4 and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar served as priests; 4:5 Azariah, the son of Nathan, was responsible for the officers; and Zabud, the son of Nathan, was the chief minister and the king's friend; 4:6 Ahishar was in charge of the household; and Adoniram, the son of Abda, oversaw the forced labor. 4:7 Solomon had twelve officers over all of Israel, who provided food for the king and his household: each one had to make arrangements for a month out of the year. 4:8 Here are their names: Ben Hur, in the hill country of Ephraim; 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; 4:10 Ben Hesed, in Arubboth (he was responsible for Socoh and all the land of Hepher); 4:11 Ben Abinadab, in all the highlands of Dor (he had Taphath, the daughter of Solomon, as his wife); 4:12 Baana, the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all of Beth Shean next to Zarethan, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; 4:13 Ben Geber, in Ramoth Gilead (he was responsible for the towns of Jair, the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; also, he managed the region of Argob in Bashan, which had sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 4:14 Ahinadab, the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim; 4:15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also married Basemath, the daughter of Solomon); 4:16 Baana, the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth; 4:17 Jehoshaphat, the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 4:18 Shimei, the son of Ela, in Benjamin; 4:19 Geber, the son of Uri, in Gilead, the territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan; and he was the only officer in that land. 4:20 Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea, eating and drinking and celebrating. 4:21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the Philistines' land and to the border of Egypt: they brought tribute and served Solomon all his life. 4:22 Solomon's daily provisions included thirty measures of fine flour, sixty measures of meal, 4:23 ten fattened cattle, twenty range cattle, a hundred sheep, in addition to harts, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened birds. 4:24 For he had control over all the region on this side of the River, from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings in that area: and he had peace all around him. 4:25 Judah and Israel lived securely, every man under his own vine and fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba, throughout Solomon's reign. 4:26 Solomon had forty thousand stalls for his chariot horses and twelve thousand horsemen. 4:27 These officers provided food for King Solomon and for all who came to his table, each man for his month; nothing was lacking. 4:28 They also brought barley and straw for the horses and swift steeds to the designated place, each according to his duty. 4:29 God granted Solomon immense wisdom and understanding, more than anyone could measure, even like the sand on the seashore. 4:30 Solomon's wisdom surpassed that of all the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. 4:31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: his fame spread among all the nations. 4:32 He composed three thousand proverbs and wrote a thousand and five songs. 4:33 He spoke about trees, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall; he also discussed animals, birds, creeping creatures, and fish. 4:34 People from all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, including all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.

5:1 Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 5:2 Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 5:3 You know how that David my father could not build a house for the name of Yahweh his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until Yahweh put them under the soles of his feet. 5:4 But now Yahweh my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence. 5:5 Behold, I purpose to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, as Yahweh spoke to David my father, saying, Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your room, he shall build the house for my name. 5:6 Now therefore command you that they cut me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with your servants; and I will give you hire for your servants according to all that you shall say: for you know that there is not among us any who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians. 5:7 It happened, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Yahweh this day, who has given to David a wise son over this great people. 5:8 Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heard the message which you have sent to me: I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 5:9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you shall appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you shall receive them; and you shall accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. 5:10 So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all his desire. 5:11 Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. 5:12 Yahweh gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together. 5:13 King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. 5:14 He sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the men subject to forced labor. 5:15 Solomon had seventy thousand who bore burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains; 5:16 besides Solomon's chief officers who were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, who bore rule over the people who labored in the work. 5:17 The king commanded, and they cut out great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with worked stone. 5:18 Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites did fashion them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.

5:1 Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent his servants to Solomon because he heard that Solomon had been anointed king in place of his father. Hiram had always been a supporter of David. 5:2 Solomon sent a message to Hiram, saying, 5:3 You know that my father David couldn’t build a house for the name of Yahweh his God because of the wars surrounding him until Yahweh made peace on all sides. 5:4 But now, Yahweh my God has given me peace all around; I have no enemies or trouble. 5:5 Look, I plan to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, just as Yahweh told my father David, saying, Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, will build the house for my name. 5:6 Therefore, please command that they cut me cedar trees from Lebanon. My servants will work with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever you say because you know that no one among us can cut timber as well as the Sidonians. 5:7 When Hiram heard Solomon's words, he was very happy and said, Blessed be Yahweh today, who has given David a wise son over this great people. 5:8 Hiram sent a message to Solomon, saying, I have received the message you sent me: I will do everything you need regarding cedar and fir timber. 5:9 My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea, and I will make them into rafts to transport by sea to the place you designate, and have them broken up there for you; and you will fulfill my request by providing food for my household. 5:10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with cedar and fir timber as he requested. 5:11 Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for his household’s food and twenty measures of pure oil; this was Solomon's annual contribution to Hiram. 5:12 Yahweh gave Solomon wisdom as He promised, and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they made a treaty together. 5:13 King Solomon raised a draft from all Israel; the draft consisted of thirty thousand men. 5:14 He sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month, on a rotating schedule; they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home, with Adoniram in charge of the laborers. 5:15 Solomon had seventy thousand who carried loads and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains; 5:16 in addition to Solomon's chief officers overseeing the work, three thousand three hundred who supervised the laborers. 5:17 The king commanded them to cut large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stone. 5:18 Solomon's builders, Hiram's builders, and the stonemasons from Gebal shaped them and prepared the timber and stones for the construction of the house.

6:1 It happened in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of Yahweh. 6:2 The house which king Solomon built for Yahweh, its length was sixty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 6:3 The porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was its length, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was its breadth before the house. 6:4 For the house he made windows of fixed lattice work. 6:5 Against the wall of the house he built stories all around, against the walls of the house all around, both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made side chambers all around. 6:6 The nethermost story was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad; for on the outside he made offsets in the wall of the house all around, that the beams should not have hold in the walls of the house. 6:7 The house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready at the quarry; and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. 6:8 The door for the middle side chambers was in the right side of the house: and they went up by winding stairs into the middle story, and out of the middle into the third. 6:9 So he built the house, and finished it; and he covered the house with beams and planks of cedar. 6:10 He built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar. 6:11 The word of Yahweh came to Solomon, saying, 6:12 Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in my statutes, and execute my ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 6:13 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. 6:14 So Solomon built the house, and finished it. 6:15 He built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar: from the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood; and he covered the floor of the house with boards of fir. 6:16 He built twenty cubits on the hinder part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the walls of the ceiling: he built them for it within, for an oracle, even for the most holy place. 6:17 The house, that is, the temple before the oracle, was forty cubits long. 6:18 There was cedar on the house within, carved with buds and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. 6:19 He prepared an oracle in the midst of the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. 6:20 Within the oracle was a space of twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in its height; and he overlaid it with pure gold: and he covered the altar with cedar. 6:21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he drew chains of gold across before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold. 6:22 The whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold. 6:23 In the oracle he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high. 6:24 Five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing to the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. 6:25 The other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubim were of one measure and one form. 6:26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub. 6:27 He set the cherubim within the inner house; and the wings of the cherubim were stretched forth, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. 6:28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold. 6:29 He carved all the walls of the house around with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, inside and outside. 6:30 The floor of the house he overlaid with gold, inside and outside. 6:31 For the entrance of the oracle he made doors of olive wood: the lintel and door posts were a fifth part of the wall. 6:32 So he made two doors of olive wood; and he carved on them carvings of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread the gold on the cherubim, and on the palm trees. 6:33 So also made he for the entrance of the temple door posts of olive wood, out of a fourth part of the wall; 6:34 and two doors of fir wood: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. 6:35 He carved thereon cherubim and palm trees and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted on the engraved work. 6:36 He built the inner court with three courses of cut stone, and a course of cedar beams. 6:37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of Yahweh laid, in the month Ziv. 6:38 In the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all its parts, and according to all its fashion. So was he seven years in building it.

6:1 It happened in the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the temple of Yahweh. 6:2 The temple that King Solomon built for Yahweh was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 6:3 The porch in front of the temple was twenty cubits long, matching the width of the temple, and ten cubits wide. 6:4 For the temple, he made windows with fixed lattice work. 6:5 Against the walls of the temple, he built stories all around, and he made side chambers all around, for both the temple and the inner sanctuary. 6:6 The lowest story was five cubits wide, the middle was six cubits wide, and the third was seven cubits wide; on the outside, he made ledges in the wall all around so that the beams would not be embedded in the walls of the temple. 6:7 The temple, while being built, was constructed from stones that were prepared at the quarry, and there was no hammer, axe, or any iron tool heard in the temple while it was being built. 6:8 The entrance to the middle side chambers was on the right side of the temple; they went up by winding stairs to the middle story and from the middle to the third. 6:9 So he built the temple and completed it, covering it with beams and planks of cedar. 6:10 He built the stories around the entire temple, each five cubits high, and supported them with cedar beams. 6:11 The word of Yahweh came to Solomon, saying, 6:12 Regarding this temple you are building, if you follow my statutes, carry out my ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then I will establish my promise to you, as I spoke to your father David. 6:13 I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel. 6:14 So Solomon built the temple and finished it. 6:15 He covered the interior walls of the temple with cedar, from the floor to the ceiling, and he covered the floor of the temple with fir boards. 6:16 He built twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from the floor to the ceiling, creating a space within for the inner sanctuary, the most sacred place. 6:17 The temple, which was before the inner sanctuary, was forty cubits long. 6:18 Inside, the cedar was carved with designs of buds and open flowers; everything was cedar, and no stone was visible. 6:19 He prepared an inner sanctuary in the middle of the temple to place the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. 6:20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high, and he overlaid it with pure gold, covering the altar with cedar. 6:21 So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold; he made chains of gold to go across in front of the inner sanctuary and overlaid it with gold. 6:22 He overlaid the entire temple with gold until it was finished; he also overlaid the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary with gold. 6:23 He made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high, in the inner sanctuary. 6:24 Each cherub had wings that were five cubits long, and the total span from the outermost tip of one wing to the outermost tip of the other was ten cubits. 6:25 The other cherub was also ten cubits tall, and both cherubim were of the same size and shape. 6:26 The height of each cherub was ten cubits. 6:27 He placed the cherubim in the inner sanctuary; their wings were spread out so that one wing touched one wall and the other wing touched the opposite wall, and their wings touched each other in the middle of the temple. 6:28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold. 6:29 He carved all the walls of the temple with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, both inside and out. 6:30 The floor of the temple was overlaid with gold, both inside and outside. 6:31 For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were a fifth of the wall’s thickness. 6:32 He made two olive wood doors and carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them, overlaid them with gold, and spread gold over the cherubim and the palm trees. 6:33 He also made doorposts of olive wood for the entrance of the temple, which were a fourth of the wall’s thickness; 6:34 and two doors of fir wood, with two folding leaves for each door. 6:35 He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them and overlaid them with gold, ensuring that the gold was applied to the engraved designs. 6:36 He built the inner courtyard with three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams. 6:37 In the fourth year, the foundation of the temple of Yahweh was laid in the month of Ziv. 6:38 In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its parts and according to all its specifications. It took him seven years to build it.

7:1 Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house. 7:2 For he built the house of the forest of Lebanon; its length was one hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on the pillars. 7:3 It was covered with cedar above over the forty-five beams, that were on the pillars; fifteen in a row. 7:4 There were beams in three rows, and window was over against window in three ranks. 7:5 All the doors and posts were made square with beams: and window was over against window in three ranks. 7:6 He made the porch of pillars; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth thirty cubits; and a porch before them; and pillars and a threshold before them. 7:7 He made the porch of the throne where he was to judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from floor to floor. 7:8 His house where he was to dwell, the other court within the porch, was of the like work. He made also a house for Pharaoh's daughter (whom Solomon had taken as wife), like this porch. 7:9 All these were of costly stones, even of cut stone, according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court. 7:10 The foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits. 7:11 Above were costly stones, even cut stone, according to measure, and cedar wood. 7:12 The great court around had three courses of cut stone, and a course of cedar beams; like as the inner court of the house of Yahweh, and the porch of the house. 7:13 King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. 7:14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill, to work all works in brass. He came to king Solomon, and performed all his work. 7:15 For he fashioned the two pillars of brass, eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits encircled either of them about. 7:16 He made two capitals of molten brass, to set on the tops of the pillars: the height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits. 7:17 There were nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital. 7:18 So he made the pillars; and there were two rows around on the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars: and so did he for the other capital. 7:19 The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits. 7:20 There were capitals above also on the two pillars, close by the belly which was beside the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows around on the other capital. 7:21 He set up the pillars at the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called its name Jachin; and he set up the left pillar, and called its name Boaz. 7:22 On the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished. 7:23 He made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and its height was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits encircled it. 7:24 Under its brim around there were buds which encircled it, for ten cubits, encircling the sea: the buds were in two rows, cast when it was cast. 7:25 It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. 7:26 It was a handbreadth thick: and its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it held two thousand baths. 7:27 He made the ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits its breadth, and three cubits its height. 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels; and there were panels between the ledges; 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work. 7:30 Every base had four bronze wheels, and axles of brass; and the four feet of it had supports: beneath the basin were the supports molten, with wreaths at the side of each. 7:31 The mouth of it within the capital and above was a cubit: and its mouth was round after the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its mouth were engravings, and their panels were foursquare, not round. 7:32 The four wheels were underneath the panels; and the axles of the wheels were in the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit. 7:33 The work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axles, and their rims, and their spokes, and their naves, were all molten. 7:34 There were four supports at the four corners of each base: its supports were of the base itself. 7:35 In the top of the base was there a round compass half a cubit high; and on the top of the base its stays and its panels were of the same. 7:36 On the plates of its stays, and on its panels, he engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths all around. 7:37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one form. 7:38 He made ten basins of brass: one basin contained forty baths; and every basin was four cubits; and on very one of the ten bases one basin. 7:39 He set the bases, five on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south. 7:40 Hiram made the basins, and the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he worked for king Solomon in the house of Yahweh: 7:41 the two pillars, and the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; 7:42 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars; 7:43 and the ten bases, and the ten basins on the bases; 7:44 and the one sea, and the twelve oxen under the sea; 7:45 and the pots, and the shovels, and the basins: even all these vessels, which Hiram made for king Solomon, in the house of Yahweh, were of burnished brass. 7:46 In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan. 7:47 Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: the weight of the brass could not be found out. 7:48 Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of Yahweh: the golden altar, and the table whereupon the show bread was, of gold; 7:49 and the lampstands, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, of pure gold; and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold; 7:50 and the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the fire pans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple, of gold. 7:51 Thus all the work that king Solomon worked in the house of Yahweh was finished. Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated, even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of Yahweh.

7:1 Solomon built his own house for thirteen years, and he completed the entire building. 7:2 He constructed the House of the Forest of Lebanon; it was one hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, supported by four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on top of the pillars. 7:3 It was covered with cedar above over the forty-five beams that were on the pillars; fifteen in a row. 7:4 There were beams in three rows, and windows were aligned with windows in three tiers. 7:5 All the doors and posts were square with beams, and windows were aligned with windows in three tiers. 7:6 He designed the porch of pillars; it measured fifty cubits long and thirty cubits wide, along with a porch in front, featuring pillars and a threshold. 7:7 He created the porch of the throne where he would judge, known as the porch of judgment; it was covered with cedar from floor to floor. 7:8 His house, where he was to live, along with the inner court of the porch, was built with similar craftsmanship. He also made a house for Pharaoh's daughter (whom Solomon had married) like this porch. 7:9 All these structures were made of expensive stones, cut according to measurements, sawed inside and outside, from the foundation to the top, and outward to the great court. 7:10 The foundation was made of costly stones, including large stones measuring ten cubits and stones of eight cubits. 7:11 Above the foundation were expensive stones, cut to size, along with cedar wood. 7:12 The great court surrounding it had three courses of cut stone and a course of cedar beams, similar to the inner court of the house of Yahweh and the porch of the house. 7:13 King Solomon sent for Hiram from Tyre. 7:14 Hiram was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in brass from Tyre; he was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to work in all brass crafts. He came to King Solomon and completed all his work. 7:15 He made two pillars of brass, each eighteen cubits high: a line of twelve cubits encircled each of them. 7:16 He created two capitals of molten brass to place on top of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high. 7:17 There were nets of checkered work and chains for the capitals on top of the pillars; seven for one capital and seven for the other capital. 7:18 So he made the pillars, and there were two rows around each netting to cover the capitals on top of the pillars; he did the same for the other capital. 7:19 The capitals on top of the pillars in the porch were worked like lilies, four cubits high. 7:20 There were also capitals above on the two pillars, beside the netting, and there were two hundred pomegranates arranged in rows around the other capital. 7:21 He set up the pillars at the porch of the temple: he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. 7:22 On top of the pillars was lily work; thus the work on the pillars was completed. 7:23 He made the molten sea, which was ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in shape, and its height was five cubits; a line of thirty cubits encircled it. 7:24 Around its brim were buds that encircled it, ten cubits in number: the buds were in two rows, cast when the basin was made. 7:25 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the sea was placed on them above, and all their hindquarters were inward. 7:26 The sea was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was shaped like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; it could hold two thousand baths. 7:27 He made ten bases of brass; each base measured four cubits long and four cubits wide, and three cubits high. 7:28 The construction of the bases was as follows: they had panels, and there were panels between the ledges; 7:29 and on the panels between the ledges, there were lions, oxen, and cherubim, and there were pedestals above on the ledges; and beneath the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work. 7:30 Each base had four bronze wheels and axles of brass, and the four feet had supports; underneath the basin were molten supports, with wreaths at the side of each. 7:31 The mouth inside the capital and above was a cubit, and its mouth was round, following the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; engravings were also on its mouth, and their panels were square, not round. 7:32 The four wheels were below the panels, and the axles of the wheels were in the base: the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half. 7:33 The design of the wheels was like the work of chariot wheels: their axles, rims, spokes, and naves were all molten. 7:34 There were four supports at each corner of every base; its supports were part of the base itself. 7:35 On top of the base, there was a round section half a cubit high; and on top of the base, its stays and panels were of the same style. 7:36 On the plates of its stays and on its panels, he engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the dimensions of each, with wreaths all around. 7:37 This is how he made the ten bases: all of them were cast in a single design, with the same measurement and form. 7:38 He made ten basins of brass; one basin could hold forty baths; each basin was four cubits in size, and there was one basin on each of the ten bases. 7:39 He placed the bases, five on the right side of the house and five on the left side of the house; he set the sea on the right side of the house, eastward, toward the south. 7:40 Hiram made the basins, the shovels, and the basins. Thus, Hiram completed all the work that he performed for King Solomon in the house of Yahweh: 7:41 the two pillars and the two bowls of the capitals on top of the pillars; the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals atop the pillars; 7:42 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, covering the two bowls of the capitals on the pillars; 7:43 and the ten bases and the ten basins on the bases; 7:44 and the one sea and the twelve oxen under the sea; 7:45 and the pots, shovels, and basins: all these items that Hiram made for King Solomon in the house of Yahweh were made of polished brass. 7:46 The king cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan. 7:47 Solomon left all the vessels unweighed because they were so many that the weight of the brass could not be determined. 7:48 Solomon made all the vessels for the house of Yahweh: the golden altar and the table for the showbread, made of gold; 7:49 and the lampstands, five on the right side and five on the left, before the oracle, made of pure gold; along with the flowers, lamps, and tongs, made of gold; 7:50 and the cups, snuffers, basins, spoons, and fire pans made of pure gold; and the hinges, for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple, made of gold. 7:51 Thus all the work that King Solomon conducted in the house of Yahweh was completed. Solomon brought in the items that David his father had dedicated, even the silver, gold, and vessels, and placed them in the treasuries of the house of Yahweh.

8:1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers' houses of the children of Israel, to king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the city of David, which is Zion. 8:2 All the men of Israel assembled themselves to king Solomon at the feast, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 8:3 All the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 8:4 They brought up the ark of Yahweh, and the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; even these did the priests and the Levites bring up. 8:5 King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle, that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude. 8:6 The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. 8:7 For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. 8:8 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the oracle; but they were not seen outside: and there they are to this day. 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 8:10 It came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of Yahweh, 8:11 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh. 8:12 Then spoke Solomon, Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 8:13 I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever. 8:14 The king turned his face about, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood. 8:15 He said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David your father, and has with his hand fulfilled it, saying, 8:16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be there; but I chose David to be over my people Israel. 8:17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 8:18 But Yahweh said to David my father, Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart: 8:19 nevertheless you shall not build the house; but your son who shall come forth out of your body, he shall build the house for my name. 8:20 Yahweh has established his word that he spoke; for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 8:21 There have I set a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of Yahweh, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. 8:22 Solomon stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven; 8:23 and he said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart; 8:24 who have kept with your servant David my father that which you did promise him: yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day. 8:25 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me. 8:26 Now therefore, God of Israel, Please let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David my father. 8:27 But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 8:28 Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant, and for his supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you this day; 8:29 that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, My name shall be there; to listen to the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place. 8:30 Listen you to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yes, hear in heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. 8:31 If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid on him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before your altar in this house; 8:32 then hear you in heaven, and do, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. 8:33 When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against you; if they turn again to you, and confess your name, and pray and make supplication to you in this house: 8:34 then hear you in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their fathers. 8:35 When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you do afflict them: 8:36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance. 8:37 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there be; 8:38 whatever prayer and supplication be made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: 8:39 then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;) 8:40 that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land which you gave to our fathers. 8:41 Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for your name's sake 8:42 (for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house; 8:43 hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by my name. 8:44 If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to Yahweh toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name; 8:45 then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 8:46 If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn't sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near; 8:47 yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have dealt wickedly; 8:48 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name: 8:49 then hear you their prayer and their supplication in heaven, your dwelling place, and maintain their cause; 8:50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions in which they have transgressed against you; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 8:51 (for they are your people, and your inheritance, which you brought forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron); 8:52 that your eyes may be open to the supplication of your servant, and to the supplication of your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they cry to you. 8:53 For you did separate them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be your inheritance, as you spoke by Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, Lord Yahweh. 8:54 It was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication to Yahweh, he arose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread forth toward heaven. 8:55 He stood, and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 8:56 Blessed be Yahweh, who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there has not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by Moses his servant. 8:57 Yahweh our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us; 8:58 that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his ordinances, which he commanded our fathers. 8:59 Let these my words, with which I have made supplication before Yahweh, be near to Yahweh our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel, as every day shall require; 8:60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh, he is God; there is none else. 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with Yahweh our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. 8:62 The king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before Yahweh. 8:63 Solomon offered for the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to Yahweh, two and twenty thousand head of cattle, and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of Yahweh. 8:64 The same day did the king make the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh; for there he offered the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that was before Yahweh was too little to receive the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat of the peace offerings. 8:65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before Yahweh our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days. 8:66 On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David his servant, and to Israel his people.

8:1 Then Solomon gathered the elders of Israel and all the leaders of the tribes, the heads of the families of the Israelites, to King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh from the city of David, which is Zion. 8:2 All the men of Israel gathered to King Solomon at the festival, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 8:3 All the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 8:4 They brought the ark of Yahweh, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy objects that were in the Tent; the priests and the Levites brought these as well. 8:5 King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel, who were gathered with him, were in front of the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they couldn't be counted. 8:6 The priests brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the innermost sanctuary of the temple, the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim. 8:7 The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark, and they covered the ark and its poles from above. 8:8 The poles were so long that their ends were visible from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen from outside, and they remain there to this day. 8:9 There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the Israelites as they came out of Egypt. 8:10 When the priests came out of the holy place, the cloud filled the house of Yahweh, 8:11 so that the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud; for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh. 8:12 Then Solomon said, "Yahweh has said that He would dwell in thick darkness. 8:13 I have indeed built You a magnificent house, a place for You to dwell forever." 8:14 The king turned around and blessed the whole assembly of Israel; and they all stood. 8:15 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to David my father and has fulfilled it with His hand, saying, 8:16 'Since the day I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city among the tribes of Israel to build a house, so my name may be there; but I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.' 8:17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 8:18 But Yahweh said to David my father, 'You did well to have it in your heart to build a house for my name, 8:19 but you shall not build the house; your son, who is coming from your body, he will build the house for my name.' 8:20 Yahweh has kept His promise; for I have risen up in place of David my father and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and I have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 8:21 There I have set a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of Yahweh, which He made with our ancestors when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. 8:22 Solomon stood before the altar of Yahweh in front of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven; 8:23 and he said, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth below; You keep covenant and loving kindness with Your servants who walk before You with their whole heart; 8:24 You have kept with Your servant David my father what You promised him: indeed, You spoke with Your mouth, and have fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is today. 8:25 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with Your servant David my father what You promised him, saying, 'You shall never fail to have a man in my presence sitting on the throne of Israel, if only Your children carefully follow their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.' 8:26 Now therefore, God of Israel, let Your word be confirmed, which You spoke to Your servant David my father. 8:27 But will God really dwell on the earth? Consider, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this temple that I have built! 8:28 Yet allow respect for the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and the prayer of Your servant that he prays before You today; 8:29 that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, 'My name shall be there'; to listen to the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. 8:30 Hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place; yes, hear in heaven, Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive. 8:31 If a man sins against his neighbor and he is made to take an oath, and he comes and swears before Your altar in this house; 8:32 then hear in heaven and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head, and justifying the righteous, giving him according to his righteousness. 8:33 When Your people Israel are defeated before their enemies because they have sinned against You; if they turn back to You and confess Your name, and pray and plead with You in this house: 8:34 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land that You gave to their ancestors. 8:35 When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You; if they pray toward this place, and confess Your name, and turn from their sin when You afflict them: 8:36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, when You teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land, that You have given to Your people as an inheritance. 8:37 If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locusts or caterpillars; if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or sickness there is; 8:38 whatever prayer and supplication is made by any person, or by all Your people Israel, who shall know each man the plague of his own heart and spread out his hands toward this house: 8:39 then hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to all his ways, whose heart You know; (for You alone know the hearts of all the children of men); 8:40 that they may fear You all the days they live in the land which You gave to our ancestors. 8:41 Moreover, concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your name's sake 8:42 (for they will hear of Your great name, and of Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house; 8:43 hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to You for; that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as does Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name. 8:44 If Your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way You send them, and they pray to Yahweh toward the city which You have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for Your name; 8:45 then hear in heaven their prayer and supplication, and act in their favor. 8:46 If they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin), and You are angry with them, and hand them over to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far or near; 8:47 yet if they turn back in the land where they are held captive, and repent, and plead with You in the land of those who took them captive, saying, 'We have sinned, and have acted wickedly and have done wrong'; 8:48 if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who carried them captive, and pray to You toward their land, which You gave to their ancestors, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name: 8:49 then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven, Your dwelling place, and act in their favor; 8:50 and forgive Your people who have sinned against You, and all their transgressions in which they have transgressed against You; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 8:51 (for they are Your people and Your inheritance, which You brought out of Egypt, from the iron furnace); 8:52 that Your eyes may be open to the supplication of Your servant and to the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they cry to You. 8:53 For You separated them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be Your inheritance, as You spoke by Moses Your servant when You brought our ancestors out of Egypt, Lord Yahweh. 8:54 It was so that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to Yahweh, he rose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread out toward heaven. 8:55 He stood, and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 8:56 "Blessed be Yahweh, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. 8:57 Yahweh our God be with us, as He was with our ancestors; may He not leave us or forsake us; 8:58 that He may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His ordinances, which He commanded our ancestors. 8:59 Let these words of mine, which I have made as supplication before Yahweh, be near to Yahweh our God day and night, that He maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires; 8:60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh, He is God; there is no one else. 8:61 Let your hearts therefore be perfect with Yahweh our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as this day." 8:62 The king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifices before Yahweh. 8:63 Solomon offered twenty-two thousand cattle and one hundred twenty thousand sheep as sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of Yahweh. 8:64 That same day, the king made the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh; for there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that was before Yahweh was too small to hold the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the fat of the peace offerings. 8:65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before Yahweh our God, for seven days and another seven days, a total of fourteen days. 8:66 On the eighth day, he sent the people away; and they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the good that Yahweh had shown to David His servant and to His people Israel.

9:1 It happened, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of Yahweh, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do, 9:2 that Yahweh appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 9:3 Yahweh said to him, I have heard your prayer and your supplication, that you have made before me: I have made this house holy, which you have built, to put my name there forever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually. 9:4 As for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances; 9:5 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, according as I promised to David your father, saying, There shall not fail you a man on the throne of Israel. 9:6 But if you shall turn away from following me, you or your children, and not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; 9:7 then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 9:8 Though this house is so high, yet shall everyone who passes by it be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land, and to this house? 9:9 and they shall answer, Because they forsook Yahweh their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore has Yahweh brought all this evil on them. 9:10 It happened at the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the two houses, the house of Yahweh and the king's house 9:11 (now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire), that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. 9:12 Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they didn't please him. 9:13 He said, What cities are these which you have given me, my brother? He called them the land of Cabul to this day. 9:14 Hiram sent to the king one hundred twenty talents of gold. 9:15 This is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised, to build the house of Yahweh, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer. 9:16 Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it for a portion to his daughter, Solomon's wife. 9:17 Solomon built Gezer, and Beth Horon the lower, 9:18 and Baalath, and Tamar in the wilderness, in the land, 9:19 and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 9:20 As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel; 9:21 their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants to this day. 9:22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondservants; but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen. 9:23 These were the chief officers who were over Solomon's work, five hundred fifty, who bore rule over the people who labored in the work. 9:24 But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David to her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo. 9:25 Three times a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he built to Yahweh, burning incense therewith, on the altar that was before Yahweh. So he finished the house. 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 9:27 Hiram sent in the navy his servants, sailors who had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. 9:28 They came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.

9:1 When Solomon had completed the construction of the temple for the Lord and the king's palace, along with everything else he desired to achieve, 9:2 the Lord appeared to Solomon again, just as He had at Gibeon. 9:3 The Lord said to him, "I have heard your prayer and your plea that you made before me: I have sanctified this house that you built, to place my name there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there always. 9:4 As for you, if you walk before me as your father David did, with a sincere heart and integrity, following all my commands and keeping my statutes and regulations; 9:5 then I will establish your dynasty over Israel forever, just as I promised your father David, saying, 'You will never lack a man on the throne of Israel.' 9:6 However, if you or your children turn away from following me and do not keep my commandments and statutes that I set before you, but instead go and serve other gods and worship them; 9:7 then I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, and this house that I have made holy for my name, I will cast out of my sight; Israel will become a proverb and a joke among all peoples. 9:8 Even though this house is magnificent, anyone who passes by will be amazed and hiss; they will ask, 'Why has the Lord done this to this land and this house?' 9:9 And they will answer, 'Because they abandoned the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors up from Egypt, and embraced other gods and worshiped them; that's why the Lord has brought all this disaster upon them.' 9:10 At the end of twenty years, during which Solomon built the two houses, the temple of the Lord and the king's palace, 9:11 (now King Hiram of Tyre had supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress lumber, and gold as much as he desired), King Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the region of Galilee. 9:12 Hiram went from Tyre to see the cities Solomon had given him, but they did not please him. 9:13 He asked, "What are these cities you've given me, my brother?" He called them the land of Cabul, which they are still called today. 9:14 Hiram sent the king one hundred twenty talents of gold. 9:15 This is the reason King Solomon imposed a labor draft to build the temple of the Lord, his own palace, Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. 9:16 Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had attacked and captured Gezer, burned it, and killed the Canaanites who lived there, giving it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife. 9:17 Solomon rebuilt Gezer, along with lower Beth Horon, 9:18 Baalath, and Tamar in the desert, in the land, 9:19 along with all the storage cities Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, plus everything else he wanted to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout his kingdom. 9:20 As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not descendants of Israel; 9:21 their descendants who remained in the land, whom the Israelites did not completely destroy, Solomon conscripted as laborers to this day. 9:22 But he did not make any of the Israelites into slaves; they were his fighting men, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the rulers of his chariots and horsemen. 9:23 These were the chief officials who supervised Solomon's work—five hundred fifty of them—who commanded the people working on the project. 9:24 Pharaoh's daughter came up from the city of David to her house that Solomon had built for her; then he built Millo. 9:25 Three times a year, Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he built for the Lord, burning incense on the altar that was before the Lord. So he completed the temple. 9:26 King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion Geber, which is near Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in Edom. 9:27 Hiram sent his servants, experienced sailors, with the crew of Solomon's men. 9:28 They went to Ophir and brought back four hundred twenty talents of gold for King Solomon.

10:1 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Yahweh, she came to prove him with hard questions. 10:2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she talked with him of all that was in her heart. 10:3 Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hidden from the king which he didn't tell her. 10:4 When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 10:5 and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, and his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in her. 10:6 She said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom. 10:7 However I didn't believe the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it: and behold, the half was not told me; your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard. 10:8 Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and who hear your wisdom. 10:9 Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel: because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore made he you king, to do justice and righteousness. 10:10 She gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 10:11 The navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees and precious stones. 10:12 The king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of Yahweh, and for the king's house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen, to this day. 10:13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, besides that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned, and went to her own land, she and her servants. 10:14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred sixty-six talents of gold, 10:15 besides that which the traders brought, and the traffic of the merchants, and of all the kings of the mixed people, and of the governors of the country. 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to one buckler. 10:17 he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 10:18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold. 10:19 There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays. 10:20 Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom. 10:21 All king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish with the navy of Hiram: once every three years came the navy of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. 10:23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 10:24 All the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 10:25 They brought every man his tribute, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and clothing, and armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. 10:26 Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance. 10:28 The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt; and the king's merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price. 10:29 A chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred fifty; and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

10:1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's fame regarding Yahweh, she came to test him with challenging questions. 10:2 She arrived in Jerusalem with a large entourage, bringing camels loaded with spices, a lot of gold, and precious stones. When she met Solomon, she spoke to him about everything that was on her mind. 10:3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king that he didn’t reveal to her. 10:4 After the queen of Sheba witnessed all of Solomon's wisdom, the palace he had built, 10:5 the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his ministers, their clothing, and the way he ascended to the temple of Yahweh, she was left breathless. 10:6 She said to the king, "What I heard in my own country about your actions and your wisdom was true. 10:7 However, I didn't believe it until I arrived and saw it with my own eyes. But, indeed, I was not told the full story; your wisdom and prosperity are greater than the fame I heard." 10:8 "Blessed are your men, and happy are these your servants who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom." 10:9 "Praise be to Yahweh your God, who is pleased with you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because Yahweh loved Israel forever, He made you king to carry out justice and righteousness." 10:10 She presented the king with 120 talents of gold, an abundance of spices, and precious stones. No other such collection of spices as the ones the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon has ever been seen. 10:11 Hiram's fleet, which brought gold from Ophir, also brought back large quantities of almug trees and precious stones from Ophir. 10:12 The king used the almug trees to make pillars for the temple of Yahweh and for his own palace, as well as harps and other string instruments for the singers; to this day, no such almug trees have been seen. 10:13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she desired and asked for, in addition to what he generously gave her from his royal treasures. She then returned home with her servants. 10:14 Now, the total amount of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 10:15 not including what the traders and merchants brought in, and the contributions from all the kings of the surrounding nations and the governors of the land. 10:16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold; each shield required 600 shekels of gold. 10:17 He also made 300 shields of hammered gold; each of these required three minas of gold, and he placed them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 10:18 Furthermore, the king made a grand throne of ivory and overlaid it with the finest gold. 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top was round at the back; there were armrests on either side of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests. 10:20 Twelve lions stood on each side of the six steps; nothing like it had ever been made in any kingdom. 10:21 All King Solomon's drinking vessels were made of gold, and all the utensils in the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold; silver wasn't valued at all in Solomon's days. 10:22 The king also had a fleet of Tarshish ships at sea, alongside Hiram's navy. Once every three years, the Tarshish fleet returned, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. 10:23 As a result, King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 10:24 The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had placed in his heart. 10:25 They each brought their tribute—silver and gold vessels, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and mules—year by year. 10:26 Solomon collected chariots and horsemen; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 10:27 The king made silver in Jerusalem as common as stones, and cedars as abundant as sycamore trees in the lowlands. 10:28 The horses that Solomon acquired came from Egypt, and the king's merchants bought them in droves, at a set price. 10:29 A chariot came up from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver, and a horse for 150; they provided them for all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

11:1 Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites; 11:2 of the nations concerning which Yahweh said to the children of Israel, You shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon joined to these in love. 11:3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 11:4 For it happened, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as was the heart of David his father. 11:5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 11:6 Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and didn't go fully after Yahweh, as did David his father. 11:7 Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the mountain that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. 11:8 So did he for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods. 11:9 Yahweh was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 11:10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he didn't keep that which Yahweh commanded. 11:11 Therefore Yahweh said to Solomon, Because this is done of you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. 11:12 Notwithstanding in your days I will not do it, for David your father's sake: but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 11:13 However I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give one tribe to your son, for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen. 11:14 Yahweh raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom. 11:15 For it happened, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the army was gone up to bury the slain, and had struck every male in Edom 11:16 (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom); 11:17 that Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt, Hadad being yet a little child. 11:18 They arose out of Midian, and came to Paran; and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house, and appointed him food, and gave him land. 11:19 Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him as wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 11:20 The sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house; and Genubath was in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh. 11:21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to my own country. 11:22 Then Pharaoh said to him, But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you seek to go to your own country? He answered, Nothing: however only let me depart. 11:23 God raised up another adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah. 11:24 He gathered men to him, and became captain over a troop, when David killed them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and lived therein, and reigned in Damascus. 11:25 He was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, besides the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria. 11:26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand against the king. 11:27 This was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breach of the city of David his father. 11:28 The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon saw the young man that he was industrious, and he put him in charge of all the labor of the house of Joseph. 11:29 It happened at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; now Ahijah had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field. 11:30 Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it in twelve pieces. 11:31 He said to Jeroboam, Take ten pieces; for thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to you 11:32 (but he shall have one tribe, for my servant David's sake and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel); 11:33 because that they have forsaken me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon; and they have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my ordinances, as did David his father. 11:34 However I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand; but I will make him prince all the days of his life, for David my servant's sake whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes; 11:35 but I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it to you, even ten tribes. 11:36 To his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. 11:37 I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be king over Israel. 11:38 It shall be, if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do that which is right in my eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with you, and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you. 11:39 I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not forever. 11:40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam; but Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon. 11:41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, aren't they written in the book of the acts of Solomon? 11:42 The time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 11:43 Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

11:1 King Solomon had many foreign wives, including the daughter of Pharaoh, women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and Hittite lands; 11:2 regarding the nations about which Yahweh warned the Israelites, saying, "You shouldn't interact with them, and they shouldn't interact with you; they will surely lead your hearts away from me." Solomon loved these women deeply. 11:3 He had seven hundred wives, including princesses, and three hundred concubines, which led his heart astray. 11:4 As Solomon grew older, his wives turned his heart towards other gods, and his heart was not as devoted to Yahweh his God as the heart of his father David had been. 11:5 Solomon followed Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom, a vile god of the Ammonites. 11:6 Solomon did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh and did not wholeheartedly follow Yahweh, like his father David did. 11:7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, on the hill facing Jerusalem, and for Molech, an abomination of the Ammonites. 11:8 He did the same for all his foreign wives who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. 11:9 Yahweh became angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 11:10 and had commanded him not to follow other gods, but he did not keep what Yahweh commanded. 11:11 Therefore, Yahweh told Solomon, "Since you have done this and have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I commanded you, I will surely take the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. 11:12 However, during your lifetime, I will not do it for the sake of your father David, but I will tear it from the hand of your son. 11:13 Yet, I will not take away the entire kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son because of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen." 11:14 Yahweh raised up an adversary against Solomon: Hadad the Edomite, who was of the royal lineage in Edom. 11:15 This happened when David was in Edom, and Joab, the army commander, had gone to bury the slain and killed every male in Edom 11:16 (Joab and all of Israel remained there for six months, until he had killed every male). 11:17 Hadad fled, along with some of his father's servants, to Egypt, while he was still a child. 11:18 They left Midian, came to Paran, and took men from Paran with them to Egypt, to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who gave him a house, provided him with food, and granted him land. 11:19 Hadad gained great favor in Pharaoh's sight, so Pharaoh gave him the sister of his own wife, Tahpenes the queen, as a wife. 11:20 The sister of Tahpenes bore him a son, Genubath, whom Tahpenes raised in Pharaoh's house, and Genubath lived in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh. 11:21 When Hadad learned in Egypt that David had died and that Joab, the army commander, was also dead, he said to Pharaoh, "Let me return to my home." 11:22 Pharaoh asked him, "What have you lacked with me that you seek to return to your homeland?" He replied, "Nothing, but please let me go." 11:23 God raised up another adversary against Solomon, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer, king of Zobah. 11:24 He gathered men around him and became a leader over a troop when David killed the Zobahites; then they went to Damascus and settled there, becoming kings over Damascus. 11:25 He was an enemy of Israel throughout Solomon's reign, in addition to the trouble Hadad caused, and he hated Israel, reigning over Syria. 11:26 Jeroboam son of Nebat, from Zeredah in Ephraim, a servant of Solomon, whose mother was a widow named Zeruah, also rebelled against the king. 11:27 This is why he rebelled: Solomon built Millo and repaired parts of the city of David, his father. 11:28 Jeroboam was a mighty warrior, and Solomon noticed how industrious he was, so he put him in charge of the labor force in the house of Joseph. 11:29 It happened that as Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the road; now Ahijah was wearing a new cloak, and they were alone in the field. 11:30 Ahijah grabbed the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 11:31 He said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces; for this is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'Look, I am going to take the kingdom from Solomon and give you ten tribes 11:32 (but he will have one tribe for my servant David's sake and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel); 11:33 because they have abandoned me and worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh, the god of Moab, and Milcom, the god of the Ammonites; and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right in my sight, and keeping my statutes and ordinances, as David his father did. 11:34 However, I will not take the whole kingdom from him, but I will make him a leader for life because of my servant David, whom I chose and who kept my commandments and statutes. 11:35 But I will take the kingdom from his son and give it to you, even ten tribes. 11:36 To his son, I will give one tribe so that my servant David will always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen to put my name there. 11:37 I will take you, and you will reign over all your heart desires and be king over Israel. 11:38 If you will listen to everything I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight, keeping my statutes and commandments, as my servant David did, then I will be with you, and will build you a lasting dynasty, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 11:39 I will afflict the descendants of David for this, but not forever." 11:40 Solomon, therefore, tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak, king of Egypt, and stayed there until Solomon's death. 11:41 Now the rest of Solomon's acts, everything he did and his wisdom, are they not recorded in the book of the acts of Solomon? 11:42 Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years. 11:43 Solomon died and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son Rehoboam succeeded him as king.

12:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 12:2 It happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam lived in Egypt, 12:3 and they sent and called him), that Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 12:4 Your father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you. 12:5 He said to them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. The people departed. 12:6 King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me to return answer to this people? 12:7 They spoke to him, saying, If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever. 12:8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. 12:9 He said to them, What counsel do you give, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that your father did put on us lighter? 12:10 The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus you shall tell this people who spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter to us; thus you shall speak to them, My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. 12:11 Now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 12:12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come to me again the third day. 12:13 The king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, 12:14 and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 12:15 So the king didn't listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about of Yahweh, that he might establish his word, which Yahweh spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king didn't listen to them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, Israel: now see to your own house, David. So Israel departed to their tents. 12:17 But as for the children of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 12:19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David to this day. 12:20 It happened, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was returned, that they sent and called him to the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none who followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only. 12:21 When Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, and the tribe of Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thousand chosen men, who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 12:22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 12:23 Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, saying, 12:24 Thus says Yahweh, You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me. So they listened to the word of Yahweh, and returned and went their way, according to the word of Yahweh. 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived therein; and he went out from there, and built Penuel. 12:26 Jeroboam said in his heart, Now will the kingdom return to the house of David: 12:27 if this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, then will the heart of this people turn again to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me, and return to Rehoboam king of Judah. 12:28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold; and he said to them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: see your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 12:29 He set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 12:30 This thing became a sin; for the people went to worship before the one, even to Dan. 12:31 He made houses of high places, and made priests from among all the people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 12:32 Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like the feast that is in Judah, and he went up to the altar; so did he in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made. 12:33 He went up to the altar which he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart: and he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and went up to the altar, to burn incense.

12:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all of Israel had gathered there to make him king. 12:2 When Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, heard about it (he was still in Egypt, having fled from King Solomon), he was called back, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 12:4 "Your father made our work hard for us; now make the harsh labor your father imposed on us lighter, and we will serve you." 12:5 He replied, "Come back to me in three days." The people left. 12:6 King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was alive. He asked them, "What advice do you have for me to respond to this people?" 12:7 They said to him, "If you will be a servant to this people today, and serve them and speak kindly to them, they will be your loyal subjects forever." 12:8 But he ignored the advice of the elders and sought counsel from the young men he had grown up with, who were now serving him. 12:9 He asked them, "What do you advise that we say to this people who have requested that we lighten the yoke your father put on us?" 12:10 The young men replied, "Tell them this: 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but you will make it even heavier; my father used whips to discipline you, but I will use scorpions.'" 12:11 So, on the third day, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam as he had instructed. 12:13 The king answered the people harshly and ignored the advice the elders had given him, 12:14 and spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will make it heavier; my father used whips, but I will use scorpions." 12:15 The king did not listen to the people because this turn of events was from Yahweh, to fulfill His promise made through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, son of Nebat. 12:16 When all of Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, they answered the king, saying, "What share do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David." So Israel went to their homes. 12:17 But the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah were ruled by Rehoboam. 12:18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, and all of Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam quickly got into his chariot and fled back to Jerusalem. 12:19 So Israel has rebelled against the house of David to this day. 12:20 When all of Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they called him to their assembly and made him king over all Israel. The only tribe that remained loyal to the house of David was Judah. 12:21 When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he gathered the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, a total of 180,000 able men who were warriors, to go to battle against the house of Israel and try to bring back the kingdom to Rehoboam, son of Solomon. 12:22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah, the man of God, saying, 12:23 "Tell Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Judah, and all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people, 12:24 'This is what Yahweh says: You must not go up or fight against your brothers, the children of Israel; return home, for this matter is under My authority.'" So they obeyed the word of Yahweh and returned home as He commanded. 12:25 Jeroboam then built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there, he went out and built Penuel. 12:26 Jeroboam thought to himself, "Now the kingdom may return to the house of David. 12:27 If these people go to offer sacrifices in the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, their hearts will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; they will kill me and return to him." 12:28 Therefore, the king sought advice and made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It's too much trouble for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." 12:29 He set one up in Bethel and the other in Dan. 12:30 This became a sin, as the people went to worship the one in Dan. 12:31 He made shrines on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not from the Levite tribe. 12:32 Jeroboam established a festival in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day, similar to the festival in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. He did this in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made and designating priests for the high places he had created. 12:33 He went up to the altar he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, which he had devised in his own heart, and ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and went up to the altar to burn incense.

13:1 Behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of Yahweh to Beth El: and Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. 13:2 He cried against the altar by the word of Yahweh, and said, altar, altar, thus says Yahweh: Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name; and on you shall he sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men's bones shall they burn on you. 13:3 He gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which Yahweh has spoken: Behold, the altar shall be torn, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out. 13:4 It happened, when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar in Bethel, that Jeroboam put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. His hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back again to him. 13:5 The altar also was torn, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of Yahweh. 13:6 The king answered the man of God, Entreat now the favor of Yahweh your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. The man of God entreated Yahweh, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before. 13:7 The king said to the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward. 13:8 The man of God said to the king, If you will give me half your house, I will not go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place; 13:9 for so was it commanded me by the word of Yahweh, saying, You shall eat no bread, nor drink water, neither return by the way that you came. 13:10 So he went another way, and didn't return by the way that he came to Bethel. 13:11 Now there lived an old prophet in Bethel; and one of his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken to the king, them also they told to their father. 13:12 Their father said to them, Which way did he go? Now his sons had seen which way the man of God went, who came from Judah. 13:13 He said to his sons, Saddle me the donkey. So they saddled him the donkey; and he rode thereon. 13:14 He went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak; and he said to him, Are you the man of God who came from Judah? He said, I am. 13:15 Then he said to him, Come home with me, and eat bread. 13:16 He said, I may not return with you, nor go in with you; neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place: 13:17 for it was said to me by the word of Yahweh, You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came. 13:18 He said to him, I also am a prophet as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh, saying, Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him. 13:19 So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. 13:20 It happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of Yahweh came to the prophet who brought him back; 13:21 and he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have been disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh, and have not kept the commandment which Yahweh your God commanded you, 13:22 but came back, and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, Eat no bread, and drink no water; your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers. 13:23 It happened, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the donkey, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. 13:24 When he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and killed him: and his body was cast in the way, and the donkey stood by it; the lion also stood by the body. 13:25 Behold, men passed by, and saw the body cast in the way, and the lion standing by the body; and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet lived. 13:26 When the prophet who brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh: therefore Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has torn him, and slain him, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to him. 13:27 He spoke to his sons, saying, Saddle me the donkey. They saddled it. 13:28 He went and found his body cast in the way, and the donkey and the lion standing by the body: the lion had not eaten the body, nor torn the donkey. 13:29 The prophet took up the body of the man of God, and laid it on the donkey, and brought it back; and he came to the city of the old prophet, to mourn, and to bury him. 13:30 He laid his body in his own grave; and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother! 13:31 It happened, after he had buried him, that he spoke to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the tomb in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of Yahweh against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely happen. 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam didn't return from his evil way, but made again from among all the people priests of the high places: whoever would, he consecrated him, that there might be priests of the high places. 13:34 This thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the surface of the earth.

13:1 Look, a man of God came from Judah by the word of Yahweh to Bethel, where Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. 13:2 He shouted against the altar by the word of Yahweh, and said, "Altar, altar, this is what Yahweh says: Look, a son will be born to the house of David, named Josiah. He will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and they will burn human bones on you." 13:3 He also gave a sign that same day, saying, "This is the sign that Yahweh has spoken: Look, the altar will be torn down, and the ashes on it will be poured out." 13:4 When the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he shouted against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam reached out his hand from the altar, saying, "Seize him!" His hand, which he stretched out against him, withered so that he couldn’t pull it back. 13:5 The altar was also torn down, and the ashes were poured out from the altar, just as the man of God had shown by the word of Yahweh. 13:6 The king replied to the man of God, "Please ask Yahweh your God for me, and pray for me so that my hand will be restored." The man of God pleaded with Yahweh, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before. 13:7 The king said to the man of God, "Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward." 13:8 The man of God replied to the king, "Even if you gave me half your house, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place; 13:9 for I was commanded by the word of Yahweh, saying, 'You shall not eat bread or drink water, nor return by the way that you came.'" 13:10 So he went another way and didn’t return by the way he had come to Bethel. 13:11 Now there was an old prophet living in Bethel, and one of his sons came and told him all the things that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words he had spoken to the king were also told to their father. 13:12 Their father asked them, "Which way did he go?" Now his sons had seen which way the man of God went, who came from Judah. 13:13 He said to his sons, "Saddle the donkey for me." So they saddled the donkey, and he rode on it. 13:14 He went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak tree, and said to him, "Are you the man of God who came from Judah?" He said, "I am." 13:15 Then he said to him, "Come home with me and eat bread." 13:16 He replied, "I cannot return with you or go in with you; I won’t eat bread or drink water with you in this place; 13:17 for it was told to me by the word of Yahweh, 'You shall not eat bread or drink water there, nor return again by the way you came.'" 13:18 He said to him, "I too am a prophet like you; an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house so he can eat bread and drink water.'" But he lied to him. 13:19 So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water. 13:20 While they were sitting at the table, the word of Yahweh came to the prophet who had brought him back; 13:21 and he cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, saying, "This is what Yahweh says: Because you have disobeyed the word of Yahweh and have not kept the command that Yahweh your God commanded you, 13:22 but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place that He told you not to, your body will not be brought to the tomb of your ancestors." 13:23 After he had eaten and drunk, the prophet saddled the donkey for the man of God he had brought back. 13:24 When he left, a lion met him on the road and killed him; his body was thrown on the road, and the donkey stood by it, while the lion also stood beside the body. 13:25 Look, some men passed by, and saw the body thrown on the road, and the lion standing by the body; they came and told it in the city where the old prophet lived. 13:26 When the prophet who had brought him back heard of it, he said, "It’s the man of God who disobeyed the word of Yahweh; therefore, Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word of Yahweh that He spoke to him." 13:27 He said to his sons, "Saddle the donkey." They saddled it. 13:28 He went and found his body thrown on the road, and the donkey and the lion standing beside the body; the lion had not eaten the body nor harmed the donkey. 13:29 The prophet picked up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back; he came to the city of the old prophet to mourn and to bury him. 13:30 He laid his body in his own grave, and they mourned over him, saying, "Alas, my brother!" 13:31 After he buried him, he spoke to his sons, saying, "When I die, bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 13:32 For the word he cried by the word of Yahweh against the altar in Bethel, and against all the shrines of the high places in the cities of Samaria, will surely happen." 13:33 After this event, Jeroboam didn’t change from his evil ways, but again appointed priests for the high places from among the people. Whoever wanted to, he consecrated them so that they would be priests at the high places. 13:34 This caused sin in the house of Jeroboam, leading to its destruction and cutting it off from the surface of the earth.

14:1 At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. 14:2 Jeroboam said to his wife, Please get up and disguise yourself, that you not be known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get you to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, who spoke concerning me that I should be king over this people. 14:3 Take with you ten loaves, and cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him: he will tell you what shall become of the child. 14:4 Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. 14:5 Yahweh said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam comes to inquire of you concerning her son; for he is sick: thus and thus you shall tell her; for it will be, when she comes in, that she will feign herself to be another woman. 14:6 It was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, you wife of Jeroboam; why feign you yourself to be another? for I am sent to you with heavy news. 14:7 Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you prince over my people Israel, 14:8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it you; and yet you have not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in my eyes, 14:9 but have done evil above all who were before you, and have gone and made you other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and have cast me behind your back: 14:10 therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates on a wall, him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweeps away dung, until it be all gone. 14:11 Him who dies of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him who dies in the field shall the birds of the sky eat: for Yahweh has spoken it. 14:12 Arise you therefore, get you to your house: and when your feet enter into the city, the child shall die. 14:13 All Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him; for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. 14:14 Moreover Yahweh will raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now. 14:15 For Yahweh will strike Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water; and he will root up Israel out of this good land which he gave to their fathers, and will scatter them beyond the River, because they have made their Asherim, provoking Yahweh to anger. 14:16 He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he has sinned, and with which he has made Israel to sin. 14:17 Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and as she came to the threshold of the house, the child died. 14:18 All Israel buried him, and mourned for him, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by his servant Ahijah the prophet. 14:19 The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 14:20 The days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his place. 14:21 Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which Yahweh had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there: and his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonitess. 14:22 Judah did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they committed, above all that their fathers had done. 14:23 For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree; 14:24 and there were also sodomites in the land: they did according to all the abominations of the nations which Yahweh drove out before the children of Israel. 14:25 It happened in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem; 14:26 and he took away the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 14:27 King Rehoboam made in their place shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house. 14:28 It was so, that as often as the king went into the house of Yahweh, the guard bore them, and brought them back into the guard chamber. 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 14:30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 14:31 Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonitess. Abijam his son reigned in his place.

14:1 At that time, Abijah, the son of Jeroboam, fell ill. 14:2 Jeroboam said to his wife, “Please get up and disguise yourself so that no one will recognize you as the wife of Jeroboam; then go to Shiloh. There’s Ahijah the prophet, who told me that I would be king over this people. 14:3 Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the child.” 14:4 Jeroboam's wife did as he said, got up, and went to Shiloh, arriving at the house of Ahijah. Ahijah was unable to see because he was old. 14:5 The Lord said to Ahijah, “Look, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her sick son. You must tell her everything I tell you, because when she enters, she will pretend to be someone else.” 14:6 When Ahijah heard her footsteps as she entered the door, he said, “Come in, you wife of Jeroboam; why are you pretending to be someone else? I have some bad news for you.” 14:7 “Go and tell Jeroboam, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because I lifted you up from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel, 14:8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes, 14:9 but have done worse than all who lived before you. You have gone and made for yourself other gods and cast images to provoke me to anger, putting me behind your back: 14:10 therefore, I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates against the wall, both slave and free in Israel, and will completely destroy the house of Jeroboam, like a man gets rid of dung until it's all gone. 14:11 Those who die of Jeroboam in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air, for the Lord has declared it.’ 14:12 Now, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. 14:13 All Israel will mourn for him and bury him, for he is the only one from Jeroboam who will be given a proper burial, because in him something good was found toward the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. 14:14 Moreover, the Lord will raise up a king over Israel who will cut off the house of Jeroboam that very day, but what? It’s already happening. 14:15 For the Lord will strike Israel, like a reed sways in the water; he will uproot Israel from this good land he gave to their ancestors and scatter them beyond the River because they made their Asherim, provoking the Lord to anger. 14:16 He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he has committed and caused Israel to commit.” 14:17 Jeroboam's wife got up and left, returning to Tirzah, and just as she reached the threshold of the house, the child died. 14:18 All Israel buried him and mourned for him, as the Lord had said through his servant Ahijah the prophet. 14:19 The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, including his wars and reign, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 14:20 Jeroboam reigned for twenty-two years, and then he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his son Nadab succeeded him as king. 14:21 Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign and reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the Lord had chosen from all the tribes of Israel to put his name there. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. 14:22 Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord and provoked him to jealousy with their sins, even worse than their ancestors had done. 14:23 For they also built high places, pillars, and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree; 14:24 and there were also male shrine prostitutes in the land; they practiced all the detestable customs of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 14:25 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak, the king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem; 14:26 he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's palace; he even took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made. 14:27 King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the captains of the guard, who kept watch at the entrance of the king's palace. 14:28 As often as the king went into the house of the Lord, the guards would carry them and then bring them back to the guardroom. 14:29 The rest of the acts of Rehoboam and everything he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 14:30 There was continual war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 14:31 Rehoboam rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. His son Abijam succeeded him as king.

15:1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat began Abijam to reign over Judah. 15:2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 15:3 He walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father. 15:4 Nevertheless for David's sake did Yahweh his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem; 15:5 because David did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and didn't turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 15:6 Now there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life. 15:7 The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam. 15:8 Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his place. 15:9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Asa to reign over Judah. 15:10 Forty-one years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 15:11 Asa did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, as did David his father. 15:12 He put away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. 15:13 Also Maacah his mother he removed from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. 15:14 But the high places were not taken away: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Yahweh all his days. 15:15 He brought into the house of Yahweh the things that his father had dedicated, and the things that himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels. 15:16 There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 15:17 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 15:18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants; and king Asa sent them to Ben Hadad, the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying, 15:19 There is a league between me and you, between my father and your father: behold, I have sent to you a present of silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. 15:20 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel, and struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abel Beth Maacah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. 15:21 It happened, when Baasha heard of it, that he left off building Ramah, and lived in Tirzah. 15:22 Then king Asa made a proclamation to all Judah; none was exempted: and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and its timber, with which Baasha had built; and king Asa built therewith Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah. 15:23 Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? But in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet. 15:24 Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place. 15:25 Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah; and he reigned over Israel two years. 15:26 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin with which he made Israel to sin. 15:27 Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha struck him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel were laying siege to Gibbethon. 15:28 Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha kill him, and reigned in his place. 15:29 It happened that, as soon as he was king, he struck all the house of Jeroboam: he didn't leave to Jeroboam any who breathed, until he had destroyed him; according to the saying of Yahweh, which he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite; 15:30 for the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and with which he made Israel to sin, because of his provocation with which he provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger. 15:31 Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 15:32 There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 15:33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years. 15:34 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin with which he made Israel to sin.

15:1 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah. 15:2 He reigned for three years in Jerusalem, and his mother's name was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom. 15:3 He followed all the sins of his father, which he had committed before him, and his heart was not fully devoted to Yahweh his God, like the heart of his father David. 15:4 However, for David's sake, Yahweh his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem; 15:5 because David did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh and did not turn away from anything He commanded him all the days of his life, except for the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 15:6 There was constant war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout his life. 15:7 The rest of the acts of Abijam and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam. 15:8 Abijam passed away and was buried in the city of David, and his son Asa reigned in his place. 15:9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah. 15:10 He reigned for forty-one years in Jerusalem, and his mother's name was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom. 15:11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, like his father David. 15:12 He removed the male temple prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols that his fathers had made. 15:13 He even removed his mother Maacah from being queen, because she had made an offensive image for an Asherah; Asa cut down her image and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 15:14 But the high places were not removed; nonetheless, Asa's heart was fully devoted to Yahweh all his days. 15:15 He brought into the house of Yahweh the things his father had dedicated and the things he himself had dedicated: silver, gold, and vessels. 15:16 There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 15:17 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. 15:18 Then Asa took all the silver and gold that were left in the treasures of the house of Yahweh and the treasures of the king's house, and handed them over to his officials; King Asa sent them to Ben Hadad, son of Tabrimmon, son of Hezion, king of Syria, who was living in Damascus, saying, 15:19 There is a treaty between us, between my father and your father: look, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold; go, break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will leave me alone. 15:20 Ben Hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and struck Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maacah, and all Chinneroth, along with all the land of Naphtali. 15:21 When Baasha heard about it, he stopped building Ramah and lived in Tirzah. 15:22 Then King Asa made a proclamation to all Judah; no one was exempt: they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timbers with which Baasha had built, and King Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. 15:23 Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? But in his old age, he was afflicted in his feet. 15:24 Asa passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place. 15:25 Nadab son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel for two years. 15:26 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh and followed the ways of his father, committing the same sin by which he caused Israel to sin. 15:27 Baasha son of Ahijah, from the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, while Nadab and all Israel were laying siege to Gibbethon. 15:28 In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha killed him and reigned in his place. 15:29 As soon as he became king, he struck down all the house of Jeroboam; he did not leave anyone alive from Jeroboam's line until he had destroyed them, according to the word of Yahweh that He spoke through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite; 15:30 for the sins of Jeroboam which he committed and caused Israel to sin, because of his provocation that angered Yahweh, the God of Israel. 15:31 The rest of Nadab's acts and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 15:32 There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 15:33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah began to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned for twenty-four years. 15:34 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh and followed the ways of Jeroboam, committing the sin that caused Israel to sin.

16:1 The word of Yahweh came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, 16:2 Because I exalted you out of the dust, and made you prince over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam, and have made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; 16:3 behold, I will utterly sweep away Baasha and his house; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 16:4 Him who dies of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him who dies of his in the field shall the birds of the sky eat. 16:5 Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:6 Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his place. 16:7 Moreover by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of Yahweh against Baasha, and against his house, both because of all the evil that he did in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he struck him. 16:8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and reigned two years. 16:9 His servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah: 16:10 and Zimri went in and struck him, and killed him, in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his place. 16:11 It happened, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he struck all the house of Baasha: he didn't leave him a single one who urinates on a wall, neither of his relatives, nor of his friends. 16:12 Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, 16:13 for all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, which they sinned, and with which they made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities. 16:14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16:16 The people who were encamped heard say, Zimri has conspired, and has also struck the king: therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. 16:17 Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. 16:18 It happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the castle of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died, 16:19 for his sins which he sinned in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin. 16:20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:21 Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri. 16:22 But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned. 16:23 In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, and reigned twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah. 16:24 He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria. 16:25 Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and dealt wickedly above all who were before him. 16:26 For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sins with which he made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities. 16:27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab his son reigned in his place. 16:29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 16:30 Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh above all that were before him. 16:31 It happened, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped him. 16:32 He reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 16:33 Ahab made the Asherah; and Ahab did yet more to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 16:34 In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid its foundation with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.

16:1 The word of the Lord came to Jehu, the son of Hanani, against Baasha, saying, 16:2 "Because I lifted you out of the dust and made you the ruler over my people Israel, but you have followed the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin, provoking me to anger with their sins; 16:3 behold, I will completely wipe out Baasha and his household; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat. 16:4 Anyone who dies of Baasha in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by birds. 16:5 Now the rest of Baasha's acts, what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:6 Baasha slept with his ancestors and was buried in Tirzah; and his son Elah became king in his place. 16:7 Moreover, the prophecy of Jehu son of Hanani came against Baasha and his house for all the evil he did in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands by being like the house of Jeroboam, and for his actions. 16:8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and reigned for two years. 16:9 His servant Zimri, captain of half of his chariots, plotted against him. While he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, the steward of his household, 16:10 Zimri went in and struck him down, killing him, in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his place. 16:11 As soon as he took the throne and sat on his throne, he struck down all the family of Baasha; he did not spare a single one of his relatives or friends. 16:12 Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, as the Lord had spoken against Baasha through the prophet Jehu, 16:13 for all the sins of Baasha and the sins of his son Elah, which they committed, provoking the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols. 16:14 Now the rest of Elah's acts, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. The people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16:16 The troops who were encamped heard the news that Zimri had conspired and struck down the king; therefore, all Israel made Omri the commander of the army king over Israel that day in the camp. 16:17 Omri and all Israel went up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. 16:18 When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the palace and set the king's house on fire around him and died, 16:19 for his sins which he committed, doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin that led Israel to sin. 16:20 Now the rest of Zimri's acts and the treason he committed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:21 Then the people of Israel were divided into two factions: half the people followed Tibni son of Ginath to make him king, and the other half followed Omri. 16:22 But the people who followed Omri prevailed against those who followed Tibni son of Ginath; so Tibni died, and Omri reigned. 16:23 In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel, and reigned for twelve years; six years he reigned in Tirzah. 16:24 He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, and named the city after Shemer, the owner of the hill, calling it Samaria. 16:25 Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and acted more wickedly than all who were before him. 16:26 For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sins that caused Israel to sin, provoking the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols. 16:27 Now the rest of Omri's acts and the might he showed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria; and his son Ahab became king in his place. 16:29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-two years. 16:30 Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him. 16:31 It was as if it were a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, that he took as his wife Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 16:32 He set up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal that he had built in Samaria. 16:33 Ahab made an Asherah; and Ahab did even more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 16:34 In his days, Hiel of Bethel built Jericho; he laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord that had been spoken through Joshua son of Nun.

17:1 Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the foreigners of Gilead, said to Ahab, As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 17:2 The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:3 Get you hence, and turn you eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. 17:4 It shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. 17:5 So he went and did according to the word of Yahweh; for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. 17:6 The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. 17:7 It happened after a while, that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 17:8 The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:9 Arise, get you to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you. 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Please get me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 17:11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, and said, Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. 17:12 She said, As Yahweh your God lives, I don't have a cake, but a handful of meal in the jar, and a little oil in the jar: and behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 17:13 Elijah said to her, Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. 17:14 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth. 17:15 She went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. 17:16 The jar of meal didn't empty, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Elijah. 17:17 It happened after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 17:18 She said to Elijah, What have I to do with you, you man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to memory, and to kill my son! 17:19 He said to her, Give me your son. He took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the chamber, where he abode, and laid him on his own bed. 17:20 He cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, have you also brought evil on the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son? 17:21 He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, please let this child's soul come into him again. 17:22 Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 17:23 Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him to his mother; and Elijah said, Behold, your son lives. 17:24 The woman said to Elijah, Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of Yahweh in your mouth is truth.

17:1 Elijah the Tishbite, from the foreigners of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there won't be dew or rain for these years, except by my word." 17:2 The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:3 "Leave here, turn east, and hide by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. 17:4 You will drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." 17:5 So he went and did what Yahweh said; he lived by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. 17:6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 17:7 After a while, the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land. 17:8 The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:9 "Get up, go to Zarephath, belonging to Sidon, and stay there; I have commanded a widow there to take care of you." 17:10 So he got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a jar so I can drink." 17:11 As she was going to get it, he called out to her, "Please bring me a piece of bread as well." 17:12 She replied, "As Yahweh your God lives, I don't have any bread, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I'm gathering a couple of sticks to go home and prepare it for myself and my son, so we can eat it and die." 17:13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid; go and do as you said, but first make me a small cake from it and bring it to me, and then prepare something for yourself and your son. 17:14 For this is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day Yahweh sends rain on the land.'" 17:15 She went and did what Elijah had told her, and she, her son, and Elijah ate for many days. 17:16 The jar of flour was not used up, and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of Yahweh spoken through Elijah. 17:17 After these things, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 17:18 She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come here to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" 17:19 He said to her, "Give me your son." He took him from her arms, carried him up to the room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 17:20 He cried out to Yahweh and said, "Yahweh my God, have you brought tragedy on this widow I'm staying with by killing her son?" 17:21 He stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to Yahweh, saying, "Yahweh my God, please let this child's life return to him." 17:22 Yahweh heard Elijah's cry, and the child's life returned to him, and he revived. 17:23 Elijah took the child, brought him down from the room into the house, and gave him to his mother, saying, "Look, your son is alive!" 17:24 The woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and the word of Yahweh from your mouth is true."

18:1 It happened after many days, that the word of Yahweh came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain on the earth. 18:2 Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. The famine was sore in Samaria. 18:3 Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Yahweh greatly: 18:4 for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of Yahweh, that Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 18:5 Ahab said to Obadiah, Go through the land, to all the springs of water, and to all the brooks: peradventure we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we not lose all the animals. 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. 18:7 As Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Is it you, my lord Elijah? 18:8 He answered him, It is I: go, tell your lord, Behold, Elijah is here. 18:9 He said, Wherein have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 18:10 As Yahweh your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom, where my lord has not sent to seek you: and when they said, He is not here, he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they didn't find you. 18:11 Now you say, Go, tell your lord, Behold, Elijah is here. 18:12 It will happen, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of Yahweh will carry you I don't know where; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he can't find you, he will kill me: but I your servant fear Yahweh from my youth. 18:13 Wasn't it told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of Yahweh, how I hid one hundred men of Yahweh's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 18:14 Now you say, Go, tell your lord, Behold, Elijah is here; and he will kill me. 18:15 Elijah said, As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today. 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 18:17 It happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, Is it you, you troubler of Israel? 18:18 He answered, I have not troubled Israel; but you, and your father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Yahweh, and you have followed the Baals. 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, who eat at Jezebel's table. 18:20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel. 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you waver between the two sides? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." The people answered him not a word. 18:22 Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophet of Yahweh; but Baal's prophets are four hundred fifty men. 18:23 Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. 18:24 You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh; and the God who answers by fire, let him be God."

18:1 After many days, the word of Yahweh came to Elijah in the third year, saying, "Go, present yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth." 18:2 Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria. 18:3 Ahab called Obadiah, who was in charge of the household. (Now Obadiah greatly feared Yahweh: 18:4 when Jezebel cut off the prophets of Yahweh, Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them, fifty in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) 18:5 Ahab said to Obadiah, "Go through the land, to all the springs of water and all the brooks; maybe we can find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we don't lose all the animals." 18:6 So they divided the land between them to explore it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. 18:7 As Obadiah was on his way, he encountered Elijah: he recognized him, fell on his face, and said, "Is it you, my lord Elijah?" 18:8 Elijah replied, "It is I; go, tell your lord, 'Elijah is here.'" 18:9 Obadiah said, "What sin have I committed, that you would hand your servant over to Ahab, to kill me? 18:10 As Yahweh your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent people to search for you. When they said, 'He is not here,' he made them swear that they couldn't find you." 18:11 Now you say, 'Go, tell your lord, Elijah is here.' 18:12 It will happen, as soon as I leave you, that the Spirit of Yahweh will carry you I don’t know where; and when I go back and tell Ahab, and he can’t find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared Yahweh since my youth. 18:13 Wasn’t it told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of Yahweh, how I hid one hundred of Yahweh's prophets in caves, fifty to a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 18:14 Now you say, 'Go, tell your lord, Elijah is here;' and he will kill me." 18:15 Elijah said, "As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today." 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 18:17 When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" 18:18 Elijah answered, "I have not troubled Israel; but you and your father's house, because you have forsaken the commandments of Yahweh and followed the Baals. 18:19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, who eat at Jezebel's table." 18:20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel. 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." The people did not answer him a word. 18:22 Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left as a prophet of Yahweh; but Baal's prophets are four hundred fifty men. 18:23 Let them give us two bulls; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it. 18:24 You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh; and the God who answers by fire, let him be God."

All the people answered, "It is well said." 18:25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one bull for yourselves, and dress it first; for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it."

All the people replied, "That sounds good." 18:25 Elijah told the prophets of Baal, "Pick one bull for yourselves and prepare it first; since there are so many of you, call on the name of your god, but don’t set any fire under it."

18:26 They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any who answered. They leaped about the altar which was made. 18:27 It happened at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god: either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleeps and must be awakened. 18:28 They cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 18:29 It was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening offering; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any who regarded. 18:30 Elijah said to all the people, Come near to me; and all the people came near to him. He repaired the altar of Yahweh that was thrown down. 18:31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of Yahweh came, saying, Israel shall be your name. 18:32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of Yahweh; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 18:33 He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering, and on the wood. 18:34 He said, Do it the second time; and they did it the second time. He said, Do it the third time; and they did it the third time. 18:35 The water ran around the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. 18:36 It happened at the time of the offering of the evening offering, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 18:37 Hear me, Yahweh, hear me, that this people may know that you, Yahweh, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again. 18:38 Then the fire of Yahweh fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 18:39 When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Yahweh, he is God; Yahweh, he is God. 18:40 and Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal; don't let one of them escape. They took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there. 18:41 Elijah said to Ahab, Get you up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain. 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees. 18:43 He said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. He went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. He said, Go again seven times. 18:44 It happened at the seventh time, that he said, "Behold, a small cloud, like a man's hand, is rising out of the sea." He said, Go up, tell Ahab, Make ready your chariot, and get you down, that the rain not stop you. 18:45 It happened in a little while, that the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel: 18:46 and the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah; and he girded up his waist, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

18:26 They took the bull they were given, dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “Baal, hear us.” But there was no voice, and no one answered. They danced around the altar they had made. 18:27 At noon, Elijah mocked them, saying, “Shout louder; maybe he's deep in thought, or he's busy, or he's traveling, or perhaps he's asleep and needs to be awakened.” 18:28 They shouted louder and slashed themselves with knives and spears, until the blood flowed out of them. 18:29 By the time midday had passed, they prophesied until it was time for the evening offering; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention. 18:30 Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So they all came close to him. He repaired the altar of Yahweh that had been torn down. 18:31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of Yahweh came, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” 18:32 With the stones, he built an altar in the name of Yahweh; and he made a trench around the altar, big enough to hold two measures of seed. 18:33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 18:34 He said, “Do it again.” So they did it again. He said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 18:35 The water ran around the altar, and he filled the trench with water too. 18:36 At the time of the evening offering, Elijah the prophet approached and said, “Yahweh, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and I have done all these things at your command.” 18:37 “Answer me, Yahweh, answer me, so that this people may know that you, Yahweh, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back to you.” 18:38 Then the fire of Yahweh fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water in the trench. 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell on their faces and said, “Yahweh, he is God; Yahweh, he is God.” 18:40 Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; don’t let any of them escape.” They took them, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and killed them there. 18:41 Elijah said to Ahab, “Get up, eat, and drink; for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 18:42 So Ahab went to eat and drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; he bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 18:43 He said to his servant, “Go up now and look toward the sea.” The servant went up, looked, and said, “There’s nothing.” Elijah said, “Go back and look seven times.” 18:44 The seventh time, the servant said, “Look, a small cloud like a man’s hand is rising up from the sea.” Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, so the rain doesn’t stop you.’” 18:45 A little while later, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 18:46 The hand of Yahweh came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.

19:1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 19:2 Then Jezebel send a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. 19:3 When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 19:5 He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, Arise and eat. 19:6 He looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on the coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drink, and laid him down again. 19:7 The angel of Yahweh came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. 19:8 He arose, and ate and drink, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the Mount of God. 19:9 He came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, and he said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? 19:10 He said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 19:11 He said, Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Yahweh. Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake: 19:12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 19:13 It was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. Behold, there came a voice to him, and said, What are you doing here, Elijah? 19:14 He said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 19:15 Yahweh said to him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; 19:16 and you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be prophet in your room. 19:17 It shall happen, that he who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu kill; and he who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha kill. 19:18 Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him. 19:19 So he departed there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing, with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed over to him, and cast his mantle on him. 19:20 He left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray you, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you. He said to him, Go back again; for what have I done to you? 19:21 He returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered to him.

19:1 Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods deal with me, and more also, if I don’t make your life the same as one of them by this time tomorrow.” 19:3 When he saw that, he got up and ran for his life, reaching Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, where he left his servant. 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat down under a juniper tree. He wished he could die and said, “It’s enough; now, O Yahweh, take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 19:5 He lay down and slept under the juniper tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 19:6 He looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on the coals and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. 19:7 The angel of Yahweh came again a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 19:8 He got up, ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the Mount of God. 19:9 He arrived at a cave and lodged there. Then the word of Yahweh came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 19:10 He answered, “I have been very zealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.” 19:11 Yahweh said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.” Then Yahweh passed by, and a great and mighty wind tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. 19:12 After the earthquake, there was a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a still small voice. 19:13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 19:14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.” 19:15 Yahweh said to him, “Go back the way you came and head toward the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 19:16 Anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah as prophet in your place. 19:17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu will be killed by Elisha. 19:18 But I will leave seven thousand in Israel, every knee that has not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19:19 So he departed from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. 19:20 He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you.” Elijah said, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 19:21 He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, killed them, boiled their flesh with the oxen's equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and served him.

20:1 Ben Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together; and there were thirty-two kings with him, and horses and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and fought against it. 20:2 He sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said to him, Thus says Ben Hadad, 20:3 Your silver and your gold is mine; your wives also and your children, even the best, are mine. 20:4 The king of Israel answered, It is according to your saying, my lord, O king; I am yours, and all that I have. 20:5 The messengers came again, and said, Thus speaks Ben Hadad, saying, I sent indeed to you, saying, You shall deliver me your silver, and your gold, and your wives, and your children; 20:6 but I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house, and the houses of your servants; and it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they shall put it in their hand, and take it away. 20:7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Please notice how this man seeks mischief: for he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I didn't deny him. 20:8 All the elders and all the people said to him, Don't you listen, neither consent. 20:9 Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that you did send for to your servant at the first I will do; but this thing I may not do. The messengers departed, and brought him word again. 20:10 Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me. 20:11 The king of Israel answered, Tell him, Don't let him who girds on his armor boast himself as he who puts it off. 20:12 It happened, when Ben Hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, that he said to his servants, Set yourselves in array. They set themselves in array against the city. 20:13 Behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel, and said, Thus says Yahweh, Have you seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 20:14 Ahab said, By whom? He said, Thus says Yahweh, By the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall begin the battle? He answered, You. 20:15 Then he mustered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two: and after them he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand. 20:16 They went out at noon. But Ben Hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who helped him. 20:17 The young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben Hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out from Samaria. 20:18 He said, Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive, or whether they are come out for war, taken them alive. 20:19 So these went out of the city, the young men of the princes of the provinces, and the army which followed them. 20:20 They killed everyone his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. 20:21 The king of Israel went out, and struck the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter. 20:22 The prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said to him, Go, strengthen yourself, and mark, and see what you do; for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against you. 20:23 The servants of the king of Syria said to him, Their god is a god of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we: but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 20:24 Do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their room; 20:25 and number you an army, like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. He listened to their voice, and did so. 20:26 It happened at the return of the year, that Ben Hadad mustered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel. 20:27 The children of Israel were mustered, and were provisioned, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. 20:28 A man of God came near and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, Thus says Yahweh, Because the Syrians have said, Yahweh is a god of the hills, but he is not a god of the valleys; therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 20:29 They encamped one over against the other seven days. So it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed of the Syrians one hundred thousand footmen in one day. 20:30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand men who were left. Ben Hadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber. 20:31 His servants said to him, See now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings: let us, we pray you, put sackcloth on our bodies, and ropes on our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save your life. 20:32 So they girded sackcloth on their bodies, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Your servant Ben Hadad says, please let me live. He said, Is he yet alive? he is my brother. 20:33 Now the men observed diligently, and hurried to catch whether it were his mind; and they said, Your brother Ben Hadad. Then he said, Go you, bring him. Then Ben Hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. 20:34 Ben Hadad said to him, The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you shall make streets for you in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. I, said Ahab, will let you go with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and let him go. 20:35 A certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow by the word of Yahweh, Please strike me. The man refused to strike him. 20:36 Then said he to him, Because you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh, behold, as soon as you are departed from me, a lion shall kill you. As soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and killed him. 20:37 Then he found another man, and said, Please strike me. The man struck him, smiting and wounding him. 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. 20:39 As the king passed by, he cried to the king; and he said, Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man to me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver. 20:40 As your servant was busy here and there, he was gone. The king of Israel said to him, So your judgment shall be; yourself have decided it. 20:41 He hurried, and took the headband away from his eyes; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets. 20:42 He said to him, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people. 20:43 The king of Israel went to his house sullen and angry, and came to Samaria.

20:1 Ben Hadad, the king of Syria, gathered his entire army, along with thirty-two kings, horses, and chariots. He went up, besieged Samaria, and fought against it. 20:2 He sent messengers to Ahab, king of Israel, in the city, saying, "This is what Ben Hadad says: 20:3 Your silver and gold are mine; your wives and the best of your children are also mine." 20:4 The king of Israel replied, "It's as you've said, my lord, O king; I’m yours, and everything I have is yours." 20:5 The messengers came back and said, "Ben Hadad says, I indeed sent to you claiming that you must give me your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children; 20:6 but tomorrow at this time, I will send my servants to search your house and the houses of your servants, and whatever is pleasing in your sight, they will take." 20:7 The king of Israel then called all the elders of the land and said, "Notice how this man seeks trouble; he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I didn’t deny him." 20:8 All the elders and the people told him, "Don't listen to him or agree." 20:9 So he said to Ben Hadad’s messengers, "Tell my lord the king, I will do everything you originally asked of me, but I cannot agree to this." The messengers left and went back to him. 20:10 Ben Hadad sent a message saying, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if there’s enough dust in Samaria for each of my soldiers to have a handful." 20:11 The king of Israel replied, "Tell him, don’t let the one who puts on his armor boast like he who takes it off." 20:12 When Ben Hadad heard this message, while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, he told his servants, "Prepare to attack." They set up against the city. 20:13 Suddenly, a prophet approached Ahab, king of Israel, and said, "Thus says Yahweh: Have you seen this great multitude? Behold, I will hand them over to you today, and you will know that I am Yahweh." 20:14 Ahab asked, "By whom?" He answered, "Thus says Yahweh: By the young men of the princes of the provinces." Then Ahab asked, "Who will start the battle?" He replied, "You." 20:15 So Ahab gathered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred thirty-two; then he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, totaling seven thousand. 20:16 They went out at noon. Meanwhile, Ben Hadad was drinking heavily in his tents, along with the thirty-two kings who helped him. 20:17 The young men of the princes of the provinces went out first, and Ben Hadad sent out a report, saying, "Men have come out from Samaria." 20:18 He said, "If they've come out for peace, seize them alive; if they’ve come out for battle, seize them alive." 20:19 So the young men of the princes of the provinces and the army that followed them went out from the city. 20:20 They each struck down their opponent; the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, with Ben Hadad escaping on horseback with some horsemen. 20:21 The king of Israel went out, killed the horses and chariots, and inflicted a great slaughter on the Syrians. 20:22 The prophet approached the king of Israel and said, "Go, strengthen yourself, and take note; see what you do, for at the turn of the year, the king of Syria will come against you." 20:23 The servants of the king of Syria said to him, "Their god is a god of the hills, which is why they were stronger than we were; but let’s fight them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger." 20:24 "Do this: remove the kings, each man from his position, and put captains in their places; 20:25 then muster an army like the one you lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. We’ll fight against them in the plain and surely we’ll be stronger." He listened to their advice and did so. 20:26 At the turn of the year, Ben Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 20:27 The children of Israel were mustered, equipped, and went against them; they encamped before the Syrians like two small flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the countryside. 20:28 A man of God approached and spoke to the king of Israel, saying, "Thus says Yahweh: Because the Syrians have said, 'Yahweh is a god of the hills but not a god of the valleys,' I will deliver this great multitude into your hand, and you will know that I am Yahweh." 20:29 They camped opposite each other for seven days. On the seventh day, the battle began, and the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers of the Syrians in one day. 20:30 The rest fled to Aphek, into the city, and the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who remained. Ben Hadad fled and hid in an inner chamber of the city. 20:31 His servants said to him, "Look, we’ve heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful; let us wear sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life." 20:32 So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads, and went to the king of Israel, saying, "Your servant Ben Hadad says, please let me live." The king replied, "Is he still alive? He is my brother." 20:33 Now the men watched very closely to see if he would take it to heart, and they said, "Your brother Ben Hadad." Ahab then said, "Go, bring him." Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab took him up into his chariot. 20:34 Ben Hadad said to him, "The cities my father took from your father, I will restore; you may establish streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." Ahab replied, "I will let you go on this agreement." So he made a covenant with him and released him. 20:35 A certain man from the sons of the prophets said to his companion by the word of Yahweh, "Please strike me." The man refused to hit him. 20:36 Then he said to him, "Since you did not obey the Lord’s voice, as soon as you leave me, a lion will kill you." As soon as he left, a lion found him and killed him. 20:37 Then he found another man and said, "Please strike me." The man struck him, wounding him. 20:38 The prophet went away, waited for the king on the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes. 20:39 As the king passed by, he cried out to the king, and said, "Your servant went out into battle; and a soldier turned aside and brought a man to me, saying, 'Guard this man; if he is missing, your life will be for his life, or you must pay a talent of silver.' 20:40 While your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared." The king of Israel said to him, "So shall your punishment be; you have decided it yourself." 20:41 He hurriedly took off the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 20:42 He said to him, "Thus says Yahweh: Because you have let the man go whom I had devoted to destruction, your life will go for his life, and your people for his people." 20:43 The king of Israel went home sullen and angry and came to Samaria.

21:1 It happened after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 21:2 Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it: or, if it seem good to you, I will give you its worth in money. 21:3 Naboth said to Ahab, Yahweh forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you. 21:4 Ahab came into his house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers. He laid him down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread? 21:6 He said to her, Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to him, Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give you my vineyard. 21:7 Jezebel his wife said to him, Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be merry: I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in his city, and who lived with Naboth. 21:9 She wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: 21:10 and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, You did curse God and the king. Then carry him out, and stone him to death. 21:11 The men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, according as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them. 21:12 They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. 21:13 The two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him: and the base fellows bore witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones. 21:14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. 21:15 It happened, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead. 21:16 It happened, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. 21:17 The word of Yahweh came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 21:18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he is gone down to take possession of it. 21:19 You shall speak to him, saying, Thus says Yahweh, Have you killed and also taken possession? You shall speak to him, saying, Thus says Yahweh, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your blood, even yours. 21:20 Ahab said to Elijah, Have you found me, my enemy? He answered, I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh. 21:21 Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel: 21:22 and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah for the provocation with which you have provoked me to anger, and have made Israel to sin. 21:23 Of Jezebel also spoke Yahweh, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel. 21:24 Him who dies of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him who dies in the field shall the birds of the sky eat. 21:25 (But there was none like Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 21:26 He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.) 21:27 It happened, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. 21:28 The word of Yahweh came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 21:29 See you how Ahab humbles himself before me? because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son's days will I bring the evil on his house.

21:1 After these events, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, right next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. 21:2 Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard so I can turn it into a garden of herbs, since it’s close to my house. I’ll give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I’ll pay you its worth in cash." 21:3 Naboth replied to Ahab, "God forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors." 21:4 Ahab went home sullen and angry because of Naboth's response, as he said, "I won’t give you my ancestors’ inheritance." He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. 21:5 Jezebel, his wife, came to him and asked, "Why are you so downcast that you won’t eat?" 21:6 He said to her, "I talked to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or if you prefer, I’ll give you another vineyard in exchange.’ But he answered, ‘I won’t give you my vineyard.’" 21:7 Jezebel, his wife, said, "Are you now king over Israel? Get up, eat something, and cheer up! I’ll get you Naboth's vineyard." 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles in his city, who lived with Naboth. 21:9 In the letters, she wrote, "Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 21:10 Set two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death." 21:11 The men of his city, the elders, and nobles who lived there did as Jezebel instructed in the letters she sent. 21:12 They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth in a prominent position among the people. 21:13 The two scoundrels came in and sat before him, and they testified against Naboth in front of the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king." Then they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 21:14 They sent a message to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned and is dead." 21:15 When Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned and dead, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to sell you for money, because Naboth is no longer alive; he’s dead." 21:16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up to go down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard. 21:17 The word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 21:18 "Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; he’s in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 21:19 Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you murdered and taken possession? Tell him, "This is what the Lord says: Dogs will lick up your blood where they licked up Naboth's."’ 21:20 Ahab asked Elijah, "So you’ve found me, my enemy?" He replied, "I’ve found you because you’ve sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. 21:21 Look, I will bring disaster upon you; I will sweep you away and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel, whether slave or free. 21:22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because of the anger you have provoked me and because you led Israel into sin. 21:23 Also concerning Jezebel the Lord said: ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ 21:24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city, dogs will eat; and those who die in the field, the birds will eat." 21:25 (There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel. 21:26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel.) 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around quietly. 21:28 The word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 21:29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring the disaster in his days, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."

22:1 They continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. 22:2 It happened in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 22:3 The king of Israel said to his servants, "You know that Ramoth Gilead is ours, and we are still, and don't take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?" 22:4 He said to Jehoshaphat, Will you go with me to battle to Ramoth Gilead? Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. 22:5 Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh. 22:6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? They said, Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king. 22:7 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of him? 22:8 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, there is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh, Micaiah the son of Imlah: but I hate him; for he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. Jehoshaphat said, "Don't let the king say so." 22:9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Get quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah. 22:10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 22:11 Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said, Thus says Yahweh, With these you shall push the Syrians, until they are consumed. 22:12 All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king. 22:13 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, See now, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth: please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak you good. 22:14 Micaiah said, As Yahweh lives, what Yahweh says to me, that will I speak. 22:15 When he was come to the king, the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? He answered him, Go up and prosper; and Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king. 22:16 The king said to him, How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh? 22:17 He said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace. 22:18 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Didn't I tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil? 22:19 Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. 22:20 Yahweh said, 'Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One said on this manner; and another said on that manner. 22:21 There came forth a spirit, and stood before Yahweh, and said, 'I will entice him.' 22:22 Yahweh said to him, 'How?' He said, 'I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' He said, 'You shall entice him, and shall prevail also: go forth, and do so.' 22:23 Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you." 22:24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Yahweh from me to speak to you? 22:25 Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day, when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself. 22:26 The king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; 22:27 and say, Thus says the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. 22:28 Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me. He said, Hear, you peoples, all of you. 22:29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 22:30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put you on your robes. The king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle. 22:31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. 22:32 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel; and they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out. 22:33 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 22:34 A certain man drew his bow at a venture, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor: therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am severely wounded. 22:35 The battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even; and the blood ran out of the wound into the bottom of the chariot. 22:36 There went a cry throughout the army about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country. 22:37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. 22:38 They washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood (now the prostitutes washed themselves there); according to the word of Yahweh which he spoke. 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he built, and all the cities that he built, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22:40 So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place. 22:41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 22:42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 22:43 He walked in all the way of Asa his father; He didn't turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh: however the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 22:44 Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel. 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 22:46 The remnant of the sodomites, that remained in the days of his father Asa, he put away out of the land. 22:47 There was no king in Edom: a deputy was king. 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they didn't go; for the ships were broken at Ezion Geber. 22:49 Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab to Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with your servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not. 22:50 Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; Jehoram his son reigned in his place. 22:51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel. 22:52 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, in which he made Israel to sin. 22:53 He served Baal, and worshiped him, and provoked to anger Yahweh, the God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.

22:1 They went three years without war between Syria and Israel. 22:2 In the third year, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, visited the king of Israel. 22:3 The king of Israel said to his advisors, "You know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us, and we're doing nothing to take it back from the king of Syria?" 22:4 He asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you join me in battle at Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied, "I’m with you, my people are your people, my horses are your horses." 22:5 Jehoshaphat then suggested to the king of Israel, "First, let’s ask for the word of Yahweh." 22:6 So the king of Israel gathered about four hundred prophets and asked them, "Should I go to battle against Ramoth Gilead, or should I stay back?" They answered, "Go up; the Lord will give it into the hands of the king." 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of Yahweh here that we may consult?" 22:8 The king of Israel replied, "There is still one man through whom we can ask Yahweh, Micaiah son of Imlah; but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, only bad." Jehoshaphat said, "Don’t say that." 22:9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and instructed, "Quickly fetch Micaiah son of Imlah." 22:10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat were sitting on their thrones, dressed in their royal robes, in an open area at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 22:11 Zedekiah son of Chenaanah made iron horns and declared, "This is what Yahweh says: With these, you will push the Syrians back until they are destroyed." 22:12 All the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, "Go up to Ramoth Gilead and succeed; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hands of the king." 22:13 The messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him, "Look, the words of the prophets are all favorable to the king, so please have your words match theirs and speak favorably." 22:14 Micaiah replied, "As Yahweh lives, whatever Yahweh says to me, that is what I will speak." 22:15 When he arrived before the king, the king asked him, "Micaiah, should we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or should we hold back?" He answered, "Go up and succeed; Yahweh will deliver it into your hands." 22:16 The king said, "How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?" 22:17 He said, "I saw all of Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. Yahweh said, 'These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.'" 22:18 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn't I tell you he wouldn't prophesy good for me, but only bad?" 22:19 Micaiah continued, "Therefore, hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on His throne, and all the heavenly hosts standing beside Him, on His right and on His left. 22:20 Yahweh said, 'Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One suggested this, and another that. 22:21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before Yahweh and said, 'I will entice him.' 22:22 Yahweh asked him, 'How?' He answered, 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.' Yahweh said, 'You will entice him and succeed; go out and do it.' 22:23 So now, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and Yahweh has declared disaster against you." 22:24 Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah approached and slapped Micaiah on the cheek and said, "Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh go from me to speak to you?" 22:25 Micaiah replied, "You will find out on the day you go to hide in an inner chamber." 22:26 The king of Israel ordered, "Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son; 22:27 and say, 'This is what the king says: Put this man in prison and feed him with bread and water of affliction until I return safely.'" 22:28 Micaiah declared, "If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken through me; listen, all of you." 22:29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 22:30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes." The king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 22:31 Now the king of Syria had instructed his thirty-two chariot commanders, "Don't fight with anyone but the king of Israel." 22:32 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, "Surely, this is the king of Israel," and they turned to attack him. But Jehoshaphat shouted out. 22:33 When the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back to retreat. 22:34 A man drew his bow randomly and struck the king of Israel between the armor plates. He told his chariot driver, "Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded." 22:35 The battle raged that day and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians. He died in the evening, and blood flowed out of his wound onto the floor of the chariot. 22:36 A shout went through the army as the sun was setting, saying, "Every man to his city, and every man to his land!" 22:37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, where they buried him. 22:38 They washed the chariot at the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood (now the prostitutes washed themselves there), according to the word of Yahweh that He had spoken. 22:39 Now the rest of Ahab's acts, including all that he did and the ivory palace he built, along with all the cities he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22:40 So Ahab rested with his ancestors, and Ahaziah his son became king in his place. 22:41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 22:42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 22:43 He followed all the ways of his father Asa and did not turn aside from them, doing what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 22:44 Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel. 22:45 Now the rest of Jehoshaphat's acts, his achievements, and how he fought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 22:46 He eliminated the remaining male cult prostitutes that had persisted in the days of his father Asa. 22:47 There was no king in Edom; a deputy ruled. 22:48 Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they didn’t succeed because the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber. 22:49 Then Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "Let my servants go with your servants on the ships." But Jehoshaphat refused. 22:50 Jehoshaphat rested with his ancestors and was buried with them in the City of David. His son Jehoram became king in his place. 22:51 Ahaziah son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned for two years over Israel. 22:52 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh and walked in the ways of his father, his mother, and Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 22:53 He served Baal and worshiped him, provoking Yahweh, the God of Israel, just as his father had done.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 9:26 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[2] back to 14:10 or, male

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, male

[3] back to 16:11 or, male

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, male

[4] back to 21:21 or, male

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, male














The Second Book of Kings

1:1 Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. 1:2 Ahaziah fell down through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said to them, Go, inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover of this sickness. 1:3 But the angel of Yahweh said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and tell them, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you go to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron? 1:4 Now therefore thus says Yahweh, You shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die. Elijah departed. 1:5 The messengers returned to him, and he said to them, Why is it that you have returned? 1:6 They said to him, There came up a man to meet us, and said to us, Go, turn again to the king who sent you, and tell him, Thus says Yahweh, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you send to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron? therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die. 1:7 He said to them, What manner of man was he who came up to meet you, and told you these words? 1:8 They answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a belt of leather about his waist. He said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. 1:9 Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. He went up to him: and behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. He spoke to him, man of God, the king has said, Come down. 1:10 Elijah answered to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty. Fire came down from the sky, and consumed him and his fifty. 1:11 Again he sent to him another captain of fifty and his fifty. He answered him, man of God, thus has the king said, Come down quickly. 1:12 Elijah answered them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty. The fire of God came down from the sky, and consumed him and his fifty. 1:13 Again he sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. The third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, and said to him, man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty your servants, be precious in your sight. 1:14 Behold, fire came down from the sky, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight. 1:15 The angel of Yahweh said to Elijah, Go down with him: don't be afraid of him. He arose, and went down with him to the king. 1:16 He said to him, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die. 1:17 So he died according to the word of Yahweh which Elijah had spoken. Jehoram began to reign in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son. 1:18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1:1 Moab rebelled against Israel after Ahab died. 1:2 Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper room in Samaria and became ill. He sent messengers and told them, "Go and ask Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this illness." 1:3 But the angel of Yahweh told Elijah the Tishbite, "Get up and go meet the messengers from the king of Samaria, and tell them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to ask Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?' 1:4 Therefore, this is what Yahweh says: You will not come down from the bed you’re lying on; you will surely die." Elijah left. 1:5 The messengers returned to Ahaziah, and he asked them, "Why have you come back?" 1:6 They answered, "A man came up to meet us and said, 'Go back to the king who sent you and tell him, Thus says Yahweh, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are asking Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore, you will not come down from the bed you’re lying on; you will surely die.'" 1:7 He asked them, "What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?" 1:8 They replied, "He was a hairy man with a leather belt around his waist." He said, "That was Elijah the Tishbite." 1:9 Then the king sent a captain with fifty men to him. The captain went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on top of a hill. He said to him, "Man of God, the king has said, Come down." 1:10 Elijah responded to the captain, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." Fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. 1:11 Again, the king sent another captain with fifty men. The captain said to him, "Man of God, the king has said, Come down quickly." 1:12 Elijah replied, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." The fire of God came down from heaven and burned up him and his fifty. 1:13 Again, the king sent a third captain with fifty men. The third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, "Man of God, please let my life and the life of these fifty servants be precious in your sight. 1:14 Look, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains and their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight." 1:15 The angel of Yahweh said to Elijah, "Go down with him; do not be afraid of him." So he got up and went down with him to the king. 1:16 He said to the king, "This is what Yahweh says: Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to ask for his word? Therefore you will not come down from the bed you’re lying on; you will surely die." 1:17 So he died according to the word of Yahweh that Elijah had spoken. Jehoram began to reign in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, because he had no son. 1:18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2:1 It happened, when Yahweh would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2:2 Elijah said to Elisha, Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Bethel. Elisha said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel. 2:3 The sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?"

2:1 It happened that when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2:2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel." Elisha replied, "As the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 2:3 The sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?"

He said, "Yes, I know it; hold your peace."

He said, "Yeah, I know it; just be quiet."

2:4 Elijah said to him, Elisha, please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to Jericho. He said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. 2:5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?"

2:4 Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho." He replied, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho. 2:5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from you today?"

He answered, "Yes, I know it. Hold your peace."

He replied, "Yeah, I know. Just be quiet."

2:6 Elijah said to him, "Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to the Jordan."

2:6 Elijah said to him, "Please wait here, because the Lord has sent me to the Jordan."

He said, "As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." They two went on. 2:7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan. 2:8 Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that they two went over on dry ground. 2:9 It happened, when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha said, please let a double portion of your spirit be on me. 2:10 He said, You have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you; but if not, it shall not be so. 2:11 It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both apart; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2:12 Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen! He saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and tore them in two pieces. 2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 2:14 He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and struck the waters, and said, Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah? and when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha went over. 2:15 When the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho over against him saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha. They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. 2:16 They said to him, See now, there are with your servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray you, and seek your master, lest the Spirit of Yahweh has taken him up, and cast him on some mountain, or into some valley. He said, You shall not send. 2:17 When they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but didn't find him. 2:18 They came back to him, while he stayed at Jericho; and he said to them, "Didn't I tell you, 'Don't go?'" 2:19 The men of the city said to Elisha, Behold, we pray you, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees: but the water is bad, and the land miscarries. 2:20 He said, Bring me a new jar, and put salt therein. They brought it to him. 2:21 He went forth to the spring of the waters, and cast salt therein, and said, Thus says Yahweh, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from there any more death or miscarrying. 2:22 So the waters were healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke. 2:23 He went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him, and said to him, Go up, you baldy; go up, you baldhead. 2:24 He looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled forty-two of those youths. 2:25 He went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.

He said, "As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I won’t leave you." The two of them continued on. 2:7 Fifty men from the sons of the prophets stood at a distance, watching them as they stood by the Jordan. 2:8 Elijah took his cloak, wrapped it up, and struck the water, which parted so they could cross on dry ground. 2:9 Once they crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I can do for you before I'm taken from you." Elisha replied, "Please let me have a double portion of your spirit." 2:10 Elijah said, "You’ve asked for something difficult; if you see me when I’m taken from you, it will be granted, but if not, it won’t happen." 2:11 As they continued on and talked, suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared, separating them, and Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind to heaven. 2:12 Elisha saw it and cried, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" After that, he didn’t see him anymore. He tore his own clothes in two. 2:13 He picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen and went back to stand by the Jordan. 2:14 He took the cloak of Elijah, struck the water, and said, "Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?" When he struck the water again, it parted, and Elisha crossed over. 2:15 When the sons of the prophets at Jericho saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." They went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 2:16 They said, "Look, we have fifty strong men with us; let them go and search for your master, maybe the Spirit of Yahweh picked him up and dropped him on some mountain or in some valley." He replied, "You don’t need to send anyone." 2:17 When they persisted until he was embarrassed, he said, "Okay, send them." So they sent fifty men; they searched for three days but didn’t find him. 2:18 When they returned to him while he stayed in Jericho, he said to them, "Didn’t I tell you not to go?" 2:19 The men of the city said to Elisha, "Look, the situation of this city is good, as you can see, but the water is bad, and the land is unproductive." 2:20 He said, "Bring me a new jar and put salt in it." They brought it to him. 2:21 He went to the water source, threw in the salt, and said, "Yahweh says, I have healed these waters; there will be no more deaths or infertility." 2:22 So the waters were healed to this day, as Elisha said. 2:23 He went from there to Bethel, and as he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the city and mocked him, saying, "Get out of here, baldy; go up, baldhead." 2:24 He turned around, saw them, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of those youths. 2:25 He went from there to Mount Carmel and then returned to Samaria.

3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years. 3:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, but not like his father, and like his mother; for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made. 3:3 Nevertheless he cleaved to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin; he didn't depart from it. 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he rendered to the king of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams. 3:5 But it happened, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 3:6 King Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time, and mustered all Israel. 3:7 He went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab has rebelled against me: will you go with me against Moab to battle? He said, I will go up: I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. 3:8 He said, Which way shall we go up? He answered, The way of the wilderness of Edom. 3:9 So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom; and they made a circuit of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them. 3:10 The king of Israel said, Alas! for Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab. 3:11 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophet of Yahweh, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him? One of the king of Israel's servants answered, Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah. 3:12 Jehoshaphat said, The word of Yahweh is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. 3:13 Elisha said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with you? get you to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother. The king of Israel said to him, No; for Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab. 3:14 Elisha said, As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you. 3:15 But now bring me a minstrel. It happened, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Yahweh came on him. 3:16 He said, Thus says Yahweh, Make this valley full of trenches. 3:17 For thus says Yahweh, You shall not see wind, neither shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and you shall drink, both you and your livestock and your animals. 3:18 This is but a light thing in the sight of Yahweh: he will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 3:19 You shall strike every fortified city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all springs of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones. 3:20 It happened in the morning, about the time of offering the offering, that behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water. 3:21 Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood on the border. 3:22 They rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone on the water, and the Moabites saw the water over against them as red as blood: 3:23 and they said, This is blood; the kings are surely destroyed, and they have struck each man his fellow: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. 3:24 When they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and struck the Moabites, so that they fled before them; and they went forward into the land smiting the Moabites. 3:25 They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the springs of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth only they left its stones; however the men armed with slings went about it, and struck it. 3:26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too severe for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew sword, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not. 3:27 Then he took his eldest son who would have reigned in his place, and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. There was great wrath against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.

3:1 Now Jehoram, the son of Ahab, began to rule over Israel in Samaria during the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and he reigned for twelve years. 3:2 He did what was wrong in the eyes of Yahweh, but not like his father and mother; he removed the pillar of Baal that his father had made. 3:3 Nevertheless, he stuck to the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin; he didn't turn away from them. 3:4 Now Mesha, king of Moab, was a sheep breeder; he provided the king of Israel with the wool from one hundred thousand lambs and one hundred thousand rams. 3:5 But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 3:6 King Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time and gathered all of Israel. 3:7 He then sent to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, saying, “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to battle against Moab?” Jehoshaphat replied, “I will go; I am as you are, my people are your people, my horses are your horses.” 3:8 Jehoram asked, “Which way shall we go?” He answered, “The route through the wilderness of Edom.” 3:9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom went, and they circled for seven days; there was no water for the army or the animals that followed them. 3:10 The king of Israel said, “Alas! Yahweh has brought these three kings together to hand them over to Moab.” 3:11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of Yahweh here that we may inquire of Yahweh through him?” One of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha, son of Shaphat, is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” 3:12 Jehoshaphat said, “The word of Yahweh is with him.” So the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom went down to him. 3:13 Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What do I have to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.” The king of Israel said to him, “No; for Yahweh has brought these three kings together to hand them over to Moab.” 3:14 Elisha replied, “As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, surely, if it weren't for the presence of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, I wouldn't even look at you or acknowledge you. 3:15 But now, bring me a musician.” When the musician played, the hand of Yahweh came on him. 3:16 He said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’ 3:17 For thus says Yahweh, ‘You will not see wind or rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you and your livestock will drink.’ 3:18 This is just a light thing in the sight of Yahweh: he will also hand the Moabites over to you. 3:19 You will strike every fortified city and every choice city; you will cut down every good tree, stop all springs of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 3:20 It happened in the morning, at the time of the offering, that water came by the way of Edom, filling the country with water. 3:21 When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered all who were able to put on armor, and they stood at the border. 3:22 They rose up early in the morning, and when the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water across from them as red as blood. 3:23 They said, “This is blood; the kings must have destroyed each other, so Moab, let’s take the spoil!” 3:24 When they arrived at the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and struck down the Moabites, causing them to flee before them; they went on into the land, striking down the Moabites. 3:25 They devastated the cities, filling every good piece of land with stones, stopping all the springs of water, and cutting down all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth, they left only its stones; however, the men armed with slings went around and struck it. 3:26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too much for him, he took seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they couldn't. 3:27 Then he took his eldest son, who would have succeeded him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the wall. There was great anger against Israel, and they left him and returned to their own land.

4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my husband is dead; and you know that your servant did fear Yahweh: and the creditor is come to take to him my two children to be bondservants. 4:2 Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? tell me; what have you in the house? She said, Your handmaid has nothing in the house, except a pot of oil. 4:3 Then he said, Go, borrow you vessels abroad of all your neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4:4 You shall go in, and shut the door on you and on your sons, and pour out into all those vessels; and you shall set aside that which is full. 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door on her and on her sons; they brought the vessels to her, and she poured out. 4:6 It happened, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, Bring me yet a vessel. He said to her, There isn't another vessel. The oil stayed. 4:7 Then she came and told the man of God. He said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live you and your sons of the rest. 4:8 It fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where there was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread. 4:9 She said to her husband, See now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, that passes by us continually. 4:10 Let us make, Please, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a seat, and a lamp stand: and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in there. 4:11 It fell on a day, that he came there, and he turned into the chamber and lay there. 4:12 He said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. When he had called her, she stood before him. 4:13 He said to him, Say now to her, Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for you? would you be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army? She answered, I dwell among my own people. 4:14 He said, What then is to be done for her? Gehazi answered, Most certainly she has no son, and her husband is old. 4:15 He said, Call her. When he had called her, she stood in the door. 4:16 He said, At this season, when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son. She said, No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid. 4:17 The woman conceived, and bore a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said to her. 4:18 When the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. 4:19 He said to his father, My head, my head. He said to his servant, Carry him to his mother. 4:20 When he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees until noon, and then died. 4:21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door on him, and went out. 4:22 She called to her husband, and said, Please send me one of the servants, and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. 4:23 He said, Why will you go to him today? it is neither new moon nor Sabbath. She said, It shall be well. 4:24 Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; don't slacken me the riding, except I bid you. 4:25 So she went, and came to the man of God to Mount Carmel. It happened, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is the Shunammite: 4:26 please run now to meet her, and ask her, Is it well with you? is it well with your husband? is it well with the child? She answered, It is well. 4:27 When she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, Let her alone: for her soul is troubled within her; and Yahweh has hid it from me, and has not told me. 4:28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? Didn't I say, Do not deceive me? 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up your waist, and take my staff in your hand, and go your way: if you meet any man, Don't greet him; and if anyone greets you, don't answer him again: and lay my staff on the face of the child. 4:30 The mother of the child said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. He arose, and followed her. 4:31 Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Therefore he returned to meet him, and told him, saying, The child has not awakened. 4:32 When Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid on his bed. 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door on them both, and prayed to Yahweh. 4:34 He went up, and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, and his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands: and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh of the child grew warm. 4:35 Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth; and went up, and stretched himself on him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 4:36 He called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. When she was come in to him, he said, Take up your son. 4:37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground; and she took up her son, and went out. 4:38 Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets. 4:39 One went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered of it wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of stew; for they didn't recognize them. 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. It happened, as they were eating of the stew, that they cried out, and said, man of God, there is death in the pot. They could not eat of it. 4:41 But he said, Then bring meal. He cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. There was no harm in the pot. 4:42 There came a man from Baal Shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. He said, Give to the people, that they may eat. 4:43 His servant said, What, should I set this before a hundred men? But he said, Give the people, that they may eat; for thus says Yahweh, They shall eat, and shall leave of it. 4:44 So he set it before them, and they ate, and left of it, according to the word of Yahweh.

4:1 A woman whose husband was one of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he feared the Lord. Now the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 4:2 Elisha asked her, “What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” She replied, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 4:3 Then he said, “Go and borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Don’t ask for just a few. 4:4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, set it aside.” 4:5 So she went from him, shut the door behind her and her sons, and they brought the jars to her, and she poured the oil. 4:6 When the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another jar.” He said, “There aren’t any more.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 4:7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left.” 4:8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived. She urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he passed by, he would stop there to eat. 4:9 She said to her husband, “I can see that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 4:10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him there. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” 4:11 One day he came there and went up to his room and lay down. 4:12 He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. 4:13 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” She replied, “I have a home among my own people.” 4:14 “What can we do for her?” Elisha asked. Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” 4:15 Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 4:16 Elisha said, “About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she objected. “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God!” 4:17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. 4:18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 4:19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!” His father told his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 4:20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 4:21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out. 4:22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.” 4:23 “Why go to him today?” he asked. “It’s not the New Moon or the Sabbath.” “It’s all right,” she said. 4:24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Lead on; don’t slow down for me unless I tell you.” 4:25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When he saw her in the distance, he said to Gehazi, “Look! There’s the Shunammite! 4:26 Run to meet her and ask her, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” “Everything is all right,” she said. 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone; she is in bitter distress, but the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” 4:28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Don’t mislead me!” 4:29 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tuck your coat into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face.” 4:30 But the boy’s mother said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her. 4:31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.” 4:32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. 4:33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 4:34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 4:35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. 4:36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite.” And he did. When she came in, he said, “Take your son.” 4:37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out. 4:38 Elisha returned to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land, and while the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men.” 4:39 One of them went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked some gourds. He returned and cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 4:40 The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 4:41 Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. 4:42 A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread, and fresh grain from his sack. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said. 4:43 His servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat, for this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” 4:44 So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord.

5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Yahweh had given victory to Syria: he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 5:2 The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 5:3 She said to her mistress, Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! then would he recover him of his leprosy. 5:4 One went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maiden who is of the land of Israel. 5:5 The king of Syria said, Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel. He departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 5:6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may recover him of his leprosy. 5:7 It happened, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he tore his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man does send to me to recover a man of his leprosy? but consider, I pray you, and see how he seeks a quarrel against me. 5:8 It was so, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Why have you torn your clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. 5:9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean. 5:11 But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 5:12 Aren't Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 5:13 His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid you do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? how much rather then, when he says to you, Wash, and be clean? 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 5:15 He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, please take a present from your servant. 5:16 But he said, As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. He urged him to take it; but he refused. 5:17 Naaman said, If not, yet, please let there be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth; for your servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to Yahweh. 5:18 In this thing Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing. 5:19 He said to him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. 5:20 But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: as Yahweh lives, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. 5:21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? 5:22 He said, All is well. My master has sent me, saying, Behold, even now there are come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets; please give them a talent of silver, and two changes of clothing. 5:23 Naaman said, Be pleased to take two talents. He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they bore them before him. 5:24 When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house; and he let the men go, and they departed. 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, Whence come you, Gehazi? He said, Your servant went no where. 5:26 He said to him, Didn't my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants? 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave to you, and to your seed forever. He went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

5:1 Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a highly respected man because the Lord had given victory to Syria through him. He was also a courageous warrior, but he was a leper. 5:2 The Syrians had raided Israel and brought back a young girl from there as a captive, and she served Naaman's wife. 5:3 She told her mistress, "I wish my master could see the prophet in Samaria! He would heal him of his leprosy." 5:4 Someone went in and informed Naaman, saying, "The girl from Israel said this and that." 5:5 The king of Syria replied, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." He left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothes. 5:6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, stating, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent my servant Naaman to you so you can heal him of his leprosy." 5:7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and bring back to life, that this man sends to me for healing of leprosy? Consider and see how he is trying to start a conflict with me." 5:8 When Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent word to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel." 5:9 So Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots and stood at Elisha's door. 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go wash in the Jordan seven times, and your skin will be restored, and you will be clean." 5:11 But Naaman got angry and left, saying, "I expected him to come out to me, stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, waving his hand over the spot and healing the leper. 5:12 Are not the rivers Abanah and Pharpar in Damascus better than all the waters in Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and left in a rage. 5:13 His servants approached and said to him, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, wouldn't you have done it? How much more when he says to you, 'Wash and be clean'?" 5:14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God instructed; and his skin was restored like that of a young boy, and he was clean. 5:15 He returned to the man of God with all his companions, stood before him, and said, "Now I know that there is no God anywhere on earth except in Israel. Now please accept a gift from your servant." 5:16 But he said, "As the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept anything." Even though Naaman urged him to take it, he refused. 5:17 Naaman insisted, "If not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of dirt, for your servant will no longer offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other gods but the Lord. 5:18 But may the Lord pardon your servant in this matter: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant in this.” 5:19 Elisha replied, "Go in peace." So he left a short distance from him. 5:20 However, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, "Look, my master has let this Naaman go without taking anything from him. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him." 5:21 So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he stopped the chariot to meet him and asked, "Is everything all right?" 5:22 Gehazi answered, "Everything is fine. My master has sent me to tell you that two young men from the hill country of Ephraim have just come to me; please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing." 5:23 Naaman responded, "Please accept two talents." He insisted and bound up two talents of silver in two bags, along with two sets of clothing, and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of him. 5:24 When Gehazi arrived at the hill, he took the items from their hands and stored them in the home, and then let the men go, and they left. 5:25 He entered and stood before his master. Elisha asked him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" He answered, "Your servant didn't go anywhere." 5:26 Elisha said, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? 5:27 Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." He went out from Elisha's presence a leper, as white as snow.

6:1 The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, See now, the place where we dwell before you is too strait for us. 6:2 Let us go, we pray you, to the Jordan, and take there every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. He answered, Go you. 6:3 One said, Be pleased, I pray you, to go with your servants. He answered, I will go. 6:4 So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood. 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried, and said, Alas, my master! for it was borrowed. 6:6 The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" He showed him the place. He cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. 6:7 He said, "Take it." So he put out his hand and took it.

6:1 The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "Look, the place where we live is too cramped for us." 6:2 "Let’s go to the Jordan," they said, "and each of us can get a log to build a place for us to stay." He replied, "Go ahead." 6:3 One of them asked, "Will you please come with your servants?" He answered, "I will go." 6:4 So he went with them. When they reached the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. 6:5 But while one of them was chopping a tree, the axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, "Oh no, my master! It was borrowed!" 6:6 The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" The man showed him the spot. He cut a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. 6:7 He said, "Grab it." So the man reached out his hand and took it.

6:8 Now the king of Syria was warring against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 6:9 The man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, Beware that you not pass such a place; for there the Syrians are coming down. 6:10 The king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of; and he saved himself there, not once nor twice. 6:11 The heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said to them, Won't you show me which of us is for the king of Israel? 6:12 One of his servants said, No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber. 6:13 He said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him. It was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 6:14 Therefore sent he there horses, and chariots, and a great army: and they came by night, and surrounded the city. 6:15 When the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant said to him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 6:16 He answered, Don't be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. 6:17 Elisha prayed, and said, Yahweh, Please open his eyes, that he may see. Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. 6:18 When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to Yahweh, and said, Please smite this people with blindness. He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 6:19 Elisha said to them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek. He led them to Samaria. 6:20 It happened, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Yahweh, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. Yahweh opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 6:21 The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I strike them? shall I strike them? 6:22 He answered, You shall not strike them: would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 6:23 He prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. 6:24 It happened after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his army, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 6:25 There was a great famine in Samaria: and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. 6:26 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, there cried a woman to him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. 6:27 He said, If Yahweh doesn't help you, whence shall I help you? out of the threshing floor, or out of the winepress? 6:28 The king said to her, What ails you? She answered, This woman said to me, Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow. 6:29 So we boiled my son, and ate him: and I said to her on the next day, Give your son, that we may eat him; and she has hid her son. 6:30 It happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes (now he was passing by on the wall); and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth within on his flesh. 6:31 Then he said, God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. 6:32 But Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but before the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See you how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head? behold, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold the door fast against him: isn't the sound of his master's feet behind him? 6:33 While he was yet talking with them, behold, the messenger came down to him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of Yahweh; why should I wait for Yahweh any longer?

6:8 Now the king of Syria was fighting against Israel and consulted his advisors, saying, "We will set up camp in this specific place." 6:9 The man of God sent a message to the king of Israel, warning him, "Be careful not to pass that place, because the Syrians are coming down there." 6:10 The king of Israel checked the location that the man of God had warned him about, and he stayed safe there multiple times. 6:11 The heart of the king of Syria was deeply troubled by this, so he called his servants and asked, "Can you tell me who among us is on the side of the king of Israel?" 6:12 One of his servants replied, "No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet in Israel, reveals to the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." 6:13 The king said, "Go and find out where he is, so I can send someone to capture him." They told him, "He's in Dothan." 6:14 So he sent horses, chariots, and a large army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 6:15 When the servant of the man of God got up early and went outside, he saw an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. His servant said to him, "Oh no, my master! What should we do?" 6:16 He answered, "Don't be afraid; those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 6:17 Elisha prayed and said, "Yahweh, please open his eyes so he can see." Yahweh opened the young man's eyes, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. 6:18 When the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to Yahweh and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness as Elisha had requested. 6:19 Elisha then told them, "You're in the wrong place, and this isn't the city. Follow me, and I'll lead you to the man you're looking for." He led them to Samaria. 6:20 When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, "Yahweh, open the eyes of these men so they can see." Yahweh opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria. 6:21 The king of Israel asked Elisha, upon seeing them, "My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?" 6:22 Elisha replied, "You should not kill them. Would you kill those you've captured with your own sword and bow? Instead, set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and return to their master." 6:23 He made a great feast for them, and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. The raiding parties from Syria stopped coming into the land of Israel. 6:24 After this, King Benhadad of Syria gathered his entire army, went up, and besieged Samaria. 6:25 There was a severe famine in Samaria; they besieged it until a donkey's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and a quarter of a kab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. 6:26 As the king of Israel was walking on the wall, a woman shouted to him, "Help me, my lord, O king!" 6:27 He replied, "If Yahweh doesn't help you, how can I help you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?" 6:28 The king asked her, "What's wrong?" She answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give your son so we can eat him today, and we'll eat my son tomorrow.' 6:29 So we boiled my son and ate him, and I told her the next day, 'Give your son so we can eat him,' but she has hidden her son." 6:30 When the king heard the woman's words, he tore his clothes (he was walking along the wall at the time), and the people looked, and he had sackcloth underneath. 6:31 Then he said, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today." 6:32 Meanwhile, Elisha was sitting in his house with the elders sitting with him; and the king sent a messenger ahead of him. But before the messenger arrived, he said to the elders, "Do you see how this murderer’s son has sent someone to take my head? Look at the door and hold it shut against him; isn’t the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?" 6:33 While he was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him and said, "This disaster is from Yahweh; why should I wait for Yahweh any longer?"

7:1 Elisha said, Hear you the word of Yahweh: thus says Yahweh, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 7:2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, might this thing be? He said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it. 7:3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? 7:4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there; and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall to the army of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. 7:5 They rose up in the twilight, to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the outermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no man there. 7:6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great army: and they said one to another, Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come on us. 7:7 Therefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their donkeys, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life. 7:8 When these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and ate and drink, and carried there silver, and gold, and clothing, and went and hid it; and they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried there also, and went and hid it. 7:9 Then they said one to another, We aren't doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we hold our peace: if we wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the king's household. 7:10 So they came and called to the porter of the city; and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but the horses tied, and the donkeys tied, and the tents as they were. 7:11 He called the porters; and they told it to the king's household within. 7:12 The king arose in the night, and said to his servants, I will now show you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall take them alive, and get into the city. 7:13 One of his servants answered, Please let some take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are consumed); and let us send and see. 7:14 They took therefore two chariots with horses; and the king sent after the army of the Syrians, saying, Go and see. 7:15 They went after them to the Jordan: and behold, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. The messengers returned, and told the king. 7:16 The people went out, and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of Yahweh. 7:17 The king appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to be in charge of the gate: and the people trod on him in the gate, and he died as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. 7:18 It happened, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria; 7:19 and that captain answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? and he said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it: 7:20 it happened even so to him; for the people trod on him in the gate, and he died.

7:1 Elisha said, "Listen to the word of the Lord: tomorrow at this time, a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria." 7:2 Then the captain, on whose hand the king leaned, replied to the man of God and said, "Look, if the Lord were to open windows in heaven, could this really happen?" Elisha answered, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you won’t get to eat any of it." 7:3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate, and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die?" 7:4 "If we say, 'We’ll enter the city,' the famine is there, and we will die. And if we sit here, we will die as well. So, let’s go over to the army of the Syrians. If they spare our lives, we will live; and if they kill us, we will just die." 7:5 They got up at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they reached the edge of the camp, they found no one there. 7:6 For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the sound of chariots and the sound of horses, even the sound of a great army. They said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to attack us." 7:7 So they got up and fled in the twilight, abandoning their tents, horses, and donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and ran for their lives. 7:8 When these lepers reached the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent, ate and drank, took silver, gold, and clothing, and went and hid them. Then they returned and entered another tent, and carried off more and hid it. 7:9 Then they said to each other, "We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news, and we’re keeping silent. If we wait until morning, punishment will come upon us. So let’s go and tell the king’s household." 7:10 They went and called out to the gatekeeper of the city and told him, "We went to the camp of the Syrians, and look, there was no one there, no voice of a man, only the horses tied up, the donkeys tied up, and the tents just as they were." 7:11 He called the porters, and they reported it to the king’s household inside. 7:12 The king got up in the night and said to his servants, "I will show you what the Syrians have done to us. They know we’re hungry, so they’ve gone out of the camp to hide in the field, saying, 'When they come out of the city, we will capture them alive and get into the city.'" 7:13 One of his servants answered, "Let some take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city (look, they’re just like all the Israelites who are left; they’re just like all the Israelites who are dead); let’s send them and see." 7:14 So they took two chariots with horses, and the king sent them after the army of the Syrians, instructing, "Go and see." 7:15 They went after them to the Jordan, and found that the whole way was filled with garments and vessels that the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. The messengers returned and told the king. 7:16 The people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, just as the word of the Lord had said. 7:17 The king appointed the captain, on whose hand he leaned, to be in charge of the gate; and the people trampled on him in the gate, and he died, just as the man of God had said when the king came down to him. 7:18 It happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, "Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, will be tomorrow at this time at the gate of Samaria." 7:19 And that captain had replied to the man of God, saying, "Now, look, if the Lord opens windows in heaven, could such a thing happen?" Elisha said, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it." 7:20 And it happened just as he said; the people trampled on him in the gate, and he died.

8:1 Now Elisha had spoken to the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go you and your household, and sojourn wherever you can sojourn: for Yahweh has called for a famine; and it shall also come on the land seven years. 8:2 The woman arose, and did according to the word of the man of God; and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 8:3 It happened at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry to the king for her house and for her land. 8:4 Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Please tell me all the great things that Elisha has done. 8:5 It happened, as he was telling the king how he had restored to life him who was dead, that behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 8:6 When the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed to her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now. 8:7 Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come here. 8:8 The king said to Hazael, Take a present in your hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of Yahweh by him, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness? 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness? 8:10 Elisha said to him, Go, tell him, You shall surely recover; however Yahweh has shown me that he shall surely die. 8:11 He settled his gaze steadfastly on him, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 8:12 Hazael said, Why weeps my lord? He answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: their strongholds will you set on fire, and their young men will you kill with the sword, and will dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child. 8:13 Hazael said, But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing? Elisha answered, Yahweh has shown me that you shall be king over Syria. 8:14 Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to you? He answered, He told me that you would surely recover. 8:15 It happened on the next day, that he took the coverlet, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his place. 8:16 In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. 8:17 Thirty-two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 8:18 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab as wife; and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 8:19 However Yahweh would not destroy Judah, for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give to him a lamp for his children always. 8:20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves. 8:21 Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, and the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents. 8:22 So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Then did Libnah revolt at the same time. 8:23 The rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 8:24 Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place. 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign. 8:26 Twenty-two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri king of Israel. 8:27 He walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab. 8:28 He went with Joram the son of Ahab to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram. 8:29 King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

8:1 Now Elisha had spoken to the woman, whose son he had brought back to life, saying, "Get up, and you and your family go live wherever you can, because the Lord has called for a famine; it will last seven years." 8:2 The woman got up and did as the man of God said; she went with her family and stayed in the land of the Philistines for seven years. 8:3 After seven years, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land. 8:4 While the king was speaking with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, he said, "Please tell me about all the amazing things that Elisha has done." 8:5 As Gehazi was telling the king about how Elisha had restored a dead person to life, the woman whose son had been brought back to life cried out to the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, "My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life." 8:6 When the king asked the woman, she told him the story. The king assigned an officer to her, saying, "Give back everything that was hers, and all the produce of the fields from the day she left the land until now." 8:7 Elisha came to Damascus, and Benhadad, the king of Syria, was sick. He was told, "The man of God has come here." 8:8 The king said to Hazael, "Take a gift in your hand, go meet the man of God, and ask the Lord through him, 'Will I recover from this sickness?'" 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, taking with him all the finest things from Damascus, a load of forty camels, and stood before him. He said, "Your son Benhadad, king of Syria, has sent me to ask you, 'Will I recover from this sickness?'" 8:10 Elisha said to him, "Go tell him, 'You will certainly recover,' but the Lord has revealed to me that he will surely die." 8:11 He fixed his gaze on Hazael until he felt ashamed, and the man of God wept. 8:12 Hazael asked, "Why is my lord weeping?" Elisha replied, "Because I know the terrible things you will do to the Israelites: you will burn their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, smash their little ones, and rip open pregnant women." 8:13 Hazael said, "But what is your servant, a mere dog, that he could do such a great thing?" Elisha answered, "The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Syria." 8:14 Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, "What did Elisha say to you?" He replied, "He told me that you will surely recover." 8:15 The next day, Hazael took a blanket, dipped it in water, and spread it over his master’s face, so that he died, and Hazael became king in his place. 8:16 In the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat was king of Judah. Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, began to reign. 8:17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned for eight years in Jerusalem. 8:18 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, just like the house of Ahab did, for he had married Ahab's daughter; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord. 8:19 However, the Lord would not destroy Judah for the sake of His servant David, as He had promised to give him a lamp for his descendants forever. 8:20 During his reign, Edom revolted against the rule of Judah and appointed their own king. 8:21 Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots; he rose up at night and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, as well as the captains of the chariots; the people fled to their tents. 8:22 So Edom has been in rebellion against Judah to this day. Libnah also revolted at that time. 8:23 The rest of the acts of Joram and all he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 8:24 Joram rested with his ancestors and was buried with them in the city of David, and his son Ahaziah reigned in his place. 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign. 8:26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he ruled for one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri, king of Israel. 8:27 He followed the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the Lord, just like the house of Ahab, for he was related by marriage to Ahab’s family. 8:28 He went with Joram, son of Ahab, to war against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramoth Gilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram. 8:29 King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds the Syrians had inflicted on him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael, king of Syria. Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, king of Judah, went down to see Joram, son of Ahab, in Jezreel because he was sick.

9:1 Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, Gird up your waist, and take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead. 9:2 When you come there, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brothers, and carry him to an inner chamber. 9:3 Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus says Yahweh, I have anointed you king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and don't wait. 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth Gilead. 9:5 When he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to you, captain. Jehu said, To which of us all? He said, To you, O captain. 9:6 He arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I have anointed you king over the people of Yahweh, even over Israel. 9:7 You shall strike the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh, at the hand of Jezebel. 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish; and I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel. 9:9 I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 9:10 The dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. He opened the door, and fled. 9:11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said to him, Is all well? why came this mad fellow to you? He said to them, You know the man and what his talk was. 9:12 They said, It is false; tell us now. He said, Thus and thus spoke he to me, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I have anointed you king over Israel. 9:13 Then they hurried, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, Jehu is king. 9:14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram was keeping Ramoth Gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria; 9:15 but king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) Jehu said, If this be your mind, then let none escape and go forth out of the city, to go to tell it in Jezreel. 9:16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram. 9:17 Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. Joram said, Take a horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? 9:18 So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus says the king, Is it peace? Jehu said, What have you to do with peace? turn you behind me. The watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he isn't coming back. 9:19 Then he sent out a second on horseback, who came to them, and said, Thus says the king, Is it peace? Jehu answered, What have you to do with peace? turn you behind me. 9:20 The watchman told, saying, He came even to them, and isn't coming back: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously. 9:21 Joram said, Make ready. They made ready his chariot. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. 9:22 It happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? He answered, What peace, so long as the prostitution of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft abound? 9:23 Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, Ahaziah. 9:24 Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and struck Joram between his arms; and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. 9:25 Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how that, when I and you rode together after Ahab his father, Yahweh laid this burden on him: 9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, says Yahweh; and I will requite you in this plat, says Yahweh. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of Yahweh. 9:27 But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot: and they struck him at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. He fled to Megiddo, and died there. 9:28 His servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David. 9:29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah. 9:30 When Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her eyes, and attired her head, and looked out at the window. 9:31 As Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Is it peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer? 9:32 He lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? There looked out to him two or three eunuchs. 9:33 He said, Throw her down. So they threw her down; and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trod her under foot. 9:34 When he was come in, he ate and drink; and he said, See now to this cursed woman, and bury her; for she is a king's daughter. 9:35 They went to bury her; but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. 9:36 Therefore they came back, and told him. He said, This is the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall the dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel; 9:37 and the body of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

9:1 Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, "Tighten your belt and take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead." 9:2 When you get there, look for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and go in and get him away from his brothers, and take him to an inner room. 9:3 Then take the vial of oil, pour it on his head, and say, "This is what Yahweh says: I have anointed you king over Israel." Then open the door and run; don’t wait. 9:4 So the young prophet went to Ramoth Gilead. 9:5 When he got there, he saw the army officers sitting, and he said, "I have a message for you, captain." Jehu asked, "For which of us?" He answered, "For you, captain." 9:6 Jehu stood up and went into the house. The prophet poured the oil on his head and said to him, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: I have anointed you king over Yahweh’s people, Israel." 9:7 You will destroy the house of Ahab your master so I can avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all Yahweh’s servants at the hands of Jezebel. 9:8 The whole house of Ahab will be wiped out, and I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against the wall, whether they are confined or free in Israel. 9:9 I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah. 9:10 Dogs will eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and no one will bury her." He opened the door and fled. 9:11 Jehu went out to his master's officers, and one asked him, "Is everything alright? Why did that madman come to you?" He replied, "You know that man and what he said." 9:12 They said, "You're lying; tell us the truth." He said, "This is what he said to me: ‘This is what Yahweh says: I have anointed you king over Israel.’" 9:13 They quickly took off their cloaks and spread them under him on the stairs, and blew the trumpet, shouting, "Jehu is king!" 9:14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram was in Ramoth Gilead with all Israel, defending against Hazael king of Aram; 9:15 but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds the Arameans had inflicted on him in battle with Hazael.) Jehu said, "If this is what you want, don’t let anyone leave the city to go tell it in Jezreel." 9:16 Jehu got into his chariot and rode to Jezreel, since Joram was there; Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him. 9:17 Now the lookout was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw Jehu’s troops approaching and said, "I see a troop coming." Joram said, "Get a horseman and send him to meet them and ask, ‘Is it peace?’" 9:18 So a horseman rode out to meet Jehu and said, "This is what the king says: Is it peace?" Jehu replied, "What do you have to do with peace? Get behind me." The lookout reported, "The messenger has reached them, but he isn’t coming back." 9:19 Then he sent out a second rider who came to them and said, "This is what the king says: Is it peace?" Jehu answered, "What do you have to do with peace? Get behind me." 9:20 The lookout reported, "He has reached them too, but he isn’t coming back; and the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi; he drives like a madman." 9:21 Joram said, "Get my chariot ready." They got his chariot ready. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah rode out, each in his chariot, to meet Jehu, and they met him in the plot of land that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite. 9:22 As Joram saw Jehu, he asked, "Is it peace, Jehu?" Jehu replied, "What peace can there be as long as your mother Jezebel's prostitution and witchcraft are so rampant?" 9:23 Joram turned his back and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, "There’s treachery, Ahaziah!" 9:24 Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders; the arrow struck him in the heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. 9:25 Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, "Pick him up and throw him in the field that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite, for remember how you and I were riding together behind Ahab his father when Yahweh spoke this prophecy against him: 9:26 ‘I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says Yahweh, ‘and I will repay you for it in this plot of land.’ So pick him up and throw him in that plot of land, according to the word of Yahweh." 9:27 But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the road to the garden house. Jehu chased him, saying, "Shoot him too!" They shot him in the chariot as he was going up to Gur, which is near Ibleam; he fled to Megiddo and died there. 9:28 His servants took him in a chariot to Jerusalem and buried him in his tomb with his ancestors in the City of David. 9:29 In the eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab, Ahaziah began to reign over Judah. 9:30 When Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. She painted her eyes, fixed her hair, and looked out the window. 9:31 As Jehu entered the gate, she said, "Do you come in peace, you Zimri, you murderer of your master?" 9:32 He looked up at the window and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. 9:33 He said, "Throw her down!" So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. 9:34 When he went in, he ate and drank and said, "Take care of that cursed woman and bury her, for she was a king’s daughter." 9:36 So they went back and told him. He said, "This is the word of Yahweh that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel dogs will eat Jezebel’s flesh; 9:37 and as for the body of Jezebel, it will be like refuse on the ground in the territory of Jezreel so that no one can say, “This is Jezebel.”

10:1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up the sons of Ahab, saying, 10:2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor; 10:3 look you out the best and meet of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house. 10:4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings didn't stand before him: how then shall we stand? 10:5 He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders also, and those who brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king: you do that which is good in your eyes. 10:6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If you be on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by tomorrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up. 10:7 It happened, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and killed them, even seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them to him to Jezreel. 10:8 There came a messenger, and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the king's sons. He said, Lay you them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until the morning. 10:9 It happened in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, You are righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and killed him; but who struck all these? 10:10 Know now that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of Yahweh, which Yahweh spoke concerning the house of Ahab: for Yahweh has done that which he spoke by his servant Elijah. 10:11 So Jehu struck all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his familiar friends, and his priests, until he left him none remaining. 10:12 He arose and departed, and went to Samaria. As he was at the shearing house of the shepherds in the way, 10:13 Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are you? They answered, We are the brothers of Ahaziah: and we go down to Greet the children of the king and the children of the queen. 10:14 He said, Take them alive. They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. 10:15 When he was departed there, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him; and he greeted him, and said to him, Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me your hand. He gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. 10:16 He said, Come with me, and see my zeal for Yahweh. So they made him ride in his chariot. 10:17 When he came to Samaria, he struck all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to Elijah. 10:18 Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu will serve him much. 10:19 Now therefore call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshippers, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtlety, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 10:20 Jehu said, Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal. They proclaimed it. 10:21 Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that didn't come. They came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was filled from one end to another. 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. He brought them forth vestments. 10:23 Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal; and he said to the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of Yahweh, but the worshippers of Baal only. 10:24 They went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had appointed him eighty men outside, and said, If any of the men whom I bring into your hands escape, he who lets him go, his life shall be for the life of him. 10:25 It happened, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and kill them; let none come forth. They struck them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. 10:26 They brought forth the pillars that were in the house of Baal, and burned them. 10:27 They broke down the pillar of Baal, and broke down the house of Baal, and made it a latrine, to this day. 10:28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. 10:29 However from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin, Jehu didn't depart from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan. 10:30 Yahweh said to Jehu, Because you have done well in executing that which is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. 10:31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of Yahweh, the God of Israel, with all his heart: he didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam, with which he made Israel to sin. 10:32 In those days Yahweh began to cut off from Israel: and Hazael struck them in all the borders of Israel; 10:33 from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan. 10:34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 10:35 Jehu slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria. Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place. 10:36 The time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years.

10:1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the leaders of Jezreel, including the elders and those who raised the sons of Ahab, saying, 10:2 As soon as this letter arrives, knowing that your master's sons are with you, and that you have chariots, horses, a fortified city, and armor; 10:3 choose the best of your master's sons and make him king, and fight for your master's house. 10:4 But they were very afraid and said, Look, the two kings didn’t stand against him; how can we stand? 10:5 The one in charge of the household, the one in charge of the city, the elders, and those who raised the children sent a message to Jehu, saying, We are your servants and will do everything you ask; we will not make anyone king: you do what seems good to you. 10:6 Then he wrote them a second letter, saying, If you are on my side and will listen to my voice, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow. The king's sons, seventy in total, were with the prominent men of the city who raised them. 10:7 When the letter came to them, they took the king's sons and killed them, even seventy men, and put their heads in baskets and sent them to him at Jezreel. 10:8 A messenger came and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the king's sons. He said, Put them in two piles at the entrance of the gate until morning. 10:9 In the morning, he went out, stood, and said to all the people, You are righteous: behold, I conspired against my master and killed him; but who killed all these? 10:10 Know that nothing will fall to the ground from the word of Yahweh, which Yahweh spoke concerning the house of Ahab: for Yahweh has done what he said through his servant Elijah. 10:11 So Jehu killed all that remained of Ahab's house in Jezreel, as well as all his powerful men, friends, and priests, until he had left none remaining. 10:12 He got up and left and went to Samaria. While he was at the shearing house of the shepherds on the way, 10:13 Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and said, Who are you? They answered, We are the brothers of Ahaziah, and we are going down to greet the children of the king and the children of the queen. 10:14 He said, Capture them alive. They took them alive and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men; he did not spare any of them. 10:15 After he left there, he ran into Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him; he greeted him and asked, Is your heart as loyal to mine as my heart is to yours? Jehonadab answered, Yes, it is. If it is, give me your hand. He gave him his hand and took him up into the chariot with him. 10:16 He said, Come with me and see my zeal for Yahweh. So they made him ride in his chariot. 10:17 When he arrived in Samaria, he killed all who remained of Ahab’s family in Samaria until he had destroyed them according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to Elijah. 10:18 Jehu gathered all the people and said to them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu will serve him a lot. 10:19 Now therefore call for all the prophets of Baal, all his worshippers, and all his priests; let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whoever does not show up will be put to death. But Jehu did this in secret, intending to destroy the worshippers of Baal. 10:20 Jehu said, Arrange a solemn assembly for Baal. They proclaimed it. 10:21 Jehu sent out messages across all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a single person left who didn’t show up. They entered the temple of Baal, and the house of Baal was filled from one end to the other. 10:22 He said to the one in charge of the wardrobe, Bring out robes for all the worshippers of Baal. He brought out the robes. 10:23 Jehu and Jehonadab the son of Rechab entered the house of Baal and said to the worshippers of Baal, Search and make sure that no servants of Yahweh are with you, but only the worshippers of Baal. 10:24 They went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had appointed eighty men outside and said, If any of the men I bring into your hands escape, the one who lets him go, his life will be for the life of that man. 10:25 It happened, as soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guards and captains, Go in and kill them; let none come out. They killed them with the sword; and the guards and captains threw them out and went into the city of the house of Baal. 10:26 They pulled out the pillars that were in the house of Baal and burned them. 10:27 They broke down the pillar of Baal, demolished the house of Baal, and turned it into a latrine, to this day. 10:28 Thus Jehu eliminated Baal from Israel. 10:29 However, Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which made Israel sin, that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and Dan. 10:30 Yahweh said to Jehu, Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in my heart, your children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. 10:31 But Jehu did not pay attention to walk in the law of Yahweh, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, with which he made Israel sin. 10:32 In those days Yahweh began to cut off from Israel, and Hazael defeated them at all the borders of Israel; 10:33 from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, Reubenites, and Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan. 10:34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his strength, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 10:35 Jehu slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz reigned in his place. 10:36 Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-eight years.

11:1 Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedchamber; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain; 11:3 He was with her hid in the house of Yahweh six years. Athaliah reigned over the land. 11:4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the house of Yahweh; and he made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of Yahweh, and showed them the king's son. 11:5 He commanded them, saying, This is the thing that you shall do: a third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, shall be keepers of the watch of the king's house; 11:6 A third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. 11:7 The two companies of you, even all who go forth on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of the house of Yahweh about the king. 11:8 You shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he who comes within the ranks, let him be slain: and be you with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in. 11:9 The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded; and they took every man his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. 11:10 The priest delivered to the captains over hundreds the spears and shields that had been king David's, which were in the house of Yahweh. 11:11 The guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, around the king. 11:12 Then he brought out the king's son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, Long live the king. 11:13 When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the house of Yahweh: 11:14 and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the manner was, and the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, Treason! treason! 11:15 Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, Have her forth between the ranks; and him who follows her kill with the sword. For the priest said, Don't let her be slain in the house of Yahweh. 11:16 So they made way for her; and she went by the way of the horses' entry to the king's house: and there was she slain. 11:17 Jehoiada made a covenant between Yahweh and the king and the people, that they should be Yahweh's people; between the king also and the people. 11:18 All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and broke it down; his altars and his images broke they in pieces thoroughly, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. The priest appointed officers over the house of Yahweh. 11:19 He took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of Yahweh, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. He sat on the throne of the kings. 11:20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah they had slain with the sword at the king's house. 11:21 Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign.

11:1 When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she rose up and killed all the royal family. 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram and the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, the son of Ahaziah, and hid him away from among the slain king's sons, along with his nurse, and placed them in the bedroom; they hid him from Athaliah so he wouldn’t be killed. 11:3 He stayed hidden with her in the house of Yahweh for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. 11:4 In the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the captains of hundreds of the Carites and the guards and brought them to him in the house of Yahweh; he made a covenant with them, took an oath in the house of Yahweh, and showed them the king's son. 11:5 He instructed them, saying, "This is what you need to do: one third of you who come in on the Sabbath will guard the king's house; 11:6 one third will be at the Sur gate; and one third at the gate behind the guard. This way, you will keep watch over the house and act as a barrier. 11:7 The two groups of you, all who go out on the Sabbath, will keep watch over the house of Yahweh around the king. 11:8 You will surround the king, every man with his weapon ready; anyone who comes close must be killed. Stay close to the king when he goes out and when he comes in." 11:9 The captains did everything Jehoiada the priest commanded; each man took his men, those coming and going on the Sabbath, and went to Jehoiada the priest. 11:10 The priest gave the captains the spears and shields that had belonged to King David, which were in the house of Yahweh. 11:11 The guard stood, every man with his weapon ready, from the right side of the house to the left side, by the altar and the house, surrounding the king. 11:12 Then he brought out the king's son, placed the crown on him, and gave him the testimony; they made him king, anointed him, and clapped their hands, shouting, Long live the king. 11:13 When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she went to them in the house of Yahweh: 11:14 and she looked, and there was the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom, with the captains and the trumpeters beside the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah ripped her clothes and shouted, "Treason! Treason!" 11:15 Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds in charge of the army, saying to them, "Take her out between the ranks, and kill anyone who follows her with the sword, because the priest said, 'Do not let her be killed in the house of Yahweh.'" 11:16 So they made way for her; she went through the horse entry to the king's house, and she was killed there. 11:17 Jehoiada made a covenant between Yahweh, the king, and the people, that they would be Yahweh's people; he also established a covenant between the king and the people. 11:18 All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, broke it down; they smashed the altars and idols completely, and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars. The priest appointed officers over the house of Yahweh. 11:19 He took the captains of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, along with all the people of the land; and they brought the king down from the house of Yahweh and went through the gate of the guard to the king's house. He sat on the throne as king. 11:20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah had been killed with the sword at the king's house. 11:21 Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign.

12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu began Jehoash to reign; and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 12:2 Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 12:3 However the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 12:4 Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of Yahweh, in current money, the money of the persons for whom each man is rated, and all the money that it comes into any man's heart to bring into the house of Yahweh, 12:5 let the priests take it to them, every man from his acquaintance; and they shall repair the breaches of the house, wherever any breach shall be found. 12:6 But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. 12:7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests, and said to them, Why don't you repair the breaches of the house? now therefore take no more money from your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house. 12:8 The priests consented that they should take no more money from the people, neither repair the breaches of the house. 12:9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of Yahweh: and the priests who kept the threshold put therein all the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh. 12:10 It was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of Yahweh. 12:11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of the house of Yahweh: and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders, who worked on the house of Yahweh, 12:12 and to the masons and the stone cutters, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the breaches of the house of Yahweh, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 12:13 But there were not made for the house of Yahweh cups of silver, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh; 12:14 for they gave that to those who did the work, and repaired therewith the house of Yahweh. 12:15 Moreover they didn't demand an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to give to those who did the work; for they dealt faithfully. 12:16 The money for the trespass offerings, and the money for the sin offerings, was not brought into the house of Yahweh: it was the priests'. 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it; and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 12:18 Jehoash king of Judah took all the holy things that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own holy things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and of the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem. 12:19 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 12:20 His servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and struck Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla. 12:21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.

12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began his reign, and he ruled for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah from Beersheba. 12:2 Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh throughout his reign, as long as he was guided by Jehoiada the priest. 12:3 However, the high places were not removed; the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense there. 12:4 Jehoash said to the priests, "All the money related to sacred items brought into the house of Yahweh, including the current money, the money based on everyone's assessment, and any money that people feel compelled to bring to the house of Yahweh, 12:5 let the priests take this from their acquaintances, so they can repair any damages to the house wherever they are found." 12:6 Yet, by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had not repaired the damages to the house. 12:7 Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests, asking them, "Why aren't you repairing the damages to the house? Now, do not take any more money from your acquaintances; instead, use it to fix the damages to the house." 12:8 The priests agreed not to take any more money from the people and to stop repairing the house's damages. 12:9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, made a hole in its lid, and placed it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of Yahweh. The priests who guarded the entrance put all the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh into it. 12:10 When they saw that there was a lot of money in the chest, the king's scribe and the high priest came up, emptied it into bags, and counted the money found in the house of Yahweh. 12:11 They gave the counted money to those overseeing the work on the house of Yahweh, paying it to the carpenters and builders working on the house, 12:12 and to the masons and stone cutters, as well as for buying timber and cut stone to repair the damages of the house of Yahweh, and for all related expenses for its repair. 12:13 However, they did not make silver cups, snuffers, basins, trumpets, or any gold or silver vessels from the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh; 12:14 instead, they gave that money to those doing the work and used it to repair the house of Yahweh. 12:15 Furthermore, they did not require an accounting from the men who received the money to give to those doing the work because they acted honestly. 12:16 The money for trespass offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the house of Yahweh; it belonged to the priests. 12:17 Then Hazael, king of Syria, attacked Gath and captured it, and he set his sights on Jerusalem. 12:18 Jehoash, king of Judah, took all the sacred items that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his forefathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, along with his own sacred items and all the gold found in the treasures of the house of Yahweh and the king's palace, and sent it to Hazael, king of Syria, who then withdrew from Jerusalem. 12:19 Now, the rest of the acts of Joash and everything he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 12:20 His servants conspired against him and attacked Joash at the house of Millo, on the way down to Silla. 12:21 For Jozacar, the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad, the son of Shomer, his servants, killed him, and he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David. Amaziah, his son, became king in his place.

13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. 13:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin; he didn't depart from it. 13:3 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, continually. 13:4 Jehoahaz begged Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them. 13:5 (Yahweh gave Israel a savior, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel lived in their tents as before. 13:6 Nevertheless they didn't depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, with which he made Israel to sin, but walked therein: and there remained the Asherah also in Samaria.) 13:7 For he didn't leave to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing. 13:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 13:9 Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his place. 13:10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years. 13:11 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh; he didn't depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin; but he walked therein. 13:12 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 13:13 Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat on his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness of which he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen! 13:15 Elisha said to him, Take bow and arrows; and he took to him bow and arrows. 13:16 He said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow; and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands. 13:17 He said, Open the window eastward; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot; and he shot. He said, Yahweh's arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them. 13:18 He said, Take the arrows; and he took them. He said to the king of Israel, Smite on the ground; and he struck thrice, and stayed. 13:19 The man of God was angry with him, and said, You should have struck five or six times: then had you struck Syria until you had consumed it, whereas now you shall strike Syria but thrice. 13:20 Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. 13:21 It happened, as they were burying a man, that behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the tomb of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. 13:22 Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 13:23 But Yahweh was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect to them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. 13:24 Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his place. 13:25 Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash strike him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

13:1 In the twenty-third year of Joash, son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, began to rule over Israel in Samaria, and reigned for seventeen years. 13:2 He did what was evil in the eyes of Yahweh, following the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which led Israel to sin; he did not turn away from them. 13:3 Yahweh's anger was stirred against Israel, and He handed them over to Hazael, king of Syria, and to Benhadad, son of Hazael, continuously. 13:4 Jehoahaz pleaded with Yahweh, and Yahweh heard him because He saw the oppression of Israel from the king of Syria. 13:5 (Yahweh provided Israel with a savior, so they were freed from the hand of the Syrians; and the people of Israel lived in their tents as before. 13:6 Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which led Israel to sin, but continued in them: and the Asherah remained in Samaria.) 13:7 For he left Jehoahaz with only fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers; for the king of Syria had destroyed them and reduced them to dust. 13:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, all he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 13:9 Jehoahaz passed away and was buried in Samaria, and his son Joash became king in his place. 13:10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash, king of Judah, Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz, began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned for sixteen years. 13:11 He did what was evil in the eyes of Yahweh; he did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which led Israel to sin; but he continued in them. 13:12 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, all he did, and his might against Amaziah, king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 13:13 Joash passed away and was buried with his ancestors; Jeroboam took his throne, and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 13:14 Now Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die. Joash, king of Israel, went down to see him, weeping over him and saying, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" 13:15 Elisha told him, "Take a bow and arrows," and he took a bow and arrows. 13:16 He said to the king of Israel, "Put your hand on the bow"; and he put his hand on it. Elisha placed his hands on the king's hands. 13:17 He said, "Open the window eastward," and he opened it. Then Elisha said, "Shoot," and he shot. He said, "Yahweh's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria; for you will strike the Syrians in Aphek until you have destroyed them." 13:18 He said, "Take the arrows"; and he took them. He said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground"; and he struck it three times and stopped. 13:19 The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria until you had destroyed it, but now you will strike Syria only three times." 13:20 Elisha died and was buried. Now bands of Moabites invaded the land at the start of the year. 13:21 As they were burying a man, they spotted a band of raiders; so they threw the man into Elisha's tomb. As soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet. 13:22 Hazael, king of Syria, oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. 13:23 But Yahweh was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and showed regard for them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and did not destroy them or cast them from His presence yet. 13:24 Hazael, king of Syria, died, and his son Benhadad became king in his place. 13:25 Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz, took back the cities from Benhadad, son of Hazael, that he had taken from Jehoahaz, his father, through war. Joash struck him three times and recovered the cities of Israel.

14:1 In the second year of Joash son of Joahaz king of Israel began Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah to reign. 14:2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem. 14:3 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like David his father: he did according to all that Joash his father had done. 14:4 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 14:5 It happened, as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, that he killed his servants who had slain the king his father: 14:6 but the children of the murderers he didn't put to death; according to that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, as Yahweh commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall die for his own sin. 14:7 He killed of Edom in the Valley of Salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel, to this day. 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. 14:9 Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give your daughter to my son as wife: and there passed by a wild animal that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle. 14:10 You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up: glory of it, and abide at home; for why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you? 14:11 But Amaziah would not hear. So Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 14:12 Judah was defeated by Israel; and they fled every man to his tent. 14:13 Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. 14:14 He took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria. 14:15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 14:16 Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his place. 14:17 Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years. 14:18 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 14:19 They made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent after him to Lachish, and killed him there. 14:20 They brought him on horses; and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David. 14:21 All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. 14:22 He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers. 14:23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years. 14:24 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn't depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 14:25 He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of Yahweh, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath Hepher. 14:26 For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel. 14:27 Yahweh didn't say that he would blot out the name of Israel from under the sky; but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. 14:28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, for Israel, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 14:29 Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zechariah his son reigned in his place.

14:1 In the second year of Joash, son of Joahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah, son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign. 14:2 He was twenty-five years old when he started his reign and ruled for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddin from Jerusalem. 14:3 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but not as his father David did; he followed the example of his father Joash. 14:4 However, he did not remove the high places, and the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense at those sites. 14:5 Once his kingdom was established, he executed the servants who had killed his father, the king: 14:6 but he did not put to death the children of the murderers, following what is written in the law of Moses, as Yahweh commanded: Parents shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their parents; each person shall die for their own sin. 14:7 He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela, which he renamed Joktheel, and it is called that to this day. 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, "Come, let’s meet face to face." 14:9 Jehoash, king of Israel, replied to Amaziah, king of Judah: "The thistle in Lebanon sent a message to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, 'Give your daughter to my son as a wife.' Then a wild animal came by and trampled the thistle. 14:10 You have indeed defeated Edom, and now you’re feeling proud. Stay home and enjoy your glory; why stir up trouble that could lead to your downfall and the downfall of Judah?" 14:11 But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash, king of Israel, went up, and he and Amaziah, king of Judah, met face to face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 14:12 Judah was defeated by Israel, and everyone fled to their tents. 14:13 Jehoash, king of Israel, captured Amaziah, king of Judah, son of Jehoash and grandson of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh, and he came to Jerusalem, breaking down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate, a distance of four hundred cubits. 14:14 He took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the king’s palace, also taking hostages, and returned to Samaria. 14:15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash, his accomplishments, and how he fought with Amaziah, king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 14:16 Jehoash died and was buried with his ancestors in Samaria, and his son Jeroboam reigned in his place. 14:17 Amaziah, son of Joash, king of Judah, lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 14:18 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 14:19 There was a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there. 14:20 His body was brought back on horses, and he was buried in Jerusalem with his ancestors in the City of David. 14:21 All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 14:22 He built Elath and restored it to Judah after the king rested with his ancestors. 14:23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah, son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam, son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria, and reigned for forty-one years. 14:24 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh and did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin. 14:25 He restored Israel's borders from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had spoken through his servant Jonah, son of Amittai, the prophet, from Gath Hepher. 14:26 For Yahweh saw Israel's suffering, that it was very bitter; there was no one left, nor anyone to help Israel. 14:27 Yahweh did not plan to erase the name of Israel from under the heavens; instead, he saved them through Jeroboam, son of Joash. 14:28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, all that he did, his might, how he fought, and how he recovered Damascus and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 14:29 Jeroboam died and was buried with the kings of Israel, and his son Zechariah reigned in his place.

15:1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. 15:2 Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 15:3 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 15:4 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 15:5 Yahweh struck the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house. Jotham the king's son was over the household, judging the people of the land. 15:6 Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 15:7 Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his place. 15:8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months. 15:9 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as his fathers had done: he didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 15:10 Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and struck him before the people, and killed him, and reigned in his place. 15:11 Now the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:12 This was the word of Yahweh which he spoke to Jehu, saying, Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. So it came to pass. 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned the space of a month in Samaria. 15:14 Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and killed him, and reigned in his place. 15:15 Now the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:16 Then Menahem struck Tiphsah, and all who were therein, and its borders, from Tirzah: because they didn't open to him, therefore he struck it; and all the women therein who were with child he ripped up. 15:17 In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria. 15:18 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn't depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 15:19 There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 15:20 Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and didn't stay there in the land. 15:21 Now the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 15:22 Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place. 15:23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years. 15:24 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 15:25 Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him, and struck him in Samaria, in the castle of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his place. 15:26 Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:27 In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years. 15:28 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 15:29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel Beth Maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria. 15:30 Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and struck him, and killed him, and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 15:31 Now the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign. 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 15:34 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 15:35 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh. 15:36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 15:37 In those days Yahweh began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah. 15:38 Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

15:1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam, king of Israel, Azariah, the son of Amaziah, became king of Judah. 15:2 He was sixteen years old when he started to reign, and he ruled for fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jecoliah from Jerusalem. 15:3 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, just like his father Amaziah had done. 15:4 However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to make sacrifices and burn incense at those high places. 15:5 Yahweh afflicted the king, causing him to become a leper until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. Jotham, the king's son, managed the household and judged the people of the land. 15:6 Now, the rest of the deeds of Azariah and everything he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah, aren't they? 15:7 Azariah died and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and his son Jotham took his place as king. 15:8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah, king of Judah, Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam, reigned over Israel in Samaria for six months. 15:9 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh, following the ways of his fathers, without turning away from the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which had caused Israel to sin. 15:10 Shallum, the son of Jabesh, conspired against him, attacked him in front of the people, killed him, and took his place as king. 15:11 Now, the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:12 This was the word of Yahweh spoken to Jehu: "Your sons will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation." And it happened. 15:13 Shallum, the son of Jabesh, began to reign in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah, king of Judah, and he ruled for one month in Samaria. 15:14 Menahem, the son of Gadi, came up from Tirzah to Samaria, attacked Shallum, killed him, and took his place as king. 15:15 Now, the rest of the acts of Shallum and his conspiracy are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15:16 Then Menahem attacked Tiphsah and all the people there, along with its territories, because they didn't open to him; therefore, he attacked it, and ripped open all the pregnant women there. 15:17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah, king of Judah, Menahem, the son of Gadi, began to reign over Israel, and reigned for ten years in Samaria. 15:18 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh, never turning away from the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin. 15:19 Pul, the king of Assyria, came against the land, and Menahem gave him one thousand talents of silver to secure his support and maintain his kingdom. 15:20 Menahem collected money from Israel, demanding fifty shekels of silver from each wealthy man to give to the king of Assyria. As a result, the king of Assyria withdrew and did not stay in the land. 15:21 Now the rest of the acts of Menahem and all he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel, aren't they? 15:22 Menahem died and was buried, and his son Pekahiah took his place as king. 15:23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned for two years. 15:24 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh, continuing in the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin. 15:25 Pekah, the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him, attacked him in Samaria in the king's palace, along with Argob and Arieh, and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites; he killed him and took his place as king. 15:26 Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah and all he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel, aren't they? 15:27 In the fifty-second year of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekah, the son of Remaliah, began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned for twenty years. 15:28 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh, never turning away from the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin. 15:29 During Pekah’s reign, Tiglath Pileser, king of Assyria, came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all the land of Naphtali, carrying the people captive to Assyria. 15:30 Hoshea, the son of Elah, conspired against Pekah, the son of Remaliah, killed him, and took his place as king in the twentieth year of Jotham, the son of Uzziah. 15:31 Now the rest of the acts of Pekah and all he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel, aren't they? 15:32 In the second year of Pekah, the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he started to reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. 15:34 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 15:35 However, the high places were not removed, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense at those high places. He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh. 15:36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham and all he did are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah, aren't they? 15:37 In those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah, against Judah. 15:38 Jotham died and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and his son Ahaz took his place as king.

16:1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. 16:2 Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he didn't do that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh his God, like David his father. 16:3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yes, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Yahweh cast out from before the children of Israel. 16:4 He sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 16:5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. 16:6 At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Syrians came to Elath, and lived there, to this day. 16:7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am your servant and your son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me. 16:8 Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. 16:9 The king of Assyria listened to him; and the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and killed Rezin. 16:10 King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and saw the altar that was at Damascus; and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and its pattern, according to all its workmanship. 16:11 Urijah the priest built an altar: according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus, so did Urijah the priest make it against the coming of king Ahaz from Damascus. 16:12 When the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king drew near to the altar, and offered thereon. 16:13 He burnt his burnt offering and his meal offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, on the altar. 16:14 The bronze altar, which was before Yahweh, he brought from the forefront of the house, from between his altar and the house of Yahweh, and put it on the north side of his altar. 16:15 King Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, On the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meal offering, and the king's burnt offering, and his meal offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: but the bronze altar shall be for me to inquire by. 16:16 Urijah the priest did so, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. 16:17 King Ahaz cut off the panels of the bases, and removed the basin from off them, and took down the sea from off the bronze oxen that were under it, and put it on a pavement of stone. 16:18 The covered way for the Sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry outside, turned he to the house of Yahweh, because of the king of Assyria. 16:19 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 16:20 Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his place.

16:1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah, son of Remaliah, Ahaz, son of Jotham, king of Judah, began to rule. 16:2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he started his reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the eyes of Yahweh his God, unlike his ancestor David. 16:3 Instead, he followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son by fire, following the detestable practices of the nations that Yahweh had expelled before the Israelites. 16:4 He burned incense and made sacrifices on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. 16:5 Then, Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem to wage war; they besieged Ahaz but could not defeat him. 16:6 At that time, Rezin, king of Syria, captured Elath for Syria and drove the Jews out of Elath; the Syrians moved in and have lived there to this day. 16:7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, saying, "I am your servant and your son; come up and rescue me from the hands of the king of Syria and the king of Israel, who are attacking me." 16:8 Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of Yahweh and in the treasures of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. 16:9 The king of Assyria agreed to help him; he marched against Damascus, captured it, took its people captive to Kir, and killed Rezin. 16:10 King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, and saw the altar that was in Damascus. He sent Urijah the priest a description of the altar and its design, including all its details. 16:11 Urijah the priest built the altar according to everything that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus, in preparation for the king's return from there. 16:12 When the king arrived from Damascus, he saw the altar, approached it, and made offerings on it. 16:13 He presented his burnt offering and grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. 16:14 He removed the bronze altar that was before Yahweh from the front of the temple, between his altar and the house of Yahweh, and placed it on the north side of his altar. 16:15 King Ahaz instructed Urijah the priest, saying, "On the large altar, burn the morning burnt offering and the evening grain offering, along with the king's burnt offering and grain offering, the burnt offerings of all the people of the land, their grain offerings, and their drink offerings; sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offerings and all the blood of the sacrifices. But the bronze altar will be for me to consult." 16:16 Urijah the priest did as king Ahaz commanded. 16:17 King Ahaz removed the side panels of the bases, took the basin off them, pulled down the sea from the bronze oxen below, and set it on a stone pavement. 16:18 He turned the covered way for the Sabbath and the king's entrance outside to face the temple of Yahweh because of the king of Assyria. 16:19 Now, the rest of the acts of Ahaz, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 16:20 Ahaz rested with his ancestors and was buried with them in the city of David; his son Hezekiah succeeded him as king.

17:1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel, and reigned nine years. 17:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, yet not as the kings of Israel who were before him. 17:3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him tribute. 17:4 The king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea; for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. 17:5 Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. 17:6 In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. 17:7 It was so, because the children of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, 17:8 and walked in the statutes of the nations, whom Yahweh cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they made. 17:9 The children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against Yahweh their God: and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city; 17:10 and they set them up pillars and Asherim on every high hill, and under every green tree; 17:11 and there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the nations whom Yahweh carried away before them; and they worked wicked things to provoke Yahweh to anger; 17:12 and they served idols, of which Yahweh had said to them, You shall not do this thing. 17:13 Yet Yahweh testified to Israel, and to Judah, by every prophet, and every seer, saying, Turn you from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. 17:14 Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who didn't believe in Yahweh their God. 17:15 They rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified to them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the nations that were around them, concerning whom Yahweh had commanded them that they should not do like them. 17:16 They forsook all the commandments of Yahweh their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made an Asherah, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served Baal. 17:17 They caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger. 17:18 Therefore Yahweh was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. 17:19 Also Judah didn't keep the commandments of Yahweh their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. 17:20 Yahweh rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. 17:21 For he tore Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Yahweh, and made them sin a great sin. 17:22 The children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they didn't depart from them; 17:23 until Yahweh removed Israel out of his sight, as he spoke by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away out of their own land to Assyria to this day. 17:24 The king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they possessed Samaria, and lived in the cities of it. 17:25 So it was, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they didn't fear Yahweh: therefore Yahweh sent lions among them, which killed some of them. 17:26 Therefore they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which you have carried away, and placed in the cities of Samaria, don't know the law of the god of the land: therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they kill them, because they don't know the law of the god of the land. 17:27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry there one of the priests whom you brought from there; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the law of the god of the land. 17:28 So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear Yahweh. 17:29 However every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities in which they lived. 17:30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 17:32 So they feared Yahweh, and made to them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. 17:33 They feared Yahweh, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away. 17:34 To this day they do after the former manner: they don't fear Yahweh, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law or after the commandment which Yahweh commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel; 17:35 with whom Yahweh had made a covenant, and commanded them, saying, You shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: 17:36 but Yahweh, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, him you shall fear, and to him you shall bow yourselves, and to him you shall sacrifice: 17:37 and the statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do forevermore; and you shall not fear other gods: 17:38 and the covenant that I have made with you you shall not forget; neither shall you fear other gods: 17:39 but you shall fear Yahweh your God; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. 17:40 However they did not listen, but they did after their former manner. 17:41 So these nations feared Yahweh, and served their engraved images; their children likewise, and their children's children, as did their fathers, so do they to this day.

17:1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz, king of Judah, Hoshea, son of Elah, began to reign in Samaria over Israel and ruled for nine years. 17:2 He did what was wrong in the sight of Yahweh, but not like the kings of Israel who came before him. 17:3 Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came against him, and Hoshea became his servant and paid him tribute. 17:4 The king of Assyria discovered a conspiracy involving Hoshea, as he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and stopped paying tribute to the king of Assyria as he had done for years. Therefore, the king of Assyria imprisoned him. 17:5 Then, the king of Assyria invaded the entire land, went up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. 17:6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and took Israel away to Assyria, settling them in Halah, by the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. 17:7 This happened because the people of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt, from under the control of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and had worshiped other gods, 17:8 and followed the practices of the nations that Yahweh had driven out before the Israelites and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. 17:9 The Israelites secretly committed acts that were not right against Yahweh their God; they built high places in all their cities, from the watchtower to the fortified city; 17:10 and they set up pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree; 17:11 and there they burned incense on all the high places, following the practices of the nations whom Yahweh had driven out before them; they did wicked things to provoke Yahweh to anger; 17:12 and they served idols that Yahweh had told them not to worship. 17:13 Yet Yahweh sent warnings to Israel and Judah through every prophet and seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways and obey my commandments and statutes, following the law I commanded your ancestors, which I sent to you through my servants the prophets." 17:14 However, they refused to listen and hardened their hearts like their ancestors who did not believe in Yahweh their God. 17:15 They rejected his statutes, the covenant he made with their ancestors, and his testimonies which he bore witness to them; they followed emptiness and became empty, and followed the surrounding nations, against whom Yahweh had commanded them not to behave like them. 17:16 They abandoned all the commandments of Yahweh their God, made molten images, including two calves, made an Asherah, worshiped all the starry host, and served Baal. 17:17 They caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of Yahweh, provoking him to anger. 17:18 Therefore, Yahweh was very angry with Israel and removed them from his sight; only the tribe of Judah remained. 17:19 Judah did not keep the commandments of Yahweh their God but followed the statutes made by Israel. 17:20 Yahweh rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and handed them over to plunderers, until he had cast them out of his sight. 17:21 For he tore Israel away from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam, son of Nebat, king; Jeroboam led Israel away from following Yahweh and caused them to commit great sin. 17:22 The Israelites continued in all the sins of Jeroboam that he committed; they did not turn away from them; 17:23 until Yahweh removed Israel from his sight, as he declared through all his servants the prophets. So Israel was taken away from their own land to Assyria to this day. 17:24 The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and settled them in the cities of Samaria instead of the Israelites; they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. 17:25 At the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear Yahweh; therefore, Yahweh sent lions among them, which killed some of them. 17:26 So, they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, "The nations whom you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land; therefore, he has sent lions among them, and indeed, they kill them because they do not know the law of the god of the land." 17:27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, "Send one of the priests whom you carried away from there; let him go and live there, and let him teach them the law of the god of the land." 17:28 So one of the priests who had been taken from Samaria came and lived in Bethel, teaching them how to fear Yahweh. 17:29 However, each nation made their own gods and put them in the houses of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities where they lived. 17:30 The people of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the people of Cuth made Nergal, and the people of Hamath made Ashima, 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 17:32 So they feared Yahweh and made for themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. 17:33 They feared Yahweh and served their own gods, following the customs of the nations they had been carried away from. 17:34 To this day, they continue to follow their former practices; they do not fear Yahweh, nor do they follow his statutes, ordinances, law, or commandments which Yahweh commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel; 17:35 with whom Yahweh made a covenant and commanded them, saying, "You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them; 17:36 but you shall fear Yahweh, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm; to him, you shall bow and to him, you shall sacrifice; 17:37 and you shall observe the statutes, ordinances, law, and commandments which he wrote for you forever; and you shall not fear other gods; 17:38 and the covenant I made with you, you shall not forget; nor shall you fear other gods; 17:39 but you shall fear Yahweh your God, and he will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies. 17:40 However, they did not listen, but followed their former practices. 17:41 So these nations feared Yahweh and served their carved images; their children and their grandchildren did the same as their ancestors, and they continue to do so to this day.

18:1 Now it happened in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. 18:2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 18:3 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that David his father had done. 18:4 He removed the high places, and broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: and he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for to those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan. 18:5 He trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among them that were before him. 18:6 For he joined with Yahweh; he didn't depart from following him, but kept his commandments, which Yahweh commanded Moses. 18:7 Yahweh was with him; wherever he went forth he prospered: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and didn't serve him. 18:8 He struck the Philistines to Gaza and its borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city. 18:9 It happened in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it. 18:10 At the end of three years they took it: in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. 18:11 The king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria, and put them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 18:12 because they didn't obey the voice of Yahweh their God, but transgressed his covenant, even all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded, and would not hear it, nor do it. 18:13 Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them. 18:14 Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which you put on me will I bear. The king of Assyria appointed to Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 18:15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the king's house. 18:16 At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of Yahweh, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 18:17 The king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem. When they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field. 18:18 When they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. 18:19 Rabshakeh said to them, Say you now to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this in which you trust? 18:20 You say (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? 18:21 Now, behold, you trust on the staff of this bruised reed, even on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him. 18:22 But if you tell me, We trust in Yahweh our God; isn't that he whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem? 18:23 Now therefore, Please give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 18:24 How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 18:25 Am I now come up without Yahweh against this place to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. 18:26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and don't speak with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people who are on the wall. 18:27 But Rabshakeh said to them, Has my master sent me to your master, and to you, to speak these words? Hasn't he sent me to the men who sit on the wall, to eat their own dung, and to drink their own water with you? 18:28 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spoke, saying, Hear you the word of the great king, the king of Assyria. 18:29 Thus says the king, Don't let Hezekiah deceive you; for he will not be able to deliver you out of his hand: 18:30 neither let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, Yahweh will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 18:31 Don't listen to Hezekiah: for thus says the king of Assyria, Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and eat you everyone of his vine, and everyone of his fig tree, and everyone drink the waters of his own cistern; 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and of honey, that you may live, and not die: and don't listen to Hezekiah, when he persuades you, saying, Yahweh will deliver us. 18:33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 18:34 Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 18:35 Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? 18:36 But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying, Don't answer him. 18:37 Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

18:1 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began his reign. 18:2 He was twenty-five when he started ruling, and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi, daughter of Zechariah. 18:3 He did what was right in the sight of Yahweh, following all that David his father had done. 18:4 He removed the high places, shattered the pillars, and cut down the Asherah. He also destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because up to that time, the Israelites had been burning incense to it; he called it Nehushtan. 18:5 He trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel, and there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after him. 18:6 He remained loyal to Yahweh, not turning away from following Him, but keeping the commandments that Yahweh had commanded Moses. 18:7 Yahweh was with him; wherever he went, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 18:8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from the watchtower to the fortified city. 18:9 In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria and besieged it. 18:10 After three years, they captured it: in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israel, Samaria fell. 18:11 The king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria, putting them in Halah, along the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 18:12 because they did not obey the voice of Yahweh their God, but broke His covenant, including everything Moses, the servant of Yahweh, had commanded, and they refused to listen or obey. 18:13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 18:14 Hezekiah, king of Judah, sent a message to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, "I have offended. Come back from me: whatever you impose on me, I will bear." The king of Assyria demanded three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold from King Hezekiah. 18:15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the temple of Yahweh and in the treasures of the king's house. 18:16 At that time, Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of Yahweh and the pillars that Hezekiah, king of Judah, had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 18:17 The king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a large army to Jerusalem. They approached and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway of the fuller's field. 18:18 When they called to the king, Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the household, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah, son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. 18:19 Rabshakeh said to them, "Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: What confidence is this in which you trust? 18:20 You say (but they are empty words), 'There is counsel and strength for war.' Now, on whom do you rely that you have rebelled against me? 18:21 Look, you rely on the staff of this bruised reed, even on Egypt; if a man leans on it, it will pierce his hand: that's how Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is for all who trust in him. 18:22 But if you say, 'We trust in Yahweh our God,' isn’t He the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, and told Judah and Jerusalem, 'You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem'? 18:23 Therefore, give my master the king of Assyria pledges, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able to supply riders for them. 18:24 How can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 18:25 Am I now come up without Yahweh against this place to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, 'Go up against this land and destroy it.' 18:26 Then Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic; we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people on the wall." 18:27 But Rabshakeh said to them, "Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? Hasn’t he sent me to the men who sit on the wall to eat their own dung and drink their own water with you?" 18:28 Then Rabshakeh stood and called out with a loud voice in the Jews' language, saying, "Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! 18:29 Thus says the king: Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you; he will not be able to deliver you out of my hand. 18:30 Don’t let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in Yahweh, saying, 'Yahweh will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.' 18:31 Don’t listen to Hezekiah: for thus says the king of Assyria, 'Make peace with me and come out to me; each of you can eat from your own vine and your own fig tree and drink the waters of your own cistern, 18:32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey, so you may live and not die. Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he tells you, 'Yahweh will deliver us.' 18:33 Have any of the gods of the nations ever delivered their land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 18:34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 18:35 Who among all the gods of the countries has delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?" 18:36 But the people remained silent and did not answer him a word, for the king had commanded saying, "Do not answer him." 18:37 Then Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah, son of Asaph the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

19:1 It happened, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of Yahweh. 19:2 He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 19:3 They said to him, Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. 19:4 It may be Yahweh your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left. 19:5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 19:6 Isaiah said to them, Thus you shall tell your master, Thus says Yahweh, Don't be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 19:7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, and he shall hear news, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. 19:8 So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah; for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 19:9 When he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against you, he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 19:10 Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Don't let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 19:11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shall you be delivered? 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed, Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Telassar? 19:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? 19:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of Yahweh, and spread it before Yahweh. 19:15 Hezekiah prayed before Yahweh, and said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sit above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 19:16 Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear; open your eyes, Yahweh, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, with which he has sent him to defy the living God. 19:17 Of a truth, Yahweh, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 19:18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them. 19:19 Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save you us, I beg you, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you Yahweh are God alone. 19:20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you. 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you; the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. 19:22 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? and against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. 19:23 By your messengers you have defied the Lord, and have said, With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars of it, and the choice fir trees of it; and I will enter into his farthest lodging place, the forest of his fruitful field. 19:24 I have dug and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt. 19:25 Haven't you heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? now have I brought it to pass, that it should be yours to lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps. 19:26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as grain blasted before it is grown up. 19:27 But I know your sitting down, and your going out, and your coming in, and your raging against me. 19:28 Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance is come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came. 19:29 This shall be the sign to you: You shall eat this year that which grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs of the same; and in the third year sow you, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat its fruit. 19:30 The remnant that has escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. 19:31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape: the zeal of Yahweh shall perform this. 19:32 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it. 19:33 By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and he shall not come to this city, says Yahweh. 19:34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake. 19:35 It happened that night, that the angel of Yahweh went forth, and struck in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred eighty-five thousand: and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 19:36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and lived at Nineveh. 19:37 It happened, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon his son reigned in his place.

19:1 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. 19:2 He sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, along with Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, dressed in sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 19:3 They said to him, "This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of trouble, rebuke, and disgrace; for the children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to deliver them. 19:4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left." 19:5 So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah. 19:6 Isaiah told them, "Speak to your master: This is what the Lord says, 'Don't be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 19:7 Look, I will put a spirit in him, and he will hear a report and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.'" 19:8 Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah, for he had heard that he had left Lachish. 19:9 When he heard it said about Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia, "Look, he has come out to fight against you," he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 19:10 "This is what you are to say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: 'Don't let your God, whom you trust, deceive you by saying, "Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." 19:11 You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, destroying them completely; and will you be delivered? 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my ancestors have destroyed—Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? 19:13 Where are the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? 19:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it; then he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. 19:15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, saying, "Lord, God of Israel, who sits above the cherubim, you are the only God of all the kingdoms of the earth; you made heaven and earth. 19:16 Turn your ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. 19:17 It's true, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste to the nations and their lands, 19:18 and they have burned their gods in the fire, for they were not gods but the work of human hands, made of wood and stone; so they have destroyed them. 19:19 Now, therefore, Lord our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God." 19:20 Then Isaiah, the son of Amoz, sent a message to Hezekiah, saying, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me against Sennacherib, king of Assyria, I have heard you. 19:21 This is the word the Lord has spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head at you. 19:22 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes on high? It is against the Holy One of Israel. 19:23 By your messengers, you have defied the Lord and said, "With my vast army I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the most remote parts of Lebanon; I have cut down its tallest cedars and the choicest of its fir trees; I have entered its farthest reaches, the forest of its fruitful field. 19:24 I have dug wells and drunk water; with the soles of my feet I have dried up all the rivers of Egypt." 19:25 Haven't you heard? I did this long ago; I formed it in ancient times. Now I have brought it to pass that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins. 19:26 That is why their inhabitants have little power; they are dismayed and put to shame; they are like the grass in the field and the green herb, like the grass on the rooftops, and like grain blasted before it has grown. 19:27 But I know your sitting down, your going out, and your coming in, and your raging against me. 19:28 Because of your rage against me and your arrogance that has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back the way you came. 19:29 This will be the sign for you: You will eat this year what grows of itself, and the second year, what springs from that; and in the third year, you will sow, reap, and plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 19:30 The remnant that has escaped from the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward. 19:31 For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion those who escape: the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this. 19:32 Therefore, this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: He will not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there; he will not come before it with a shield, nor build a siege ramp against it. 19:33 By the way that he came, by the same way he will return; he will not come into this city, declares the Lord. 19:34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David." 19:35 That night, the angel of the Lord went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp; when people arose early in the morning, they were all dead bodies. 19:36 So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departed and returned home, and lived in Nineveh. 19:37 It happened that as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch, his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped to the land of Ararat. Esarhaddon, his son, succeeded him as king.

20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus says Yahweh, Set your house in order: for you shall die, and not live. 20:2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to Yahweh, saying, 20:3 Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. Hezekiah wept sore. 20:4 It happened, before Isaiah was gone out into the middle part of the city, that the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 20:5 Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of Yahweh. 20:6 I will add to your days fifteen years; and I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake. 20:7 Isaiah said, Take a cake of figs. They took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 20:8 Hezekiah said to Isaiah, What shall be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of Yahweh the third day? 20:9 Isaiah said, This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do the thing that he has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps? 20:10 Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps. 20:11 Isaiah the prophet cried to Yahweh; and he brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the dial of Ahaz. 20:12 At that time Berodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 20:13 Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah didn't show them. 20:14 Then came Isaiah the prophet to king Hezekiah, and said to him, What said these men? and from whence came they to you? Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon. 20:15 He said, What have they seen in your house? Hezekiah answered, All that is in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them. 20:16 Isaiah said to Hezekiah, Hear the word of Yahweh. 20:17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have laid up in store to this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, says Yahweh. 20:18 Of your sons who shall issue from you, whom you shall father, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 20:19 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of Yahweh which you have spoken. He said moreover, Isn't it so, if peace and truth shall be in my days? 20:20 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made the pool, and the conduit, and brought water into the city, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20:21 Hezekiah slept with his fathers; and Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

20:1 During that time, Hezekiah was seriously ill. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him and said, "This is what Yahweh says: Put your house in order, for you are going to die; you will not recover." 20:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Yahweh, saying, 20:3 "Please remember, Yahweh, how I have lived in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your eyes." Hezekiah wept bitterly. 20:4 Before Isaiah had left the middle of the city, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 20:5 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people: This is what Yahweh, the God of David your ancestor, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the house of Yahweh." 20:6 "I will give you fifteen more years of life; I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David." 20:7 Isaiah said, "Take a lump of figs." They took it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered. 20:8 Hezekiah asked Isaiah, "What will be the sign that Yahweh will heal me and that I will go up to the house of Yahweh on the third day?" 20:9 Isaiah replied, "This will be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do what he has promised: Should the shadow move forward ten steps or go back ten steps?" 20:10 Hezekiah answered, "It's easy for the shadow to go forward ten steps; rather, let it go back ten steps." 20:11 Isaiah the prophet cried out to Yahweh, and he made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz. 20:12 At that time, Berodach Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah because he had heard that Hezekiah was ill. 20:13 Hezekiah welcomed them and showed them everything in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine oil, his armory, and all that was found in his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. 20:14 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked him, "What did those men say, and where did they come from?" Hezekiah replied, "They came from a distant country, from Babylon." 20:15 Isaiah asked, "What did they see in your house?" Hezekiah answered, "They saw everything in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them." 20:16 Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Listen to the word of Yahweh. 20:17 The time will come when everything in your palace and all that your ancestors have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says Yahweh. 20:18 Some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away; they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." 20:19 Hezekiah replied to Isaiah, "The word of Yahweh you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?" 20:20 The rest of the acts of Hezekiah, including his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 20:21 Hezekiah rested with his ancestors, and his son Manasseh succeeded him as king.

21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hephzibah. 21:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. 21:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made an Asherah, as did Ahab king of Israel, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them. 21:4 He built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. 21:5 He built altars for all the army of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh. 21:6 He made his son to pass through the fire, and practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger. 21:7 He set the engraved image of Asherah, that he had made, in the house of which Yahweh said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever; 21:8 neither will I cause the feet of Israel to wander any more out of the land which I gave their fathers, if only they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. 21:9 But they didn't listen: and Manasseh seduced them to do that which is evil more than did the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel. 21:10 Yahweh spoke by his servants the prophets, saying, 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations, and has done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols; 21:12 therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I bring such evil on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears shall tingle. 21:13 I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 21:14 I will cast off the remnant of my inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies; 21:15 because they have done that which is evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even to this day. 21:16 Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin with which he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 21:17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21:18 Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his place. 21:19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. 21:20 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh his father. 21:21 He walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshiped them: 21:22 and he forsook Yahweh, the God of his fathers, and didn't walk in the way of Yahweh. 21:23 The servants of Amon conspired against him, and put the king to death in his own house. 21:24 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place. 21:25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21:26 He was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his place.

21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he started his reign, and he ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 21:2 He did what was wrong in the eyes of Yahweh, following the detestable practices of the nations that Yahweh had driven out before the Israelites. 21:3 He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down; he set up altars for Baal and made an Asherah, like Ahab king of Israel, and worshiped all the heavenly hosts and served them. 21:4 He constructed altars in the house of Yahweh, about which Yahweh said, "I will put my name in Jerusalem." 21:5 He built altars for all the heavenly hosts in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh. 21:6 He made his son pass through the fire, practiced sorcery, engaged in witchcraft, consulted mediums and spiritists; he committed many acts of evil in the eyes of Yahweh, provoking him to anger. 21:7 He placed the carved image of Asherah that he had made in the temple, of which Yahweh had said to David and to Solomon his son, "In this temple, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever; 21:8 I will no longer let the feet of Israel wander out of the land I gave their ancestors, provided they are careful to do everything I commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them." 21:9 But they did not listen; and Manasseh misled them to commit more evil than the nations that Yahweh had destroyed before the Israelites. 21:10 Yahweh spoke through his prophets, saying, 21:11 "Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done wickedly more than all the Amorites who came before him, and has caused Judah to sin with his idols; 21:12 therefore, this is what Yahweh, the God of Israel says: ‘I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears about it will tingle. 21:13 I will measure against Jerusalem the same standard used for Samaria and the same measuring line used for Ahab's house; I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 21:14 I will remove the remnant of my inheritance and give them into the hands of their enemies, and they will become a spoil and plunder to all their enemies; 21:15 because they have done evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger since the day their ancestors came out of Egypt until now." 21:16 Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from one end to the other, in addition to the sin that he made Judah commit, by doing what was evil in the eyes of Yahweh. 21:17 The rest of Manasseh's actions and all that he did, along with his sins, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21:18 Manasseh rested with his ancestors and was buried in the garden of his palace, in the garden of Uzza; and his son Amon succeeded him as king. 21:19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz from Jotbah. 21:20 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as his father Manasseh had done. 21:21 He followed all the ways his father walked in, served the idols his father served, and worshiped them; 21:22 and he turned away from Yahweh, the God of his ancestors, and did not walk in the way of Yahweh. 21:23 Amon's servants conspired against him and killed him in his own home. 21:24 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against king Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place. 21:25 The rest of Amon's acts, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21:26 He was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza; and his son Josiah succeeded him as king.

22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 22:2 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and walked in all the way of David his father, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 22:3 It happened in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of Yahweh, saying, 22:4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the money which is brought into the house of Yahweh, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people: 22:5 and let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of Yahweh; and let them give it to the workmen who are in the house of Yahweh, to repair the breaches of the house, 22:6 to the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the house. 22:7 However there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand; for they dealt faithfully. 22:8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh. Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 22:9 Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of Yahweh. 22:10 Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest has delivered me a book. Shaphan read it before the king. 22:11 It happened, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes. 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 22:13 Go you, inquire of Yahweh for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is the wrath of Yahweh that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us. 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her. 22:15 She said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Tell you the man who sent you to me, 22:16 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. 22:17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it shall not be quenched. 22:18 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus you shall tell him, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: As touching the words which you have heard, 22:19 because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, says Yahweh. 22:20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the evil which I will bring on this place. They brought the king word again.

22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he started ruling, and he ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. 22:2 He did what was right in the sight of Yahweh and followed in the ways of his father David, without turning to the right or the left. 22:3 In the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign, the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of Yahweh, saying, 22:4 "Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, so he can take account of the money that has been brought into the house of Yahweh, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 22:5 Hand it over to the workers who are in charge of the house of Yahweh so they can give it to the workers repairing the house, 22:6 to the carpenters, builders, and masons, and for purchasing timber and cut stone to repair the house." 22:7 There was no need for a reckoning with them regarding the money delivered to them since they acted faithfully. 22:8 Hilkiah the high priest told Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh." Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and Shaphan read it. 22:9 Shaphan the scribe went to the king, reported back, and said, "Your servants have emptied out the money found in the house and handed it over to the workers overseeing the house of Yahweh." 22:10 Shaphan the scribe informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." Shaphan read it to the king. 22:11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 22:12 The king instructed Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 22:13 "Go, inquire of Yahweh for me, the people, and all Judah about the words of this book that has been found; for great is the anger of Yahweh that has been kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to everything that’s written in it." 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, who was the keeper of the wardrobe (she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they spoke with her. 22:15 She said to them, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 22:16 'This is what Yahweh says: Look, I will bring disaster on this place and its inhabitants, just as all the words of the book the king of Judah has read.' 22:17 Because they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods, provoking me to anger with all the work of their hands, my anger will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. 22:18 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, tell him: 'This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: Regarding the words you have heard, 22:19 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Yahweh when you heard what I spoke against this place and its inhabitants—that they should become a desolation and a curse—and you tore your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you,' says Yahweh. 22:20 Therefore, look, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the disaster that I will bring on this place." They brought the king word back.

23:1 The king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 23:2 The king went up to the house of Yahweh, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of Yahweh. 23:3 The king stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book: and all the people stood to the covenant. 23:4 The king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring forth out of the temple of Yahweh all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the Asherah, and for all the army of the sky, and he burned them outside of Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron, and carried the ashes of them to Bethel. 23:5 He put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the army of the sky. 23:6 He brought out the Asherah from the house of Yahweh, outside of Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and beat it to dust, and cast its dust on the graves of the common people. 23:7 He broke down the houses of the sodomites, that were in the house of Yahweh, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah. 23:8 He brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba; and he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city. 23:9 Nevertheless the priests of the high places didn't come up to the altar of Yahweh in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. 23:10 He defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech. 23:11 He took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entrance of the house of Yahweh, by the chamber of Nathan Melech the officer, who was in the court; and he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 23:12 The altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of Yahweh, did the king break down, and beat them down from there, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. 23:13 The high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mountain of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. 23:14 He broke in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, and filled their places with the bones of men. 23:15 Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and beat it to dust, and burned the Asherah. 23:16 As Josiah turned himself, he spied the tombs that were there in the mountain; and he sent, and took the bones out of the tombs, and burned them on the altar, and defiled it, according to the word of Yahweh which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these things. 23:17 Then he said, What monument is that which I see? The men of the city told him, It is the tomb of the man of God, who came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that you have done against the altar of Bethel. 23:18 He said, Let him be; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria. 23:19 All the houses also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke Yahweh to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel. 23:20 He killed all the priests of the high places that were there, on the altars, and burned men's bones on them; and he returned to Jerusalem. 23:21 The king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the Passover to Yahweh your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant. 23:22 Surely there was not kept such a Passover from the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah; 23:23 but in the eighteenth year of king Josiah was this Passover kept to Yahweh in Jerusalem. 23:24 Moreover those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of Yahweh. 23:25 Like him was there no king before him, who turned to Yahweh with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. 23:26 Notwithstanding, Yahweh didn't turn from the fierceness of his great wrath, with which his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocation with which Manasseh had provoked him. 23:27 Yahweh said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city which I have chosen, even Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there. 23:28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 23:29 In his days Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and Pharaoh Necoh killed him at Megiddo, when he had seen him. 23:30 His servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's place. 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 23:32 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that his fathers had done. 23:33 Pharaoh Necoh put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of one hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold. 23:34 Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim: but he took Jehoahaz away; and he came to Egypt, and died there. 23:35 Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of everyone according to his taxation, to give it to Pharaoh Necoh. 23:36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. 23:37 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that his fathers had done.

23:1 The king sent for all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come together. 23:2 The king went up to the house of Yahweh with all the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, the prophets, and all the people, both small and great. He read aloud all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of Yahweh. 23:3 The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before Yahweh to follow Him and keep His commandments, testimonies, and statutes with all his heart and soul, confirming the words of this covenant that were written in the book. And all the people agreed to the covenant. 23:4 The king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the second-order priests, and the gatekeepers to bring out of the temple of Yahweh all the vessels made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. He burned them outside of Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried the ashes to Bethel. 23:5 He removed the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those who burned incense to Baal, the sun, the moon, the planets, and all the host of heaven. 23:6 He brought the Asherah out of the house of Yahweh to the brook Kidron, burned it at the brook, crushed it to dust, and scattered its dust on the graves of the common people. 23:7 He demolished the houses of the male cult prostitutes that were in the house of Yahweh, where the women wove hangings for Asherah. 23:8 He brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba; and he broke down the high places at the gates at the entrance of Joshua the governor's gate, which were on a man's left at the city gate. 23:9 However, the priests of the high places didn’t come up to the altar of Yahweh in Jerusalem; they ate unleavened bread among their fellow priests. 23:10 He defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, so that no one could make their son or daughter pass through the fire to Molech. 23:11 He removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun at the entrance of the house of Yahweh, by the chamber of Nathan Melech the officer, who was in the court; and he burned the chariots of the sun. 23:12 The altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of Yahweh, the king broke down and ripped them out from there, casting their dust into the brook Kidron. 23:13 The high places before Jerusalem, that were on the right side of the mountain of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth, the detestable goddess of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and for Milcom, the detestable god of the Ammonites, the king defiled. 23:14 He smashed the pillars, cut down the Asherim, and filled their places with human bones. 23:15 Moreover, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place that Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, had built, that altar and that high place he broke down; he burned the high place and crushed it to dust and burned the Asherah. 23:16 As Josiah turned around, he noticed the tombs there on the mountain; he sent for the bones from the tombs, burned them on the altar, and defiled it, as the word of Yahweh that the man of God had proclaimed. 23:17 Then he asked, "What monument is that I see?" The men of the city told him, "It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things that you have done against the altar of Bethel." 23:18 He said, "Leave it; don’t let anyone disturb his bones." So they let his bones be, along with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria. 23:19 All the houses of the high places in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had built to provoke Yahweh to anger, Josiah took away and did with them what he had done in Bethel. 23:20 He killed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned human bones on them; and he returned to Jerusalem. 23:21 The king commanded all the people, saying, "Celebrate the Passover to Yahweh your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant." 23:22 Certainly, such a Passover had not been celebrated since the days of the judges who governed Israel, nor throughout all the days of the kings of Israel or Judah; 23:23 but in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to Yahweh in Jerusalem. 23:24 Furthermore, those who had familiar spirits, wizards, teraphim, idols, and all the detestable things seen in the land of Judah and Jerusalem, Josiah removed, to confirm the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of Yahweh. 23:25 Besides him, there was no king like him who turned to Yahweh with all his heart, soul, and strength, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any arise after him. 23:26 Nevertheless, Yahweh didn’t turn from the fierce anger, which He felt against Judah, because of all the provocation Manasseh had caused. 23:27 Yahweh said, "I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will throw out this city that I have chosen, even Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, 'My name shall be there.'" 23:28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 23:29 In his days, Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates; and King Josiah went out to face him, but Pharaoh Necoh killed him at Megiddo, when Josiah saw him. 23:30 His servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo and brought him to Jerusalem, where they buried him in his own tomb. The people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father. 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 23:32 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, in accordance with everything his fathers had done. 23:33 Pharaoh Necoh put him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath, preventing him from reigning in Jerusalem, and imposed a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold on the land. 23:34 Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim, the son of Josiah, king in place of his father Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. He took Jehoahaz away, and Jehoahaz went to Egypt, where he died. 23:35 Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to pay the money, according to Pharaoh's command. He exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, everyone according to their tax, to give it to Pharaoh Necoh. 23:36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebidah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. 23:37 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, in accordance with all that his fathers had done.

24:1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. 24:2 Yahweh sent against him bands of the Chaldeans, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by his servants the prophets. 24:3 Surely at the commandment of Yahweh came this on Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did, 24:4 and also for the innocent blood that he shed; for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood: and Yahweh would not pardon. 24:5 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 24:6 So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers; and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place. 24:7 The king of Egypt didn't come again out of his land any more; for the king of Babylon had taken, from the brook of Egypt to the river Euphrates, all that pertained to the king of Egypt. 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign; and he reigned in Jerusalem three months: and his mother's name was Nehushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 24:9 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that his father had done. 24:10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 24:11 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city, while his servants were besieging it; 24:12 and Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. 24:13 He carried out there all the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold, which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of Yahweh, as Yahweh had said. 24:14 He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land. 24:15 He carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon; and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the chief men of the land, carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. 24:16 All the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths one thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. 24:17 The king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's father's brother, king is his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. 24:18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 24:19 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 24:20 For through the anger of Yahweh did it happen in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

24:1 During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came up, and Jehoiakim served him for three years before rebelling against him. 24:2 The Lord sent groups of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites against Judah to destroy it, as the Lord had spoken through his prophets. 24:3 This was surely at the command of the Lord to remove Judah from his sight because of the sins of Manasseh and everything he did, 24:4 as well as the innocent blood he shed; he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord would not forgive. 24:5 Now, the rest of Jehoiakim's acts and all he did are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 24:6 So Jehoiakim died, and his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. 24:7 The king of Egypt did not come out of his land again because the king of Babylon had taken everything from the brook of Egypt to the river Euphrates that belonged to the king of Egypt. 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for three months; his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 24:9 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just like his father. 24:10 During that time, the servants of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 24:11 Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came to the city while his servants were besieging it; 24:12 and Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, went out to meet the king of Babylon, along with his mother, servants, princes, and officers. The king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. 24:13 He took all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's house, and he cut into pieces all the gold vessels that King Solomon of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had said. 24:14 He carried away all of Jerusalem, all the princes, and all the mighty warriors, a total of ten thousand captives, along with all the craftsmen and smiths; none remained except the poorest of the land. 24:15 He took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon, along with the king's mother, wives, officers, and the prominent men of the land from Jerusalem to Babylon. 24:16 All the strong men, totaling seven thousand, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all able-bodied warriors, were taken captive to Babylon. 24:17 The king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, king in his place, changing his name to Zedekiah. 24:18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem; his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah. 24:19 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. 24:20 This happened because of the anger of the Lord against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he cast them out of his presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

25:1 It happened in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it around it. 25:2 So the city was besieged to the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 25:3 On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. 25:4 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city around it); and the king went by the way of the Arabah. 25:5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him. 25:6 Then they took the king, and carried him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment on him. 25:7 They killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters, and carried him to Babylon. 25:8 Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, to Jerusalem. 25:9 He burnt the house of Yahweh, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, even every great house, burnt he with fire. 25:10 All the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. 25:11 The residue of the people who were left in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away captive. 25:12 But the captain of the guard left of the poorest of the land to work the vineyards and fields. 25:13 The pillars of brass that were in the house of Yahweh, and the bases and the bronze sea that were in the house of Yahweh, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon. 25:14 The pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered, took they away. 25:15 The fire pans, and the basins, that which was of gold, in gold, and that which was of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away. 25:16 The two pillars, the one sea, and the bases, which Solomon had made for the house of Yahweh, the brass of all these vessels was without weight. 25:17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of brass was on it; and the height of the capital was three cubits, with network and pomegranates on the capital around it, all of brass: and like to these had the second pillar with network. 25:18 The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold: 25:19 and out of the city he took an officer who was set over the men of war; and five men of those who saw the king's face, who were found in the city; and the scribe, the captain of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty men of the people of the land, who were found in the city. 25:20 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah. 25:21 The king of Babylon struck them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of his land. 25:22 As for the people who were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor. 25:23 Now when all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men. 25:24 Gedaliah swore to them and to their men, and said to them, Don't be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. 25:25 But it happened in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal seed came, and ten men with him, and struck Gedaliah, so that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldeans that were with him at Mizpah. 25:26 All the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces, arose, and came to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans. 25:27 It happened in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; 25:28 and he spoke kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings who were with him in Babylon, 25:29 and changed his prison garments. Jehoiachin ate bread before him continually all the days of his life: 25:30 and for his allowance, there was a continual allowance given him of the king, every day a portion, all the days of his life.

25:1 It took place in the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his entire army came against Jerusalem and set up camp around it, building fortifications against the city. 25:2 The city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 25:3 On the ninth day of the fourth month, a severe famine gripped the city, leaving no bread for the people. 25:4 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the soldiers fled at night through the gate between the two walls near the king's garden (the Chaldeans were surrounding the city); the king left by the way of the Arabah. 25:5 But the Chaldean army pursued the king and caught him in the plains of Jericho, scattering all his troops. 25:6 They captured the king and brought him to Riblah to Nebuchadnezzar, who judged him. 25:7 They killed Zedekiah's sons in front of him, blinded him, bound him in chains, and took him to Babylon. 25:8 In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, in the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard and a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 25:9 He burned down the temple of Yahweh, the king's palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem, including every great house. 25:10 The entire Chaldean army with the captain of the guard tore down the walls surrounding Jerusalem. 25:11 The remaining people left in the city, those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the population were taken captive by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard. 25:12 However, the captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest people to tend the vineyards and fields. 25:13 The bronze pillars, bases, and the bronze sea in the temple of Yahweh were smashed by the Chaldeans, who took the bronze to Babylon. 25:14 They also took away the pots, shovels, snuffers, spoons, and all the bronze utensils used in the temple. 25:15 The gold fire pans and basins, along with silver items, were also taken away by the captain of the guard. 25:16 The two pillars, the one sea, and the bases that Solomon made for the temple of Yahweh were so large that their bronze wasn't even weighed. 25:17 The height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, with a bronze capital on top measuring three cubits, adorned with a network and pomegranates all around, made of bronze; the second pillar was similar with its network. 25:18 The captain of the guard captured Seraiah the high priest, Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold: 25:19 he also took an officer in charge of the soldiers, five men who had been in the king's presence, the scribe, the captain of the army who mustered the people, and sixty men from the populace found in the city. 25:20 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 25:21 The king of Babylon executed them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was taken captive out of its own land. 25:22 Regarding the people remaining in the land of Judah whom King Nebuchadnezzar had left behind, he appointed Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, as governor over them. 25:23 When all the captains of the forces and their men heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah, including Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, along with their men. 25:24 Gedaliah took an oath to them and said, "Don’t be afraid of the Chaldean officials; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you." 25:25 But in the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, from the royal family, came with ten men and killed Gedaliah, along with the Jews and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 25:26 All the people, from the least to the greatest, and the captains of the forces, rose up and went to Egypt, fearing the Chaldeans. 25:27 It was in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, that Evilmerodach, king of Babylon, in the year he began to reign, raised up the head of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, from prison; 25:28 he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of other kings who were with him in Babylon, 25:29 and changed his prison clothes. Jehoiachin ate bread regularly in the king's presence for the rest of his life: 25:30 and for his allowance, the king provided him a daily portion all the days of his life.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 9:8 or, male

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, male














The First Book of Chronicles

1:1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 1:2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 1:3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 1:4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 1:5 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 1:6 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Diphath, and Togarmah. 1:7 The sons of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim. 1:8 The sons of Ham: Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 1:9 The sons of Cush: Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raama, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba, and Dedan. 1:10 Cush became the father of Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one in the earth. 1:11 Mizraim became the father of Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, 1:12 and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whence came the Philistines), and Caphtorim. 1:13 Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, and Heth, 1:14 and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite, 1:15 and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, 1:16 and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. 1:17 The sons of Shem: Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. 1:18 Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber. 1:19 To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. 1:20 Joktan became the father of Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 1:21 and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, 1:22 and Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 1:23 and Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 1:24 Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, 1:25 Eber, Peleg, Reu, 1:26 Serug, Nahor, Terah, 1:27 Abram (the same is Abraham). 1:28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac, and Ishmael. 1:29 These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, 1:30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema, 1:31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. 1:32 The sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bore Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba, and Dedan. 1:33 The sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah. 1:34 Abraham became the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau, and Israel. 1:35 The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. 1:36 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek. 1:37 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. 1:38 The sons of Seir: Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan. 1:39 The sons of Lotan: Hori, and Homam; and Timna was Lotan's sister. 1:40 The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah. 1:41 The sons of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. 1:42 The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, and Zaavan, Jaakan. The sons of Dishan: Uz, and Aran. 1:43 Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before there resigned any king over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 1:44 Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. 1:45 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 1:46 Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith. 1:47 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 1:48 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his place. 1:49 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 1:50 Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 1:51 Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth, 1:52 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, 1:53 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, 1:54 chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.

1:1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 1:2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 1:3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 1:4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 1:5 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 1:6 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah. 1:7 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim. 1:8 The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 1:9 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 1:10 Cush became the father of Nimrod; he became a mighty warrior on the earth. 1:11 Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 1:12 Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines), and Caphtorim. 1:13 Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, Heth, 1:14 the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite, 1:15 the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, 1:16 the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. 1:17 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech. 1:18 Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber. 1:19 To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. 1:20 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 1:21 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 1:22 Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, 1:23 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 1:24 Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, 1:25 Eber, Peleg, Reu, 1:26 Serug, Nahor, Terah, 1:27 Abram (also known as Abraham). 1:28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. 1:29 These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 1:30 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema, 1:31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. 1:32 The sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bore Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. 1:33 The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah. 1:34 Abraham became the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. 1:35 The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. 1:36 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek. 1:37 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. 1:38 The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. 1:39 The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam; Timna was Lotan's sister. 1:40 The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. 1:41 The sons of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 1:42 The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 1:43 Now these are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor; and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 1:44 Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah ruled in his place. 1:45 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites ruled in his place. 1:46 Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the field of Moab, ruled in his place; and the name of his city was Avith. 1:47 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah ruled in his place. 1:48 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River ruled in his place. 1:49 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor ruled in his place. 1:50 Baal Hanan died, and Hadad ruled in his place; and the name of his city was Pai; his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 1:51 Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth, 1:52 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, 1:53 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, 1:54 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.

2:1 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, 2:2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 2:3 The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three were born to him of Shua's daughter the Canaanitess. Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh; and he killed him. 2:4 Tamar his daughter-in-law bore him Perez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five. 2:5 The sons of Perez: Hezron, and Hamul. 2:6 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara; five of them in all. 2:7 The sons of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass in the devoted thing. 2:8 The sons of Ethan: Azariah. 2:9 The sons also of Hezron, who were born to him: Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai. 2:10 Ram became the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah; 2:11 and Nahshon became the father of Salma, and Salma became the father of Boaz, 2:12 and Boaz became the father of Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse; 2:13 and Jesse became the father of his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimea the third, 2:14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 2:15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh; 2:16 and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three. 2:17 Abigail bore Amasa; and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite. 2:18 Caleb the son of Hezron became the father of children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon. 2:19 Azubah died, and Caleb took to him Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 2:20 Hur became the father of Uri, and Uri became the father of Bezalel. 2:21 Afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he took as wife when he was sixty years old; and she bore him Segub. 2:22 Segub became the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead. 2:23 Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, with Kenath, and its villages, even sixty cities. All these were the sons of Machir the father of Gilead. 2:24 After that Hezron was dead in Caleb Ephrathah, then Abijah Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. 2:26 Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. 2:27 The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker. 2:28 The sons of Onam were Shammai, and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab, and Abishur. 2:29 The name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail; and she bore him Ahban, and Molid. 2:30 The sons of Nadab: Seled, and Appaim; but Seled died without children. 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. 2:32 The sons of Jada the brother of Shammai: Jether, and Jonathan; and Jether died without children. 2:33 The sons of Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha. 2:35 Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant as wife; and she bore him Attai. 2:36 Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became the father of Zabad, 2:37 and Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed, 2:38 and Obed became the father of Jehu, and Jehu became the father of Azariah, 2:39 and Azariah became the father of Helez, and Helez became the father of Eleasah, 2:40 and Eleasah became the father of Sismai, and Sismai became the father of Shallum, 2:41 and Shallum became the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah became the father of Elishama. 2:42 The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron. 2:43 The sons of Hebron: Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema. 2:44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. 2:45 The son of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth Zur. 2:46 Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bore Haran, and Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the father of Gazez. 2:47 The sons of Jahdai: Regem, and Jothan, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph. 2:48 Maacah, Caleb's concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah. 2:49 She bore also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbena, and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. 2:50 These were the sons of Caleb, the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim, 2:51 Salma the father of Bethlehem, Hareph the father of Beth Gader. 2:52 Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim had sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth. 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. 2:54 The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 2:55 The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came of Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.

2:1 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, 2:2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 2:3 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah; these three were born to him by Shua’s daughter, the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh, and He killed him. 2:4 Tamar, his daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five. 2:5 The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. 2:6 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara; five in total. 2:7 The sons of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass involving the devoted thing. 2:8 The sons of Ethan: Azariah. 2:9 The sons of Hezron, who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. 2:10 Ram became the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah; 2:11 Nahshon became the father of Salma, and Salma became the father of Boaz, 2:12 Boaz became the father of Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse; 2:13 Jesse became the father of his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimea the third, 2:14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 2:15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh; 2:16 and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three. 2:17 Abigail bore Amasa; and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite. 2:18 Caleb, the son of Hezron, became the father of children by Azubah, his wife, and of Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. 2:19 Azubah died, and Caleb took Ephrath as his wife, who bore him Hur. 2:20 Hur became the father of Uri, and Uri became the father of Bezalel. 2:21 Later, Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir, the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was sixty years old; and she bore him Segub. 2:22 Segub became the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead. 2:23 Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, including Kenath and its villages; in total, sixty cities. All these were the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead. 2:24 After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah, Hezron's wife, bore him Ashhur, the father of Tekoa. 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron, were Ram, the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. 2:26 Jerahmeel had another wife, named Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. 2:27 The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. 2:28 The sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. 2:29 The name of Abishur’s wife was Abihail; and she bore him Ahban and Molid. 2:30 The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; but Seled died without children. 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. 2:32 The sons of Jada, the brother of Shammai: Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died without children. 2:33 The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, named Jarha. 2:35 Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha, his servant, as a wife; and she bore him Attai. 2:36 Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became the father of Zabad, 2:37 and Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed, 2:38 and Obed became the father of Jehu, and Jehu became the father of Azariah, 2:39 and Azariah became the father of Helez, and Helez became the father of Eleasah, 2:40 and Eleasah became the father of Sismai, and Sismai became the father of Shallum, 2:41 and Shallum became the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah became the father of Elishama. 2:42 The sons of Caleb, the brother of Jerahmeel, were Mesha, his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah, the father of Hebron. 2:43 The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. 2:44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. 2:45 The son of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth Zur. 2:46 Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the father of Gazez. 2:47 The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jothan, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. 2:48 Maacah, Caleb's concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah. 2:49 She also bore Shaaph, the father of Madmannah, Sheva, the father of Machbena, and the father of Gibea; and Caleb’s daughter was Achsah. 2:50 These were the sons of Caleb, the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal, the father of Kiriath Jearim, 2:51 Salma, the father of Bethlehem, Hareph, the father of Beth Gader. 2:52 Shobal, the father of Kiriath Jearim, had sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth. 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from them came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. 2:54 The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 2:55 The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who descended from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.

3:1 Now these were the sons of David, who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess; 3:2 the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3:3 the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital; the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife: 3:4 six were born to him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months. In Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years; 3:5 and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel; 3:6 and Ibhar, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, 3:7 and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 3:8 and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 3:9 All these were the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines; and Tamar was their sister. 3:10 Solomon's son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 3:11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 3:12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 3:14 Amon his son, Josiah his son. 3:15 The sons of Josiah: the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 3:16 The sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son. 3:17 The sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, 3:18 and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. 3:19 The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam, and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister; 3:20 and Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab Hesed, five. 3:21 The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah. 3:22 The sons of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, and Igal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 3:23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, and Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. 3:24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven.

3:1 These are the sons of David, born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess; 3:2 the third, Absalom, son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, son of Haggith; 3:3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah his wife: 3:4 six were born to him in Hebron; and he reigned there for seven years and six months. In Jerusalem, he reigned for thirty-three years; 3:5 and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua, the daughter of Ammiel; 3:6 and Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, 3:7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 3:8 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 3:9 All these were David's sons, besides the sons of his concubines; and Tamar was their sister. 3:10 Solomon's son was Rehoboam, his son was Abijah, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 3:11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 3:12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 3:14 Amon his son, Josiah his son. 3:15 The sons of Josiah: the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 3:16 The sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son. 3:17 The sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, 3:18 Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. 3:19 The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah; Shelomith was their sister; 3:20 and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, Jushab Hesed, five. 3:21 The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah. 3:22 The sons of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 3:23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. 3:24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.

4:1 The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 4:2 Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. 4:3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi; 4:4 and Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. 4:5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 4:6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. 4:7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. 4:8 Hakkoz became the father of Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. 4:9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother named him Jabez, saying, Because I bore him with sorrow. 4:10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow! God granted him that which he requested. 4:11 Chelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 4:12 Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These are the men of Recah. 4:13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath. 4:14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen. 4:15 The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah; and Kenaz. 4:16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 4:18 His wife the Jewess bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took. 4:19 The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 4:20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth. 4:21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea; 4:22 and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. The records are ancient. 4:23 These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they lived with the king for his work. 4:24 The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; 4:25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 4:26 The sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. 4:27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brothers didn't have many children, neither did all their family multiply like the children of Judah. 4:28 They lived at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, 4:29 and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad, 4:30 and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag, 4:31 and at Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susim, and at Beth Biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities to the reign of David. 4:32 Their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities; 4:33 and all their villages that were around the same cities, to Baal. These were their habitations, and they have their genealogy. 4:34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 4:35 and Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 4:36 and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 4:37 and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah-- 4:38 these mentioned by name were princes in their families: and their fathers' houses increased greatly. 4:39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 4:40 They found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for those who lived there before were of Ham. 4:41 These written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and struck their tents, and the Meunim who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place; because there was pasture there for their flocks. 4:42 Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 4:43 They struck the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.

4:1 The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. 4:2 Reaiah, the son of Shobal, became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. 4:3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, Idbash; and their sister's name was Hazzelelponi; 4:4 and Penuel, the father of Gedor, and Ezer, the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. 4:5 Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 4:6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. 4:7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. 4:8 Hakkoz became the father of Anub, Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel, the son of Harum. 4:9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; his mother named him Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him with sorrow." 4:10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would truly bless me, expand my territory, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so I won’t be in pain!" God granted him what he requested. 4:11 Chelub, the brother of Shuhah, became the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 4:12 Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah, the father of Ir Nahash. These are the men of Recah. 4:13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath. 4:14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah; and Seraiah became the father of Joab, the father of Ge Harashim, for they were craftsmen. 4:15 The sons of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah; and Kenaz. 4:16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and she bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa. 4:18 His wife, a Jewish woman, bore Jered, the father of Gedor, Heber, the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel, the father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered married. 4:19 The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 4:20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth. 4:21 The sons of Shelah, the son of Judah: Er, the father of Lecah, and Laadah, the father of Mareshah, and the families of those who worked with fine linen, of the house of Ashbea; 4:22 and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. The records are ancient. 4:23 These were the potters and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah; there they lived with the king for his work. 4:24 The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul; 4:25 Shallum, his son; Mibsam, his son; Mishma, his son. 4:26 The sons of Mishma: Hammuel, his son; Zaccur, his son; Shimei, his son. 4:27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brothers didn't have many children, nor did all their family grow like the children of Judah. 4:28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazarshual, 4:29 Bilhah, Ezem, and Tolad, 4:30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 4:31 Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities up to the reign of David. 4:32 Their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities; 4:33 and all their surrounding villages, to Baal. These were their homes, and they have their genealogy. 4:34 Meshobab, Jamlech, and Joshah, the son of Amaziah, 4:35 Joel, Jehu, the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 4:36 Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 4:37 and Ziza, the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah— 4:38 these mentioned by name were leaders in their families, and their ancestral houses increased significantly. 4:39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 4:40 They found rich and good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for those who lived there before were of Ham. 4:41 These individuals, named specifically, came during the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and attacked their tents and the Meunim who were found there, completely destroying them to this day, and settled in their place because there was pasture for their flocks. 4:42 Some of them, including the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 4:43 They struck down the remaining Amalekites who had escaped, and have lived there to this day.

5:1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 5:2 For Judah prevailed above his brothers, and of him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph's:) 5:3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 5:4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5:5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. 5:7 His brothers by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 5:8 and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon: 5:9 and eastward he lived even to the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates, because their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 5:10 In the days of Saul, they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand; and they lived in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead. 5:11 The sons of Gad lived over against them, in the land of Bashan to Salecah: 5:12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the second, and Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 5:13 Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. 5:14 These were the sons of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 5:15 Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of their fathers' houses. 5:16 They lived in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, as far as their borders. 5:17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel. 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war, were forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty, that were able to go forth to war. 5:19 They made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab. 5:20 They were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them; for they cried to God in the battle, and he was entreated of them, because they put their trust in him. 5:21 They took away their livestock; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred fifty thousand, and of donkeys two thousand, and of men one hundred thousand. 5:22 For there fell many slain, because the war was of God. They lived in their place until the captivity. 5:23 The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land: they increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon. 5:24 These were the heads of their fathers' houses: even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers' houses. 5:25 They trespassed against the God of their fathers, and played the prostitute after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 5:26 The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.

5:1 The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but because he dishonored his father, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not counted according to the birthright.) 5:2 For Judah became stronger than his brothers, and from him came the ruler; but the birthright belonged to Joseph:) 5:3 the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 5:4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5:5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath Pilneser, king of Assyria, took away as a captive: he was a leader of the Reubenites. 5:7 His brothers by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was listed: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 5:8 and Bela, the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal Meon: 5:9 and towards the east he lived up to the entrance of the wilderness from the Euphrates River because their livestock had multiplied in the land of Gilead. 5:10 In the days of Saul, they waged war against the Hagrites, who fell by their hands; and they lived in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead. 5:11 The sons of Gad lived across from them, in the land of Bashan up to Salecah: 5:12 Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 5:13 Their brothers from their fathers' houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber, seven. 5:14 These were the sons of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 5:15 Ahi, the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of their fathers' houses. 5:16 They lived in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, as far as their borders. 5:17 All these were recorded in genealogies during the reign of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel. 5:18 The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, brave warriors, those prepared to carry shields and swords, and skilled with bows, and experienced in battle, numbered forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty who could go forth to war. 5:19 They fought against the Hagrites, with Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 5:20 They were aided against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hands, along with all their allies; for they cried out to God in battle, and He was favorable to them because they trusted in Him. 5:21 They took their livestock; fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep, two thousand donkeys, and one hundred thousand men. 5:22 For many were slain because the battle was of God. They lived in their territory until the captivity. 5:23 The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land: they grew from Bashan to Baal Hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon. 5:24 These were the heads of their fathers' houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty and famous men, heads of their fathers' houses. 5:25 They acted unfaithfully against the God of their fathers and worshipped the idols of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 5:26 The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul, king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser, king of Assyria, and he carried away the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river Gozan, to this day.

6:1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 6:2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 6:3 The children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 6:4 Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, Phinehas became the father of Abishua, 6:5 and Abishua became the father of Bukki, and Bukki became the father of Uzzi, 6:6 and Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth, 6:7 Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 6:8 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz, 6:9 and Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Johanan, 6:10 and Johanan became the father of Azariah, (he it is who executed the priest's office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem), 6:11 and Azariah became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 6:12 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Shallum, 6:13 and Shallum became the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the father of Azariah, 6:14 and Azariah became the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak; 6:15 Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 6:16 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 6:17 These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 6:18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 6:19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses. 6:20 Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 6:21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. 6:22 The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 6:23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 6:24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 6:25 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth. 6:26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, 6:27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 6:28 The sons of Samuel: the firstborn Joel, and the second Abijah. 6:29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 6:30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son. 6:31 These are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of Yahweh, after that the ark had rest. 6:32 They ministered with song before the tent of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order. 6:33 These are those who waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 6:34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 6:36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 6:37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 6:38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. 6:39 His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 6:40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 6:41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 6:42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 6:43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 6:44 On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 6:45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 6:46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 6:47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 6:48 Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tent of the house of God. 6:49 But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 6:50 These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 6:51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 6:52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 6:53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son. 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot), 6:55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and its suburbs around it; 6:56 but the fields of the city, and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 6:57 To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs, 6:58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs, 6:59 and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; 6:60 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities. 6:61 To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities. 6:62 To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 6:63 To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 6:64 The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs. 6:65 They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name. 6:66 Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim. 6:67 They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs, 6:68 and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs, 6:69 and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; 6:70 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath. 6:71 To the sons of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs; 6:72 and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, 6:73 and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs; 6:74 and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs, 6:75 and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; 6:76 and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs. 6:77 To the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs; 6:78 and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs, 6:79 and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; 6:80 and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs, 6:81 and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

6:1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 6:2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 6:3 The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 6:4 Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, Phinehas became the father of Abishua, 6:5 and Abishua became the father of Bukki, and Bukki became the father of Uzzi, 6:6 and Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth, 6:7 Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 6:8 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz, 6:9 and Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Johanan, 6:10 and Johanan became the father of Azariah, (he was the one who performed the priest's duties in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem), 6:11 and Azariah became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 6:12 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Shallum, 6:13 and Shallum became the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the father of Azariah, 6:14 and Azariah became the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak; 6:15 Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh took away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 6:16 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 6:17 These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 6:18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 6:19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses. 6:20 Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 6:21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. 6:22 The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 6:23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 6:24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 6:25 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth. 6:26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son, 6:27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 6:28 The sons of Samuel: the firstborn Joel, and the second Abijah. 6:29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 6:30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son. 6:31 These are those whom David set over the service of song in the house of Yahweh, after the ark had found rest. 6:32 They ministered with song before the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they performed their duties according to their order. 6:33 These are those who served and their sons. From the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 6:34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 6:36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 6:37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 6:38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. 6:39 His brother Asaph, who stood on his right, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 6:40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 6:41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 6:42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 6:43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 6:44 On the left side were their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 6:45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 6:46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 6:47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 6:48 Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tent of the house of God. 6:49 But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 6:50 These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 6:51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 6:52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 6:53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son. 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot), 6:55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and its surrounding suburbs; 6:56 but the fields of the city and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 6:57 To the sons of Aaron, they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs, 6:58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs, 6:59 and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; 6:60 and from the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities. 6:61 To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, from the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities. 6:62 To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, from the tribe of Issachar, and from the tribe of Asher, and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 6:63 To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, from the tribe of Reuben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 6:64 The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs. 6:65 They distributed by lot from the tribe of Judah, from the tribe of Simeon, and from the tribe of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name. 6:66 Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders from the tribe of Ephraim. 6:67 They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs, 6:68 and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs, 6:69 and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; 6:70 and from the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath. 6:71 To the sons of Gershom were given, from the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs; 6:72 and from the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, 6:73 and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs; 6:74 and from the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, Abdon with its suburbs, 6:75 and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; 6:76 and from the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs. 6:77 To the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, from the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs; 6:78 and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given to them, from the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs, 6:79 and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; 6:80 and from the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs, 6:81 and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

7:1 Of the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. 7:2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, to wit, of Tola; mighty men of valor in their generations: their number in the days of David was twenty-two thousand six hundred. 7:3 The sons of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them chief men. 7:4 With them, by their generations, after their fathers' houses, were bands of the army for war, thirty-six thousand; for they had many wives and sons. 7:5 Their brothers among all the families of Issachar, mighty men of valor, reckoned in all by genealogy, were eighty-seven thousand. 7:6 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. 7:7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of fathers' houses, mighty men of valor; and they were reckoned by genealogy twenty-two thousand thirty-four. 7:8 The sons of Becher: Zemirah, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jeremoth, and Abijah, and Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher. 7:9 They were reckoned by genealogy, after their generations, heads of their fathers' houses, mighty men of valor, twenty thousand two hundred. 7:10 The sons of Jediael: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan: Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 7:11 All these were sons of Jediael, according to the heads of their fathers' houses, mighty men of valor, seventeen thousand and two hundred, who were able to go forth in the army for war. 7:12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. 7:13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah. 7:14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his concubine the Aramitess bore: she bore Machir the father of Gilead: 7:15 and Machir took a wife of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maacah; and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters. 7:16 Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she named him Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 7:17 The sons of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. 7:18 His sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, and Abiezer, and Mahlah. 7:19 The sons of Shemida were Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam. 7:20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eleadah his son, and Tahath his son, 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take away their livestock. 7:22 Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. 7:23 He went in to his wife, and she conceived, and bore a son, and he named him Beriah, because it went evil with his house. 7:24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built Beth Horon the lower and the upper, and Uzzen Sheerah. 7:25 Rephah was his son, and Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son, 7:26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 7:27 Nun his son, Joshua his son. 7:28 Their possessions and habitations were Bethel and its towns, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with its towns; Shechem also and its towns, to Azzah and its towns; 7:29 and by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Beth Shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these lived the children of Joseph the son of Israel. 7:30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister. 7:31 The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith. 7:32 Heber became the father of Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister. 7:33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet. 7:34 The sons of Shemer: Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. 7:36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah, 7:37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera. 7:38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pispa, and Ara. 7:39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, and Hanniel, and Rizia. 7:40 All these were the children of Asher, heads of the fathers' houses, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. The number of them reckoned by genealogy for service in war was twenty-six thousand men.

7:1 From the descendants of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. 7:2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, leaders of their families, namely, Tola; strong warriors in their time: their total in David's era was twenty-two thousand six hundred. 7:3 The sons of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them leading men. 7:4 Together with them, by their generations, according to their families, were military units for war, totaling thirty-six thousand; for they had many wives and children. 7:5 Their brothers among all the families of Issachar, strong warriors, counted through genealogy, totaled eighty-seven thousand. 7:6 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three. 7:7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five; leaders of their families, strong warriors; and they were counted by genealogy as twenty-two thousand thirty-four. 7:8 The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher. 7:9 They were counted by genealogy, by their generations, as leaders of their families, strong warriors, totaling twenty thousand two hundred. 7:10 The sons of Jediael: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 7:11 All these were sons of Jediael, according to the leaders of their families, strong warriors, totaling seventeen thousand two hundred, capable of going into battle. 7:12 Shuppim and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. 7:13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah. 7:14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his concubine the Aramean bore: she gave birth to Machir, the father of Gilead: 7:15 and Machir took a wife from Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maacah; and the name of the second was Zelophehad, who had daughters. 7:16 Maacah, the wife of Machir, bore a son, and she named him Peresh; his brother was named Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 7:17 The sons of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. 7:18 His sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 7:19 The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam. 7:20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, and Tahath his son, 7:21 Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath, born in the land, killed because they came down to seize their livestock. 7:22 Ephraim, their father, mourned for many days, and his brothers came to console him. 7:23 He went in to his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son, whom he named Beriah because disaster had come upon his house. 7:24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built the lower and upper Beth Horon, and Uzzen Sheerah. 7:25 Rephah was his son, and Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son, 7:26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 7:27 Nun his son, and Joshua his son. 7:28 Their possessions and dwelling places included Bethel and its towns, eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer with its towns; Shechem and its towns, to Azzah and its towns; 7:29 and bordering the children of Manasseh, Beth Shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, and Dor and its towns. In these lived the descendants of Joseph, the son of Israel. 7:30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. 7:31 The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith. 7:32 Heber became the father of Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and their sister Shua. 7:33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the descendants of Japhlet. 7:34 The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. 7:35 The sons of Helem, his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 7:36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 7:37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. 7:38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 7:39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. 7:40 All these were the descendants of Asher, heads of their families, chosen and strong warriors, leaders among the princes. Their total, counted by genealogy for military service, was twenty-six thousand men.

8:1 Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third, 8:2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 8:3 Bela had sons: Addar, and Gera, and Abihud, 8:4 and Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah, 8:5 and Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram. 8:6 These are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they carried them captive to Manahath: 8:7 and Naaman, and Ahijah, and Gera, he carried them captive: and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud. 8:8 Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives. 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam, 8:10 and Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers' houses. 8:11 Of Hushim he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal. 8:12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns; 8:13 and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath; 8:14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth, 8:15 and Zebadiah, and Arad, and Eder, 8:16 and Michael, and Ishpah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah, 8:17 and Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hizki, and Heber, 8:18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, 8:19 and Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi, 8:20 and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel, 8:21 and Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimei, 8:22 and Ishpan, and Eber, and Eliel, 8:23 and Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan, 8:24 and Hananiah, and Elam, and Anthothijah, 8:25 and Iphdeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak, 8:26 and Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah, 8:27 and Jaareshiah, and Elijah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham. 8:28 These were heads of fathers' houses throughout their generations, chief men: these lived in Jerusalem. 8:29 In Gibeon there lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife's name was Maacah; 8:30 and his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab, 8:31 and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zecher. 8:32 Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, over against their brothers. 8:33 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul; and Saul became the father of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 8:34 The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the father of Micah. 8:35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz. 8:36 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah; and Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri became the father of Moza. 8:37 Moza became the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 8:38 Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 8:39 The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 8:40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, one hundred fifty. All these were of the sons of Benjamin.

8:1 Benjamin became the father of Bela, his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 8:2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 8:3 Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 8:4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 8:5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 8:6 These are the sons of Ehud: the heads of the families of the people living in Geba, who were taken captive to Manahath: 8:7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera were taken captive by him, and he became the father of Uzza and Ahihud. 8:8 Shaharaim became the father of children in the Moab region after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives. 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh, his wife, and Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 8:10 Jeuz, Shachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of the families. 8:11 From Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal. 8:12 The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod and its towns; 8:13 Beriah and Shema were heads of the families of the people living in Aijalon, who drove out the inhabitants of Gath; 8:14 and Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, 8:15 Zebadiah, Arad, and Eder, 8:16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah, 8:17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, and Heber, 8:18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, 8:19 Jakim, Zichri, and Zabdi, 8:20 Elienai, Zillethai, and Eliel, 8:21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimei, 8:22 Ishpan, Eber, and Eliel, 8:23 Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan, 8:24 Hananiah, Elam, and Anthothijah, 8:25 Iphdeiah and Penuel, the sons of Shashak, 8:26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, and Athaliah, 8:27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham. 8:28 These were heads of families throughout their generations, chief men: they lived in Jerusalem. 8:29 In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife's name was Maacah; 8:30 and his firstborn son was Abdon, along with Zur, Kish, Baal, and Nadab, 8:31 Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. 8:32 Mikloth became the father of Shimeah. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, across from them. 8:33 Ner became the father of Kish; Kish became the father of Saul; Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 8:34 The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the father of Micah. 8:35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 8:36 Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah; Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; Zimri became the father of Moza. 8:37 Moza became the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. 8:38 Azel had six sons, whose names were Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 8:39 The sons of Eshek, his brother, were Ulam, his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 8:40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and grandsons, totaling one hundred fifty. All these were the sons of Benjamin.

9:1 So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel: and Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their disobedience. 9:2 Now the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim. 9:3 In Jerusalem lived of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh: 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah. 9:5 Of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. 9:6 Of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel, and their brothers, six hundred ninety. 9:7 Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, 9:8 and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; 9:9 and their brothers, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these men were heads of fathers' houses by their fathers' houses. 9:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin, 9:11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; 9:12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 9:13 and their brothers, heads of their fathers' houses, one thousand seven hundred sixty; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. 9:14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 9:15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph, 9:16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. 9:17 The porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief), 9:18 who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi. 9:19 Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father's house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their fathers had been over the camp of Yahweh, keepers of the entry. 9:20 Phinehas the son of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and Yahweh was with him. 9:21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the Tent of Meeting. 9:22 All these who were chosen to be porters in the thresholds were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their office of trust. 9:23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Yahweh, even the house of the tent, by wards. 9:24 On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south. 9:25 Their brothers, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them: 9:26 for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God. 9:27 They lodged around the house of God, because that duty was on them; and to them pertained its opening morning by morning. 9:28 Certain of them were in charge of the vessels of service; for by count were these brought in and by count were these taken out. 9:29 Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. 9:30 Some of the sons of the priests prepared the confection of the spices. 9:31 Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans. 9:32 Some of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every Sabbath. 9:33 These are the singers, heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, who lived in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night. 9:34 These were heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men: these lived at Jerusalem. 9:35 In Gibeon there lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife's name was Maacah: 9:36 and his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, 9:37 and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth. 9:38 Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, over against their brothers. 9:39 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul; and Saul became the father of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 9:40 The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the father of Micah. 9:41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz. 9:42 Ahaz became the father of Jarah; and Jarah became the father of Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri became the father of Moza; 9:43 and Moza became the father of Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 9:44 Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.

9:1 All Israel was counted by genealogies; and look, they are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel: Judah was taken captive to Babylon due to their disobedience. 9:2 The first inhabitants who lived in their own properties in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim. 9:3 In Jerusalem lived the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh: 9:4 Uthai, the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the descendants of Perez the son of Judah. 9:5 From the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. 9:6 From the descendants of Zerah: Jeuel, and their brothers, six hundred ninety. 9:7 From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, 9:8 and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; 9:9 and their brothers, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these men were heads of their families. 9:10 From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, 9:11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the leader of the house of God; 9:12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 9:13 and their brothers, heads of their families, one thousand seven hundred sixty; very capable men for the work of serving the house of God. 9:14 From the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, from the sons of Merari; 9:15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph, 9:16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. 9:17 The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief), 9:18 who previously waited at the king's gate eastward: they were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi. 9:19 Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers from his father's house, the Korahites, were in charge of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their fathers had been in charge of the camp of Yahweh, keepers of the entrance. 9:20 Phinehas the son of Eleazar was in charge of them in the past, and Yahweh was with him. 9:21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. 9:22 All those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds totaled two hundred twelve. These were recorded by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer appointed for their duties. 9:23 So they and their children were responsible for overseeing the gates of the house of Yahweh, even the house of the tent, by wards. 9:24 On all four sides were the gatekeepers, to the east, west, north, and south. 9:25 Their brothers, in their villages, would come in every seven days as needed to be with them: 9:26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, held a position of trust and were in charge of the storerooms and treasuries in the house of God. 9:27 They stayed around the house of God, as that duty was their responsibility; and they opened it each morning. 9:28 Some of them were responsible for the vessels used in service; they were brought in by count and taken out by count. 9:29 Some of them were also appointed over the furniture, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. 9:30 Some of the priests' sons prepared the mixtures of spices. 9:31 Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the responsibility for the things baked in pans. 9:32 Some of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were in charge of the showbread, preparing it each Sabbath. 9:33 These are the singers, heads of families of the Levites, who lived in the chambers and were free from other duties; for they were engaged in their work day and night. 9:34 These were heads of families of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men: they lived in Jerusalem. 9:35 In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife’s name was Maacah: 9:36 and his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, 9:37 and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth. 9:38 Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. They also lived with their brothers in Jerusalem, opposite their brothers. 9:39 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul; and Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 9:40 The son of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the father of Micah. 9:41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. 9:42 Ahaz became the father of Jarah; and Jarah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri became the father of Moza; 9:43 and Moza became the father of Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 9:44 Azel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.

10:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. 10:2 The Philistines followed hard after Saul and after his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 10:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was distressed by reason of the archers. 10:4 Then said Saul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell on it. 10:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died. 10:6 So Saul died, and his three sons; and all his house died together. 10:7 When all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook their cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them. 10:8 It happened on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 10:9 They stripped him, and took his head, and his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines all around, to carry the news to their idols, and to the people. 10:10 They put his armor in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the house of Dagon. 10:11 When all Jabesh Gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, 10:12 all the valiant men arose, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. 10:13 So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh, because of the word of Yahweh, which he didn't keep; and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby, 10:14 and didn't inquire of Yahweh: therefore he killed him, and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse.

10:1 The Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel ran away from them, falling slain on Mount Gilboa. 10:2 The Philistines chased after Saul and his sons, killing Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 10:3 The battle was fierce against Saul, and the archers caught up with him; he was in a lot of distress because of the archers. 10:4 Saul then said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so these uncircumcised guys don’t come and mistreat me." But his armor bearer was too afraid to do it, so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 10:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died. 10:6 So Saul died, along with his three sons, and all his household died together. 10:7 When all the men of Israel in the valley saw that they had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled; and the Philistines came and settled in them. 10:8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 10:9 They stripped Saul, took his head and armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to inform their idols and the people. 10:10 They placed his armor in the house of their gods and hung his head in the house of Dagon. 10:11 When all Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 10:12 all the brave men rose up, took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, brought them to Jabesh, buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted for seven days. 10:13 So Saul died because of his unfaithfulness to Yahweh, as he didn’t keep the word of Yahweh, and also because he sought advice from a medium to inquire thereby, 10:14 and did not seek Yahweh: therefore Yahweh killed him and gave the kingdom to David, the son of Jesse.

11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 11:2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh your God said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel. 11:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Yahweh by Samuel. 11:4 David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. 11:5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, You shall not come in here. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David. 11:6 David said, Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. 11:7 David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David. 11:8 He built the city all around, from Millo even around; and Joab repaired the rest of the city. 11:9 David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh of Armies was with him. 11:10 Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Yahweh concerning Israel. 11:11 This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. 11:12 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. 11:14 They stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh saved them by a great victory. 11:15 Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim. 11:16 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 11:17 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 11:18 The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh, 11:19 and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. 11:20 Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three. 11:21 Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the first three. 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. 11:23 He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear. 11:24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men. 11:25 Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the first three: and David set him over his guard. 11:26 Also the mighty men of the armies: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 11:28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 11:30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, 11:31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 11:32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 11:33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 11:34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, 11:35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, 11:36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 11:37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 11:40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 11:41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 11:42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 11:43 Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 11:45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, 11:47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

11:1 Then all of Israel came together to David at Hebron, saying, "Look, we are your family." 11:2 In the past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel in and out: and Yahweh your God said to you, "You will be the shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be their prince." 11:3 So all the elders of Israel went to the king at Hebron; and David made a covenant with them there before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel, as Yahweh had spoken through Samuel. 11:4 David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (which is also called Jebus); and the Jebusites, who lived there, were present. 11:5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, "You won't get in here." Yet David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now known as the city of David. 11:6 David said, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become chief and commander." Joab son of Zeruiah went up first and became chief. 11:7 David settled in the fortress; so they called it the city of David. 11:8 He built up the city all around, from Millo and beyond; and Joab restored the rest of the city. 11:9 David grew more powerful, for Yahweh of Armies was with him. 11:10 Now these are the leaders of the mighty men who served David, showing their strength with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to establish him as king, according to Yahweh's word concerning Israel. 11:11 This is the list of the mighty men David had: Jashobeam, son of a Hachmonite, the leader of the thirty; he raised his spear against three hundred and killed them in one encounter. 11:12 Next was Eleazar son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, where the Philistines had assembled for battle, and there was a field full of barley; and the troops fled from the Philistines. 11:14 They took their stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh granted them a great victory. 11:15 Three of the thirty chiefs went down to the rock to David, at the cave of Adullam; while the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. 11:16 David was in the fortress, and the Philistines' garrison was in Bethlehem. 11:17 David longed and said, "I wish someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, near the gate!" 11:18 The three broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate, and brought it back to David; but David would not drink it, instead he poured it out to Yahweh, 11:19 saying, "My God forbid that I should do this! Should I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives? They brought it at the risk of their lives." So he would not drink it. These were the deeds of the three mighty men. 11:20 Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the chief of the three; he raised his spear against three hundred and killed them, earning a reputation among the three. 11:21 Of the three, he was more honored than the two and was made their captain; but he did not reach the first three. 11:22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, from Kabzeel, who had done great feats, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab; he also went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. 11:23 He killed an Egyptian, a towering man, who was five cubits tall; the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's beam, and he went down to him with a staff, pulled the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear. 11:24 These were the deeds of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he earned a reputation among the three mighty men. 11:25 He was more honored than the thirty, but he did not reach the first three: David put him in charge of his bodyguard. 11:26 Also among the mighty men were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 11:28 Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 11:30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, 11:31 Ithai son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 11:32 Hurai from the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 11:33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 11:34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, 11:35 Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, 11:36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 11:37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, Joab son of Zeruiah's armor bearer, 11:40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 11:41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai, 11:42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 11:43 Hanan son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 11:45 Jediael son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, 11:47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

12:1 Now these are those who came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, his helpers in war. 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul's brothers of Benjamin. 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty, and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite, 12:5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite, 12:6 Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites, 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor. 12:8 Of the Gadites there separated themselves to David to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes on the mountains; 12:9 Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, 12:10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 12:11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 12:13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh. 12:14 These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army: he who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand. 12:15 These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. 12:16 There came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the stronghold to David. 12:17 David went out to meet them, and answered them, If you be come peaceably to me to help me, my heart shall be knit to you; but if you be come to betray me to my adversaries, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. 12:18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse: peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you." Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. 12:19 Of Manasseh also there fell away some to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they didn't help them; for the lords of the Philistines sent him away after consultation, saying, He will fall away to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads. 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands who were of Manasseh. 12:21 They helped David against the band of rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army. 12:22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like the army of God. 12:23 These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of Yahweh. 12:24 The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war. 12:25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, seven thousand and one hundred. 12:26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred. 12:27 Jehoiada was the leader of the house of Aaron; and with him were three thousand and seven hundred, 12:28 and Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, and of his father's house twenty-two captains. 12:29 Of the children of Benjamin, the brothers of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. 12:30 Of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses. 12:31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make David king. 12:32 Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their commandment. 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all manner of instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could order the battle array, and were not of double heart. 12:34 Of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty-seven thousand. 12:35 Of the Danites who could set the battle in array, twenty-eight thousand six hundred. 12:36 Of Asher, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, forty thousand. 12:37 On the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, one hundred twenty thousand. 12:38 All these being men of war, who could order the battle array, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king. 12:39 They were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brothers had made preparation for them. 12:40 Moreover those who were near to them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, food of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and cattle, and sheep in abundance: for there was joy in Israel.

12:1 These are the people who came to David at Ziklag while he was staying low because of Saul, son of Kish; they were among his mighty warriors and supporters in battle. 12:2 They were equipped with bows and could shoot stones and arrows with both their right and left hands; they were from Saul's family in Benjamin. 12:3 The leader was Ahiezer, followed by Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, as well as Jeziel, Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a strong man among the thirty, and in charge of the thirty, along with Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite, 12:5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite, 12:6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites, 12:7 and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor. 12:8 Some from the Gadites separated themselves to David in the stronghold in the wilderness, valiant warriors trained for battle, who could handle shields and spears; their faces were like lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains; 12:9 Ezer was the chief, Obadiah was second, Eliab was third, 12:10 Mishmannah was fourth, Jeremiah was fifth, 12:11 Attai was sixth, Eliel was seventh, 12:12 Johanan was eighth, Elzabad was ninth, 12:13 Jeremiah was tenth, Machbannai was eleventh. 12:14 These sons of Gad were captains of the army: the least among them was equal to one hundred, and the greatest was equal to one thousand. 12:15 These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing its banks; and they defeated all those in the valleys, both east and west. 12:16 The children of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. 12:17 David went out to meet them and told them, "If you’ve come in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you’ve come to betray me to my enemies, as there’s no wrongdoing in my hands, may the God of our ancestors see this and judge it." 12:18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David, and with you, son of Jesse: peace, peace be with you, and peace with your helpers; for your God helps you." David welcomed them and made them captains of the band. 12:19 Some from Manasseh also defected to David when he came with the Philistines to fight Saul, but they didn’t help them; for the lords of the Philistines consulted and sent him away, saying, "He will defect to his master Saul, risking our lives." 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, some from Manasseh joined him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands from Manasseh. 12:21 They supported David against the raiders, for they were all valiant warriors and captains in the army. 12:22 Day by day, men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like the army of God. 12:23 These are the counts of those who were armed for battle, who came to David at Hebron to transfer the kingdom of Saul to him, as the Lord had said. 12:24 The children of Judah who carried shields and spears numbered six thousand eight hundred, ready for war. 12:25 From the children of Simeon, valiant warriors for battle, there were seven thousand one hundred. 12:26 From the children of Levi, there were four thousand six hundred. 12:27 Jehoiada was the leader of the house of Aaron; and with him were three thousand seven hundred, 12:28 and Zadok, a young, mighty warrior, along with twenty-two captains from his family. 12:29 From the children of Benjamin, Saul's relatives, there were three thousand: for most of them had remained loyal to Saul. 12:30 From the children of Ephraim, there were twenty thousand eight hundred valiant warriors, renowned in their families. 12:31 From the half-tribe of Manasseh, there were eighteen thousand who were named to come and make David king. 12:32 From the children of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, their leaders numbered two hundred, and all their relatives were at their command. 12:33 From Zebulun, those capable of going into battle, who could organize the troops with all kinds of weapons of war, were fifty thousand and were not of divided loyalty. 12:34 From Naphtali, there were a thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shields and spears. 12:35 From Dan, those who could organize the troops numbered twenty-eight thousand six hundred. 12:36 From Asher, those able to fight, who could organize the troops, were forty thousand. 12:37 On the other side of the Jordan, from the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of weapons for battle, there were a hundred twenty thousand. 12:38 All these were men of war, skilled in organizing troops, who came with a united heart to Hebron to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel was of one heart to make David king. 12:39 They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their relatives had prepared for them. 12:40 Moreover, those nearby, even from Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and abundant sheep: for there was joy in Israel.

13:1 David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader. 13:2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, If it seem good to you, and if it be of Yahweh our God, let us send abroad everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us; 13:3 and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we didn't seek it in the days of Saul. 13:4 All the assembly said that they would do so; for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 13:5 So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor the brook of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. 13:6 David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God Yahweh that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name. 13:7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 13:8 David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 13:10 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzza, and he struck him, because he put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God. 13:11 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzza; and he called that place Perez Uzza, to this day. 13:12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? 13:13 So David didn't move the ark to him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 13:14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months: and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that he had.

13:1 David spoke with the commanders of thousands and hundreds, as well as every leader. 13:2 David said to the entire assembly of Israel, "If this seems good to you, and if it's what Yahweh our God wants, let's send out messengers to our brothers who are left across the land of Israel, along with the priests and Levites in their towns with suburbs, so they can gather with us; 13:3 and let's bring back the ark of our God to us, because we didn't seek it during Saul's reign." 13:4 All the assembly agreed to this, for it seemed right to everyone. 13:5 So David gathered all Israel, from the Shihor the brook of Egypt to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. 13:6 David and all Israel went up to Baalah, which is Kiriath Jearim, belonging to Judah, to bring the ark of God Yahweh, who sits above the cherubim and is called by the Name. 13:7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and took it out of Abinadab's house; Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 13:8 David and all Israel celebrated before God with all their might, with songs, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 13:9 When they reached the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 13:10 Yahweh's anger was kindled against Uzza, and He struck him for reaching out to the ark; and Uzza died there before God. 13:11 David was upset because Yahweh had broken out against Uzza, and he named that place Perez Uzza, to this day. 13:12 David feared God that day and said, "How can I bring the ark of God home to me?" 13:13 So David didn't take the ark to himself into the city of David, but instead carried it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 13:14 The ark of God stayed with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom's household and everything he had.

14:1 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house. 14:2 David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel; for his kingdom was exalted on high, for his people Israel's sake. 14:3 David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David became the father of more sons and daughters. 14:4 These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, 14:5 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpelet, 14:6 and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 14:7 and Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphelet. 14:8 When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David: and David heard of it, and went out against them. 14:9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 14:10 David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to him, Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand. 14:11 So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. 14:12 They left their gods there; and David gave commandment, and they were burned with fire. 14:13 The Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14:14 David inquired again of God; and God said to him, You shall not go up after them: turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees. 14:15 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God is gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines. 14:16 David did as God commanded him: and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. 14:17 The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

14:1 Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent messengers to David along with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters to build him a house. 14:2 David realized that Yahweh had established him as king over Israel, for his kingdom was elevated for the sake of his people Israel. 14:3 David took more wives in Jerusalem, and he became the father of more sons and daughters. 14:4 Here are the names of the children he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, 14:5 along with Ibhar, Elishua, and Elpelet, 14:6 then Nogah, Nepheg, and Japhia, 14:7 and Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. 14:8 When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, they all went up to seek David; and David was informed of this and went out to confront them. 14:9 The Philistines had come and raided the valley of Rephaim. 14:10 David asked God, "Should I go up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" Yahweh replied, "Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand." 14:11 So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, "God has broken my enemies by my hand like a flood." Therefore, they named that place Baal Perazim. 14:12 They left their gods behind, and David ordered them to be burned with fire. 14:13 The Philistines made another raid in the valley. 14:14 David asked God again, and God said, "You should not go after them; instead, turn away from them and approach them opposite the mulberry trees. 14:15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the Philistine army." 14:16 David did as God commanded him, and they struck the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 14:17 David's fame spread throughout the lands, and Yahweh caused all nations to fear him.

15:1 David made him houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has Yahweh chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever. 15:3 David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh to its place, which he had prepared for it. 15:4 David gathered together the sons of Aaron, and the Levites: 15:5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brothers one hundred twenty; 15:6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and his brothers two hundred twenty; 15:7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brothers one hundred thirty; 15:8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brothers two hundred; 15:9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers eighty; 15:10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and his brothers one hundred twelve. 15:11 David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab, 15:12 and said to them, You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 15:13 For because you didn't carry it at the first, Yahweh our God made a breach on us, because we didn't seek him according to the ordinance. 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 15:15 The children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of Yahweh. 15:16 David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers the singers, with instruments of music, stringed instruments and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers. 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed with cymbals of brass to sound aloud; 15:20 and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth; 15:21 and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead. 15:22 Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful. 15:23 Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark. 15:24 Shebaniah, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. 15:25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the house of Obed-Edom with joy. 15:26 It happened, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, that they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 15:27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: and David had on him an ephod of linen. 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with stringed instruments and harps. 15:29 It happened, as the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.

15:1 David built houses in the city of David and set up a place for the ark of God, pitching a tent for it. 15:2 Then David said, "Only the Levites should carry the ark of God, because Yahweh chose them to do so and to serve Him forever." 15:3 David gathered all of Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of Yahweh to the place he had prepared for it. 15:4 David assembled the sons of Aaron and the Levites: 15:5 from the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brothers, one hundred twenty; 15:6 from the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and his brothers, two hundred twenty; 15:7 from the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brothers, one hundred thirty; 15:8 from the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brothers, two hundred; 15:9 from the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers, eighty; 15:10 from the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and his brothers, one hundred twelve. 15:11 David called for the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and for the Levites, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 15:12 and said to them, "You are the heads of the families of the Levites: consecrate yourselves, along with your brothers, so you can bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it." 15:13 "Because you didn’t carry it the first time, Yahweh our God broke out against us, as we didn’t seek Him as the law instructed." 15:14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 15:15 The Levite children carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, just as Moses commanded according to the word of Yahweh. 15:16 David instructed the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers, the singers, with musical instruments, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, to create music and lift their voices in joy. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and from the sons of Merari, their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 15:18 along with their second-degree brothers: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers. 15:19 The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed with brass cymbals to make a loud sound; 15:20 and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played stringed instruments set to Alamoth; 15:21 and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah played harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, leading the music. 15:22 Chenaniah, the chief of the Levites, was in charge of the music because he was skillful. 15:23 Berechiah and Elkanah were the doorkeepers for the ark. 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before the ark of God, and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. 15:25 So David, along with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, went to joyfully bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh from the house of Obed-Edom. 15:26 When God helped the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, they offered seven bulls and seven rams as sacrifices. 15:27 David was dressed in a fine linen robe, and all the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah, the master of the song with the singers, also wore linen ephods. 15:28 Thus, all of Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with shouts, the sound of the cornet, trumpets, cymbals, and the loud sound of stringed instruments and harps. 15:29 As the ark of the covenant of Yahweh entered the city of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked out the window and saw King David dancing and playing; she despised him in her heart.

16:1 They brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. 16:2 When David had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh. 16:3 He dealt to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. 16:4 He appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of Yahweh, and to celebrate and to thank and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel: 16:5 Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud; 16:6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.

16:1 They brought in the ark of God and placed it in the middle of the tent that David had set up for it. They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. 16:2 Once David finished offering the burnt and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh. 16:3 He distributed to everyone in Israel, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. 16:4 He appointed certain Levites to minister before the ark of Yahweh, to celebrate, thank, and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel: 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and harps; and Asaph with cymbals, playing loudly; 16:6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

16:7 Then on that day David first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh, by the hand of Asaph and his brothers.

16:7 Then on that day, David decided for the first time to give thanks to Yahweh, through Asaph and his brothers.

16:8 Oh give thanks to Yahweh.
Call on his name.
Make his doings known among the peoples.
16:9 Sing to him.
Sing praises to him.
Tell of all his marvelous works.
16:10 Glory in his holy name.
Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
16:11 Seek you Yahweh and his strength.
Seek his face forever more.
16:12 Remember his marvelous works that he has done,
his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
16:13 you seed of Israel his servant,
you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
16:14 He is Yahweh our God.
His judgments are in all the earth.
16:15 Remember his covenant forever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
16:16 the covenant which he made with Abraham,
his oath to Isaac.
16:17 He confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute,
and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
16:18 saying, I will you give the land of Canaan,
The lot of your inheritance,
16:19 when you were but a few men in number,
yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.
16:20 They went about from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people.
16:21 He allowed no man to do them wrong.
Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,
16:22 saying, Don't touch my anointed ones!
Do my prophets no harm.
16:23 Sing to Yahweh, all the earth!
Display his salvation from day to day.
16:24 Declare his glory among the nations,
and his marvelous works among all the peoples.
16:25 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised.
He also is to be feared above all gods.
16:26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but Yahweh made the heavens.
16:27 Honor and majesty are before him.
Strength and gladness are in his place.
16:28 Ascribe to Yahweh, you relatives of the peoples,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength!
16:29 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Bring an offering, and come before him.
Worship Yahweh in holy array.
16:30 Tremble before him, all the earth.
The world also is established that it can't be moved.
16:31 Let the heavens be glad,
and let the earth rejoice!
Let them say among the nations, Yahweh reigns.
16:32 Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
Let the field exult, and all that is therein!
16:33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh,
for he comes to judge the earth.
16:34 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
16:35 Say, Save us, God of our salvation!
Gather us together and deliver us from the nations,
to give thanks to your holy name,
to triumph in your praise.
16:36 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel,
from everlasting even to everlasting.

All the people said, Amen, and praised Yahweh.

All the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.

16:37 So he left there, before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, Asaph and his brothers, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required; 16:38 and Obed-Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight; Obed-Edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers; 16:39 and Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tent of Yahweh in the high place that was at Gibeon, 16:40 to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Yahweh, which he commanded to Israel; 16:41 and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because his loving kindness endures forever; 16:42 and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God; and the sons of Jeduthun to be at the gate. 16:43 All the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

16:37 So he left there, in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord, Asaph and his brothers, to serve before the ark continuously, as required by the daily duties; 16:38 and Obed-Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight in total; Obed-Edom, the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah were assigned as doorkeepers; 16:39 and Zadok the priest, along with his fellow priests, were stationed before the tent of the Lord at the high place in Gibeon, 16:40 to offer burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar continuously, morning and evening, following everything written in the law of the Lord, which He commanded to Israel; 16:41 and alongside them were Heman and Jeduthun, and the others who were chosen by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His loving kindness endures forever; 16:42 and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those who would play loudly, and with instruments for the songs of God; and the sons of Jeduthun would be at the gate. 16:43 All the people went home, each man to his house, and David returned to bless his house.

17:1 It happened, when David lived in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of Yahweh dwells under curtains. 17:2 Nathan said to David, Do all that is in your heart; for God is with you. 17:3 It happened the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 17:4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus says Yahweh, You shall not build me a house to dwell in: 17:5 for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tent to another. 17:6 In all places in which I have walked with all Israel, spoke I a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? 17:7 Now therefore thus you shall tell my servant David, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel: 17:8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 17:9 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the first, 17:10 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover I tell you that Yahweh will build you a house. 17:11 It shall happen, when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 17:12 He shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 17:13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my loving kindness away from him, as I took it from him that was before you; 17:14 but I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever. 17:15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to David. 17:16 Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 17:17 This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, Yahweh God. 17:18 What can David say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? for you know your servant. 17:19 Yahweh, for your servant's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make known all these great things. 17:20 Yahweh, there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 17:21 What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt? 17:22 For your people Israel did you make your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God. 17:23 Now, Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, be established forever, and do as you have spoken. 17:24 Let your name be established and magnified forever, saying, Yahweh of Armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and the house of David your servant is established before you. 17:25 For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray before you. 17:26 Now, Yahweh, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant: 17:27 and now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you: for you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.

17:1 While David was living in his house, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Look, I live in a house made of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent." 17:2 Nathan replied to David, "Do whatever is in your heart; God is with you." 17:3 That night, the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 17:4 "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not to build a house for me to dwell in. 17:5 I have not dwelled in a house since the day I brought Israel up from Egypt to this day. Instead, I have been moving from tent to tent, and from one dwelling to another. 17:6 Everywhere I went with all Israel, did I ever say to any of the rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people, "Why haven't you built me a house of cedar?" 17:7 Now, therefore, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel. 17:8 I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies before you. I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. 17:9 I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore as they did at the beginning, 17:10 and have done ever since I appointed judges over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies. And I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. 17:11 When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 17:12 He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 17:13 I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him as I took it away from your predecessor. 17:14 I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever." 17:15 Nathan reported to David all the words of this vision. 17:16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, "Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 17:17 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of my family. You, Lord God, have looked at me as though I were someone great. 17:18 What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign Lord. 17:19 For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. 17:20 There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 17:21 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for yourself by great and awesome wonders, by driving out nations and their gods before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 17:22 You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God. 17:23 And now, Lord, let the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house be established forever. Do as you promised, 17:24 so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, 'The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!' And the house of your servant David will be established before you. 17:25 You, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house; so your servant has found courage to pray before you. 17:26 Now, Sovereign Lord, you are God, and your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 17:27 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Lord, have worked blessing on it, and it will be blessed forever."

18:1 After this it happened, that David struck the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and its towns out of the hand of the Philistines. 18:2 He struck Moab; and the Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute. 18:3 David struck Hadadezer king of Zobah to Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates. 18:4 David took from him one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots. 18:5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck of the Syrians twenty-two thousand men. 18:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 18:7 David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 18:8 From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very much brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. 18:9 When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, 18:10 he sent Hadoram his son to king David, to Greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; (for Hadadezer had wars with Tou;) and he had with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass. 18:11 These also did king David dedicate to Yahweh, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek. 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah struck of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand. 18:13 He put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 18:14 David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness to all his people. 18:15 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 18:16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; 18:17 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.

18:1 After this happened, David fought the Philistines, defeated them, and took Gath and its towns from the Philistines. 18:2 He fought against Moab, and the Moabites became David's servants and brought him tribute. 18:3 David struck Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as he was on his way to secure his rule by the Euphrates River. 18:4 David captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers from him; he hamstrung all the chariot horses but kept enough for a hundred chariots. 18:5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to support Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David killed twenty-two thousand of their men. 18:6 Then David set up garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became his servants and brought him tribute. Yahweh gave David victory wherever he went. 18:7 David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's servants and brought them to Jerusalem. 18:8 From Tibhath and Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze, which Solomon used to make the bronze sea, the pillars, and the bronze vessels. 18:9 When Tou, king of Hamath, heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, 18:10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David to greet and bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him (Hadadezer had been at war with Tou); and he brought all kinds of gold, silver, and bronze vessels with him. 18:11 King David dedicated these to Yahweh, along with the silver and gold he took from all the nations: from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. 18:12 Additionally, Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 18:13 He set up garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David's servants. Yahweh gave David victory wherever he went. 18:14 David ruled over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people. 18:15 Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was commander of the army; Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the recorder; 18:16 and Zadok, the son of Ahitub, along with Abimelech, the son of Abiathar, were priests; Shavsha was the scribe; 18:17 and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was in charge of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief advisors to the king.

19:1 It happened after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his place. 19:2 David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. 19:3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Think you that David does honor your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Aren't his servants come to you to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? 19:4 So Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 19:5 Then there went certain persons, and told David how the men were served. He sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, Stay at Jericho until your beards are grown, and then return. 19:6 When the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent one thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Arammaacah, and out of Zobah. 19:7 So they hired them thirty-two thousand chariots, and the king of Maacah and his people, who came and encamped before Medeba. The children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. 19:8 When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty men. 19:9 The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field. 19:10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. 19:11 The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon. 19:12 He said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. 19:13 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Yahweh do that which seems him good. 19:14 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians to the battle; and they fled before him. 19:15 When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem. 19:16 When the Syrians saw that they were defeated by Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians who were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 19:17 It was told David; and he gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came on them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him. 19:18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the army. 19:19 When the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David, and served him: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

19:1 After this, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, died, and his son took over as king. 19:2 David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun, Nahash’s son, because his father was kind to me." So David sent messengers to comfort him about his father. David's servants went to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to offer their condolences. 19:3 But the officials of the Ammonites said to Hanun, "Do you really think David honors your father by sending comforters to you? Didn’t his servants come to spy on us and overthrow the land?" 19:4 So Hanun took David's servants, shaved them, and cut their clothes in half, exposing their backsides, and sent them away. 19:5 Some people went to tell David how the men were treated. He sent word to meet them because the men were deeply embarrassed. The king said, "Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back, then return." 19:6 When the Ammonites saw that they had made themselves hated by David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. 19:7 So they hired thirty-two thousand chariots, and the king of Maacah and his people came and camped near Medeba. The Ammonites gathered from their cities and prepared for battle. 19:8 When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all the mighty men of valor. 19:9 The Ammonites came out and arranged their forces at the city gate, while the other kings stood by themselves in the field. 19:10 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and behind, he picked the best troops of Israel and arranged them against the Syrians. 19:11 He placed the rest of the people in the hands of his brother Abishai, and they positioned themselves against the Ammonites. 19:12 He said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. 19:13 Be brave, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May Yahweh do what seems good to Him." 19:14 So Joab and his men advanced toward the Syrians for battle, and they fled before him. 19:15 When the Ammonites saw that the Syrians had run away, they also fled from Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem. 19:16 When the Syrians realized they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and brought in the Syrians who were across the river, led by Shophach, the commander of Hadadezer's army. 19:17 David was informed, and he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and confronted them, arranging the battle against them. Once David had set up the battle against the Syrians, they fought with him. 19:18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven thousand chariot drivers and forty thousand infantry of the Syrians, and killed Shophach, the commander of the army. 19:19 When the servants of Hadadezer saw they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became his subjects. The Syrians no longer helped the Ammonites.

20:1 It happened, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it. 20:2 David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set on David's head: and he brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much. 20:3 He brought forth the people who were therein, and cut them with saws, and with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. 20:4 It happened after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued. 20:5 There was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 20:6 There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were twenty-four, six on each hand, and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant. 20:7 When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother killed him. 20:8 These were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

20:1 It happened during the time of year when kings go out to battle that Joab led the army, devastated the land of the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and destroyed it. 20:2 David took the crown of their king from his head, which weighed a talent of gold and had precious stones in it; and it was placed on David's head. He brought back a large amount of spoils from the city. 20:3 He brought out the people who were there and cut them with saws, iron picks, and axes. David did this to all the cities of the Ammonites. David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. 20:4 After this, there was a war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the sons of the giant; and they were defeated. 20:5 There was another battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear was as thick as a weaver's beam. 20:6 Another battle took place at Gath, where there was a man of great size with twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and six on each foot; he was also born to the giant. 20:7 When he challenged Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him. 20:8 These were born to the giant in Gath; and they were slain by David and his servants.

21:1 Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. 21:2 David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them. 21:3 Joab said, Yahweh make his people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my lord the king, aren't they all my lord's servants? Why does my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of guilt to Israel? 21:4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 21:5 Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to David. All those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand men who drew sword: and in Judah were four hundred seventy thousand men who drew sword. 21:6 But he didn't count Levi and Benjamin among them; for the king's word was abominable to Joab. 21:7 God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel. 21:8 David said to God, I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing: but now, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly. 21:9 Yahweh spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, 21:10 Go and speak to David, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I offer you three things: choose one of them, that I may do it to you. 21:11 So Gad came to David, and said to him, Thus says Yahweh, Take your choice: 21:12 either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you; or else three days the sword of Yahweh, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of Yahweh destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now therefore consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me. 21:13 David said to Gad, I am in distress. Let me fall, I pray, into the hand of Yahweh; for very great are his mercies: and let me not fall into the hand of man. 21:14 So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel; and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men. 21:15 God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was about to destroy, Yahweh saw, and he relented of the disaster, and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay your hand. The angel of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 21:16 David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of Yahweh standing between earth and the sky, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. 21:17 David said to God, Isn't it I who commanded the people to be numbered? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Yahweh my God, be against me, and against my father's house; but not against your people, that they should be plagued. 21:18 Then the angel of Yahweh commanded Gad to tell David, that David should go up, and raise an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 21:19 David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spoke in the name of Yahweh. 21:20 Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. 21:21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshing floor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground. 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, Give me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build thereon an altar to Yahweh: for the full price you shall give it to me, that the plague may be stopped from afflicting the people. 21:23 Ornan said to David, Take it to yourself, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: behold, I give you the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering; I give it all. 21:24 King David said to Ornan, No; but I will most certainly buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering without cost. 21:25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. 21:26 David built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering. 21:27 Yahweh commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into its sheath. 21:28 At that time, when David saw that Yahweh had answered him in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there. 21:29 For the tent of Yahweh, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering, were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. 21:30 But David couldn't go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Yahweh.

21:1 Satan confronted Israel, and prompted David to take a census of Israel. 21:2 David told Joab and the leaders of the people, Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan; and report back to me, so I can know the total number. 21:3 Joab replied, May Yahweh make his people a hundred times more than they are: but, my king, aren't they all your servants? Why does my king want this? Why cause guilt for Israel? 21:4 However, the king's order triumphed over Joab. So Joab left, and went throughout all Israel, and returned to Jerusalem. 21:5 Joab provided the total count of the people to David. There were one million one hundred thousand men of Israel who could draw a sword; and in Judah, four hundred seventy thousand men who could draw a sword. 21:6 But he didn't count Levi and Benjamin in that total; because the king's command was detestable to Joab. 21:7 God was angry about this; therefore he punished Israel. 21:8 David said to God, I have sinned greatly by doing this: but now, please remove the guilt of your servant; for I have acted very foolishly. 21:9 Yahweh spoke to Gad, David's prophet, saying, 21:10 Go and tell David, that Yahweh says: I offer you three choices: pick one of them, so I can act accordingly. 21:11 So Gad came to David and presented him with Yahweh's message, saying, Choose: 21:12 either three years of famine; or three months of defeat at the hands of your enemies, while the sword of your foes overtakes you; or three days of Yahweh's sword, a plague in the land, and the angel of Yahweh destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now, consider what answer I should return to him who sent me. 21:13 David said to Gad, I am in great pain. Let me fall, I ask, into the hands of Yahweh; for his mercies are very great: and let me not fall into the hands of man. 21:14 So Yahweh sent a plague on Israel; and seventy thousand men of Israel died. 21:15 God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was about to destroy, Yahweh saw, and he changed his mind about the disaster, and said to the destroying angel, That's enough; now stop. The angel of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 21:16 David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of Yahweh standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. 21:17 David said to God, Wasn't it I who commanded the people to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly; but these people, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Yahweh my God, be against me and my family; but do not let your people be punished. 21:18 Then the angel of Yahweh instructed Gad to tell David that he should go up and build an altar to Yahweh at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 21:19 David obeyed Gad, who spoke in the name of Yahweh. 21:20 Ornan turned around and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. 21:21 When David approached Ornan, Ornan saw David and came out of the threshing floor, bowing to David with his face to the ground. 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, Give me this threshing floor so I can build an altar to Yahweh: I will pay the full price for it, so the plague may stop afflicting the people. 21:23 Ornan said to David, Take it! My lord the king can do whatever seems good to him: here's the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing tools for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering; I give it all. 21:24 King David said to Ornan, No, I will definitely buy it for the full price: I won’t take what is yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing. 21:25 So David paid Ornan six hundred shekels of gold for the site. 21:26 David built an altar to Yahweh there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering. 21:27 Yahweh commanded the angel; and he sheathed his sword. 21:28 At that time, when David saw that Yahweh had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. 21:29 Because the tent of Yahweh, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering, were at that time at the high place in Gibeon. 21:30 But David couldn’t go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Yahweh.

22:1 Then David said, This is the house of Yahweh God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel. 22:2 David commanded to gather together the foreigners who were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to cut worked stones to build the house of God. 22:3 David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the couplings; and brass in abundance without weight; 22:4 and cedar trees without number: for the Sidonians and they of Tyre brought cedar trees in abundance to David. 22:5 David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be built for Yahweh must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. 22:6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and commanded him to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel. 22:7 David said to Solomon his son, As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the name of Yahweh my God. 22:8 But the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars: you shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days: 22:10 he shall build a house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. 22:11 Now, my son, Yahweh be with you; and prosper you, and build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 22:12 May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; that so you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. 22:13 Then you shall prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong, and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed. 22:14 Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Yahweh one hundred thousand talents of gold, and one million talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and you may add to them. 22:15 There are also workmen with you in abundance, cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of men who are skillful in every kind of work: 22:16 of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Yahweh be with you. 22:17 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 22:18 Isn't Yahweh your God with you? Hasn't he given you rest on every side? for he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and the land is subdued before Yahweh, and before his people. 22:19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek after Yahweh your God; arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God, to bring the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of Yahweh.

22:1 Then David said, "This is the house of Yahweh God, and this is the altar for burnt offerings for Israel." 22:2 David ordered the gathering of foreigners in the land of Israel, and he appointed masons to cut stone for building the house of God. 22:3 David prepared a large amount of iron for the nails for the gates and for the fittings, and an abundance of brass without weighing it; 22:4 and countless cedar trees, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought cedar trees in large quantities to David. 22:5 David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for Yahweh must be extremely magnificent, famous, and glorious throughout all countries: therefore, I will make preparations for it." So David made abundant preparations before his death. 22:6 Then he called for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel. 22:7 David said to his son Solomon, "As for me, it was in my heart to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God." 22:8 But the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, "You have shed much blood and waged great wars: you shall not build a house for my name, because you have spilled a lot of blood on the earth in my sight. 22:9 Behold, a son will be born to you who will be a man of peace; and I will give him rest from all his enemies surrounding him; his name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and tranquility to Israel during his reign. 22:10 He will build a house for my name; and he will be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever. 22:11 Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you; may he prosper you and help you build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has promised concerning you. 22:12 May Yahweh give you wisdom and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; so you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. 22:13 Then you will succeed if you carefully observe the statutes and ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or discouraged. 22:14 Now, look, in my suffering I have prepared for the house of Yahweh one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and an abundant amount of brass and iron; 22:15 timber and stone I have prepared; and you may add to them. 22:16 There are also plenty of workers for you, cutters and carpenters, and skilled craftsmen in every kind of work: 22:17 for gold, silver, brass, and iron, there is no limit. Get up and get to work, and may Yahweh be with you. 22:18 David also instructed all the leaders of Israel to support Solomon, saying, 22:19 "Isn't Yahweh your God with you? Hasn’t he given you rest on every side? For he has handed the inhabitants of the land over to my control; and the land is subdued before Yahweh and his people. Now set your heart and soul to seek Yahweh your God; therefore, rise up and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God, to bring in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and the holy items of God, into the house that will be built for the name of Yahweh."

23:1 Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel. 23:2 He gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. 23:3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand. 23:4 Of these, twenty-four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh; and six thousand were officers and judges; 23:5 and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised Yahweh with the instruments which I made, said David, for giving praise. 23:6 David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 23:7 Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. 23:8 The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 23:9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers' houses of Ladan. 23:10 The sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning. 23:12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, forever, to burn incense before Yahweh, to minister to him, and to bless in his name, forever. 23:14 But as for Moses the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi. 23:15 The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. 23:16 The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. 23:17 The sons of Eliezer were: Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. 23:18 The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. 23:19 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 23:20 The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief, and Isshiah the second. 23:21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 23:22 Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters only: and their brothers the sons of Kish took them to wife. 23:23 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three. 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after their fathers' houses, even the heads of the fathers' houses of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and upward. 23:25 For David said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he dwells in Jerusalem forever: 23:26 and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tent and all its vessels for its service. 23:27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. 23:28 For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Yahweh, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God; 23:29 for the show bread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size; 23:30 and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening; 23:31 and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Yahweh; 23:32 and that they should keep the duty of the Tent of Meeting, and the duty of the holy place, and the duty of the sons of Aaron their brothers, for the service of the house of Yahweh.

23:1 Now David was old and had lived a long life; and he made his son Solomon king over Israel. 23:2 He gathered all the leaders of Israel, along with the priests and the Levites. 23:3 The Levites were counted from thirty years old and up: their total number was thirty-eight thousand. 23:4 Out of these, twenty-four thousand were assigned to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh; six thousand were officers and judges; 23:5 four thousand were gatekeepers; and four thousand praised Yahweh with the instruments that David had made for offering praise. said David. 23:6 David organized them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 23:7 From the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. 23:8 The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, Zetham, and Joel, three. 23:9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the families of Ladan. 23:10 The sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah was the second, but Jeush and Beriah didn't have many sons; so they formed one family branch. 23:12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; Aaron was set apart to sanctify the most holy things, along with his sons, forever, to burn incense before Yahweh, to serve Him, and to bless in His name, forever. 23:14 But Moses, the man of God, had his sons counted among the tribe of Levi. 23:15 The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. 23:16 The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. 23:17 The sons of Eliezer: Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous. 23:18 The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. 23:19 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 23:20 The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief, and Isshiah the second. 23:21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 23:22 Eleazar died and had no sons, only daughters, and their brothers, the sons of Kish, married them. 23:23 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three. 23:24 These were the sons of Levi according to their family branches, the heads of the families of those who were counted individually, based on their names, who did the service for the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and up. 23:25 David said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever: 23:26 and the Levites will no longer need to transport the tent and all its vessels for service. 23:27 By David’s last instructions, the sons of Levi were counted from twenty years old and up. 23:28 Their role was to assist the sons of Aaron in the service of the house of Yahweh, in the courts, in the chambers, and in the purification of all holy things, including all the work of the service of the house of God; 23:29 and for the showbread, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or baked in the pan, or soaked, and for all kinds of measurements; 23:30 and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening; 23:31 and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in numbers according to the rules concerning them, continually before Yahweh; 23:32 and they should carry out the responsibilities of the Tent of Meeting, the holy place, and the duties of the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of Yahweh.

24:1 These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24:2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office. 24:3 David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service. 24:4 There were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided: of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of fathers' houses; and of the sons of Ithamar, according to their fathers' houses, eight. 24:5 Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. 24:6 Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; one fathers' house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar. 24:7 Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 24:8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 24:9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 24:10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 24:11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 24:12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 24:13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 24:14 the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 24:15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 24:16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 24:17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, 24:18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 24:19 This was the ordering of them in their service, to come into the house of Yahweh according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him. 24:20 Of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 24:21 Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief. 24:22 Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. 24:23 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24:24 The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir. 24:25 The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. 24:26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; the sons of Jaaziah: Beno. 24:27 The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. 24:28 Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. 24:29 Of Kish; the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. 24:30 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers' houses. 24:31 These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers' houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother.

24:1 These were the groups of the sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24:2 Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. 24:3 David, along with Zadok from Eleazar's line and Ahimelech from Ithamar's line, organized them according to their duties. 24:4 There were more leaders identified among the sons of Eleazar than among the sons of Ithamar, and this is how they were divided: from Eleazar’s line, there were sixteen heads of families; and from Ithamar’s line, there were eight, based on their family groups. 24:5 They were assigned their roles fairly by drawing lots, since there were leaders from the sanctuary and leaders of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. 24:6 Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel the scribe from the Levites, recorded them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the families of the priests and the Levites; one family was chosen for Eleazar, and one for Ithamar. 24:7 The first lot went to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 24:8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 24:9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 24:10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 24:11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 24:12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 24:13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 24:14 the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 24:15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 24:16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 24:17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, 24:18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 24:19 This was their assignment for service in the house of Yahweh, following the guidelines given to them by their father Aaron, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him. 24:20 Among the other sons of Levi: from Amram’s line, Shubael; from Shubael’s line, Jehdeiah. 24:21 From Rehabiah: Isshiah the chief from Rehabiah’s line. 24:22 From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from Shelomoth’s line, Jahath. 24:23 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24:24 The sons of Uzziel: Micah; from Micah's line, Shamir. 24:25 The brother of Micah, Isshiah; from Isshiah’s line, Zechariah. 24:26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; the sons of Jaaziah: Beno. 24:27 The sons of Merari: from Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. 24:28 From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. 24:29 From Kish: the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. 24:30 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites by their family groups. 24:31 They also cast lots just like their brothers, the sons of Aaron, in front of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites; the family groups of the chiefs were the same as those of his younger brother.

25:1 Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals: and the number of those who did the work according to their service was: 25:2 of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied after the order of the king. 25:3 Of Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh. 25:4 Of Heman; the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth. 25:5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 25:6 All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of Yahweh, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king. 25:7 The number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight. 25:8 They cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. 25:9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah; he and his brothers and sons were twelve: 25:10 the third to Zaccur, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:11 the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:12 the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:13 the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:14 the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:15 the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:16 the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:17 the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:18 the eleventh to Azarel, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:19 the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:20 for the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:21 for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:22 for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:23 for the sixteenth to Hananiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:24 for the seventeenth to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:25 for the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:26 for the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:27 for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:28 for the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:29 for the two and twentieth to Giddalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:30 for the three and twentieth to Mahazioth, his sons and his brothers, twelve: 25:31 for the four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, his sons and his brothers, twelve.

25:1 Additionally, David and the army leaders set aside some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. The total number of those who worked according to their service was: 25:2 the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, prophesying as directed by the king. 25:3 From Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six in total, under their father Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied while giving thanks and praising Yahweh. 25:4 From Heman; the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 25:5 All these were the sons of Heman, the king's seer regarding God's words, to raise the horn. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 25:6 All these were dedicated by their father for music in the house of Yahweh, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were working under the king's order. 25:7 The total number of them, along with their brothers who were trained to sing to Yahweh, all skilled musicians, was two hundred eighty-eight. 25:8 They drew lots for their positions, all equal, both small and great, teachers and students alike. 25:9 The first lot went to Asaph for Joseph: the second to Gedaliah; he and his brothers and sons totaled twelve: 25:10 the third to Zaccur, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:11 the fourth to Izri, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:12 the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:13 the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:14 the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:15 the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:16 the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:17 the tenth to Shimei, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:18 the eleventh to Azarel, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:19 the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:20 for the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:21 for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:22 for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:23 for the sixteenth to Hananiah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:24 for the seventeenth to Joshbekashah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:25 for the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:26 for the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:27 for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:28 for the twenty-first to Hothir, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:29 for the twenty-second to Giddalti, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:30 for the twenty-third to Mahazioth, his sons and brothers, twelve: 25:31 for the twenty-fourth to Romamtiezer, his sons and brothers, twelve.

26:1 For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. 26:2 Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 26:3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. 26:4 Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth, 26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him. 26:6 Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor. 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah. 26:8 All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom: they and their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service; sixty-two of Obed-Edom. 26:9 Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, valiant men, eighteen. 26:10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him chief), 26:11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen. 26:12 Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the house of Yahweh. 26:13 They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate. 26:14 The lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. 26:15 To Obed-Edom southward; and to his sons the storehouse. 26:16 To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watch against watch. 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two. 26:18 For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. 26:19 These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Merari. 26:20 Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things. 26:21 The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli. 26:22 The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of the house of Yahweh. 26:23 Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites: 26:24 and Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasures. 26:25 His brothers: of Eliezer came Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son. 26:26 This Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers' houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. 26:27 Out of the spoil won in battles did they dedicate to repair the house of Yahweh. 26:28 All that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth, and of his brothers. 26:29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges. 26:30 Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, men of valor, one thousand seven hundred, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of Yahweh, and for the service of the king. 26:31 Of the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers' houses. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead. 26:32 His brothers, men of valor, were two thousand seven hundred, heads of fathers' houses, whom king David made overseers over the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God, and for the affairs of the king.

26:1 For the divisions of the doorkeepers: from the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, from the sons of Asaph. 26:2 Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 26:3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. 26:4 Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth, 26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him. 26:6 Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor. 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah. 26:8 All these were the sons of Obed-Edom: they and their sons and their brothers, capable men in strength for the service; sixty-two of Obed-Edom. 26:9 Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, valiant men, eighteen. 26:10 Also Hosah, from the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief), 26:11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen. 26:12 These were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having duties similar to their brothers, to minister in the house of Yahweh. 26:13 They cast lots, both the small and the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate. 26:14 The lot eastward went to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. 26:15 For Obed-Edom southward; and for his sons the storehouse. 26:16 For Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that leads up, watch against watch. 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two. 26:18 For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. 26:19 These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; from the sons of the Korahites and the sons of Merari. 26:20 Of the Levites, Ahijah was in charge of the treasures of the house of God, and the treasures of the dedicated things. 26:21 The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli. 26:22 The sons of Jehieli: Zetham and Joel his brother, in charge of the treasures of the house of Yahweh. 26:23 Of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, the Uzzielites: 26:24 and Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was in charge of the treasures. 26:25 His brothers: from Eliezer came Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son. 26:26 This Shelomoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers' houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. 26:27 From the spoil won in battles, they dedicated to repair the house of Yahweh. 26:28 All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whatever anyone had dedicated, was managed by Shelomoth and his brothers. 26:29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were responsible for the external matters over Israel, for officers and judges. 26:30 Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, men of valor, one thousand seven hundred, were in charge of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the matters of Yahweh, and for the service of the king. 26:31 Of the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even of the Hebronites, according to their generations by the fathers' houses. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead. 26:32 His brothers, men of valor, were two thousand seven hundred, heads of fathers' houses, whom King David made overseers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter concerning God and for the affairs of the king.

27:1 Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of fathers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year--of every division were twenty-four thousand. 27:2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:3 He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month. 27:4 Over the division of the second month was Dodai the Ahohite, and his division; and Mikloth the ruler: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:5 The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, chief: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was the mighty man of the thirty, and over the thirty: and of his division was Ammizabad his son. 27:7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:8 The fifth captain for this fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were Twenty-four thousand. 27:14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 27:16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri the ruler: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah: 27:17 of Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of Aaron, Zadok: 27:18 of Judah, Elihu, one of the brothers of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: 27:19 of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel: 27:20 of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah: 27:21 of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner: 27:22 of Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel. 27:23 But David didn't take the number of them from twenty years old and under, because Yahweh had said he would increase Israel like the stars of the sky. 27:24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but didn't finish; and there came wrath for this on Israel; neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of king David. 27:25 Over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah: 27:26 Over those who did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub: 27:27 and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: and over the increase of the vineyards for the winecellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite: 27:28 and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal Hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash: 27:29 and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai: 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. 27:31 All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's. 27:32 Also Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons: 27:33 Ahithophel was the king's counselor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend: 27:34 and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the captain of the king's army was Joab.

27:1 Now the Israelites counted their numbers, the leaders of their families, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in any capacity throughout the year—each division had twenty-four thousand members. 27:2 In charge of the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:3 He was from the descendants of Perez, the chief of all army commanders for the first month. 27:4 Leading the division for the second month was Dodai the Ahohite, along with his division, and Mikloth the ruler: his division also had twenty-four thousand. 27:5 The third army commander for the third month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, chief: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was a mighty man among the thirty and in charge of the thirty: and his division had Ammizabad his son. 27:7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, followed by his son Zebadiah: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, from the children of Ephraim: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, from the Zerahites: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, from the Benjamites: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, from the Zerahites: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, from the children of Ephraim: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, from Othniel: his division had twenty-four thousand. 27:16 Additionally, over the tribes of Israel: Eliezer the son of Zichri was in charge of the Reubenites; Shephatiah the son of Maacah was over the Simeonites; 27:17 Hashabiah the son of Kemuel was over Levi; Zadok was over Aaron; 27:18 Elihu, a brother of David, was over Judah; Omri the son of Michael was over Issachar; 27:19 Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah was over Zebulun; Jeremoth the son of Azriel was over Naphtali; 27:20 Hoshea the son of Azaziah was over the children of Ephraim; Joel the son of Pedaiah was over the half-tribe of Manasseh; 27:21 Iddo the son of Zechariah was over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead; Jaasiel the son of Abner was over Benjamin; 27:22 Azarel the son of Jeroham was over Dan. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel. 27:23 But David didn’t count those who were twenty years old and younger, because Yahweh had said he would increase Israel like the stars in the sky. 27:24 Joab the son of Zeruiah started the count but didn’t finish; this brought wrath upon Israel, and the total wasn’t included in the official records of King David. 27:25 In charge of the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; overseeing the treasures in the fields, cities, villages, and towers was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; 27:26 Ezri the son of Chelub was in charge of those working in the fields for crop cultivation; 27:27 Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards; Zabdi the Shiphmite oversaw the harvests of the vineyards for the wine cellars; 27:28 Baal Hanan the Gederite was over the olive and sycamore trees in the lowlands; Joash managed the oil reserves; 27:29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon; Shaphat the son of Adlai was responsible for the herds in the valleys; 27:30 Obil the Ishmaelite managed the camels; Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys; and Jaziz the Hagrite oversaw the flocks. 27:31 All these were the stewards of King David's possessions. 27:32 Also, Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight, and a scribe: Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons; 27:33 Ahithophel was the king's advisor; Hushai the Archite was the king's friend; 27:34 after Ahithophel came Jehoiada the son of Benaiah and Abiathar; and the commander of the king’s army was Joab.

28:1 David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies who served the king by division, and the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, and the rulers over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officers, and the mighty men, even all the mighty men of valor, to Jerusalem. 28:2 Then David the king stood up on his feet, and said, Hear me, my brothers, and my people: as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building. 28:3 But God said to me, You shall not build a house for my name, because you are a man of war, and have shed blood. 28:4 However Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever: for he has chosen Judah to be prince; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel; 28:5 Of all my sons (for Yahweh has given me many sons), he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of Yahweh over Israel. 28:6 He said to me, Solomon your son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 28:7 I will establish his kingdom forever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my ordinances, as at this day. 28:8 Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Yahweh, and in the audience of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of Yahweh your God; that you may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. 28:9 You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 28:10 Take heed now; for Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. 28:11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch of the temple, and of its houses, and of its treasuries, and of the upper rooms of it, and of the inner chambers of it, and of the place of the mercy seat; 28:12 and the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, for the courts of the house of Yahweh, and for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things; 28:13 also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, and for all the vessels of service in the house of Yahweh; 28:14 of gold by weight for the vessels of gold, for all vessels of every kind of service; of silver for all the vessels of silver by weight, for all vessels of every kind of service; 28:15 by weight also for the lampstands of gold, and for its lamps, of gold, by weight for every lampstand and for its lamps; and for the lampstands of silver, silver by weight for every lampstand and for its lamps, according to the use of every lampstand; 28:16 and the gold by weight for the tables of show bread, for every table; and silver for the tables of silver; 28:17 and the forks, and the basins, and the cups, of pure gold; and for the golden bowls by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls by weight for every bowl; 28:18 and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot, even the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. 28:19 All this, said David, have I been made to understand in writing from the hand of Yahweh, even all the works of this pattern. 28:20 David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: don't be afraid, nor be dismayed; for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of Yahweh is finished. 28:21 Behold, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with you in all manner of work every willing man who has skill, for any manner of service: also the captains and all the people will be entirely at your command.

28:1 David gathered all the leaders of Israel, including the tribal leaders, commanders of the groups serving the king, captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, and those in charge of the king's and his sons' possessions, along with the officers and all the valiant men, in Jerusalem. 28:2 Then King David stood up and said, "Listen to me, my brothers and my people: I had it in my heart to build a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for our God's footstool, and I had prepared to start the construction. 28:3 But God said to me, 'You must not build a house for my name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.' 28:4 Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me from my father's house to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah as the leader; from the house of Judah, my father's house; and from my father's sons, He favored me to make me king over all Israel. 28:5 Of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons), He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 28:6 He told me, 'Your son Solomon will build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 28:7 I will establish his kingdom forever, if he remains steadfast in following my commands and laws, as he does today.' 28:8 Now, therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the presence of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God so that you can possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your children forever. 28:9 You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every thought and intention. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you abandon Him, He will reject you forever. 28:10 Pay attention now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a sanctuary: be strong and get it done. 28:11 Then David gave Solomon his son the design for the porch of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper rooms, its inner chambers, and the place for the mercy seat; 28:12 and the plan for everything he had by the Spirit, for the courts of the house of the Lord, and all the surrounding rooms, and the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries of dedicated items; 28:13 also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites, for all the work in the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the service items in the house of the Lord; 28:14 weights of gold for the gold items, for all types of service items; weights of silver for all the silver items, for every type of service item; 28:15 weights for the gold lampstands and their lamps, weights of gold for every lampstand and its lamps; and for the silver lampstands, silver weights for each lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand; 28:16 and gold weights for the tables of showbread, for each table; and silver for the silver tables; 28:17 and pure gold for the forks, basins, and cups; for the gold bowls by weight for each bowl; and for the silver bowls by weight for each bowl; 28:18 and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the design of the chariot, the cherubim that spread out their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 28:19 All this, David said, I have been given understanding of in writing from the hand of the Lord, even all the works of this design. 28:20 David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do it: don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you; He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is completed. 28:21 Look, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the work of the house of God: and every willing person with skill for any form of service will be with you; also the captains and all the people will be completely under your authority."

29:1 David the king said to all the assembly, Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; for the palace is not for man, but for Yahweh God. 29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the brass for the things of brass, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of various colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. 29:3 In addition, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, I give it to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, 29:4 even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, with which to overlay the walls of the houses; 29:5 of gold for the things of gold, and of silver for the things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. Who then offers willingly to consecrate himself this day to Yahweh? 29:6 Then the princes of the fathers' houses, and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers over the king's work, offered willingly; 29:7 and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand darics, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and of iron a hundred thousand talents. 29:8 They with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of Yahweh, under the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to Yahweh: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. 29:10 Therefore David blessed Yahweh before all the assembly; and David said, You are blessed, Yahweh, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 29:11 Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head above all. 29:12 Both riches and honor come of you, and you rule over all; and in your hand is power and might; and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all. 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank you, and praise your glorious name. 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come of you, and of your own have we given you. 29:15 For we are strangers before you, and foreigners, as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding. 29:16 Yahweh our God, all this store that we have prepared to build you a house for your holy name comes of your hand, and is all your own. 29:17 I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, that are present here, offer willingly to you. 29:18 Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of your people, and prepare their heart to you; 29:19 and give to Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for which I have made provision. 29:20 David said to all the assembly, Now bless Yahweh your God. All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads and prostrated themselves before Yahweh and the king. 29:21 They sacrificed sacrifices to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the next day after that day, even one thousand bulls, one thousand rams, and one thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel, 29:22 and ate and drink before Yahweh on that day with great gladness. They made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him to Yahweh to be prince, and Zadok to be priest. 29:23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of Yahweh as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. 29:24 All the princes, the mighty men, and also all of the sons of king David submitted themselves to Solomon the king. 29:25 Yahweh magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. 29:26 Now David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. 29:27 The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years reigned he in Jerusalem. 29:28 He died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his place. 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the history of Gad the seer, 29:30 with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.

29:1 King David said to the entire assembly, “My son Solomon, whom God has chosen, is still young and inexperienced, and the task ahead is significant; the palace is not for people, but for Yahweh God.” 29:2 “I have done my best to prepare for the house of my God, providing gold for the things of gold, silver for the things of silver, bronze for the things of bronze, iron for the things of iron, wood for the things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, stones for decorative work, in various colors, along with all types of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.” 29:3 “Additionally, because I have a deep affection for the house of my God, I’m giving from my personal treasure of gold and silver, beyond what I’ve already prepared for the holy house, 29:4 even three thousand talents of gold from Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver to cover the walls of the buildings; 29:5 gold for the things of gold, silver for the things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be made by skilled craftsmen. Who is willing to dedicate themselves to Yahweh today?” 29:6 Then the leaders of the families, the tribal leaders of Israel, and the captains of thousands and hundreds, along with the overseers of the king’s work, offered willingly; 29:7 and they contributed for the service of the house of God five thousand talents of gold and ten thousand darics, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and a hundred thousand talents of iron. 29:8 Those who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of Yahweh, overseen by Jehiel the Gershonite. 29:9 The people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, and with a sincere heart they gave willingly to Yahweh; and King David also rejoiced greatly. 29:10 So David blessed Yahweh before the entire assembly, saying, “Blessed are you, Yahweh, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever.” 29:11 “Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head over all.” 29:12 “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over everything; in your hand is power and might, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.” 29:13 “Now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.” 29:14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and we have given you only what is yours.” 29:15 “For we are strangers and foreigners before you, just like all our ancestors; our days on earth are like a shadow, and there is no permanence.” 29:16 “Yahweh our God, all this that we have prepared to build you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is entirely yours.” 29:17 “I know, my God, that you test the heart and take pleasure in integrity. With the rightness of my heart, I have freely given all these things, and now I have seen with joy your people who are present here offer willingly to you.” 29:18 “Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this forever in the thoughts and hearts of your people, and prepare their hearts for you; 29:19 and give my son Solomon a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the palace for which I have made provision.” 29:20 David said to the entire assembly, “Now bless Yahweh your God.” All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before Yahweh and the king. 29:21 They offered sacrifices to Yahweh and presented burnt offerings to Yahweh the day after that, one thousand bulls, one thousand rams, and one thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and abundant sacrifices for all Israel, 29:22 and ate and drank before Yahweh on that day with great joy. They made Solomon, the son of David, king a second time and anointed him for Yahweh to be prince, along with Zadok as priest. 29:23 Then Solomon sat on Yahweh's throne as king in place of his father David, and he prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. 29:24 All the leaders, the mighty men, and all the sons of King David submitted to King Solomon. 29:25 Yahweh greatly honored Solomon in the sight of all Israel and gave him such royal majesty as had not been granted to any king before him in Israel. 29:26 Now David, the son of Jesse, reigned over all Israel. 29:27 The duration of his reign over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 29:28 He died at a good old age, full of days, wealth, and honor; and his son Solomon succeeded him. 29:29 The acts of King David, from beginning to end, are recorded in the history of Samuel the seer, the history of Nathan the prophet, and the history of Gad the seer, 29:30 covering all his reign and strength, the events that occurred during his time, and throughout Israel, and all the kingdoms of the countries.














The Second Book of Chronicles

1:1 Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 1:2 Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses. 1:3 So Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the Tent of Meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Yahweh had made in the wilderness. 1:4 But David had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath Jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 1:5 Moreover the bronze altar, that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there before the tent of Yahweh: and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there. 1:6 Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the Tent of Meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it. 1:7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." 1:8 Solomon said to God, You have shown great loving kindness to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 1:9 Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to David my father be established; for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this your people, that is so great? 1:11 God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king: 1:12 wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you; neither shall there any after you have the like. 1:13 So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the Tent of Meeting, to Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel. 1:14 Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 1:15 The king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance. 1:16 The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt and from Kue; the king's merchants purchased them from Kue. 1:17 They brought up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver, and a horse for one hundred fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

1:1 Solomon, the son of David, was strengthened in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him and greatly magnified him. 1:2 Solomon addressed all of Israel, including the captains of thousands and hundreds, the judges, and every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses. 1:3 So Solomon and the entire assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, where the Tent of Meeting of God was located, which Moses, the servant of Yahweh, had made in the wilderness. 1:4 But David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, as he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem. 1:5 Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there in front of the tent of Yahweh, and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there. 1:6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the Tent of Meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it. 1:7 That night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." 1:8 Solomon replied to God, "You have shown great loving kindness to my father David and have made me king in his place. 1:9 Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to my father David be established, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge so that I may go in and out before this people, for who can judge this your great people?" 1:11 God said to Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, and you have not asked for a long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself so that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king: 1:12 wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will also give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as no king has had who came before you, nor will anyone after you have the like." 1:13 So Solomon returned from the high place at Gibeon, from the Tent of Meeting, to Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel. 1:14 Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 1:15 The king made silver and gold in Jerusalem as plentiful as stones, and cedars as abundant as sycamore trees in the lowland. 1:16 The horses Solomon had were brought from Egypt and from Kue; the king's merchants purchased them from Kue. 1:17 They would bring up and import from Egypt a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver and a horse for one hundred fifty; and so they did for all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

2:1 Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom. 2:2 Solomon counted out seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand men who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them. 2:3 Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As you dealt with David my father, and sent him cedars to build him a house in which to dwell, even so deal with me. 2:4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Yahweh our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel. 2:5 The house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods. 2:6 But who is able to build him a house, seeing heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain him? who am I then, that I should build him a house, save only to burn incense before him? 2:7 Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave all manner of engravings, to be with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and behold, my servants shall be with your servants, 2:9 even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful. 2:10 Behold, I will give to your servants, the cutters who cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. 2:11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, "Because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over them." 2:12 Huram continued, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, that should build a house for Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom. 2:13 Now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, of Huram my father's, 2:14 the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to devise any device; that there may be a place appointed to him with your skillful men, and with the skillful men of my lord David your father. 2:15 Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my lord has spoken of, let him send to his servants: 2:16 and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shall need; and we will bring it to you in floats by sea to Joppa; and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem." 2:17 Solomon numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with which David his father had numbered them; and they were found one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred. 2:18 He set seventy thousand of them to bear burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people at work.

2:1 Now Solomon planned to build a house for the name of Yahweh and a palace for his kingdom. 2:2 Solomon assigned seventy thousand men to carry loads, eighty thousand men as stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred to supervise them. 2:3 Solomon sent a message to Huram, the king of Tyre, saying, "Just as you helped my father David by sending him cedar trees to build a house, please do the same for me." 2:4 "Look, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, to burn incense of sweet spices before him, and to provide the continual showbread, and the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the appointed feasts of Yahweh our God. This is a commandment forever for Israel." 2:5 "The house I am building is huge because our God is greater than all gods." 2:6 "But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the highest heaven can't contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?" 2:7 "So please send me a skillful man who can work with gold, silver, brass, and iron, as well as purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, and someone who knows how to engrave all kinds of designs, to work with the skilled men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father appointed." 2:8 "Also, send me cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees from Lebanon, because I know your workers are good at cutting timber in Lebanon, and my workers will be with your workers 2:9 to prepare a large supply of timber; for the house I am about to build will be great and wonderful." 2:10 "Look, I will give your workers, the ones who cut the timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, twenty thousand measures of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil." 2:11 Then Huram, king of Tyre, replied in writing, which he sent to Solomon, "Because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over them." 2:12 Huram continued, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given David the king a wise son, filled with discernment and understanding, to build a house for Yahweh, and a palace for his kingdom." 2:13 "I have sent a skillful man who is wise, from Huram my father, 2:14 the son of a woman from the tribe of Dan; his father is a man of Tyre, skilled in working with gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, timber, purple, blue, fine linen, and crimson. He can also engrave any kind of engraving and design any kind of artwork; so he can work with your skilled men and the skilled men of my lord David." 2:15 "Now regarding the wheat, barley, oil, and wine that my lord mentioned, let him send that to his servants: 2:16 and we will cut wood from Lebanon as much as you need; we will bring it to you by sea to Joppa, and you can take it up to Jerusalem." 2:17 Solomon counted all the foreigners in the land of Israel, similar to the count that David his father had done, and found they totaled one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred. 2:18 He assigned seventy thousand of them to carry loads, eighty thousand as stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred supervisors to put the people to work.

3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Yahweh appeared to David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 3:2 He began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign. 3:3 Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. 3:4 The porch that was before the house, its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure gold. 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with fir wood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains. 3:6 He garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. 3:7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and its walls, and its doors, with gold; and engraved cherubim on the walls. 3:8 He made the most holy house: its length, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents. 3:9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper chambers with gold. 3:10 In the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work; and they overlaid them with gold. 3:11 The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. 3:12 The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub. 3:13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. 3:14 He made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim. 3:15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. 3:16 He made chains in the oracle, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. 3:17 He set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

3:1 Then Solomon started building the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Yahweh had appeared to his father David. He prepared it in the place that David had designated, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 3:2 He began construction on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign. 3:3 Now these are the foundations that Solomon laid for the temple of God. The length in cubits, according to the initial measurement, was sixty cubits, and the width was twenty cubits. 3:4 The porch in front of the house was twenty cubits long, matching the width of the house, and its height was one hundred twenty cubits, and he covered it inside with pure gold. 3:5 The larger house had a ceiling made of fir wood, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. 3:6 He adorned the house with beautiful precious stones, and the gold used was gold from Parvaim. 3:7 He also coated the house, including the beams, thresholds, walls, and doors, with gold; and he engraved cherubim on the walls. 3:8 He made the most holy place: its length, matching the width of the house, was twenty cubits, and its width was also twenty cubits; and he covered it with fine gold, totaling six hundred talents. 3:9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also covered the upper chambers with gold. 3:10 In the most holy place, he made two cherubim from carved work and covered them with gold. 3:11 The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: one cherub's wing was five cubits, reaching the wall of the house, and the other wing was also five cubits, stretching to the wing of the other cherub. 3:12 The other cherub also had a wing measuring five cubits, reaching the wall of the house, and its other wing was five cubits as well, connecting to the wing of the other cherub. 3:13 The wings of these cherubim spread out twenty cubits: they stood on their feet, facing the house. 3:14 He crafted the veil from blue, purple, and crimson fabrics, along with fine linen, and adorned it with cherubim. 3:15 He also made two pillars in front of the house, each thirty-five cubits high, with their capitals at the top measuring five cubits. 3:16 He created chains for the inner sanctuary and placed them on top of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates to hang on the chains. 3:17 He set the pillars up in front of the temple, one on the right and the other on the left; and he named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz.

4:1 Then he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits its length, and twenty cubits its breadth, and ten cubits its height. 4:2 Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass; and its height was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits encircled it. 4:3 Under it was the likeness of oxen, which encircled it, for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast. 4:4 It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. 4:5 It was a handbreadth thick; and its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it received and held three thousand baths. 4:6 He made also ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as belonged to the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. 4:7 He made the ten lampstands of gold according to the ordinance concerning them; and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. 4:8 He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. He made one hundred basins of gold. 4:9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass. 4:10 He set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south. 4:11 Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basins. So Huram made an end of doing the work that he did for king Solomon in the house of God: 4:12 the two pillars, and the bowls, and the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars, 4:13 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 4:14 He made also the bases, and the basins made he on the bases; 4:15 one sea, and the twelve oxen under it. 4:16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the forks, and all its vessels, did Huram his father make for king Solomon for the house of Yahweh of bright brass. 4:17 In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. 4:18 Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out. 4:19 Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables with the show bread on them; 4:20 and the lampstands with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold; 4:21 and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold, and that perfect gold; 4:22 and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the fire pans, of pure gold: and as for the entry of the house, the inner doors of it for the most holy place, and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold.

4:1 Then he built a bronze altar that was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. 4:2 He also created the molten sea, which measured ten cubits across from edge to edge, was round, and five cubits tall, with a circumference of thirty cubits. 4:3 Underneath it was a design of oxen all around it, ten cubits in total, encircling the sea. The oxen were arranged in two rows, cast at the same time as the sea. 4:4 It rested on twelve oxen, with three facing north, three west, three south, and three east, and the sea was placed on them, with their backs turned inward. 4:5 It was a handbreadth thick, with its edge shaped like the rim of a cup, resembling a lily flower, and it could hold three thousand baths. 4:6 He also made ten basins, placing five on the right and five on the left for washing; the things for the burnt offerings were washed in them, while the sea was for the priests to wash in. 4:7 He crafted the ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the right and five on the left. 4:8 He made ten tables and positioned them in the temple, five on the right and five on the left, and he created one hundred basins of gold. 4:9 Additionally, he constructed the priests' courtyard, the large courtyard, and doors for the courtyard, which he overlaid with bronze. 4:10 He placed the sea on the right side of the house toward the east and the south. 4:11 Huram made the pots, shovels, and basins. So Huram completed all the work he did for King Solomon in the house of God: 4:12 the two pillars, the bowls, and the two capitals that were on top of the pillars, along with the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals atop the pillars, 4:13 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 4:14 He also made the bases, and on the bases, he placed the basins; 4:15 one sea, and the twelve oxen underneath it. 4:16 The pots, shovels, forks, and all the other vessels were made by Huram his father for King Solomon for the house of Yahweh out of polished brass. 4:17 In the Jordan plain, he cast them in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. 4:18 Thus, Solomon made all these vessels in great quantities, for the weight of the brass was beyond measure. 4:19 Solomon made all the vessels for the house of God, including the golden altar and the tables with the showbread on them; 4:20 the lampstands with their lamps, to burn according to the regulation before the oracle, were of pure gold; 4:21 he also made the flowers, lamps, and tongs out of gold, and all were made of the finest gold; 4:22 and the snuffers, basins, spoons, and fire pans were pure gold: and regarding the entrance of the house, the inner doors for the most holy place and the doors for the main hall of the temple were made of gold.

5:1 Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of Yahweh was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver, and the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of God. 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers' houses of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the city of David, which is Zion. 5:3 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves to the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. 5:4 All the elders of Israel came: and the Levites took up the ark; 5:5 and they brought up the ark, and the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; these did the priests the Levites bring up. 5:6 King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled to him, were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle, that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude. 5:7 The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. 5:8 For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. 5:9 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen outside: and there it is to this day. 5:10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 5:11 It happened, when the priests were come out of the holy place, (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, and did not keep their divisions; 5:12 also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets;) 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever; that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Yahweh, 5:14 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of God.

5:1 So all the work that Solomon did for the house of Yahweh was completed. Solomon brought in the things that his father David had dedicated, including the silver, the gold, and all the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of God. 5:2 Then Solomon gathered the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the families of the Israelites to Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh from the city of David, which is Zion. 5:3 And all the men of Israel gathered to the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. 5:4 All the elders of Israel came, and the Levites carried the ark; 5:5 and they brought up the ark, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels in the Tent. The priests, the Levites, were responsible for bringing them up. 5:6 King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that was with him stood before the ark, offering countless sheep and cattle as sacrifices. 5:7 The priests brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its designated place in the inner sanctuary of the house, the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim. 5:8 The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark, covering the ark and its poles above. 5:9 The poles were so long that their ends could be seen from the ark in front of the inner sanctuary, but they were not visible outside, and they remain that way to this day. 5:10 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt. 5:11 When the priests came out of the holy place (for all the priests present had consecrated themselves and did not keep their divisions; 5:12 the Levites, who were the singers, all of them including Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and brothers, dressed in fine linen, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, along with one hundred twenty priests blowing trumpets;) 5:13 it happened that when the trumpeters and singers joined together to make one sound heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they raised their voices with trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, praising Yahweh, saying, "For he is good; his loving kindness endures forever," the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Yahweh, 5:14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of God.

6:1 Then spoke Solomon, Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 6:2 But I have built you a house of habitation, and a place for you to dwell in forever. 6:3 The king turned his face, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood. 6:4 He said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my father, and has with his hands fulfilled it, saying, 6:5 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be prince over my people Israel: 6:6 but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel. 6:7 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 6:8 But Yahweh said to David my father, Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart: 6:9 nevertheless you shall not build the house; but your son who shall come forth out of your body, he shall build the house for my name. 6:10 Yahweh has performed his word that he spoke; for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 6:11 There have I set the ark, in which is the covenant of Yahweh, which he made with the children of Israel. 6:12 He stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands 6:13 (for Solomon had made a bronze scaffold, five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and on it he stood, and kneeled down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven;) 6:14 and he said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven, or on earth; who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart; 6:15 who have kept with your servant David my father that which you did promise him: yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day. 6:16 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me. 6:17 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David. 6:18 But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you; how much less this house which I have built! 6:19 Yet have you respect to the prayer of your servant, and to his supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you; 6:20 that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place where you have said that you would put your name; to listen to the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place. 6:21 Listen to the petitions of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when you hear, forgive. 6:22 If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house; 6:23 then hear from heaven, and do, and judge your servants, bringing retribution to the wicked, to bring his way on his own head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. 6:24 If your people Israel be struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against you, and shall turn again and confess your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house; 6:25 then hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their fathers. 6:26 When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you do afflict them: 6:27 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance. 6:28 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there be; 6:29 whatever prayer and supplication be made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall know every man his own plague and his own sorrow, and shall spread forth his hands toward this house: 6:30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of men;) 6:31 that they may fear you, to walk in your ways, so long as they live in the land which you gave to our fathers. 6:32 Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he shall come from a far country for your great name's sake, and your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm; when they shall come and pray toward this house: 6:33 then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, and fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name. 6:34 If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name; 6:35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 6:36 If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn't sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near; 6:37 yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly; 6:38 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, and the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name: 6:39 then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, their prayer and their petitions, and maintain their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you. 6:40 Now, my God, let, I beg you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive, to the prayer that is made in this place. 6:41 Now therefore arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength: let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. 6:42 Yahweh God, don't turn away the face of your anointed: remember your loving kindnesses to David your servant.

6:1 Then Solomon spoke, saying that Yahweh has declared he would reside in deep darkness. 6:2 But I have built you a dwelling place, a permanent home for you. 6:3 The king turned his face and blessed the entire assembly of Israel; all the assembly of Israel stood. 6:4 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke to my father David and fulfilled it with his hands, saying, 6:5 'From the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I did not choose a city from all the tribes of Israel to build a house for my name; nor did I choose any man to be a leader over my people Israel. 6:6 Instead, I chose Jerusalem for my name to be there, and I chose David to lead my people Israel.' 6:7 It was in David's heart, my father, to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 6:8 But Yahweh said to David, my father, 'Although it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well to have that intention. 6:9 Still, you won't build the house; your son, who will come from your body, will build it for my name.' 6:10 Yahweh has kept his promise; I have risen up in the place of my father David and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and I have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 6:11 There I have placed the ark, which contains the covenant of Yahweh made with the children of Israel. 6:12 He stood before the altar of Yahweh in front of all the assembly of Israel and stretched out his hands 6:13 (for Solomon had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and placed it in the center of the court; he stood on it, knelt down before the entire assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven); 6:14 and he said, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 6:15 you have kept your promise to your servant David my father; yes, you spoke with your mouth and fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today. 6:16 Now, therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father what you promised him, saying, 'There will not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons keep their way and walk in my law as you have before me.' 6:17 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you spoke to your servant David. 6:18 But will God really dwell on earth? Look, the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you; how much less this house I have built! 6:19 Yet regard the prayer of your servant and his supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and prayer your servant makes before you; 6:20 that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, toward the place where you have said you would put your name; to listen to the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 6:21 Hear the requests of your servant and your people Israel when they pray toward this place; yes, hear from your dwelling place in heaven; and when you hear, forgive. 6:22 If a man sins against his neighbor, and he takes an oath laid upon him to make him swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house; 6:23 then hear from heaven and act, and judge your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head and justifying the righteous by giving him what he deserves. 6:24 If your people Israel are defeated by the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn back and confess your name, and pray and plead with you in this house; 6:25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and return them to the land you gave to them and their ancestors. 6:26 When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin when you afflict them; 6:27 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and your people Israel, when you teach them to walk in the good way; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance. 6:28 If there is famine in the land, if there is plague, blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in their cities; whatever plague or sickness there may be; 6:29 whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, when they know their own afflictions and sorrows and spread their hands toward this house; 6:30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to each person according to all their ways, since you alone know the hearts of the children of men; 6:31 that they may fear you and walk in your ways as long as they live in the land you gave to our fathers. 6:32 Furthermore, concerning the foreigner who is not of your people Israel, when he comes from a distant country for your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm; when he comes and prays toward this house: 6:33 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner asks of you; so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as your people Israel do, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name. 6:34 If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you send them, and they pray to you toward this city you have chosen, and the house I have built for your name; 6:35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 6:36 If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn't sin), and you become angry with them, and hand them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far or near; 6:37 yet if they repent in the land to which they were captured, and turn back, and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, 'We have sinned, we have acted wickedly and depravedly'; 6:38 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been taken captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their ancestors, and toward the city you have chosen, and toward the house I have built for your name: 6:39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you. 6:40 Now, my God, I urge you, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 6:41 Now therefore arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you and the ark of your strength; let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed in salvation, and let your faithful ones rejoice in goodness. 6:42 Yahweh God, do not turn away from your anointed; remember your acts of kindness to David your servant.

7:1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Yahweh filled the house. 7:2 The priests could not enter into the house of Yahweh, because the glory of Yahweh filled Yahweh's house. 7:3 All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of Yahweh was on the house; and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, saying, For he is good; for his loving kindness endures for ever. 7:4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before Yahweh. 7:5 King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 7:6 The priests stood, according to their offices; the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh, which David the king had made to give thanks to Yahweh, (for his loving kindness endures for ever), when David praised by their ministry: and the priests sounded trumpets before them; and all Israel stood. 7:7 Moreover Solomon made the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh; for there he offered the burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat. 7:8 So Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt. 7:9 On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 7:10 On the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. 7:11 Thus Solomon finished the house of Yahweh, and the king's house: and he successfully completed all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of Yahweh, and in his own house. 7:12 Yahweh appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. 7:13 If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 7:15 Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attentive, to the prayer that is made in this place. 7:16 For now have I chosen and made this house holy, that my name may be there forever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually. 7:17 As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances; 7:18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I covenanted with David your father, saying, There shall not fail you a man to be ruler in Israel. 7:19 But if you turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; 7:20 then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 7:21 This house, which is so high, everyone who passes by it shall be astonished, and shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land, and to this house? 7:22 They shall answer, Because they abandoned Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore has he brought all this evil on them.

7:1 After Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices; the glory of Yahweh filled the house. 7:2 The priests couldn't enter the house of Yahweh because the glory of Yahweh filled it. 7:3 All the Israelites watched as the fire descended and the glory of Yahweh was on the house; they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, saying, "For he is good; his loving kindness endures forever." 7:4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before Yahweh. 7:5 King Solomon offered 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep as sacrifices. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 7:6 The priests stood in their places; the Levites also had instruments of music for Yahweh, which King David had made to give thanks to Yahweh, (for his loving kindness endures forever), while David praised with their help: and the priests blew trumpets before them; and all Israel stood. 7:7 Moreover, Solomon made the middle of the court holy that was in front of the house of Yahweh; there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat portions of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar Solomon had made could not hold the burnt offering, the grain offering, or the fat. 7:8 So Solomon held a feast for seven days, and all Israel was with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt. 7:9 On the eighth day, they held a solemn assembly because they had kept the dedication of the altar for seven days, and the feast for seven days. 7:10 On the 23rd day of the seventh month, he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David, Solomon, and Israel his people. 7:11 Thus Solomon completed the house of Yahweh and the king's house: and he successfully finished everything he set out to do in the house of Yahweh and in his own house. 7:12 Yahweh appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 7:13 If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command locusts to eat the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 7:15 Now my eyes will be open, and my ears attentive to the prayer made in this place. 7:16 For I have chosen and consecrated this house, that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there perpetually. 7:17 As for you, if you walk before me as David your father walked, doing all I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and ordinances; 7:18 then I will establish your kingdom's throne, as I promised David your father, saying, "You will always have a man on the throne of Israel." 7:19 But if you turn away and forsake my statutes and commands that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them; 7:20 then I will uproot them from my land that I have given them; and this house, which I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and it will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 7:21 This house, so high, will astonish everyone who passes by; they will ask, "Why has Yahweh done this to this land and this house?" 7:22 They will answer, "Because they abandoned Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and embraced other gods, worshiped them, and served them. That is why he has brought all this disaster upon them."

8:1 It happened at the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of Yahweh, and his own house, 8:2 that the cities which Huram had given to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. 8:3 Solomon went to Hamath Zobah, and prevailed against it. 8:4 He built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the storage cities, which he built in Hamath. 8:5 Also he built Beth Horon the upper, and Beth Horon the lower, fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars; 8:6 and Baalath, and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 8:7 As for all the people who were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel; 8:8 of their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel didn't consume, of them did Solomon conscripted forced labor to this day. 8:9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen. 8:10 These were the chief officers of king Solomon, even two-hundred fifty, who ruled over the people. 8:11 Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David to the house that he had built for her; for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places where the ark of Yahweh has come are holy. 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of Yahweh, which he had built before the porch, 8:13 even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents. 8:14 He appointed, according to the ordinance of David his father, the divisions of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their offices, to praise, and to minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required; the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded. 8:15 They didn't depart from the commandment of the king to the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures. 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared to the day of the foundation of the house of Yahweh, and until it was finished. So the house of Yahweh was completed. 8:17 Then went Solomon to Ezion Geber, and to Eloth, on the seashore in the land of Edom. 8:18 Huram sent him ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea by the hands of his servants; and they came with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and fetched from there four hundred fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.

8:1 It happened at the end of twenty years, during which Solomon built the house of Yahweh and his own palace, 8:2 that the cities Huram had given to Solomon were built by him, and he made the children of Israel live there. 8:3 Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and conquered it. 8:4 He built Tadmor in the wilderness, along with all the storage cities he constructed in Hamath. 8:5 He also built Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon, fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars; 8:6 and Baalath, along with all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and everything else Solomon wanted to build for his enjoyment in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and throughout his entire territory. 8:7 Regarding all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not from Israel; 8:8 their descendants who were left in the land, whom the children of Israel did not eliminate, these were the ones Solomon conscripted for forced labor to this day. 8:9 But he did not make any of the children of Israel servants for his work; they were the warriors, the chief of his captains, and leaders of his chariots and horsemen. 8:10 These were the chief officers of King Solomon, a total of two hundred fifty, who governed the people. 8:11 Solomon brought up Pharaoh's daughter from the City of David to the palace he had built for her; he said, "My wife will not live in the palace of David, king of Israel, because the places where the ark of Yahweh has been are sacred." 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of Yahweh, which he had built in front of the porch, 8:13 just as the daily duties required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and during the appointed feasts, three times a year, even during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tents. 8:14 He organized, according to the instructions of his father David, the divisions of the priests for their duties, and the Levites for their roles, to offer praise and to serve before the priests, as the daily duties required; the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate, as David the man of God had commanded. 8:15 They did not stray from the command of the king to the priests and Levites regarding any matter, or regarding the treasures. 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared by the day the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid until its completion. So the house of Yahweh was finished. 8:17 Then Solomon went to Ezion Geber and Eloth, on the seashore in Edom. 8:18 Huram sent him ships and skilled sailors through his servants; they went with Solomon's servants to Ophir and brought back four hundred fifty talents of gold, delivering it to King Solomon.

9:1 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great train, and camels that bore spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she talked with him of all that was in her heart. 9:2 Solomon told her all her questions; and there was not anything hid from Solomon which he didn't tell her. 9:3 When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 9:4 and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, his cup bearers also, and their clothing, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in her. 9:5 She said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom. 9:6 However I didn't believe their words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me: you exceed the fame that I heard. 9:7 Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom. 9:8 Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on his throne, to be king for Yahweh your God: because your God loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore made he you king over them, to do justice and righteousness. 9:9 She gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, and spices in great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 9:10 The servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. 9:11 The king made of the algum trees terraces for the house of Yahweh, and for the king's house, and harps and stringed instruments for the singers: and there were none like these seen before in the land of Judah. 9:12 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, besides that which she had brought to the king. So she turned, and went to her own land, she and her servants. 9:13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, 9:14 besides that which the traders and merchants brought: and all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. 9:15 King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one buckler. 9:16 he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 9:17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 9:18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays. 9:19 Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom. 9:20 All king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. 9:21 For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. 9:22 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 9:23 All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 9:24 They brought every man his tribute, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and clothing, armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. 9:25 Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he stationed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 9:26 He ruled over all the kings from the River even to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. 9:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance. 9:28 They brought horses for Solomon out of Egypt, and out of all lands. 9:29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, aren't they written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat? 9:30 Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 9:31 Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

9:1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to challenge him with hard questions in Jerusalem, bringing a large entourage, camels loaded with spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. When she arrived, she spoke to Solomon about everything that was on her mind. 9:2 Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing that he did not explain to her. 9:3 After the queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wisdom, the grand palace he had built, 9:4 the food at his table, the way his servants were seated, the attendance of his officials, their attire, the clothing of his cupbearers, and the way he ascended to the temple of the Lord, she was left breathless. 9:5 She said to the king, "It was true what I heard in my own land about your deeds and your wisdom. 9:6 However, I didn’t believe it until I came and saw it with my own eyes; indeed, the half of your greatness and wisdom wasn’t even told to me: you surpass the reputation I heard." 9:7 "Blessed are your men, and blessed are these servants of yours, who stand continuously before you and hear your wisdom." 9:8 "Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God, because your God loved Israel, establishing them forever; that’s why He made you king over them to maintain justice and righteousness." 9:9 She gave the king 120 talents of gold, an abundance of spices, and precious stones: there was no spice like what the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 9:10 The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum wood and precious stones. 9:11 The king made terraces from the algum wood for the temple of the Lord and for his own palace, as well as harps and stringed instruments for the musicians; none like these had been seen before in the land of Judah. 9:12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she desired, whatever she asked, in addition to what she had brought to the king. Then she turned and returned to her own country with her servants. 9:13 Now the amount of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 9:14 besides what the traders and merchants brought; all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon. 9:15 King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold; 600 shekels of gold went into each shield. 9:16 He made 300 shields of hammered gold; 300 shekels of gold went into each shield; the king placed them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 9:17 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 9:18 There were six steps leading up to the throne, with a gold footstool attached to the throne, and there were supports on either side of the seat, with two lions standing beside the supports. 9:19 Twelve lions stood on each side of the six steps; nothing like it had ever been made in any kingdom. 9:20 All King Solomon's drinking vessels were made of gold, and all the vessels in the House of the Forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold; silver had no worth during Solomon's reign. 9:21 The king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; every three years, these ships returned, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. 9:22 So King Solomon became richer and wiser than all the kings of the earth. 9:23 All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had placed in his heart. 9:24 They brought tribute of silver and gold vessels, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and mules, each year. 9:25 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 9:26 He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt. 9:27 The king made silver in Jerusalem as common as stones, and cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees in the lowland. 9:28 They brought horses for Solomon from Egypt and from all other countries. 9:29 Now the rest of Solomon's acts, both the first and the last, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat? 9:30 Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for 40 years. 9:31 Solomon died and was buried in the City of David his father; and Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.

10:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem; for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 10:2 It happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, (for he was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of king Solomon), that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. 10:3 They sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 10:4 Your father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you. 10:5 He said to them, Come again to me after three days. The people departed. 10:6 King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me to return answer to this people? 10:7 They spoke to him, saying, If you are kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever. 10:8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. 10:9 He said to them, What counsel give you, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that your father did put on us lighter? 10:10 The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, Thus you shall tell the people who spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter to us; thus you shall say to them, My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. 10:11 Now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 10:12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come to me again the third day. 10:13 The king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, 10:14 and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 10:15 So the king didn't listen to the people; for it was brought about of God, that Yahweh might establish his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 10:16 When all Israel saw that the king didn't listen to them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, Israel: now see to your own house, David. So all Israel departed to their tents. 10:17 But as for the children of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 10:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and the children of Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 10:19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David to this day.

10:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, because all of Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 10:2 When Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, heard about this (he was in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from Egypt. 10:3 They sent for him, and Jeroboam and all of Israel came to him. They said to Rehoboam, 10:4 "Your father made our workload unbearable; now lighten the harsh service of your father and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you." 10:5 He told them, "Come back to me in three days." The people left. 10:6 King Rehoboam consulted with the older advisors who had served under his father Solomon, asking, "What do you advise I should say to this people?" 10:7 They replied, "If you are kind to this people and give them a positive response, they will serve you forever." 10:8 But he ignored their advice and consulted with the younger men who had grown up with him and were now his advisors. 10:9 He asked them, "What do you suggest I say to this people who have requested that I lighten the yoke my father imposed on them?" 10:10 The young men replied, "Tell the people who asked you to lighten their yoke, 'My smallest finger is thicker than my father's waist. 10:11 My father burdened you with a heavy yoke, but I will make it even heavier. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.'" 10:12 So Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had instructed. 10:13 The king answered them harshly; he rejected the advice of the older advisors 10:14 and spoke to them according to the counsel of the younger men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will make it heavier: my father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions." 10:15 The king did not listen to the people, for it was God's plan to fulfill the prophecy He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. 10:16 When all Israel saw that the king was not listening, they answered the king, saying, "What share do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Everyone to your own tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David." So all Israel went to their homes. 10:17 But the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah continued to be ruled by Rehoboam. 10:18 Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam quickly climbed into his chariot and fled to Jerusalem. 10:19 Therefore, Israel has rebelled against the house of David to this day.

11:1 When Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, one hundred eighty thousand chosen men, who were warriors, to fight against Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. 11:2 But the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 11:3 Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 11:4 Thus says Yahweh, You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me. So they listened to the words of Yahweh, and returned from going against Jeroboam. 11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah. 11:6 He built Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, 11:7 Beth Zur, and Soco, and Adullam, 11:8 and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph, 11:9 and Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah, 11:10 and Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin, fortified cities. 11:11 He fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and stores of food, and oil and wine. 11:12 In every city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him. 11:13 The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their border. 11:14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest's office to Yahweh; 11:15 and he appointed him priests for the high places, and for the male goats, and for the calves which he had made. 11:16 After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 11:17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon. 11:18 Rehoboam took him a wife, Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, and of Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse; 11:19 and she bore him sons: Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham. 11:20 After her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom; and she bore him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. 11:21 Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and sixty concubines, and became the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.) 11:22 Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maacah to be chief, even the prince among his brothers; for he was minded to make him king. 11:23 He dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his sons throughout all the lands of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city: and he gave them food in abundance. He sought for them many wives.

11:1 When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he gathered the house of Judah and Benjamin, one hundred eighty thousand select warriors, to fight against Israel and reclaim the kingdom for himself. 11:2 But the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah, the man of God, saying, 11:3 Speak to Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 11:4 Thus says Yahweh, You shall not go up or fight against your brothers; return each man to his home, for this is My doing. So they listened to the words of Yahweh and turned back from going against Jeroboam. 11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built fortified cities in Judah. 11:6 He built Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa, 11:7 Beth Zur, Soco, and Adullam, 11:8 and Gath, Mareshah, and Ziph, 11:9 and Adoraim, Lachish, and Azekah, 11:10 and Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which were in Judah and Benjamin, fortified cities. 11:11 He strengthened the strongholds and placed captains in them along with supplies of food, oil, and wine. 11:12 In each city, he put shields and spears, making them very strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him. 11:13 The priests and Levites from all Israel came to him from their areas. 11:14 The Levites left their pasturelands and property and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of Yahweh; 11:15 instead, he appointed his own priests for the high places, for the male goats, and for the calves he had made. 11:16 After them, anyone from the tribes of Israel who was determined to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 11:17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam, son of Solomon, strong for three years, as they walked in the ways of David and Solomon during that time. 11:18 Rehoboam took a wife, Mahalath, daughter of Jerimoth, son of David, and of Abihail, daughter of Eliab, son of Jesse; 11:19 and she bore him sons: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham. 11:20 Later, he took Maacah, daughter of Absalom, and she bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. 11:21 Rehoboam loved Maacah, daughter of Absalom, more than all his other wives and concubines: (he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and was the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.) 11:22 Rehoboam appointed Abijah, son of Maacah, to be chief, even the prince among his brothers, because he was minded to make him king. 11:23 He acted wisely and distributed all his sons throughout all the lands of Judah and Benjamin to every fortified city: he provided them with ample food and sought for them many wives.

12:1 It happened, when the kingdom of Rehoboam was established, and he was strong, that he forsook the law of Yahweh, and all Israel with him. 12:2 It happened in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had trespassed against Yahweh, 12:3 with twelve hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The people were without number who came with him out of Egypt: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians. 12:4 He took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem. 12:5 Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, who were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, Thus says Yahweh, You have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. 12:6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, Yahweh is righteous. 12:7 When Yahweh saw that they humbled themselves, the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 12:8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 12:9 So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king's house: he took all away: he took away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 12:10 King Rehoboam made in their place shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house. 12:11 It was so, that as often as the king entered into the house of Yahweh, the guard came and bore them, and brought them back into the guard chamber. 12:12 When he humbled himself, the wrath of Yahweh turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether: and moreover in Judah there were good things found. 12:13 So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which Yahweh had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there: and his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonitess. 12:14 He did that which was evil, because he didn't set his heart to seek Yahweh. 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, aren't they written in the histories of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer, after the manner of genealogies? There were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 12:16 Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his place.

12:1 It happened that when the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of Yahweh, and all of Israel did too. 12:2 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, the king of Egypt, marched against Jerusalem because they had sinned against Yahweh, 12:3 with twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen. The number of people who came with him from Egypt was countless: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians. 12:4 He captured the fortified cities belonging to Judah and arrived at Jerusalem. 12:5 Now, Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who had gathered in Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, "This is what Yahweh says: You have abandoned me, so I have also left you in the hands of Shishak." 12:6 Then the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "Yahweh is righteous." 12:7 When Yahweh saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah, saying, "They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them, but I will give them a little deliverance, and my anger will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak." 12:8 However, they will be his servants so they can learn my service and the service of the kingdoms of the nations. 12:9 So Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the house of Yahweh and the treasures of the king's house; he took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. 12:10 King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and entrusted them to the captains of the guard, who kept watch at the entrance of the king's house. 12:11 Whenever the king went into the house of Yahweh, the guard would come and take them and then return them to the guard chamber. 12:12 When he humbled himself, the anger of Yahweh turned away from him so as not to destroy him completely; and there were also good things found in Judah. 12:13 So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem and reigned: he was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that Yahweh had chosen from all the tribes of Israel to put his name there; his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonite. 12:14 He acted wickedly because he didn’t set his heart to seek Yahweh. 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, both the first and the last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer, in the manner of genealogies? There were constant wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 12:16 Rehoboam died and was buried in the city of David, and his son Abijah reigned in his place.

13:1 In the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah. 13:2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 13:3 Abijah joined battle with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: and Jeroboam set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, who were mighty men of valor. 13:4 Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel: 13:5 Ought you not to know that Yahweh, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom over Israel to David forever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? 13:6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up, and rebelled against his lord. 13:7 There were gathered to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them. 13:8 Now you think to withstand the kingdom of Yahweh in the hand of the sons of David; and you are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. 13:9 Haven't you driven out the priests of Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made you priests after the manner of the peoples of other lands? so that whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams, the same may be a priest of those who are no gods. 13:10 But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering to Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: 13:11 and they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense: the show bread also set they in order on the pure table; and the lampstand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening: for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God; but you have forsaken him. 13:12 Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with the trumpets of alarm to sound an alarm against you. Children of Israel, don't you fight against Yahweh, the God of your fathers; for you shall not prosper. 13:13 But Jeroboam caused an ambush to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them. 13:14 When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to Yahweh, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. 13:15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened, that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 13:16 The children of Israel fled before Judah; and God delivered them into their hand. 13:17 Abijah and his people killed them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 13:19 Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with its towns, and Jeshanah with its towns, and Ephron with its towns. 13:20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and Yahweh struck him, and he died. 13:21 But Abijah grew mighty, and took to himself fourteen wives, and became the father of twenty-two sons, and sixteen daughters. 13:22 The rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the commentary of the prophet Iddo.

13:1 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to rule over Judah. 13:2 He ruled in Jerusalem for three years, and his mother was Micaiah, the daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 13:3 Abijah went into battle with an army of brave warriors, actually four hundred thousand choice men, while Jeroboam arranged his forces against him with eight hundred thousand choice men, who were mighty warriors. 13:4 Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is located in the hilly area of Ephraim, and said, "Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel: 13:5 Don't you realize that Yahweh, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom of Israel to David forever, including his descendants through a covenant of salt? 13:6 Yet Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon, rose up and rebelled against his lord. 13:7 Worthless men, base fellows, gathered around him and strengthened themselves against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and vulnerable, and couldn't stand against them. 13:8 Now you plan to resist the kingdom of Yahweh, which is in the hands of the descendants of David; and you are a huge crowd, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. 13:9 Haven't you expelled the priests of Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and appointed priests for yourselves, just like the customs of other nations? So that whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can be a priest of those who are not gods. 13:10 But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not abandoned him; and we have priests ministering to Yahweh, who are descendants of Aaron, and the Levites doing their work: 13:11 they burn offerings every morning and evening and offer sweet incense to Yahweh; they also set the show bread on the clean table and keep the gold lampstand with its lamps burning every evening: because we follow the instructions of Yahweh our God, while you have abandoned him. 13:12 Look, God is with us at our head, and his priests are with the trumpets blowing alarms against you. Children of Israel, don't fight against Yahweh, the God of your ancestors; because you will not succeed. 13:13 But Jeroboam set up an ambush behind them: so they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. 13:14 When Judah looked back, they saw that the battle was in front and behind them; they cried out to Yahweh, and the priests sounded the trumpets. 13:15 Then the men of Judah shouted, and as they shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 13:16 The Israelites fled before Judah, and God handed them over into their hands. 13:17 Abijah and his people struck them down with a great slaughter: five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain. 13:18 At that time, the Israelites were subdued, and the people of Judah prevailed because they relied on Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 13:19 Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured cities from him, including Bethel and its towns, Jeshanah and its towns, and Ephron and its towns. 13:20 Jeroboam did not regain strength during Abijah's days, and Yahweh struck him, and he died. 13:21 But Abijah became strong, took fourteen wives for himself, and fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. 13:22 The rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the commentary of the prophet Iddo.

14:1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet ten years. 14:2 Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God: 14:3 for he took away the foreign altars, and the high places, and broke down the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, 14:4 and commanded Judah to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 14:5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 14:6 He built fortified cities in Judah; for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years, because Yahweh had given him rest. 14:7 For he said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. 14:8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor. 14:9 There came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an army of a million troops, and three hundred chariots; and he came to Mareshah. 14:10 Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 14:11 Asa cried to Yahweh his God, and said, Yahweh, there is none besides you to help, between the mighty and him who has no strength: help us, Yahweh our God; for we rely on you, and in your name are we come against this multitude. Yahweh, you are our God; don't let man prevail against you. 14:12 So Yahweh struck the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 14:13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar: and there fell of the Ethiopians so many that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before Yahweh, and before his army; and they carried away very much booty. 14:14 They struck all the cities around Gerar; for the fear of Yahweh came on them: and they despoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them. 14:15 They struck also the tents of livestock, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.

14:1 So Abijah passed away and was buried in the city of David, and his son Asa took over as king. During Asa's reign, the land enjoyed ten years of peace. 14:2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God: 14:3 he removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the stone pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. 14:4 He also instructed Judah to seek Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and to follow the law and commandments. 14:5 He eliminated the high places and sun images from all the cities of Judah, resulting in a peaceful kingdom during his reign. 14:6 Asa built fortified cities in Judah; since the land was peaceful and he faced no wars during those years, for Yahweh gave him rest. 14:7 He said to Judah, "Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls, towers, gates, and bars; the land is still available to us because we have sought Yahweh our God. We sought Him, and He has given us rest all around." So they built and thrived. 14:8 Asa had an army consisting of three hundred thousand men from Judah carrying shields and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand from Benjamin who bore shields and used bows; all of them were brave warriors. 14:9 Zerah the Ethiopian came against them with an army of a million soldiers and three hundred chariots; he approached Mareshah. 14:10 Asa went out to confront him, and they arranged for battle in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 14:11 Asa cried out to Yahweh his God, saying, "Yahweh, there is no one like you to help, between the mighty and the powerless. Help us, Yahweh our God; we trust in you, and in your name we come against this huge army. Yahweh, you are our God; do not let mere humans prevail against you." 14:12 So Yahweh struck down the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 14:13 Asa and his men pursued them to Gerar, and so many Ethiopians fell that they couldn’t recover; they were destroyed before Yahweh and His army, and they took a lot of plunder. 14:14 They attacked all the cities surrounding Gerar, for the fear of Yahweh came upon them, and they plundered the cities, as there was a lot of treasure to take. 14:15 They also attacked the tents with livestock, seized a large number of sheep and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.

15:1 The Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded: 15:2 and he went out to meet Asa, and said to him, Hear you me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Yahweh is with you, while you are with him; and if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 15:3 Now for a long season Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law: 15:4 But when in their distress they turned to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. 15:5 In those times there was no peace to him who went out, nor to him who came in; but great troubles were on all the inhabitants of the lands. 15:6 They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city; for God troubled them with all adversity. 15:7 But be you strong, and don't let your hands be slack; for your work shall be rewarded. 15:8 When Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominations out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from the hill country of Ephraim; and he renewed the altar of Yahweh, that was before the porch of Yahweh. 15:9 He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who sojourned with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that Yahweh his God was with him. 15:10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. 15:11 They sacrificed to Yahweh in that day, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep. 15:12 They entered into the covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul; 15:13 and that whoever would not seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 15:14 They swore to Yahweh with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. 15:15 All Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and Yahweh gave them rest all around. 15:16 Also Maacah, the mother of Asa the king, he removed from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, and made dust of it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. 15:17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 15:18 He brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels. 15:19 There was no more war to the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.

15:1 The Spirit of God came upon Azariah, the son of Oded: 15:2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all of Judah and Benjamin: Yahweh is with you as long as you are with him; and if you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will abandon you." 15:3 For a long time, Israel was without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without the law: 15:4 But when they were in distress and turned to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. 15:5 In those times, there was no peace for anyone who went out or came in; great troubles were upon all the inhabitants of the land. 15:6 They were shattered, nation against nation, and city against city; for God caused them to face all sorts of adversity. 15:7 But be strong, and don’t let your hands be weak; for your work will be rewarded. 15:8 When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the abominations from all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and from the cities he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim; and he renewed the altar of Yahweh that was in front of the porch of Yahweh. 15:9 He gathered all of Judah and Benjamin, and those who lived among them from Ephraim and Manasseh, and from Simeon: for they joined him from Israel in great numbers when they saw that Yahweh his God was with him. 15:10 So they all came together at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. 15:11 They sacrificed to Yahweh that day, from the spoils they had brought, seven hundred cattle and seven thousand sheep. 15:12 They made a covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul; 15:13 and that anyone who would not seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 15:14 They took an oath to Yahweh with a loud voice, with shouting, with trumpets, and with cornets. 15:15 All Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart and sought him with their entire desire; and he was found by them: and Yahweh gave them peace all around. 15:16 Asa even removed his mother Maacah from being queen because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, ground it to dust, and burned it at the Kidron brook. 15:17 But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless, Asa’s heart was perfect all his days. 15:18 He brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated and that he had dedicated, silver, gold, and vessels. 15:19 There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

16:1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 16:2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of Yahweh and of the king's house, and sent to Ben Hadad king of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying, 16:3 There is a league between me and you, as there was between my father and your father: behold, I have sent you silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. 16:4 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali. 16:5 It happened, when Baasha heard of it, that he left off building Ramah, and let his work cease. 16:6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and its timber, with which Baasha had built; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah. 16:7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on Yahweh your God, therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of your hand. 16:8 Weren't the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? yet, because you did rely on Yahweh, he delivered them into your hand. 16:9 For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars. 16:10 Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the prison; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. 16:11 Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn't seek Yahweh, but to the physicians. 16:13 Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. 16:14 They buried him in his own tombs, which he had dug out for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers' art: and they made a very great burning for him.

16:1 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Baasha, king of Israel, attacked Judah and built Ramah to prevent anyone from entering or leaving Asa's territory. 16:2 Asa then took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of Yahweh and from the palace and sent it to Ben Hadad, king of Syria, who was in Damascus, saying, 16:3 There is an alliance between us, just like there was between my father and your father. Look, I have sent you silver and gold; go, break your alliance with Baasha, king of Israel, so he will leave me alone. 16:4 Ben Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent his army leaders against the towns of Israel; they attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali. 16:5 When Baasha heard about this, he stopped building Ramah and abandoned his project. 16:6 Then King Asa gathered all of Judah, and they took the stones and timber from Ramah that Baasha had used to build it, and with that material, he built Geba and Mizpah. 16:7 At that time, Hanani the seer came to Asa, king of Judah, and told him, Because you’ve relied on the king of Syria and not on Yahweh your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped from you. 16:8 Didn't you defeat the Ethiopians and the Lubim, a huge army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you trusted in Yahweh, he delivered them into your hands. 16:9 For the eyes of Yahweh move through the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have acted foolishly in this; from now on, you will have wars. 16:10 Asa became angry with the seer and put him in prison because he was furious about this. Asa also oppressed some of the people at that time. 16:11 Look, the acts of Asa, both the first and the last, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa had a disease in his feet that was very severe, yet in his disease, he did not seek Yahweh, but only the physicians. 16:13 Asa passed away and died in the forty-first year of his reign. 16:14 They buried him in the tombs he had made for himself in the city of David and laid him in a bed filled with sweet fragrances and various spices prepared by the perfumers' art, and they made a very great fire in his honor.

17:1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. 17:2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 17:3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn't seek the Baals, 17:4 but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 17:5 Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance. 17:6 His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 17:9 They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people. 17:10 The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 17:11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred male goats. 17:12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store. 17:13 He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 17:14 This was the numbering of them according to their fathers' houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valor three hundred thousand; 17:15 and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand; 17:16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17:17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; 17:18 and next to him Jehozabad and with him one hundred eighty thousand ready prepared for war. 17:19 These were those who waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

17:1 Jehoshaphat, his son, took over the throne and strengthened his position against Israel. 17:2 He stationed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set up garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. 17:3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the early ways of his father David and didn’t worship the Baals, 17:4 but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act like Israel. 17:5 Therefore, the Lord established his kingdom; all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he amassed great wealth and honor. 17:6 His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; and he also removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. 17:7 In the third year of his reign, he sent his officials—Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah; 17:8 along with them were the Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them were Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 17:9 They taught in Judah, carrying the book of the law of the Lord with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah, teaching the people. 17:10 The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms around Judah, so they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. 17:11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him livestock, including seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. 17:12 Jehoshaphat became very powerful, building castles and store cities in Judah. 17:13 He had many projects in the cities of Judah and had a large number of warriors, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 17:14 This was the count of them according to their families: from Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, with three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; 17:15 next to him was Jehohanan the captain, with two hundred eighty thousand; 17:16 next to him was Amasiah, the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, with two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17:17 From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; 17:18 next to him was Jehozabad, with one hundred eighty thousand ready for battle. 17:19 These were the ones who served the king, in addition to those the king assigned to the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he joined affinity with Ahab. 18:2 After certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead. 18:3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead? He answered him, I am as you are, and my people as your people; and we will be with you in the war. 18:4 Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh. 18:5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, Shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? They said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the hand of the king. 18:6 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophet of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of him? 18:7 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh: but I hate him; for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. Jehoshaphat said, Don't let the king say so. 18:8 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Get quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. 18:9 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, and they were sitting in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 18:10 Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said, Thus says Yahweh, With these you shall push the Syrians, until they be consumed. 18:11 All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king. 18:12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth: let your word therefore, Please be like one of theirs, and speak you good. 18:13 Micaiah said, As Yahweh lives, what my God says, that will I speak. 18:14 When he was come to the king, the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? He said, Go up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand. 18:15 The king said to him, How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh? 18:16 He said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace. 18:17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Didn't I tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil? 18:18 Micaiah said, "Therefore hear you the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 18:19 Yahweh said, 'Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One spoke saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. 18:20 There came forth a spirit, and stood before Yahweh, and said, 'I will entice him.' Yahweh said to him, 'How?' 18:21 He said, 'I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' He said, 'You shall entice him, and shall prevail also: go forth, and do so.' 18:22 Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you." 18:23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Yahweh from me to speak to you? 18:24 Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day, when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself. 18:25 The king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; 18:26 and say, Thus says the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace. 18:27 Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me. He said, Hear, you peoples, all of you. 18:28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 18:29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put you on your robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went into the battle. 18:30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. 18:31 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against him: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. 18:32 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 18:33 A certain man drew his bow at a venture, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore he said to the driver of the chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am sore wounded. 18:34 The battle increased that day: however the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even; and about the time of the going down of the sun he died.

18:1 Now Jehoshaphat was very wealthy and respected; and he made an alliance with Ahab. 18:2 After some years, he went down to Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered a lot of sheep and cattle for him and for the people who were with him, and urged him to join him in going up with him to Ramoth Gilead. 18:3 Ahab, the king of Israel, asked Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, "Will you join me to go to Ramoth Gilead?" He replied, "I’m with you, and my people are your people; we will fight with you." 18:4 Jehoshaphat then said to the king of Israel, "Please seek the word of Yahweh before we proceed." 18:5 So the king of Israel gathered together 400 prophets and asked them, "Should we go to battle at Ramoth Gilead, or should I refrain?" They answered, "Go up; for God will give it into the king’s hand." 18:6 But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of Yahweh here that we can inquire of?" 18:7 The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, "There’s one more man by whom we can inquire of Yahweh, but I hate him because he never prophesies good about me, only bad: that’s Micaiah, son of Imla." Jehoshaphat said, "Don’t let the king say that." 18:8 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, "Go get Micaiah, son of Imla, quickly." 18:9 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, were both sitting on their thrones, dressed in their robes, in an open space at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 18:10 Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah, made iron horns and declared, "This is what Yahweh says: With these you will push the Syrians until they are destroyed." 18:11 All the prophets prophesied similarly, saying, "Go up to Ramoth Gilead and succeed; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king." 18:12 The messenger who had gone to call Micaiah told him, "Look, the words of the prophets are all positive for the king; please let your words be like one of theirs and speak favorably." 18:13 Micaiah replied, "As Yahweh lives, whatever my God says, that will I say." 18:14 When he came to the king, the king asked him, "Micaiah, should we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or should I refrain?" He answered, "Go up and succeed; they will be delivered into your hands." 18:15 The king said to him, "How many times must I insist that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?" 18:16 Micaiah replied, "I saw all of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd. Yahweh said, 'These people have no master; let everyone return home in peace.'" 18:17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn’t I tell you he wouldn’t prophesy good concerning me, but only evil?" 18:18 Micaiah said, "Therefore, hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on His throne, and all the heavenly host standing on His right and on His left. 18:19 Yahweh asked, 'Who will entice Ahab, king of Israel, to go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One spirit suggested this, and another spirit suggested that." 18:20 Then a spirit came forward and stood before Yahweh and said, 'I will entice him.' Yahweh asked him, 'How?' 18:21 He replied, 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.' Yahweh said, 'You will entice him and succeed; go out and do it.' 18:22 Therefore, look, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you." 18:23 Then Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah, approached Micaiah and struck him on the cheek, saying, "Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh go from me to speak to you?" 18:24 Micaiah answered, "You will see on that day when you go to hide in an inner room." 18:25 The king of Israel said, "Take Micaiah and return him to Amon, the governor of the city, and to Joash, the king's son; 18:26 and tell them, 'This is what the king says: Put this man in prison and feed him with bread of hardship and water of hardship until I return safely.'" 18:27 Micaiah said, "If you return safely at all, then Yahweh has not spoken by me. Listen, all of you!" 18:28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, went up to Ramoth Gilead. 18:29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. 18:30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Fight neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel." 18:31 When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "That’s the king of Israel." So they turned to fight against him; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to leave him alone. 18:32 When the captains of the chariots realized it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 18:33 A man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the armor joints. He then said to his chariot driver, "Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded." 18:34 The battle continued that day, but the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until evening; and around sunset, he died.

19:1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 19:2 Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate Yahweh? for this thing wrath is on you from before Yahweh. 19:3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God. 19:4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 19:5 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 19:6 and said to the judges, Consider what you do: for you don't judge for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment. 19:7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes. 19:8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem. 19:9 He commanded them, saying, Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 19:10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards Yahweh, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers: this do, and you shall not be guilty. 19:11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and Yahweh be with the good.

19:1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned peacefully to his home in Jerusalem. 19:2 Jehu, the son of Hanani the prophet, went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate Yahweh? Because of this, God's anger is upon you.” 19:3 Nevertheless, there are good things about you, as you have removed the Asheroth from the land and set your heart to seek God. 19:4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, bringing them back to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 19:5 He appointed judges throughout the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 19:6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment.” 19:7 “So now, let the fear of Yahweh be upon you; take care to do it, for there is no injustice with our God, nor favoritism, nor taking of bribes.” 19:8 Furthermore, in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, the priests, and the leaders of the families of Israel for the judgment of Yahweh and for disputes. They returned to Jerusalem. 19:9 He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a whole heart.” 19:10 “Whenever a dispute arises among your brothers who live in their cities, regarding blood or law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances, you shall warn them so that they are not guilty before Yahweh, and so that His anger does not come against you and your brothers: do this, and you will not be guilty.” 19:11 “Look, Amariah the chief priest is in charge of all matters related to Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the leader of the house of Judah, will handle all matters of the king; also, the Levites shall act as officials before you. Be strong, and may Yahweh be with those who do well.”

20:1 It happened after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 20:2 Then there came some who told Jehoshaphat, saying, There comes a great multitude against you from beyond the sea from Syria; and behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar (the same is En Gedi). 20:3 Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek to Yahweh; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 20:4 Judah gathered themselves together, to seek help of Yahweh: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek Yahweh. 20:5 Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Yahweh, before the new court; 20:6 and he said, Yahweh, the God of our fathers, aren't you God in heaven? and aren't you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? and in your hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 20:7 Did not you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abraham your friend forever? 20:8 They lived therein, and have built you a sanctuary therein for your name, saying, 20:9 If evil come on us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house, and before you, (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save. 20:10 Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and didn't destroy them; 20:11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 20:12 Our God, will you not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are on you. 20:13 All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 20:14 Then on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Yahweh in the midst of the assembly; 20:15 and he said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat: Thus says Yahweh to you, Don't be afraid you, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 20:16 Tomorrow go you down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and you shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 20:17 You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; don't be afraid, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Yahweh is with you. 20:18 Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh. 20:19 The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice. 20:20 They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Yahweh your God, so you shall be established; believe his prophets, so you shall prosper. 20:21 When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for his loving kindness endures forever. 20:22 When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. 20:23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. 20:24 When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped. 20:25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. 20:26 On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah to this day. 20:27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 20:28 They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets to the house of Yahweh. 20:29 The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest all around. 20:31 Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 20:32 He walked in the way of Asa his father, and didn't turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh. 20:33 However the high places were not taken away; neither as yet had the people set their hearts to the God of their fathers. 20:34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the kings of Israel. 20:35 After this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel; the same did very wickedly: 20:36 and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works. The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

20:1 After this, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came to fight against Jehoshaphat. 20:2 Some people came to tell Jehoshaphat, "A huge army is coming against you from across the sea, from Syria; they are already at Hazazon Tamar (also known as En Gedi)." 20:3 Jehoshaphat was afraid and sought the Lord; he announced a fast throughout all of Judah. 20:4 The people of Judah gathered to seek help from the Lord; they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. 20:5 Jehoshaphat stood in front of the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the Lord's house, before the new courtyard; 20:6 and he said, "Lord, God of our ancestors, are you not God in heaven? Are you not the ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, and no one can withstand you. 20:7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 20:8 They lived in it and built you a sanctuary for your name, saying, 20:9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword, judgment, plague, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you (for your name is in this house) and cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear and save.' 20:10 Now, here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and people from Mount Seir, whom you would not allow Israel to invade when they came out of Egypt; they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 20:11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you have given us as an inheritance. 20:12 Our God, will you not judge them? We have no power against this vast army attacking us; we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 20:13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children, stood before the Lord. 20:14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly; 20:15 and he said, "Listen, everyone in Judah and Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 20:16 Tomorrow, go down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley, facing the wilderness of Jeruel. 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle: take your positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." 20:18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 20:19 The Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. 20:20 Early in the morning, they left for the wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful." 20:21 After consulting the people, he appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out ahead of the army, saying, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever." 20:22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 20:23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir and destroyed them; after they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 20:24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 20:25 So when Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off the plunder they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 20:26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. 20:27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 20:28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. 20:29 The fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 20:30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on every side. 20:31 Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 20:32 He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 20:33 The high places, however, were not removed, and the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their ancestors. 20:34 The other events of Jehoshaphat's reign, from beginning to end, are written in the annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. 20:35 After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. 20:36 He agreed with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 20:37 But Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your plans." The ships were wrecked so that they were not able to set sail to Tarshish.

21:1 Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Jehoram his son reigned in his place. 21:2 He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah; all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 21:3 Their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn. 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and various also of the princes of Israel. 21:5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 21:6 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab; for he had the daughter of Ahab as wife: and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 21:7 However Yahweh would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a lamp to him and to his children always. 21:8 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves. 21:9 Then Jehoram passed over with his captains, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, along with the captains of the chariots. 21:10 So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day: then did Libnah revolt at the same time from under his hand, because he had forsaken Yahweh, the God of his fathers. 21:11 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and made the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the prostitute, and led Judah astray. 21:12 There came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 21:13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the prostitute, like as the house of Ahab did, and also have slain your brothers of your father's house, who were better than yourself: 21:14 behold, Yahweh will strike with a great plague your people, and your children, and your wives, and all your substance; 21:15 and you shall have great sickness by disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day. 21:16 Yahweh stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians who are beside the Ethiopians: 21:17 and they came up against Judah, and broke into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. 21:18 After all this Yahweh struck him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 21:19 It happened, in process of time, at the end of two years, that his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness, and he died of sore diseases. His people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. 21:20 Thirty-two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years: and he departed without being desired; and they buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

21:1 Jehoshaphat died and was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son Jehoram took over as king. 21:2 He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; all of them were sons of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel. 21:3 Their father gave them valuable gifts, including silver, gold, and precious items, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. 21:4 When Jehoram took over the kingdom of his father and established himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, along with several of the princes of Israel. 21:5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for eight years in Jerusalem. 21:6 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, like the house of Ahab, because he married Ahab's daughter, and he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 21:7 However, the Lord would not destroy the house of David because of the covenant He made with David and His promise to always have a lamp for him and his descendants. 21:8 During his reign, Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and appointed their own king. 21:9 Jehoram went out with his captains and all his chariots, and at night, he attacked the Edomites who surrounded him along with the chariot commanders. 21:10 So Edom has been in revolt against the rule of Judah to this day; at the same time, Libnah also revolted because he had forsaken the Lord, the God of his ancestors. 21:11 Additionally, he built high places in the mountains of Judah, causing the people of Jerusalem to act unfaithfully and leading Judah astray. 21:12 A letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, "This is what the Lord, the God of David your father, says: Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or in the ways of Asa, king of Judah, 21:13 but have followed the ways of the kings of Israel and have caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to act unfaithfully, just like the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers from your father's house, who were better than you, 21:14 behold, the Lord will strike your people, your children, your wives, and all your possessions with a great plague; 21:15 and you will suffer from a severe illness in your intestines, until your intestines come out because of the illness, day after day." 21:16 The Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians who lived near the Cushites; 21:17 they attacked Judah, broke into it, and carried away all the treasures found in the king's palace, as well as his sons and wives, leaving him with no son except for Jehoahaz, his youngest son. 21:18 After all this, the Lord afflicted him in his intestines with an incurable disease. 21:19 Over time, after two years, his intestines came out because of his illness, and he died from severe diseases. His people did not make a fire in his honor, like they had done for his ancestors. 21:20 He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he ruled in Jerusalem for eight years; he died without people desiring him, and they buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

22:1 The inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his place; for the band of men who came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 22:2 Forty-two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. 22:3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab; for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly. 22:4 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction. 22:5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram. 22:6 He returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick. 22:7 Now the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, in that he went to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. 22:8 It happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and killed them. 22:9 He sought Ahaziah, and they caught him (now he was hiding in Samaria), and they brought him to Jehu, and killed him; and they buried him, for they said, He is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all his heart. The house of Ahaziah had no power to hold the kingdom. 22:10 Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal seed of the house of Judah. 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were slain, and put him and his nurse in the bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah, so that she didn't kill him. 22:12 He was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

22:1 The residents of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, his youngest son, king instead; because the group that came with the Arabs to the camp had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram king of Judah, ruled. 22:2 Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he became king, and he ruled for one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri. 22:3 He followed the ways of the house of Ahab, as his mother advised him to do wrong. 22:4 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, just like the house of Ahab did, since they were his advisors after his father died, leading to his downfall. 22:5 He also followed their advice and went to war with Jehoram, the son of Ahab, king of Israel, against Hazael, king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead, where the Syrians wounded Joram. 22:6 He returned to be treated in Jezreel for the wounds he received at Ramah while fighting against Hazael, king of Syria. Azariah, the son of Jehoram king of Judah, went down to visit Jehoram, the son of Ahab, in Jezreel because he was ill. 22:7 Now, Ahaziah's downfall was from God, as he went to Joram; for when he arrived, he went out with Jehoram to confront Jehu, the son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. 22:8 It happened that while Jehu was carrying out judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's brothers serving Ahaziah and killed them. 22:9 He searched for Ahaziah, and they caught him (he was hiding in Samaria) and brought him to Jehu, who killed him. They buried him because they said, "He is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all his heart." The house of Ahaziah had no strength to hold onto the kingdom. 22:10 When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she rose up and killed all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash, the son of Ahaziah, and hid him away from among the slain king's sons, keeping him and his nurse in the bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, and wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was Ahaziah's sister), hid him from Athaliah so that she wouldn't kill him. 22:12 He was hidden with them in the house of God for six years, while Athaliah ruled over the land.

23:1 In the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him. 23:2 They went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. 23:3 All the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. He said to them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the sons of David. 23:4 This is the thing that you shall do: a third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the thresholds; 23:5 and a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of Yahweh. 23:6 But let none come into the house of Yahweh, save the priests, and those who minister of the Levites; they shall come in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the instruction of Yahweh. 23:7 The Levites shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whoever comes into the house, let him be slain: and be you with the king when he comes in, and when he goes out. 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath; with those who were to go out on the Sabbath; for Jehoiada the priest didn't dismiss the shift. 23:9 Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds the spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God. 23:10 He set all the people, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, around the king. 23:11 Then they brought out the king's son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony, and made him king: and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him; and they said, Long live the king. 23:12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of Yahweh: 23:13 and she looked, and, behold, the king stood by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets; the singers also played on instruments of music, and led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and said, Treason! treason! 23:14 Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, Have her forth between the ranks; and whoever follows her, let him be slain with the sword: for the priest said, Don't kill her in the house of Yahweh. 23:15 So they made way for her; and she went to the entrance of the horse gate to the king's house: and they killed her there. 23:16 Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, and all the people, and the king, that they should be Yahweh's people. 23:17 All the people went to the house of Baal, and broke it down, and broke his altars and his images in pieces, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. 23:18 Jehoiada appointed the officers of the house of Yahweh under the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of Yahweh, to offer the burnt offerings of Yahweh, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David. 23:19 He set the porters at the gates of the house of Yahweh, that no one who was unclean in anything should enter in. 23:20 He took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of Yahweh: and they came through the upper gate to the king's house, and set the king on the throne of the kingdom. 23:21 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah they had slain with the sword.

23:1 In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and gathered the captains of hundreds—Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri—into a covenant with him. 23:2 They traveled throughout Judah and collected the Levites from all the cities of Judah, along with the heads of families of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. 23:3 The whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. He told them, “Look, the king's son will reign, as Yahweh has promised regarding the sons of David.” 23:4 This is what you need to do: one-third of you who come in on the Sabbath, of the priests and Levites, will be gatekeepers; 23:5 another third will be at the king's house, and another third at the gate of the foundation; and the rest of the people will be in the courts of the house of Yahweh. 23:6 But no one is allowed to enter the house of Yahweh except for the priests and those Levites who serve there; they may come in, for they are holy, but everyone else must follow Yahweh's instructions. 23:7 The Levites will surround the king, each with their weapons ready; and anyone who enters the house should be killed, and you are to be with the king whenever he comes in and goes out. 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did exactly as Jehoiada the priest commanded: each man took his assigned position, those coming in on the Sabbath along with those going out, because Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the shift. 23:9 Jehoiada the priest handed over to the captains of hundreds the spears, shields, and bucklers that had belonged to King David, which were kept in the house of God. 23:10 He arranged all the people, each with their weapon in hand, from the right side of the house to the left side, by the altar and the house, surrounding the king. 23:11 Then they brought out the king's son, placed the crown on him, gave him the testimony, and made him king. Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and they shouted, “Long live the king!” 23:12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people celebrating and praising the king, she came to the people in the house of Yahweh; 23:13 and when she looked, she saw that the king was standing by his pillar at the entrance, with the captains and trumpeters beside him; and all the people of the land rejoiced and blew trumpets, while the singers played musical instruments and led the praise. Athaliah then tore her clothes and shouted, “Treason! Treason!” 23:14 Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds who were in charge of the army and said to them, “Take her out between the ranks, and whoever follows her, let him be killed with the sword,” for the priest said, “Do not kill her in the house of Yahweh.” 23:15 So they made a path for her, and she went to the entrance of the horse gate to the king's house, and they killed her there. 23:16 Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, all the people, and the king that they would be Yahweh's people. 23:17 All the people went to the house of Baal, tore it down, smashed its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. 23:18 Jehoiada appointed the officials of the house of Yahweh under the supervision of the priests and Levites that David had organized to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh, as is written in the law of Moses, with joy and singing, according to the order of David. 23:19 He placed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of Yahweh, so that no one who was unclean in any way could enter. 23:20 He took the captains of hundreds, the nobles, the governors of the people, and all the people of the land and brought the king down from the house of Yahweh; they came through the upper gate to the king's house and seated the king on the throne of the kingdom. 23:21 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah had been killed with the sword.

24:1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign; and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Zibiah, of Beersheba. 24:2 Joash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 24:3 Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he became the father of sons and daughters. 24:4 It happened after this, that Joash was minded to restore the house of Yahweh. 24:5 He gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year; and see that you hasten the matter. However the Levites didn't hurry. 24:6 The king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said to him, Why haven't you required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the tax of Moses the servant of Yahweh, and of the assembly of Israel, for the tent of the testimony? 24:7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of Yahweh did they bestow on the Baals. 24:8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest, and set it outside at the gate of the house of Yahweh. 24:9 They made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in for Yahweh the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness. 24:10 All the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end. 24:11 It was so, that whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king's scribe and the chief priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to its place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance. 24:12 The king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of Yahweh; and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of Yahweh, and also such as worked iron and brass to repair the house of Yahweh. 24:13 So the workmen worked, and the work of repairing went forward in their hands, and they set up the house of God in its state, and strengthened it. 24:14 When they had made an end, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, of which were made vessels for the house of Yahweh, even vessels with which to minister and to offer, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. They offered burnt offerings in the house of Yahweh continually all the days of Jehoiada. 24:15 But Jehoiada grew old and was full of days, and he died; one hundred thirty years old was he when he died. 24:16 They buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house. 24:17 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king listened to them. 24:18 They forsook the house of Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols: and wrath came on Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness. 24:19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again to Yahweh; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. 24:20 The Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said to them, Thus says God, Why disobey you the commandments of Yahweh, so that you can't prosper? because you have forsaken Yahweh, he has also forsaken you. 24:21 They conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of Yahweh. 24:22 Thus Joash the king didn't remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. When he died, he said, Yahweh look on it, and require it. 24:23 It happened at the end of the year, that the army of the Syrians came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them to the king of Damascus. 24:24 For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men; and Yahweh delivered a very great army into their hand, because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their fathers. So they executed judgment on Joash. 24:25 When they were departed for him (for they left him very sick), his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed, and he died; and they buried him in the city of David, but they didn't bury him in the tombs of the kings. 24:26 These are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. 24:27 Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid on him, and the rebuilding of the house of God, behold, they are written in the commentary of the book of the kings. Amaziah his son reigned in his place.

24:1 Joash was seven years old when he started to rule, and he ruled for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah, from Beersheba. 24:2 Joash did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh for as long as Jehoiada the priest was alive. 24:3 Jehoiada took two wives for him, and he became the father of sons and daughters. 24:4 After this, Joash decided to restore the house of Yahweh. 24:5 He gathered the priests and the Levites and told them, "Go out to the cities of Judah and collect money from all Israel each year to repair the house of your God, and make sure to hurry." But the Levites didn’t rush. 24:6 The king called for Jehoiada the chief and said to him, "Why haven’t you demanded that the Levites bring in the tax from Judah and Jerusalem that Moses, the servant of Yahweh, and the assembly of Israel set for the tent of the testimony?" 24:7 The sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God, and all the dedicated items of the house of Yahweh were given to the Baals. 24:8 So the king commanded that they make a chest and place it outside at the gate of the house of Yahweh. 24:9 They announced throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in for Yahweh the tax that Moses, the servant of God, laid on Israel in the wilderness. 24:10 All the princes and the people were happy, and they brought in and deposited money into the chest until it was full. 24:11 Whenever the chest was brought to the king’s officers by the Levites, and they saw that there was a lot of money, the king’s scribe and the chief priest’s officer would come, empty the chest, take the money, and return it to its place. They did this every day and collected a lot of money. 24:12 The king and Jehoiada gave this money to those who were working on the service of the house of Yahweh. They hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of Yahweh, as well as those who worked with iron and brass to repair it. 24:13 The workers carried on their tasks, and the repairs progressed in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its condition and strengthened it. 24:14 After they finished, they brought the remaining money before the king and Jehoiada, from which they made vessels for the house of Yahweh, including utensils for ministering and offerings, spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. They regularly offered burnt offerings in the house of Yahweh throughout the days of Jehoiada. 24:15 But Jehoiada grew old and died at the age of one hundred thirty. 24:16 They buried him in the city of David among the kings because he had done good in Israel and for God and His house. 24:17 After Jehoiada's death, the princes of Judah came and paid respect to the king. Then the king listened to them. 24:18 They abandoned the house of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and served the Asherim and idols, and as a result, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their sin. 24:19 Even so, he sent prophets to them to bring them back to Yahweh, and they warned them, but they ignored their messages. 24:20 The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest; he stood above the people and said to them, "Thus says God, why do you disobey the commandments of Yahweh so that you can't prosper? Because you have forsaken Yahweh, He has also forsaken you." 24:21 They conspired against him and stoned him with stones at the king’s command in the courtyard of the house of Yahweh. 24:22 Thus, Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada his father had shown him but killed his son. When Zechariah died, he said, "May Yahweh see this and hold you accountable." 24:23 At the end of the year, the Syrian army came against him; they invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killing all the princes of the people and sending all their spoils to the king of Damascus. 24:24 Though the Syrian army came with just a handful of men, Yahweh delivered a very large army into their hands because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. So they executed judgment on Joash. 24:25 When they had left him (because they left him very sick), his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest and killed him in his bed; he died and was buried in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. 24:26 These are the ones who conspired against him: Zabad, the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad, the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. 24:27 Now regarding his sons, the burdens laid upon him, and the rebuilding of the house of God, they are recorded in the commentary of the book of the kings. Amaziah, his son, took his place as king.

25:1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jehoaddan, of Jerusalem. 25:2 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but not with a perfect heart. 25:3 Now it happened, when the kingdom was established to him, that he killed his servants who had killed the king his father. 25:4 But he didn't put their children to death, but did according to that which is written in the law in the book of Moses, as Yahweh commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers; but every man shall die for his own sin. 25:5 Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their fathers' houses, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, even all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to war, who could handle spear and shield. 25:6 He hired also one hundred thousand mighty men of valor out of Israel for one hundred talents of silver. 25:7 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, don't let the army of Israel go with you; for Yahweh is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. 25:8 But if you will go, do valiantly, be strong for the battle: God will cast you down before the enemy; for God has power to help, and to cast down. 25:9 Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? The man of God answered, Yahweh is able to give you much more than this. 25:10 Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that had come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: therefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger. 25:11 Amaziah took courage, and led forth his people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and struck of the children of Seir ten thousand. 25:12 other ten thousand did the children of Judah carry away alive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, so that they all were broken in pieces. 25:13 But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell on the cities of Judah, from Samaria even to Beth Horon, and struck of them three thousand, and took much spoil. 25:14 Now it happened, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense to them. 25:15 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent to him a prophet, who said to him, Why have you sought after the gods of the people, which have not delivered their own people out of your hand? 25:16 It happened, as he talked with him, that the king said to him, Have we made you of the king's counsel? Stop! Why should you be struck down? Then the prophet stopped, and said, I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel. 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. 25:18 Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give your daughter to my son as wife: and there passed by a wild animal that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle. 25:19 You say, Behold, you have struck Edom; and your heart lifts you up to boast: abide now at home; why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you? 25:20 But Amaziah would not hear; for it was of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought after the gods of Edom. 25:21 So Joash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 25:22 Judah was defeated by Israel; and they fled every man to his tent. 25:23 Joash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth Shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. 25:24 He took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria. 25:25 Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years. 25:26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, aren't they written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 25:27 Now from the time that Amaziah did turn away from following Yahweh they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent after him to Lachish, and killed him there. 25:28 They brought him on horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

25:1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he ruled for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan, from Jerusalem. 25:2 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but not with a fully committed heart. 25:3 When his kingdom was established, he executed the servants who had killed his father, the king. 25:4 However, he did not kill their children, following what is written in the Law of Moses, as Yahweh commanded: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; each person shall die for their own sin." 25:5 Additionally, Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and organized them by their family clans, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, including all of Judah and Benjamin. He counted them from twenty years old and up and found there were three hundred thousand able-bodied men prepared for battle who could handle a spear and a shield. 25:6 He also hired one hundred thousand brave soldiers from Israel for one hundred talents of silver. 25:7 But a man of God came to him and said, "O king, don't let the army of Israel join you, because Yahweh is not with Israel, meaning all the children of Ephraim." 25:8 "But if you do go, be strong for the battle: God will throw you down before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to defeat." 25:9 Amaziah replied to the man of God, "What about the hundred talents I've already paid to the army of Israel?" The man of God answered, "Yahweh can give you much more than that." 25:10 Then Amaziah dismissed the troops from Ephraim who had come to him, and they left angrily, returning home in a rage. 25:11 Amaziah took courage and led his people to the Valley of Salt, where he killed ten thousand of the children of Seir. 25:12 Another ten thousand were taken alive by the people of Judah, and they brought them to the top of a cliff and threw them down, so that all were shattered into pieces. 25:13 But the soldiers that Amaziah sent home started attacking the cities of Judah, from Samaria all the way to Beth Horon, killing three thousand and taking a lot of loot. 25:14 After Amaziah returned from defeating the Edomites, he brought back their gods and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning incense to them. 25:15 This enraged Yahweh, and He sent a prophet to Amaziah, who asked him, "Why have you sought after the gods of a nation that couldn't rescue its own people from your hands?" 25:16 As the prophet spoke to him, the king said, "Did we appoint you as an advisor to the king? Stop talking! Why should you be struck down?" The prophet paused and replied, "I know that God has decided to destroy you because you've done this and have not listened to my advice." 25:17 Then Amaziah, king of Judah, sought counsel and sent a message to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu, the king of Israel, saying, "Come, let us face each other." 25:18 Joash, king of Israel, replied to Amaziah, king of Judah, saying, "The thistle in Lebanon sent a message to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, 'Give your daughter to my son as a wife,' but then a wild beast from Lebanon came along and crushed the thistle. 25:19 You say, 'Look, I've defeated Edom,' and now your heart swells with pride; stay at home. Why should you meddle in a way that harms you, leading to your downfall and the downfall of Judah?" 25:20 But Amaziah wouldn't listen, for it was God's will to give them into the hands of their enemies because they had sought after the gods of Edom. 25:21 So Joash, king of Israel, went up, and he and Amaziah, king of Judah, faced off at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 25:22 Judah was defeated by Israel, and everyone fled back to their tents. 25:23 Joash, king of Israel, captured Amaziah, king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth Shemesh and brought him to Jerusalem, where he broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate, a distance of four hundred cubits. 25:24 He took all the gold and silver, as well as all the sacred vessels found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, and the treasures from the king's palace, along with hostages, and returned to Samaria. 25:25 Amaziah, the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived for fifteen years after the death of Joash, son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 25:26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from start to finish, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 25:27 After Amaziah turned away from following Yahweh, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they pursued him to Lachish and killed him there. 25:28 They brought him back on horses and buried him with his ancestors in the city of Judah.

26:1 All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. 26:2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers. 26:3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. 26:4 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 26:5 He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Yahweh, God made him to prosper. 26:6 He went forth and warred against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in the country of Ashdod, and among the Philistines. 26:7 God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and the Meunim. 26:8 The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt; for he grew exceeding strong. 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. 26:10 He built towers in the wilderness, and dug out many cisterns, for he had much livestock; in the lowland also, and in the plain: and he had farmers and vineyard keepers in the mountains and in the fruitful fields; for he loved farming. 26:11 Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men, who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains. 26:12 The whole number of the heads of fathers' houses, even the mighty men of valor, was two thousand and six hundred. 26:13 Under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, who made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. 26:14 Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging. 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. His name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, until he was strong. 26:16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against Yahweh his God; for he went into the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense. 26:17 Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him eighty priests of Yahweh, who were valiant men: 26:18 and they withstood Uzziah the king, and said to him, It pertains not to you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for you have trespassed; neither shall it be for your honor from Yahweh God. 26:19 Then Uzziah was angry; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke forth in his forehead before the priests in the house of Yahweh, beside the altar of incense. 26:20 Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because Yahweh had struck him. 26:21 Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of Yahweh: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land. 26:22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write. 26:23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his place.

26:1 All the people of Judah chose Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 26:2 He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after the king passed away. 26:3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for fifty-two years in Jerusalem; his mother's name was Jechiliah from Jerusalem. 26:4 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, following all that his father Amaziah had done. 26:5 He committed himself to seeking God during the days of Zechariah, who had insight in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Yahweh, God made him prosper. 26:6 He went out and fought against the Philistines, breaking down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod; and he built cities in the territory of Ashdod, as well as among the Philistines. 26:7 God helped him against the Philistines, the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and the Meunim. 26:8 The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his reputation spread all the way to the border of Egypt because he became extremely powerful. 26:9 In addition, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. 26:10 He built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, as he had a lot of livestock; he had farmers and vineyard keepers in the mountains and in fertile fields because he had a passion for farming. 26:11 Uzziah also had an army of warriors who went into battles in units, according to the counts made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under Hananiah, one of the king's captains. 26:12 The total number of the leaders of the families, the mighty warriors, was two thousand and six hundred. 26:13 Under their command was an army of three hundred thousand seven thousand five hundred, who fought with great strength to assist the king against the enemy. 26:14 Uzziah provided them, for all the army, with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and stones for slings. 26:15 He created in Jerusalem engines designed by skilled men to be placed on the towers and battlements, with which to shoot arrows and large stones. His name spread widely; for he was greatly helped until he grew strong. 26:16 But when he became strong, his heart became proud, and he acted corruptly, trespassing against Yahweh his God; he entered the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense. 26:17 Azariah the priest went in after him, accompanied by eighty priests of Yahweh who were brave men: 26:18 they confronted King Uzziah, saying, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are set apart for burning incense. Get out of the sanctuary; for you have trespassed, and this will not bring you honor from Yahweh God." 26:19 Then Uzziah became angry; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was furious with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of Yahweh, next to the altar of incense. 26:20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and saw that he was leprous on his forehead, and they quickly pushed him away; he also hurried to leave because Yahweh had struck him. 26:21 King Uzziah remained a leper until his death and lived in a separate house as a leper since he was cut off from the temple of Yahweh; and his son Jotham was in charge of the king's house, judging the people of the land. 26:22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from the beginning to the end, were written by Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 26:23 So Uzziah passed away, and they buried him with his fathers in the burial field that belonged to the kings; for they said, "He is a leper": and his son Jotham reigned in his place.

27:1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 27:2 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Uzziah had done: however he didn't enter into the temple of Yahweh. The people did yet corruptly. 27:3 He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. 27:4 Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. 27:5 He fought also with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. The children of Ammon gave him the same year one hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon render to him, in the second year also, and in the third. 27:6 So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Yahweh his God. 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 27:8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 27:9 Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

27:1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he started his reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. 27:2 He did what was right in the sight of Yahweh, following the example of his father Uzziah, but he didn't enter the temple of Yahweh. The people continued to act corruptly. 27:3 He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh, and he constructed a lot on the wall of Ophel. 27:4 Additionally, he built cities in the hilly areas of Judah, and in the forests, he built castles and towers. 27:5 He also fought against the king of the Ammonites and won. The Ammonites gave him a hundred talents of silver, along with ten thousand measures of wheat and ten thousand of barley that same year. They continued to pay him the same amount in the second and third years. 27:6 Thus, Jotham became powerful because he directed his ways before Yahweh his God. 27:7 The rest of Jotham’s actions, along with all his wars and his ways, are documented in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 27:8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. 27:9 Jotham passed away and was buried in the city of David, and his son Ahaz succeeded him as king.

28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he didn't do that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, like David his father; 28:2 but he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for the Baals. 28:3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. 28:4 He sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 28:5 Therefore Yahweh his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they struck him, and carried away of his a great multitude of captives, and brought them to Damascus. He was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with a great slaughter. 28:6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah killed in Judah one hundred twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant men; because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 28:7 Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah who was next to the king. 28:8 The children of Israel carried away captive of their brothers two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. 28:9 But a prophet of Yahweh was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out to meet the army that came to Samaria, and said to them, Behold, because Yahweh, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has reached up to heaven. 28:10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondservants and bondmaids to you: but aren't there even with you trespasses of your own against Yahweh your God? 28:11 Now hear me therefore, and send back the captives, that you have taken captive of your brothers; for the fierce wrath of Yahweh is on you. 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against those who came from the war, 28:13 and said to them, You shall not bring in the captives here: for you purpose that which will bring on us a trespass against Yahweh, to add to our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. 28:14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the assembly. 28:15 The men who have been mentioned by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all who were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers: then they returned to Samaria. 28:16 At that time did king Ahaz send to the kings of Assyria to help him. 28:17 For again the Edomites had come and struck Judah, and carried away captives. 28:18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Soco with its towns, and Timnah with its towns, Gimzo also and its towns: and they lived there. 28:19 For Yahweh brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he had dealt wantonly in Judah, and trespassed severely against Yahweh. 28:20 Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria came to him, and distressed him, but didn't strengthen him. 28:21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of Yahweh, and out of the house of the king and of the princes, and gave it to the king of Assyria: but it didn't help him. 28:22 In the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Yahweh, this same king Ahaz. 28:23 For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus, which struck him; and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. 28:24 Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of Yahweh; and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. 28:25 In every city of Judah he made high places to burn incense to other gods, and provoked to anger Yahweh, the God of his fathers. 28:26 Now the rest of his acts, and all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 28:27 Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem; for they didn't bring him into the tombs of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his place.

28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he started his reign and ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. He didn’t do what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, like his father David did. 28:2 Instead, he followed the ways of the kings of Israel and made molten images for the Baals. 28:3 He even burned incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, following the detestable practices of the nations that Yahweh had driven out before the Israelites. 28:4 He also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. 28:5 Because of this, Yahweh his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Syria, who attacked him and carried away a large number of captives to Damascus. He was also handed over to the king of Israel, who inflicted a great slaughter on him. 28:6 Pekah son of Remaliah killed one hundred twenty thousand valiant men in Judah in one day because they had abandoned Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 28:7 Zichri, a mighty man from Ephraim, killed Maaseiah, the king's son, Azrikam, the ruler of the house, and Elkanah, who was next to the king. 28:8 The Israelites took captive two hundred thousand of their brothers, including women, sons, and daughters, and also took a lot of spoil from them, bringing the spoil to Samaria. 28:9 But a prophet of Yahweh named Oded was there; he went out to meet the army coming to Samaria and said to them, "Look, because Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he has delivered them into your hands, and you have killed them in a rage that has reached heaven. 28:10 Now you plan to keep the people of Judah and Jerusalem as slaves: but are there not also wrongs of your own against Yahweh your God? 28:11 So listen to me, and send back the captives you’ve taken from your brothers, for the fierce anger of Yahweh is on you." 28:12 Some leaders from Ephraim—Azariah son of Johanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—stood up against those returning from war 28:13 and said to them, "You must not bring the captives in here, because what you intend to do will bring guilt upon us against Yahweh, further adding to our sins and guilt; our guilt is already great, and there is fierce anger against Israel." 28:14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the leaders and the whole assembly. 28:15 The named men rose up, took the captives, clothed all those who were naked among them, dressed them, gave them sandals, provided them food and drink, anointed them, and carried all the weak ones on donkeys, bringing them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers; then they returned to Samaria. 28:16 At that time, King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria to seek help. 28:17 For the Edomites had again come and attacked Judah, taking away captives. 28:18 The Philistines also invaded the cities of the lowlands and the south of Judah, capturing Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco and its towns, Timnah and its towns, and Gimzo and its towns; and they settled there. 28:19 Yahweh brought Judah low because of Ahaz, king of Israel; for he had acted immorally in Judah and committed great sin against Yahweh. 28:20 Tilgath Pilneser, king of Assyria, came to him and distressed him but did not strengthen him. 28:21 For Ahaz took a portion from the house of Yahweh, from the house of the king and from the princes, and gave it to the king of Assyria, but it did not help him. 28:22 In his time of trouble, King Ahaz sinned even more against Yahweh. 28:23 He sacrificed to the gods of Damascus, which had defeated him, saying, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, therefore I will sacrifice to them so they may help me." But they were the ruin of him and all Israel. 28:24 Ahaz gathered together the sacred vessels of the house of God, cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, shut the doors of the house of Yahweh, and built altars in every corner of Jerusalem. 28:25 In every city of Judah, he made high places to burn incense to other gods, provoking Yahweh, the God of his fathers, to anger. 28:26 Now the rest of his acts, and all his ways, both good and bad, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 28:27 Ahaz rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city, even in Jerusalem; but they did not bring him into the tombs of the kings of Israel; and his son Hezekiah succeeded him.

29:1 Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old; and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 29:2 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that David his father had done. 29:3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of Yahweh, and repaired them. 29:4 He brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the broad place on the east, 29:5 and said to them, Hear me, you Levites; now sanctify yourselves, and sanctify the house of Yahweh, the God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. 29:6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of Yahweh, and turned their backs. 29:7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel. 29:8 Therefore the wrath of Yahweh was on Judah and Jerusalem, and he has delivered them to be tossed back and forth, to be an astonishment, and a hissing, as you see with your eyes. 29:9 For, behold, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. 29:10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with Yahweh, the God of Israel, that his fierce anger may turn away from us. 29:11 My sons, don't be negligent now; for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before him, to minister to him, and that you should be his ministers, and burn incense. 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah; 29:13 and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; 29:14 and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel. 29:15 They gathered their brothers, and sanctified themselves, and went in, according to the commandment of the king by the words of Yahweh, to cleanse the house of Yahweh. 29:16 The priests went in to the inner part of the house of Yahweh, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of Yahweh into the court of the house of Yahweh. The Levites took it, to carry it out abroad to the brook Kidron. 29:17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of Yahweh; and they sanctified the house of Yahweh in eight days: and on the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end. 29:18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king within the palace, and said, We have cleansed all the house of Yahweh, and the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and the table of show bread, with all its vessels. 29:19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away when he trespassed, have we prepared and sanctified; and behold, they are before the altar of Yahweh. 29:20 Then Hezekiah the king arose early, and gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of Yahweh. 29:21 They brought seven bulls, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven male goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. He commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of Yahweh. 29:22 So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: and they killed the rams, and sprinkled the blood on the altar: they killed also the lambs, and sprinkled the blood on the altar. 29:23 They brought near the male goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly; and they laid their hands on them: 29:24 and the priests killed them, and they made a sin offering with their blood on the altar, to make atonement for all Israel; for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. 29:25 He set the Levites in the house of Yahweh with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet; for the commandment was of Yahweh by his prophets. 29:26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 29:27 Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of Yahweh began also, and the trumpets, together with the instruments of David king of Israel. 29:28 All the assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 29:29 When they had made an end of offering, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped. 29:30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praises to Yahweh with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. They sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped. 29:31 Then Hezekiah answered, Now you have consecrated yourselves to Yahweh; come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of Yahweh. The assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. 29:32 The number of the burnt offerings which the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to Yahweh. 29:33 The consecrated things were six hundred head of cattle and three thousand sheep. 29:34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: therefore their brothers the Levites helped them, until the work was ended, and until the priests had sanctified themselves; for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. 29:35 Also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and with the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of Yahweh was set in order. 29:36 Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, because of that which God had prepared for the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

29:1 Hezekiah started his reign at twenty-five years old, and he ruled for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 29:2 He did what was right in the sight of Yahweh, just like his father David had done. 29:3 In the first year of his reign, during the first month, he opened the doors of the house of Yahweh and repaired them. 29:4 He brought in the priests and the Levites, gathering them in the open area on the east, 29:5 and said to them, "Listen to me, Levites; now consecrate yourselves and sanctify the house of Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, and remove all the filth from the holy place." 29:6 "Our ancestors have sinned and done evil in the sight of Yahweh our God; they have forsaken him and turned their faces away from the dwelling of Yahweh, and turned their backs. 29:7 They have also shut the doors of the porch, extinguished the lamps, and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel. 29:8 Therefore, the anger of Yahweh was against Judah and Jerusalem, and he has given them up to be tossed around and become a horror and a mockery, as you can see with your own eyes. 29:9 Look, our ancestors have fallen by the sword, and our sons, daughters, and wives are in captivity because of this. 29:10 Now, I want to make a covenant with Yahweh, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger may turn away from us. 29:11 My sons, don’t be careless now; for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before him, to minister to him, and to burn incense. 29:12 Then the Levites rose up: Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, from the Kohathites; and from the Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and from the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah; 29:13 and from the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and from the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; 29:14 and from the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and from the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel. 29:15 They gathered their brothers, consecrated themselves, and went in according to the command of the king, by the words of Yahweh, to cleanse the house of Yahweh. 29:16 The priests entered the inner part of the house of Yahweh to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness they found in the temple of Yahweh into the courtyard of the house of Yahweh. The Levites took it to carry it out to the Kidron brook. 29:17 They began the cleansing on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month, they came to the porch of Yahweh; and they consecrated the house of Yahweh in eight days. On the sixteenth day of the first month, they finished the work. 29:18 Then they went in to King Hezekiah in the palace and said, "We have cleansed all the house of Yahweh, the altar of burnt offering, and all its utensils, and the table of showbread and all its utensils." 29:19 Moreover, all the vessels that King Ahaz discarded during his reign when he sinned have been prepared and consecrated, and they are now before the altar of Yahweh. 29:20 King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of Yahweh. 29:21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, the sanctuary, and for Judah. He commanded the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of Yahweh. 29:22 So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They killed the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar; they also killed the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar. 29:23 They brought the male goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly; and they laid their hands on them. 29:24 The priests killed them and made a sin offering with their blood on the altar to atone for all Israel; for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. 29:25 He appointed the Levites in the house of Yahweh with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, according to the command of David, Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet; for the command was from Yahweh through his prophets. 29:26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 29:27 Hezekiah commanded them to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of Yahweh started, along with the trumpets and the instruments of David, king of Israel. 29:28 All the assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 29:29 When they finished the offerings, the king and all who were present with him bowed down and worshiped. 29:30 Moreover, King Hezekiah and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praises to Yahweh with the words of David and Asaph the seer. They sang praises with joy and bowed their heads in worship. 29:31 Then Hezekiah said, "Now you have consecrated yourselves to Yahweh; come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of Yahweh." The assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and those with willing hearts brought burnt offerings. 29:32 The number of burnt offerings the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were offerings to Yahweh. 29:33 The consecrated gifts included six hundred head of cattle and three thousand sheep. 29:34 But the priests were too few to skin all the burnt offerings, so their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was done, and until the priests had consecrated themselves; for the Levites were more devoted in heart to consecrate themselves than the priests. 29:35 The burnt offerings, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for every burnt offering, were in abundance. So the service of the house of Yahweh was organized. 29:36 Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had prepared for the people, for the thing was done suddenly.

30:1 Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 30:2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to keep the Passover in the second month. 30:3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 30:4 The thing was right in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly. 30:5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written. 30:6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, You children of Israel, turn again to Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may return to the remnant that have escaped of you out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 30:7 Don't be you like your fathers, and like your brothers, who trespassed against Yahweh, the God of their fathers, so that he gave them up to desolation, as you see. 30:8 Now don't you be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves to Yahweh, and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified forever, and serve Yahweh your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 30:9 For if you turn again to Yahweh, your brothers and your children shall find compassion before those who led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him. 30:10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even to Zebulun: but they ridiculed them, and mocked them. 30:11 Nevertheless certain men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 30:12 Also on Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of Yahweh. 30:13 There assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly. 30:14 They arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron. 30:15 Then they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt offerings into the house of Yahweh. 30:16 They stood in their place after their order, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of the hand of the Levites. 30:17 For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites were in charge of killing the Passovers for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to Yahweh. 30:18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the Passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Yahweh pardon everyone 30:19 who sets his heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of his fathers, though not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. 30:20 Yahweh listened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. 30:21 The children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Yahweh day by day, singing with loud instruments to Yahweh. 30:22 Hezekiah spoke comfortably to all the Levites who had good understanding in the service of Yahweh. So they ate throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings, and making confession to Yahweh, the God of their fathers. 30:23 The whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days; and they kept other seven days with gladness. 30:24 For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the assembly for offerings one thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 30:25 All the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly who came out of Israel, and the foreigners who came out of the land of Israel, and who lived in Judah, rejoiced. 30:26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. 30:27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even to heaven.

30:1 Hezekiah reached out to all of Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 30:2 The king had consulted with his officials and the entire assembly in Jerusalem about holding the Passover in the second month. 30:3 They couldn’t celebrate it at that time because the priests hadn’t made themselves holy in enough numbers, and the people hadn’t gathered in Jerusalem. 30:4 The plan seemed good to the king and all the assembly. 30:5 So they decided to spread the word throughout all Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, inviting them to celebrate the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem, as many had not participated as it is meant to be done. 30:6 The messengers went out with the letters from the king and his officials throughout all Israel and Judah, telling the people, “You children of Israel, return to Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that he may return to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hands of the kings of Assyria.” 30:7 “Don't be like your ancestors and your brothers, who did wrong against Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and were given over to destruction, as you can see. 30:8 Now don’t be stubborn like your ancestors; instead, submit to Yahweh and enter his sanctuary, which he has made holy forever, and serve Yahweh your God, so that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 30:9 If you return to Yahweh, your brothers and children will find compassion from those who took them captive and will return to this land, because Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn his face away from you if you return to him.” 30:10 The messengers traveled from city to city throughout the regions of Ephraim and Manasseh and as far as Zebulun, but many mocked and ridiculed them. 30:11 Despite this, some men from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 30:12 God’s hand was upon Judah to unite their hearts to follow the command of the king and his officials according to the word of Yahweh. 30:13 A large crowd gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, forming a huge assembly. 30:14 They removed the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense were taken away and thrown into the Kidron Valley. 30:15 Then they sacrificed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month; the priests and Levites felt ashamed and sanctified themselves, bringing burnt offerings to the house of Yahweh. 30:16 They stood in their designated places, following the law of Moses, the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood that they received from the Levites. 30:17 Many in the assembly had not made themselves holy, so the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for everyone who was unclean, to make them holy to Yahweh. 30:18 A large number of the people, including many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they still ate the Passover in a way that was not in accordance with what is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, “May the good Yahweh pardon everyone 30:19 who sets their heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, even if they are not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” 30:20 Yahweh listened to Hezekiah and healed the people. 30:21 The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the feast of unleavened bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised Yahweh day by day, singing loudly with instruments to Yahweh. 30:22 Hezekiah spoke kindly to all the Levites who understood well in the service of Yahweh. They continued to eat during the feast for the seven days, offering peace offerings and confessing to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 30:23 The whole assembly decided to keep an additional seven days; and they celebrated for another seven days with joy. 30:24 For Hezekiah, the king of Judah, contributed to the assembly for offerings one thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep, and the officials gave a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep. A great number of priests made themselves holy. 30:25 The entire assembly of Judah, along with the priests and Levites, and all the assembly that came from Israel, as well as those who were living in Judah, rejoiced. 30:26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem since the time of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. 30:27 Then the priests and Levites stood up and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer ascended to his holy dwelling, even to heaven.

31:1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. 31:2 Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camp of Yahweh. 31:3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Yahweh. 31:4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh. 31:5 As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 31:6 The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their God, and laid them by heaps. 31:7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 31:8 When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and his people Israel. 31:9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 31:10 Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have eaten and had enough, and have left plenty: for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store. 31:11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Yahweh; and they prepared them. 31:12 They brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: and over them Conaniah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was second. 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. 31:14 Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east gate, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the offerings of Yahweh, and the most holy things. 31:15 Under him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, as well to the great as to the small: 31:16 besides those who were reckoned by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into the house of Yahweh, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions; 31:17 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions; 31:18 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness. 31:19 Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every city, there were men who were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all who were reckoned by genealogy among the Levites. 31:20 Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he worked that which was good and right and faithful before Yahweh his God. 31:21 In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

31:1 After everything was done, all the people of Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, smashed the pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars across all of Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Manasseh as well, until they had destroyed everything. Then all the Israelites returned, each man to his own property, in their own towns. 31:2 Hezekiah organized the priests and the Levites by their divisions, assigning each person according to their role, both priests and Levites, for burnt offerings and peace offerings, to serve, give thanks, and praise at the gates of the Lord’s camp. 31:3 He designated also the king's share of his wealth for the burnt offerings, specifically, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, as well as those for the Sabbaths, new moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the law of the Lord. 31:4 Furthermore, he instructed the people living in Jerusalem to provide for the priests and Levites so they could fully devote themselves to the law of the Lord. 31:5 When the command was announced, the Israelites gave generously the first fruits of their grain, new wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of the fields; they also brought in a large amount of tithes. 31:6 The people of Israel and Judah living in the cities of Judah also brought the tithe of cattle and sheep, along with the tithe of sacred things consecrated to the Lord their God, stacking them in heaps. 31:7 In the third month, they started laying the foundation for the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. 31:8 When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and his people Israel. 31:9 Hezekiah then asked the priests and Levites about the heaps. 31:10 Azariah, the chief priest from the house of Zadok, replied, "Since the people began bringing the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty left over, for the Lord has blessed his people, and this is what remains." 31:11 Then Hezekiah ordered rooms to be prepared in the house of the Lord; and they were made ready. 31:12 They faithfully brought in the offerings, tithes, and dedicated items: Conaniah the Levite was in charge, with his brother Shimei as second. 31:13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, appointed by King Hezekiah and Azariah, the ruler of the house of God. 31:14 Kore, the son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east gate, was responsible for the freewill offerings to distribute the offerings of the Lord and the most holy things. 31:15 Under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah in the priests’ cities, responsible for the distribution to their brothers by divisions, both the great and the small: 31:16 in addition to those counted by genealogy of males, from three years old and up, everyone who entered the house of the Lord as required daily for their service in their roles according to their divisions; 31:17 and those counted by genealogy of the priests by their ancestral houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and up, in their positions by their divisions; 31:18 and those counted by genealogy for all their dependents, their wives, sons, and daughters throughout the congregation: for in their roles, they dedicated themselves in holiness. 31:19 Additionally, for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields surrounding their cities, there were men named specifically to provide portions to all the males among the priests, and to all who were listed by genealogy among the Levites. 31:20 Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah; and he acted with what was good, right, and faithful before the Lord his God. 31:21 In every task he undertook in the service of the house of God, in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it wholeheartedly, and it was successful.

32:1 After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for himself. 32:2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, 32:3 he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the springs which were outside of the city; and they helped him. 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the springs, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water? 32:5 He took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance. 32:6 He set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the broad place at the gate of the city, and spoke comfortably to them, saying, 32:7 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him: 32:8 with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is Yahweh our God to help us, and to fight our battles. The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 32:9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (now he was before Lachish, and all his power with him), to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah who were at Jerusalem, saying, 32:10 Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do you trust, that you abide the siege in Jerusalem? 32:11 Does not Hezekiah persuade you, to give you over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Yahweh our God will deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 32:12 Has not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, You shall worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn incense? 32:13 Don't you know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand? 32:14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations which my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my hand? 32:15 Now therefore don't let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither believe you him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand? 32:16 His servants spoke yet more against Yahweh God, and against his servant Hezekiah. 32:17 He wrote also letters, to rail on Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand. 32:18 They cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city. 32:19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem, as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands. 32:20 Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven. 32:21 Yahweh sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he was come into the house of his god, those who came forth from his own bowels killed him there with the sword. 32:22 Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side. 32:23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. 32:24 In those days Hezekiah was sick even to death: and he prayed to Yahweh; and he spoke to him, and gave him a sign. 32:25 But Hezekiah didn't render again according to the benefit done to him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem. 32:26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh didn't come on them in the days of Hezekiah. 32:27 Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he provided him treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly vessels; 32:28 storehouses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of animals, and flocks in folds. 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much substance. 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper spring of the waters of Gihon, and brought them straight down on the west side of the city of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 32:31 However in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 32:33 Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the ascent of the tombs of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

32:1 After these events and this faithfulness, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came and entered Judah, setting up camp against the fortified cities and planning to take them for himself. 32:2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had arrived and was determined to attack Jerusalem, 32:3 he consulted with his officials and brave warriors to block the water supplies from the springs outside the city, and they supported him. 32:4 A large crowd gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, "Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?" 32:5 He took heart and repaired all the broken walls, raising them up to the towers and strengthening the other outer wall, and fortified Millo in the city of David. He also made plenty of weapons and shields. 32:6 He appointed military leaders over the people, gathered them in the broad area at the city gate, and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, 32:7 "Be strong and courageous; don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his vast army. There's a greater force with us than with him: 32:8 he has human strength, but we have Yahweh our God to help us and fight our battles." The people found comfort in the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 32:9 After this, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent his servants to Jerusalem (he was at Lachish, with all his power) to Hezekiah, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem, saying, 32:10 "This is what Sennacherib, king of Assyria, says: On what are you relying that you remain besieged in Jerusalem? 32:11 Doesn’t Hezekiah mislead you by saying, ‘Yahweh our God will deliver us from the king of Assyria’? 32:12 Hasn’t Hezekiah taken away his high places and altars and commanded Judah and Jerusalem to worship before one altar and burnt offerings on it? 32:13 Don’t you understand what I and my ancestors have done to all the people of the lands? Were the gods of the nations able to save their lands from my power? 32:14 Which of all the gods of those nations that my ancestors utterly destroyed could rescue his people from my hand? How then can your God deliver you from my hand? 32:15 So don’t let Hezekiah deceive you or persuade you like this, and don’t believe him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to save his people from my hand or the hand of my ancestors: how much less will your God deliver you from my hand?" 32:16 His servants continued to speak against Yahweh God and his servant Hezekiah. 32:17 He also wrote letters to insult Yahweh, the God of Israel, and spoke against him, saying, "Just like the gods of the nations that haven’t saved their people from my hand, the God of Hezekiah won’t save his people from my hand." 32:18 They shouted loudly in the Jewish language to the people of Jerusalem on the wall, trying to frighten and trouble them so they could capture the city. 32:19 They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as if he were like the gods of the nations of the earth, which are made by human hands. 32:20 King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. 32:21 Yahweh sent an angel who cut down all the brave warriors, leaders, and commanders in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned home in disgrace. When he entered the temple of his god, his own sons killed him there with the sword. 32:22 Thus, Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side. 32:23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh in Jerusalem and precious items for Hezekiah, king of Judah, so he was honored in the sight of all nations from that time on. 32:24 In those days, Hezekiah became seriously ill and prayed to Yahweh; he spoke to him and was given a sign. 32:25 But Hezekiah didn’t respond appropriately to the benefit he received, for his heart became proud; therefore, Yahweh’s anger was against him and against Judah and Jerusalem. 32:26 Nevertheless, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so Yahweh’s anger did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah. 32:27 Hezekiah had immense wealth and honor, and he made treasuries for silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable items; 32:28 storehouses for grain, new wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of animals and flocks. 32:29 He also built cities and had vast possessions of flocks and herds; for God had given him great wealth. 32:30 This same Hezekiah also blocked the upper spring of the waters of Gihon and brought them directly down on the west side of the city of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his efforts. 32:31 However, in the matter of the ambassadors from the rulers of Babylon, who sent to inquire about the miraculous signs in the land, God withdrew from him to test him, to know all that was in his heart. 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 32:33 Hezekiah rested with his ancestors, and they buried him in the group of tombs of the sons of David. All Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death. His son Manasseh succeeded him as king.

33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. 33:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; and he reared up altars for the Baals, and made Asheroth, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them. 33:4 He built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, In Jerusalem shall my name be forever. 33:5 He built altars for all the army of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh. 33:6 He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and practiced sorcery, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger. 33:7 He set the engraved image of the idol, which he had made, in the house of God, of which God said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever: 33:8 neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for your fathers, if only they will observe to do all that I have commanded them, even all the law and the statutes and the ordinances given by Moses. 33:9 Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that they did evil more than did the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel. 33:10 Yahweh spoke to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed. 33:11 Therefore Yahweh brought on them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh in chains, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. 33:12 When he was in distress, he begged Yahweh his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 33:13 He prayed to him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh he was God. 33:14 Now after this he built an outer wall to the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate; and he encircled Ophel with it, and raised it up to a very great height: and he put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah. 33:15 He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 33:16 He built up the altar of Yahweh, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel. 33:17 Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only to Yahweh their God. 33:18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of the kings of Israel. 33:19 His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places in which he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the engraved images, before he humbled himself: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai. 33:20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his place. 33:21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. 33:22 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh his father; and Amon sacrificed to all the engraved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them. 33:23 He didn't humble himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but this same Amon trespassed more and more. 33:24 His servants conspired against him, and put him to death in his own house. 33:25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.

33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he started to reign, and he ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. 33:2 He did what was wrong in the eyes of Yahweh, following the detestable practices of the nations that Yahweh had driven out before the Israelites. 33:3 He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he set up altars for the Baals, made Asheroth, worshiped all the starry hosts, and served them. 33:4 He built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, "In Jerusalem shall my name be forever." 33:5 He built altars for all the starry hosts in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh. 33:6 He also made his children pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced sorcery, used charms, consulted mediums, and engaged with wizards. He committed many evil acts in the sight of Yahweh, provoking Him to anger. 33:7 He placed the carved idol he had made in the house of God, of which God had said to David and Solomon, "In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever: 33:8 and I will no longer remove the foot of Israel from the land I appointed for your ancestors, if only they will carefully observe all that I commanded them, including all the law and the statutes and the ordinances given by Moses." 33:9 Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, causing them to do more evil than the nations that Yahweh had destroyed before the Israelites. 33:10 Yahweh spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored Him. 33:11 So Yahweh brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with chains, and took him to Babylon. 33:12 When he was in distress, he sought Yahweh his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. 33:13 He prayed to Him, and He was moved by Manasseh's plea and heard his cries for help, restoring him to Jerusalem and his kingdom. Then Manasseh realized that Yahweh was God. 33:14 After this, he rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, extending to the entrance at the Fish Gate; he encircled Ophel with it and raised it to a great height. He appointed valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah. 33:15 He removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of Yahweh, along with all the altars he had built on the mountain of the house of Yahweh and in Jerusalem, casting them out of the city. 33:16 He restored the altar of Yahweh and offered peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel. 33:17 However, the people continued to sacrifice at the high places, but only to Yahweh their God. 33:18 The rest of the acts of Manasseh, his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, are written among the acts of the kings of Israel. 33:19 His prayer and how God was moved by him, along with all his sins and transgressions, and the places where he built high places and set up the Asherim and the carved images before he humbled himself, are recorded in the history of Hozai. 33:20 So Manasseh rested with his ancestors, and they buried him in his own house. His son Amon succeeded him as king. 33:21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for two years in Jerusalem. 33:22 He did what was wrong in the sight of Yahweh, just like his father Manasseh; Amon sacrificed to all the carved images that Manasseh had made and served them. 33:23 He didn’t humble himself before Yahweh, as his father Manasseh had done; instead, this Amon became increasingly unfaithful. 33:24 His servants conspired against him and assassinated him in his own house. 33:25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.

34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 34:2 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and walked in the ways of David his father, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 34:3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the molten images. 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the incense altars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, and strewed it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 34:5 He burnt the bones of the priests on their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem. 34:6 So did he in the cities of Manasseh and Ephraim and Simeon, even to Naphtali, around in their ruins. 34:7 He broke down the altars, and beat the Asherim and the engraved images into powder, and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, and returned to Jerusalem. 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of Yahweh his God. 34:9 They came to Hilkiah the high priest, and delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin, and of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 34:10 They delivered it into the hand of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of Yahweh; and the workmen who labored in the house of Yahweh gave it to mend and repair the house; 34:11 even to the carpenters and to the builders gave they it, to buy cut stone, and timber for couplings, and to make beams for the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed. 34:12 The men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and others of the Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music. 34:13 Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and set forward all who did the work in every manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters. 34:14 When they brought out the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of Yahweh given by Moses. 34:15 Hilkiah answered Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh. Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. 34:16 Shaphan carried the book to the king, and moreover brought back word to the king, saying, All that was committed to your servants, they are doing. 34:17 They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of Yahweh, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and into the hand of the workmen. 34:18 Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest has delivered me a book. Shaphan read therein before the king. 34:19 It happened, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he tore his clothes. 34:20 The king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 34:21 Go you, inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of Yahweh that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of Yahweh, to do according to all that is written in this book. 34:22 So Hilkiah, and they whom the king had commanded, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter;) and they spoke to her to that effect. 34:23 She said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Tell you the man who sent you to me, 34:24 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on its inhabitants, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah. 34:25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore is my wrath poured out on this place, and it shall not be quenched. 34:26 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus you shall tell him, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: As touching the words which you have heard, 34:27 because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before God, when you heard his words against this place, and against its inhabitants, and have humbled yourself before me, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, says Yahweh. 34:28 Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the evil that I will bring on this place, and on its inhabitants. They brought back word to the king. 34:29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 34:30 The king went up to the house of Yahweh, and all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, both great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of Yahweh. 34:31 The king stood in his place, and made a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 34:32 He caused all who were found in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. The inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 34:33 Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all who were found in Israel to serve, even to serve Yahweh their God. All his days they didn't depart from following Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to rule, and he ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 34:2 He did what was right in the sight of Yahweh and followed the ways of his father David, not straying to the right or the left. 34:3 In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he started to seek the God of his father David. In the twelfth year, he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, the carved images, and the molten images. 34:4 They tore down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and the incense altars that were high above them he cut down. He broke the Asherim, the carved images, and the molten images into pieces, ground them to dust, and sprinkled it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 34:5 He burned the bones of the priests on their altars and purified Judah and Jerusalem. 34:6 He did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, even to Naphtali, and all their ruins. 34:7 He broke down the altars, ground the Asherim and the carved images into powder, cut down all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel, and returned to Jerusalem. 34:8 In the eighteenth year of his reign, after he had purified the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the temple of Yahweh his God. 34:9 They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had gathered from Manasseh, Ephraim, and all the remnant of Israel, along with all Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 34:10 They entrusted it to the hands of the workers who oversaw the house of Yahweh, and the workers who labored in the house of Yahweh used it to repair and restore the temple; 34:11 they gave it to the carpenters and builders to buy cut stone and timber for couplings and to make beams for the houses that the kings of Judah had destroyed. 34:12 The men did their work faithfully; and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites from the tribe of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to assist them; and others of the Levites, all who were skilled with musical instruments. 34:13 They were also in charge of the bearers of burdens and organized everyone who did work of every kind of service. Among the Levites were the scribes, officers, and porters. 34:14 When they brought out the money that had been taken into the house of Yahweh, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of Yahweh given by Moses. 34:15 Hilkiah told Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh." Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. 34:16 Shaphan took the book to the king and reported back to the king, saying, "Everything your servants are doing, they are doing." 34:17 They have emptied the money found in the house of Yahweh and delivered it into the hands of the overseers and the workmen. 34:18 Shaphan the scribe said to the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." Shaphan read it before the king. 34:19 When the king heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes. 34:20 The king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 34:21 "Go, inquire of Yahweh for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah regarding the words of this book that has been found; for great is the anger of Yahweh that has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not kept the word of Yahweh, to do according to all that is written in this book." 34:22 So Hilkiah and those whom the king had commanded went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they spoke to her about this. 34:23 She said to them, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me, 34:24 'Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah. 34:25 Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods, provoking me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my anger is poured out on this place and will not be quenched.'" 34:26 "But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus shall you tell him, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Regarding the words you have heard, 34:27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me, torn your clothes, and wept before me; I have also heard you, says Yahweh. 34:28 Behold, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil that I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.'" They reported back to the king. 34:29 Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 34:30 The king went up to the house of Yahweh, and all the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, the Levites, and all the people, both great and small: and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of Yahweh. 34:31 The king stood in his place and made a covenant before Yahweh to follow Yahweh and keep his commandments, testimonies, and statutes with all his heart and soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 34:32 He made all who were found in Jerusalem and Benjamin stand by it. The inhabitants of Jerusalem acted according to the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors. 34:33 Josiah removed all the detestable things from all the territories belonging to the people of Israel and made everyone in Israel serve, even to serve Yahweh their God. Throughout his reign, they did not turn away from following Yahweh, the God of their ancestors.

35:1 Josiah kept a Passover to Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 35:2 He set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Yahweh. 35:3 He said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to Yahweh, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; there shall no more be a burden on your shoulders: now serve Yahweh your God, and his people Israel. 35:4 Prepare yourselves after your fathers' houses by your divisions, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son. 35:5 Stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the fathers' houses of your brothers the children of the people, and let there be for each a portion of a fathers' house of the Levites. 35:6 Kill the Passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of Yahweh by Moses. 35:7 Josiah gave to the children of the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all of them for the Passover offerings, to all who were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bulls: these were of the king's substance. 35:8 His princes gave for a freewill offering to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, the rulers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small livestock, and three hundred head of cattle. 35:9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand small livestock, and five hundred head of cattle. 35:10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites by their divisions, according to the king's commandment. 35:11 They killed the Passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of their hand, and the Levites flayed them. 35:12 They removed the burnt offerings, that they might give them according to the divisions of the fathers' houses of the children of the people, to offer to Yahweh, as it is written in the book of Moses. So did they with the cattle. 35:13 They roasted the Passover with fire according to the ordinance: and the holy offerings boiled they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and carried them quickly to all the children of the people. 35:14 Afterward they prepared for themselves, and for the priests, because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering the burnt offerings and the fat until night: therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron. 35:15 The singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters were at every gate: they didn't need to depart from their service; for their brothers the Levites prepared for them. 35:16 So all the service of Yahweh was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover, and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of Yahweh, according to the commandment of king Josiah. 35:17 The children of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days. 35:18 There was no Passover like that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did any of the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this Passover kept. 35:20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. 35:21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; and God has commanded me to make haste: forbear you from meddling with God, who is with me, that he not destroy you. 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn't listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. 35:23 The archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded. 35:24 So his servants took him out of the chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had, and brought him to Jerusalem; and he died, and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 35:25 Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and singing women spoke of Josiah in their lamentations to this day; and they made them an ordinance in Israel: and behold, they are written in the lamentations. 35:26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his good deeds, according to that which is written in the law of Yahweh, 35:27 and his acts, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

35:1 Josiah celebrated Passover for Yahweh in Jerusalem, and they sacrificed the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month. 35:2 He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in serving the house of Yahweh. 35:3 He told the Levites who taught all Israel and were dedicated to Yahweh, to place the sacred ark in the house that Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, built; no longer would there be a burden on your shoulders: now serve Yahweh your God and his people Israel. 35:4 Prepare yourselves by your ancestral houses and by your divisions, as per the instructions of David king of Israel and Solomon his son. 35:5 Stand in the holy place according to the divisions of your family houses, and for each, let there be a portion from the houses of the Levites. 35:6 Sacrifice the Passover, and consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to Yahweh's command through Moses. 35:7 Josiah provided for the people, giving them lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, totaling thirty thousand and three thousand bulls: these were sourced from the king's own livestock. 35:8 His officials offered willingly to the people, the priests, and the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the leaders of the house of God, contributed two thousand six hundred small livestock and three hundred cattle for the priests for the Passover offerings. 35:9 Conaniah, Shemaiah, Nethanel, his brothers, Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, the Levite leaders, contributed five thousand small livestock and five hundred cattle for the Levites for the Passover offerings. 35:10 So the preparations were made, and the priests took their positions, with the Levites in their divisions, as per the king's command. 35:11 They sacrificed the Passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, while the Levites skinned the animals. 35:12 They removed the burnt offerings to distribute them according to the divisions of the family houses of the people, as offerings to Yahweh, following the instructions in the book of Moses. This was also done with the cattle. 35:13 They roasted the Passover over fire as required, and they boiled the holy offerings in pots, cauldrons, and pans, quickly delivering them to all the people. 35:14 Afterward, they prepared for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy offering burnt offerings and fat until evening: thus, the Levites took care of themselves and the priests, the sons of Aaron. 35:15 The singers, sons of Asaph, were in their designated place, as commanded by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king's seer; and the gatekeepers were at every gate: they didn't have to leave their posts because their fellow Levites had prepared for them. 35:16 So all the service of Yahweh was organized that day to celebrate Passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of Yahweh, as commanded by King Josiah. 35:17 The Israelites present celebrated Passover at that time and the feast of unleavened bread for seven days. 35:18 There was no other Passover celebrated in Israel like the one observed since the days of the prophet Samuel; nor did any of the kings of Israel celebrate a Passover like the one Josiah celebrated, along with the priests, the Levites, and all the people of Judah and Israel who were present, and the residents of Jerusalem. 35:19 This Passover was observed in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign. 35:20 After all this, when Josiah had restored the temple, Neco king of Egypt marched to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. 35:21 But he sent messengers to him, saying, "What do you want with me, king of Judah? I’m not here to confront you today, but to fight against the nation I'm at war with; and God has commanded me to hurry: do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you." 35:22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself to fight him, and he did not heed the words of Neco, which came from God, and went to battle in the valley of Megiddo. 35:23 The archers shot at King Josiah; and he said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded." 35:24 His servants removed him from his chariot and placed him in the second chariot he had, and brought him to Jerusalem; he died there and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 35:25 Jeremiah lamented for Josiah, and all the singers, both men and women, spoke of Josiah in their laments to this day; and they established it as a custom in Israel, and behold, they are recorded in the laments. 35:26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his good deeds, as recorded in the law of Yahweh, 35:27 and his deeds, both the first and the last, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

36:1 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's place in Jerusalem. 36:2 Joahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 36:3 The king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem, and fined the land one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 36:4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Neco took Joahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt. 36:5 Jehoiakim was Twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God. 36:6 Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. 36:7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of Yahweh to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon. 36:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place. 36:9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 36:10 At the return of the year king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem. 36:11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: 36:12 and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God; he didn't humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of Yahweh. 36:13 He also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart against turning to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 36:14 Moreover all the chiefs of the priests, and the people, trespassed very greatly after all the abominations of the nations; and they polluted the house of Yahweh which he had made holy in Jerusalem. 36:15 Yahweh, the God of their fathers, sent to them by his messengers, rising up early and sending, because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: 36:16 but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the wrath of Yahweh arose against his people, until there was no remedy. 36:17 Therefore he brought on them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, old man or gray-headed: he gave them all into his hand. 36:18 All the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes, all these he brought to Babylon. 36:19 They burnt the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels of it. 36:20 He carried those who had escaped from the sword away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 36:21 to fulfill the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths: for as long as it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. 36:22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 36:23 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth has Yahweh, the God of heaven, given me; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, Yahweh his God be with him, and let him go up.

36:1 Then the people of the land chose Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. 36:2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he started to reign, and he ruled for three months in Jerusalem. 36:3 The king of Egypt deposed him in Jerusalem, and imposed a fine on the land of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 36:4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, his brother, king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Neco took Joahaz, his brother, and brought him to Egypt. 36:5 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for eleven years in Jerusalem; he did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God. 36:6 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came against him and bound him in fetters to take him to Babylon. 36:7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried off the vessels of the house of Yahweh to Babylon and placed them in his temple there. 36:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, his abominations, and everything that was found in him, are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah; and Jehoiachin, his son, succeeded him as king. 36:9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign; he ruled for three months and ten days in Jerusalem, and he did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 36:10 At the turn of the year, king Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, along with the valuable vessels of the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah, his brother, king over Judah and Jerusalem. 36:11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for eleven years in Jerusalem. 36:12 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God; he didn’t humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke for Yahweh. 36:13 He also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 36:14 Moreover, all the leaders of the priests and the people greatly trespassed following all the abominations of the nations; they polluted the house of Yahweh, which He had made holy in Jerusalem. 36:15 Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, sent messengers to them, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of Yahweh arose against His people, with no remedy left. 36:17 Therefore, He brought upon them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and showed no compassion on young men or virgins, old men or gray-headed; He gave them all into his hand. 36:18 All the vessels of the house of God, both great and small, the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the king and his princes, all these were taken to Babylon. 36:19 They burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all its palaces with fire, destroying all the valuable vessels in it. 36:20 He carried away those who had escaped from the sword to Babylon; they became servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. 36:21 This was to fulfill the word of Yahweh spoken by Jeremiah, until the land enjoyed its Sabbaths: for as long as it lay desolate, it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. 36:22 Now, in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh spoken by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom and also put it in writing, saying, 36:23 Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: "All the kingdoms of the earth has Yahweh, the God of heaven, given me; and He has commanded me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may Yahweh his God be with him, and let him go up."














Ezra

1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 1:2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth has Yahweh, the God of heaven, given me; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 1:3 Whoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Yahweh, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. 1:4 Whoever is left, in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with animals, besides the freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem. 1:5 Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem. 1:6 All those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. 1:7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of Yahweh, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put in the house of his gods; 1:8 even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. 1:9 This is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, one thousand platters of silver, twenty-nine knives, 1:10 thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels one thousand. 1:11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when they of the captivity were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

1:1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, to fulfill the word of Yahweh through Jeremiah, Yahweh moved the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, to make a proclamation across his entire kingdom and put it in writing, saying, 1:2 "This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has commanded me to build a house for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 1:3 Anyone from his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, to rebuild the house of Yahweh, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. 1:4 Anyone who is left, wherever they live, should have the men of that place support him with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, in addition to the freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem. 1:5 Then the leaders of the families of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites, all whose spirits God had stirred, rose up to go and build the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem. 1:6 All those around them helped strengthen their hands with silver vessels, gold, goods, livestock, and valuable items, in addition to everything that was willingly offered. 1:7 Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of Yahweh, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods; 1:8 these were brought out by Cyrus, king of Persia, through Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. 1:9 Here is the count: thirty gold platters, one thousand silver platters, twenty-nine knives, 1:10 thirty gold bowls, four hundred ten silver bowls of a second kind, and one thousand other vessels. 1:11 In total, there were five thousand four hundred vessels of gold and silver. All these were brought up by Sheshbazzar when the exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem.

2:1 Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city; 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 2:3 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 2:4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 2:5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy-five. 2:6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. 2:7 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 2:8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. 2:9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 2:10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty-two. 2:11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three. 2:12 The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two. 2:13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six. 2:14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty-six. 2:15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four. 2:16 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 2:17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. 2:18 The children of Jorah, one hundred twelve. 2:19 The children of Hashum, two hundred Twenty-three. 2:20 The children of Gibbar, ninety-five. 2:21 The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three. 2:22 The men of Netophah, fifty-six. 2:23 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 2:24 The children of Azmaveth, forty-two. 2:25 The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 2:26 The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 2:27 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. 2:28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty-three. 2:29 The children of Nebo, fifty-two. 2:30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. 2:31 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 2:32 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 2:33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five. 2:34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 2:35 The children of Senaah, three thousand six hundred thirty. 2:36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 2:37 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 2:38 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 2:39 The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen. 2:40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four. 2:41 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight. 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. 2:43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 2:44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 2:45 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 2:46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, 2:47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 2:48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 2:49 the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim, 2:51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 2:52 the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 2:53 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 2:54 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. 2:58 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety-two. 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: 2:60 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two. 2:61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 2:62 These sought their register among those who were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 2:63 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. 2:64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 2:65 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred singing men and singing women. 2:66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 2:67 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 2:68 Some of the heads of fathers' houses, when they came to the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to set it up in its place: 2:69 they gave after their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests' garments. 2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

2:1 Now these are the children of the province, who returned from captivity after Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, took them away to Babylon, and came back to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own city; 2:2 led by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The count of the men of the people of Israel: 2:3 The children of Parosh, 2,172. 2:4 The children of Shephatiah, 372. 2:5 The children of Arah, 775. 2:6 The children of Pahathmoab, from the children of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812. 2:7 The children of Elam, 1,254. 2:8 The children of Zattu, 945. 2:9 The children of Zaccai, 760. 2:10 The children of Bani, 642. 2:11 The children of Bebai, 623. 2:12 The children of Azgad, 1,222. 2:13 The children of Adonikam, 666. 2:14 The children of Bigvai, 2,056. 2:15 The children of Adin, 454. 2:16 The children of Ater, from Hezekiah, 98. 2:17 The children of Bezai, 323. 2:18 The children of Jorah, 112. 2:19 The children of Hashum, 223. 2:20 The children of Gibbar, 95. 2:21 The children of Bethlehem, 123. 2:22 The men of Netophah, 56. 2:23 The men of Anathoth, 128. 2:24 The children of Azmaveth, 42. 2:25 The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743. 2:26 The children of Ramah and Geba, 621. 2:27 The men of Michmas, 122. 2:28 The men of Bethel and Ai, 223. 2:29 The children of Nebo, 52. 2:30 The children of Magbish, 156. 2:31 The children of the other Elam, 1,254. 2:32 The children of Harim, 320. 2:33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725. 2:34 The children of Jericho, 345. 2:35 The children of Senaah, 3,630. 2:36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, from the house of Jeshua, 973. 2:37 The children of Immer, 1,052. 2:38 The children of Pashhur, 1,247. 2:39 The children of Harim, 1,017. 2:40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, from the children of Hodaviah, 74. 2:41 The singers: the children of Asaph, 128. 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in total 139. 2:43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 2:44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 2:45 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 2:46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, 2:47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 2:48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 2:49 the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim, 2:51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 2:52 the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 2:53 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 2:54 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. 2:58 All the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants totaled 392. 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they couldn't prove their ancestry and whether they were from Israel: 2:60 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, 652. 2:61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was named after their family. 2:62 They sought their register among those listed by genealogy, but they were not found; so they were considered unclean and removed from the priesthood. 2:63 The governor told them they should not eat the most holy things until there was a priest with Urim and Thummim. 2:64 The whole assembly together was 42,360, 2:65 plus their male and female servants, who numbered 7,337; they also had 200 singing men and women. 2:66 Their horses were 736; their mules, 245; 2:67 their camels, 435; and donkeys, 6,720. 2:68 Some of the heads of the families, when they arrived at the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem, willingly offered for the house of God to set it up in its place: 2:69 they gave according to their ability to the treasury of the work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments. 2:70 So the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the porters, and the Nethinim lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

3:1 When the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 3:2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3:3 They set the altar on its base; for fear was on them because of the peoples of the countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh, even burnt offerings morning and evening. 3:4 They kept the feast of tents, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the ordinance, as the duty of every day required; 3:5 and afterward the continual burnt offering, and the offerings of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to Yahweh. 3:6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh: but the foundation of the temple of Yahweh was not yet laid. 3:7 They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, to them of Sidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. 3:8 Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all those who were come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of Yahweh. 3:9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites. 3:10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, after the order of David king of Israel. 3:11 They sang one to another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, saying, For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel. All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid. 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, the old men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 3:13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

3:1 When the seventh month arrived and the Israelites were back in the cities, the people gathered together as one in Jerusalem. 3:2 Then Jeshua, son of Jozadak, along with his fellow priests and Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, stood up and built the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as stated in the law of Moses, the man of God. 3:3 They placed the altar on its foundation because they were afraid of the surrounding peoples, and they offered burnt offerings there to Yahweh, both morning and evening. 3:4 They celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles as it is written and offered daily burnt offerings by number, according to the regulations, as required each day; 3:5 and afterward the continual burnt offering, along with the offerings for the new moons, and all the consecrated feasts of Yahweh, and for anyone who freely offered a voluntary offering to Yahweh. 3:6 From the first day of the seventh month, they began offering burnt offerings to Yahweh, but the foundation of the temple of Yahweh had not yet been laid. 3:7 They also provided money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, in accordance with the order they received from Cyrus, king of Persia. 3:8 Now in the second year after arriving at the house of God in Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua, son of Jozadak, along with the rest of their brothers, the priests and Levites, and all those who had returned from captivity to Jerusalem, appointed the Levites aged twenty and older to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh. 3:9 Jeshua then stood with his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the descendants of Judah, together, to supervise the workers in the house of God: the descendants of Henadad, with their sons and brothers the Levites. 3:10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they dressed the priests in their robes with trumpets, and the Levites, the descendants of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, according to the arrangement of David, king of Israel. 3:11 They called out to one another in praise and thanksgiving to Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel.” All the people shouted with a loud shout when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh had been laid. 3:12 However, many of the priests, Levites, and heads of families, the older men who had seen the first temple, wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this house laid before their eyes, while many shouted for joy: 3:13 so that the people could not distinguish between the joyful shout and the weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the noise was heard from far away.

4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel; 4:2 then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said to them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here. 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us. 4:4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 4:5 and hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. 4:6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 4:7 In the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions, to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian character, and set forth in the Syrian language. 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites, 4:10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over, and set in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth. 4:11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes the king: Your servants the men beyond the River, and so forth. 4:12 Be it known to the king, that the Jews who came up from you are come to us to Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations. 4:13 Be it known now to the king that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings. 4:14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and informed the king; 4:15 that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so you shall find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste. 4:16 We inform the king that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River. 4:17 Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. 4:18 The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me. 4:19 I decreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them. 4:21 Make you now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built, until a decree shall be made by me. 4:22 Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 4:23 Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

4:1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiled people were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel, 4:2 they approached Zerubbabel and the leaders of the families and said to them, "Let's build with you; we seek your God just like you do, and we’ve been offering sacrifices to Him since the days of Esar Haddon, king of Assyria, who brought us here." 4:3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of the families of Israel told them, "You have no part in building a house for our God; we alone will build for Yahweh, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus of Persia has commanded us." 4:4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, troubling them as they built, 4:5 and hired advisors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, and into the reign of Darius, king of Persia. 4:6 During the reign of Ahasuerus, at the start of his rule, they wrote to accuse the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 4:7 In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and their companions wrote to King Artaxerxes of Persia, with the letter being written in the Syrian script and presented in the Syrian language. 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe sent a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes in this manner: 4:9 Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, Apharsathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Shushanchites, Dehaites, Elamites, 4:10 and the other nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria and in the rest of the area beyond the River, and so on. 4:11 This is the copy of the letter they sent to King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men beyond the River, and so forth. 4:12 Let the king know that the Jews who came up from you have come to us in Jerusalem; they are rebuilding the rebellious and bad city, and they have completed the walls and repaired the foundations. 4:13 Let the king know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, they will not pay taxes, customs, or tolls, and in the end, it will cause harm to the kings. 4:14 Because we share the palace’s salt, we can't allow the king's honor to be compromised, which is why we sent and informed the king; 4:15 so a search can be made in the records of your ancestors. You will find in the records that this city has been a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that it has a history of sedition, for which it was laid waste. 4:16 We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will have no portion beyond the River. 4:17 Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions living in Samaria and the rest of the area beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. 4:18 I have read the letter you sent to me. 4:19 I decreed, and after searching, it was found that this city has a history of rebellion against kings, with rebellion and sedition occurring within it. 4:20 There have been powerful kings over Jerusalem who ruled over all the territory beyond the River; they were paid taxes, customs, and tolls. 4:21 Now, issue a decree to make these men stop, and do not let this city be built until a decree is issued by me. 4:22 Make sure you do not ignore this: why should damage grow to harm the kings? 4:23 When the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they hurried to Jerusalem to the Jews and forced them to stop building. 4:24 Thus, the work on the house of God in Jerusalem was halted, and it remained so until the second year of Darius, king of Persia.

5:1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel prophesied they to them. 5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them. 5:3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall? 5:4 Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were who were making this building. 5:5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king; 5:7 they sent a letter to him, in which was written thus: To Darius the king, all peace. 5:8 Be it known to the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands. 5:9 Then asked we those elders, and said to them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall? 5:10 We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at the head of them. 5:11 Thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 5:12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 5:13 But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God. 5:14 The gold and silver vessels also of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 5:15 and he said to him, Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place. 5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed. 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

5:1 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem; they prophesied in the name of the God of Israel. 5:2 Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, got up and began to build the house of God in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them. 5:3 At the same time, Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, along with their companions, came to them and asked, "Who gave you the authority to build this house and finish this wall?" 5:4 Then we told them the names of the men who were leading the building. 5:5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until the matter reached Darius, and then an answer would be sent back by letter regarding it. 5:6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions, the Apharsachites, sent to Darius the king; 5:7 they wrote a letter to him that said: To Darius the king, peace. 5:8 Let it be known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with large stones and timber is laid in the walls; and this work is going on with diligence and prospering in their hands. 5:9 Then we asked those elders, "Who gave you the authority to build this house and to finish this wall?" 5:10 We also asked for their names to inform you so we could write the names of the leaders. 5:11 They answered us, saying, "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are building the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 5:12 But after our ancestors provoked the God of heaven to anger, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried the people away to Babylon. 5:13 But in the first year of Cyrus, king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God. 5:14 The gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to the temple in Babylon, Cyrus the king took out of the temple in Babylon and handed them over to Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 5:15 and he said to him, "Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place." 5:16 Then Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it is not yet finished. 5:17 Now, therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king's treasury house in Babylon to see if a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God in Jerusalem; and let the king send us his decision regarding this matter.

6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 6:2 There was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll, and therein was thus written for a record: 6:3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid; its height sixty cubits, and its breadth sixty cubits; 6:4 with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house. 6:5 Also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, be restored, and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everyone to its place; and you shall put them in the house of God. 6:6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be you far from there: 6:7 let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered. 6:9 That which they have need of, both young bulls, and rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; 6:10 that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this: 6:12 and the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence. 6:13 Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence. 6:14 The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 6:15 This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 6:16 The children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. 6:17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 6:18 They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. 6:19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 6:20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. 6:21 The children of Israel who had come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, ate, 6:22 and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Yahweh had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

6:1 Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was conducted in the archives where the treasures were stored in Babylon. 6:2 They found a scroll at Achmetha, in the palace in the province of Media, which contained this record: 6:3 In the first year of King Cyrus, he made a decree regarding the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be built, the place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid solidly; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits; 6:4 with three layers of large stones and one layer of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury. 6:5 Also, let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to the temple in Jerusalem, each to its place; and you shall put them in the house of God. 6:6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions, the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, stay away from there: 6:7 let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God in its place. 6:8 Furthermore, I decree what you shall do for these elders of the Jews in rebuilding this house of God: that out of the king's goods, from the tribute beyond the River, expenses be provided diligently to these men so that they are not hindered. 6:9 Whatever they need, including young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem, shall be given to them daily without fail; 6:10 so that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. 6:11 Also, I have issued a decree that whoever changes this word, let a beam be pulled from their house, and let them be lifted up and fastened to it; and let their house be made a dunghill for this: 6:12 and may the God who has made His name dwell there overthrow any king or people who try to change this, to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued a decree; let it be done with all diligence. 6:13 Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, because King Darius had sent them, acted accordingly with all diligence. 6:14 The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They built and finished it, following the command of the God of Israel and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, king of Persia. 6:15 This house was completed on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of King Darius's reign. 6:16 The children of Israel, the priests and Levites, and the rest of the former captives celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. 6:17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 6:18 They appointed the priests to their divisions and the Levites to their duties for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. 6:19 The children of the captives celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 6:20 For the priests and Levites had purified themselves together; all were clean: and they sacrificed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. 6:21 The children of Israel who had returned from captivity, along with those who had separated themselves from the impurities of the nations of the land, to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, ate, 6:22 and celebrated the feast of unleavened bread for seven days with joy; for Yahweh had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 7:2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 7:3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 7:4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 7:5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest; 7:6 this Ezra went up from Babylon: and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Yahweh his God on him. 7:7 There went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. 7:8 He came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 7:9 For on the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God on him. 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances. 7:11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of his statutes to Israel: 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth. 7:13 I make a decree, that all those of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, who are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you. 7:14 Because you are sent of the king and his seven counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand, 7:15 and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, 7:16 and all the silver and gold that you shall find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem; 7:17 therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. 7:18 Whatever shall seem good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do you after the will of your God. 7:19 The vessels that are given you for the service of the house of your God, deliver you before the God of Jerusalem. 7:20 Whatever more shall be needful for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house. 7:21 I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, 7:22 to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred measures of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 7:23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? 7:24 Also we inform you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them. 7:25 You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God who is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach you him who doesn't know them. 7:26 Whoever will not do the law of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. 7:27 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem; 7:28 and has extended loving kindness to me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty princes. I was strengthened according to the hand of Yahweh my God on me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

7:1 After these events, during the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Ezra, son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, 7:2 son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, 7:3 son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, 7:4 son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, 7:5 son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, the chief priest; 7:6 this Ezra left Babylon. He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses that Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him everything he asked for, in accordance with the good hand of Yahweh his God on him. 7:7 Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinim went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. 7:8 He arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 7:9 He had started his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he reached Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, thanks to the gracious hand of his God upon him. 7:10 Ezra had committed himself to studying the law of Yahweh, to putting it into practice, and to teaching in Israel its statutes and ordinances. 7:11 Here’s the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe well-versed in the words of the commandments of Yahweh and his statutes for Israel: 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, greetings. 7:13 I issue a decree that any of the Israelites, including their priests and Levites, who are willing to go to Jerusalem, may go with you. 7:14 Since you are sent by the king and his seven advisors to investigate Judah and Jerusalem, as outlined in the law of your God which is in your hand, 7:15 and to carry the silver and gold that the king and his advisors have willingly offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 7:16 as well as all the silver and gold you can find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offerings of the people and priests, who are giving generously for the house of their God in Jerusalem; 7:17 you are to use this money carefully to buy bulls, rams, and lambs, along with their grain and drink offerings, and offer them on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem. 7:18 Whatever seems best to you and your fellow Israelites to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do according to the will of your God. 7:19 The items entrusted to you for the work of the house of your God, deliver them before the God of Jerusalem. 7:20 If anything else is needed for the house of your God, which you are responsible for using, it will be provided from the king’s treasury. 7:21 I, Artaxerxes the king, hereby decree to all the treasurers beyond the River that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requests from you, it must be done diligently, 7:22 up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred measures of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and salt in unlimited quantities. 7:23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done carefully for the house of the God of heaven; so that wrath does not come upon the kingdom and the king’s sons. 7:24 Additionally, we inform you that no tribute, customs, or tolls should be imposed on any priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God. 7:25 Ezra, use the wisdom of your God that’s in your hand to appoint magistrates and judges, to govern all the people beyond the River, all who know the laws of your God; and teach those who don’t know them. 7:26 Anyone who does not follow the law of your God and the law of the king must be punished rigorously, whether by death, exile, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment. 7:27 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, who has put this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem; 7:28 and has shown kindness to me before the king, his counselors, and all the mighty princes. I was strengthened by the hand of Yahweh my God upon me, and I gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.

8:1 Now these are the heads of their fathers' houses, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king: 8:2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush. 8:3 Of the sons of Shecaniah, of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males one hundred fifty. 8:4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males. 8:5 Of the sons of Shecaniah, the son of Jahaziel; and with him three hundred males. 8:6 Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan; and with him fifty males. 8:7 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah; and with him seventy males. 8:8 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael; and with him eighty males. 8:9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males. 8:10 Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with him one hundred sixty males. 8:11 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty-eight males. 8:12 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan; and with him one hundred ten males. 8:13 Of the sons of Adonikam, who were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them sixty males. 8:14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males. 8:15 I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers. 8:17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should tell Iddo, and his brothers the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. 8:18 According to the good hand of our God on us they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen; 8:19 and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty; 8:20 and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name. 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 8:22 For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him. 8:23 So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he was entreated of us. 8:24 Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them, 8:25 and weighed to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering for the house of our God, which the king, and his counselors, and his princes, and all Israel there present, had offered: 8:26 I weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels one hundred talents; of gold one hundred talents; 8:27 and twenty bowls of gold, of one thousand darics; and two vessels of fine bright brass, precious as gold. 8:28 I said to them, You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers. 8:29 Watch you, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the princes of the fathers' houses of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh. 8:30 So the priests and the Levites received the weight of the silver and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God. 8:31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandit by the way. 8:32 We came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days. 8:33 On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levite; 8:34 the whole by number and by weight: and all the weight was written at that time. 8:35 The children of the captivity, who had come out of exile, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering to Yahweh. 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.

8:1 Now these are the leaders of their families, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes: 8:2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush. 8:3 Of the sons of Shecaniah, and the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were counted by genealogy one hundred fifty males. 8:4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males. 8:5 Of the sons of Shecaniah, the son of Jahaziel; and with him three hundred males. 8:6 Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan; and with him fifty males. 8:7 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah; and with him seventy males. 8:8 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael; and with him eighty males. 8:9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males. 8:10 Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with him one hundred sixty males. 8:11 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty-eight males. 8:12 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan; and with him one hundred ten males. 8:13 Of the sons of Adonikam, who were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them sixty males. 8:14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males. 8:15 I gathered them together at the river that flows to Ahava; and there we camped for three days: I looked over the people and the priests and found no sons of Levi among them. 8:16 So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan again, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, prominent men; also for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were teachers. 8:17 I sent them to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should say to Iddo and his brothers the Nethinim at Casiphia, to bring us ministers for the house of our God. 8:18 According to the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and brothers, eighteen; 8:19 and Hashabiah, with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty; 8:20 and of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were listed by name. 8:21 Then I declared a fast there at the Ahava river, so that we could humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions. 8:22 For I was embarrassed to ask the king for a group of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on the way, because we had told the king, "The hand of our God is on all those who seek Him for good; but His power and His wrath are against all those who abandon Him." 8:23 So we fasted and prayed to our God about this, and He was receptive to us. 8:24 Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, including Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them, 8:25 and weighed out to them the silver, gold, and vessels, even the offering for the house of our God, which the king and his advisors, the princes, and all Israel present had offered: 8:26 I weighed into their hands six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels worth one hundred talents; of gold, one hundred talents; 8:27 and twenty bowls of gold, worth a thousand darics; and two vessels of fine bright brass, as precious as gold. 8:28 I said to them, "You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers. 8:29 Be careful and guard them until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the leaders of the families of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh." 8:30 So the priests and the Levites received the silver and gold and the vessels to bring them to Jerusalem, to the house of our God. 8:31 Then we left the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandits along the way. 8:32 We arrived in Jerusalem and stayed there for three days. 8:33 On the fourth day, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the care of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levite; 8:34 everything by number and weight: and all the weight was recorded at that time. 8:35 The exiles who had returned from captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering: all of this was a burnt offering to Yahweh. 8:36 They delivered the king's orders to the king's officials and to the governors beyond the River, and they supported the people and the house of God.

9:1 Now when these things were done, the princes drew near to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 9:2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy seed have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands: yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass. 9:3 When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded. 9:4 Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering. 9:5 At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God; 9:6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is grown up to the heavens. 9:7 Since the days of our fathers we have been exceeding guilty to this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. 9:8 Now for a little moment grace has been shown from Yahweh our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. 9:9 For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. 9:10 Now, our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken your commandments, 9:11 which you have commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, The land, to which you go to possess it, is an unclean land through the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness: 9:12 now therefore don't give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters to your sons, nor seek their peace or their prosperity forever; that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. 9:13 After all that is come on us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that you our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such a remnant, 9:14 shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? would not you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? 9:15 Yahweh, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that is escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for none can stand before you because of this.

9:1 Now that these things were done, the leaders came to me, saying, The people of Israel, along with the priests and the Levites, haven't separated themselves from the surrounding nations, acting according to their disgusting practices, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 9:2 They have taken their daughters for themselves and their sons, so that the holy lineage has mixed with the people of the lands: indeed, the leaders and officials have been the main offenders in this wrongdoing. 9:3 When I heard this, I tore my clothes and my robe, pulled out the hair from my head and beard, and sat down devastated. 9:4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of those in captivity; and I sat there devastated until the evening offering. 9:5 At the evening offering, I got up from my state of humiliation, even though my clothes were still torn; I knelt down and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God; 9:6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God; for our wrongdoings have piled up over our heads, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens. 9:7 Since the days of our ancestors, we have been extremely guilty to this day; and because of our wrongdoings, we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to humiliation, as it is today. 9:8 Now, for a brief moment, grace has been shown from Yahweh our God, leaving us a remnant to escape, and giving us a nail in His holy place, so that our God may brighten our eyes and provide a little revival in our bondage. 9:9 For we are servants; yet our God has not abandoned us in our servitude, but has extended His kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a revival, to rebuild the house of our God, and to restore its ruins, and to provide us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. 9:10 Now, our God, what shall we say after this? For we have abandoned your commandments, 9:11 which you commanded through your servants the prophets, saying, The land you are going to possess is an unclean land because of the uncleanness of the people of the land, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness: 9:12 so therefore don’t give your daughters to their sons, and don’t take their daughters for your sons, nor seek their peace or prosperity forever; that you may be strong, and enjoy the good of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever. 9:13 After all that has happened to us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, considering that you our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant, 9:14 shall we again break your commandments and align ourselves with the people who do these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you had consumed us, leaving no remnant or anyone to escape? 9:15 Yahweh, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today: behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for no one can stand before you because of this.

10:1 Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore. 10:2 Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 10:4 Arise; for the matter belongs to you, and we are with you: be of good courage, and do it. 10:5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they swore. 10:6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came there, he ate no bread, nor drank water; for he mourned because of the trespass of them of the captivity. 10:7 They made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together to Jerusalem; 10:8 and that whoever didn't come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the assembly of the captivity. 10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month: and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain. 10:10 Ezra the priest stood up, and said to them, You have trespassed, and have married foreign women, to increase the guilt of Israel. 10:11 Now therefore make confession to Yahweh, the God of your fathers, and do his pleasure; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the foreign women. 10:12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, As you have said concerning us, so must we do. 10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand outside: neither is this a work of one day or two; for we have greatly transgressed in this matter. 10:14 Let now our princes be appointed for all the assembly, and let all those who are in our cities who have married foreign women come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and its judges, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned from us, until this matter be dispatched. 10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah stood up against this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them. 10:16 The children of the captivity did so. Ezra the priest, with certain heads of fathers' houses, after their fathers' houses, and all of them by their names, were set apart; and they sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. 10:17 They made an end with all the men who had married foreign women by the first day of the first month. 10:18 Among the sons of the priests there were found who had married foreign women: namely, of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brothers, Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah. 10:19 They gave their hand that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their guilt. 10:20 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 10:21 Of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah. 10:22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. 10:23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah (the same is Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 10:24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the porters: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri. 10:25 Of Israel: Of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, and Izziah, and Malchijah, and Mijamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah. 10:26 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Elijah. 10:27 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza. 10:28 Of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai. 10:29 Of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, Jeremoth. 10:30 Of the sons of Pahathmoab: Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Manasseh. 10:31 of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah. 10:33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei. 10:34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel, 10:35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 10:37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu, 10:38 and Bani, and Binnui, Shimei, 10:39 and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, 10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 10:41 Azarel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, 10:42 Shallum, Amariah, Joseph. 10:43 Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Iddo, and Joel, Benaiah. 10:44 All these had taken foreign wives; and some of them had wives by whom they had children.

10:1 While Ezra was praying, confessing, and weeping as he lay down before the house of God, a large crowd of men, women, and children from Israel gathered around him, weeping loudly. 10:2 Shecaniah son of Jehiel, one of Elam's descendants, spoke up and said to Ezra, "We have sinned against our God and taken foreign wives from the people of the land. Yet now there's still hope for Israel in this matter." 10:3 "So let's make a covenant with our God to send away all the wives and their children, as advised by my lord and those who respect the command of our God, and let this be done according to the law." 10:4 "Get up, for the matter is in your hands, and we support you. Be courageous and act." 10:5 Ezra got up and made the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel swear they would follow this plan. They took the oath. 10:6 Then Ezra left the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. He didn't eat bread or drink water there because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of those in captivity. 10:7 They announced throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the exiles to gather together in Jerusalem; 10:8 and whoever didn't show up within three days, following the advice of the leaders and elders, would lose all their property and be excluded from the assembly of the exiles. 10:9 So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. The people sat in the square before the house of God, trembling because of this issue and the heavy rain. 10:10 Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, "You have been unfaithful and married foreign women, increasing the guilt of Israel." 10:11 "Now confess to Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, and do what pleases Him; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign women." 10:12 The entire assembly answered loudly, "We will do what you say." 10:13 "But there are many people and it's raining heavily, so we can't stand outside. This isn't something that can be resolved in a day or two, as we've greatly sinned in this matter." 10:14 "Let our leaders be appointed for the entire assembly, and let those in our towns who have married foreign women come at set times with the elders and judges of each city until God's fierce anger is turned away from us and this matter is settled." 10:15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah spoke against this issue, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them. 10:16 The exiles followed through with this. Ezra the priest, along with certain family heads, each by their family names, were set apart; they sat down on the first day of the tenth month to examine the situation. 10:17 They completed their work with all the men who had married foreign women by the first day of the first month. 10:18 Among the priests’ sons, those found who had married foreign women included: Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers, Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. 10:19 They agreed to put away their wives, and because they were guilty, they offered a ram from the flock as a guilt offering. 10:20 From the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 10:21 From the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. 10:22 From the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. 10:23 From the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (also known as Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 10:24 From the singers: Eliashib. From the porters: Shallum, Telem, and Uri. 10:25 From Israel: From the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah. 10:26 From the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah. 10:27 From the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. 10:28 From the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 10:29 From the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, Jeremoth. 10:30 From the sons of Pahathmoab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. 10:31 From the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, and Shimeon, 10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. 10:33 From the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. 10:34 From the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel, 10:35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 10:37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu, 10:38 and Bani, Binnui, Shimei, 10:39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 10:41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 10:42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 10:43 From the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Iddo, Joel, and Benaiah. 10:44 All these men had taken foreign wives, and some of them had wives who had borne children.














Nehemiah

1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 1:2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came, he and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 1:3 They said to me, The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire. 1:4 It happened, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, 1:5 and said, I beg you, Yahweh, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments: 1:6 Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father's house have sinned: 1:7 we have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses. 1:8 Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, If you trespass, I will scatter you abroad among the peoples: 1:9 but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet will I gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there. 1:10 Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power, and by your strong hand. 1:11 Lord, I beg you, let now your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was cup bearer to the king.

1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the palace at Shushan, 1:2 my brother Hanani came, along with some other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had survived and remained from the exile, and about Jerusalem. 1:3 They told me, “The survivors in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned.” 1:4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for several days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 1:5 I said, “Please, Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant and shows love to those who love him and keep his commandments: 1:6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins of the people of Israel, which we have committed against you. I and my father's family have sinned. 1:7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not kept the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant Moses. 1:8 Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 1:9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ 1:10 They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 1:11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” At the time, I was cupbearer to the king.

2:1 It happened in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine was before him, that I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been before sad in his presence. 2:2 The king said to me, Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid. 2:3 I said to the king, Let the king live forever: why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates are consumed with fire? 2:4 Then the king said to me, For what do you make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 2:5 I said to the king, If it please the king, and if your servant have found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may build it. 2:6 The king said to me (the queen also sitting by him), For how long shall your journey be? and when will you return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. 2:7 Moreover I said to the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah; 2:8 and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertains to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. The king granted me, according to the good hand of my God on me. 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen. 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, because a man had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. 2:11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. 2:12 I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God put into my heart to do for Jerusalem; neither was there any animal with me, except the animal that I rode on. 2:13 I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal's well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire. 2:14 Then I went on to the spring gate and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the animal that was under me to pass. 2:15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned. 2:16 The rulers didn't know where I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest who did the work. 2:17 Then said I to them, You see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. 2:18 I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. They said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they ridiculed us, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that you do? will you rebel against the king? 2:20 Then answered I them, and said to them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

2:1 It happened in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been before sad in his presence. 2:2 The king said to me, "Why does your face look sad when you’re not sick? This can only be sadness of heart." Then I was very afraid. 2:3 I said to the king, "Long live the king! Why shouldn't my face look sad when the city, where my ancestors are buried, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 2:4 The king then asked me, "What is your request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. 2:5 I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in your sight, please send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors' tombs, so I can rebuild it." 2:6 The king asked me (with the queen sitting beside him), "How long will your journey take, and when will you return?" It pleased the king to send me, and I set a time. 2:7 Furthermore, I asked the king, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors beyond the River so they will let me pass through until I reach Judah; 2:8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, so he will provide me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house I will occupy." The king granted my requests, for the good hand of my God was upon me. 2:9 When I arrived at the governors beyond the River, I gave them the king's letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard about this, they were greatly disturbed because someone had come to seek the welfare of the Israelites. 2:11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there for three days. 2:12 I got up during the night, I and a few men with me; I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me except the one I was riding. 2:13 I went out at night through the Valley Gate towards the Jackal’s Well and the Dung Gate, and I examined the walls of Jerusalem which had been broken down, and its gates had been consumed by fire. 2:14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no place for my animal to pass. 2:15 So I went up the valley at night, viewing the wall, and then turned back and entered through the Valley Gate. 2:16 The officials didn’t know where I had gone or what I was doing; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else who would be doing the work. 2:17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be in disgrace." 2:18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding!" So they began the good work. 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arabian heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us, saying, "What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?" 2:20 I answered them, "The God of heaven will give us success; we his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it."

3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up its doors; even to the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananel. 3:2 Next to him built the men of Jericho. Next to them built Zaccur the son of Imri. 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 3:4 Next to them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz. Next to them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. Next to them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. 3:5 Next to them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles didn't put their necks to the work of their lord. 3:6 The old gate repaired Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its bolts, and its bars. 3:7 Next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, that appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the River. 3:8 Next to him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths. Next to him repaired Hananiah one of the perfumers, and they fortified Jerusalem even to the broad wall. 3:9 Next to them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem. 3:10 Next to them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, over against his house. Next to him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabneiah. 3:11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hasshub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired another portion, and the tower of the furnaces. 3:12 Next to him repaired Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to the dung gate. 3:14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth Haccherem; he built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 3:15 The spring gate repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king's garden, even to the stairs that go down from the city of David. 3:16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, to the place over against the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. 3:17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, for his district. 3:18 After him repaired their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. 3:19 Next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another portion, over against the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall. 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 3:21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib. 3:22 After him repaired the priests, the men of the Plain. 3:23 After them repaired Benjamin and Hasshub over against their house. After them repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah beside his own house. 3:24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner. 3:25 Palal the son of Uzai repaired over against the turning of the wall, and the tower that stands out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired. 3:26 (Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.) 3:27 After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel. 3:28 Above the horse gate repaired the priests, everyone over against his own house. 3:29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his own house. After him repaired Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate. 3:30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another portion. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber. 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner. 3:32 Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest stood up with his fellow priests, and they built the sheep gate; they dedicated it and set up its doors; they dedicated it all the way to the tower of Hammeah and the tower of Hananel. 3:2 Next to him, the men of Jericho built. Next to them, Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3:3 The sons of Hassenaah built the fish gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 3:4 Next to them, Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired. Next to them, Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, repaired. Next to them, Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 3:5 Next to them, the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles didn't take part in the work for their lord. 3:6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 3:7 Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were part of the governor's residence beyond the River, repaired. 3:8 Next to him, Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they strengthened Jerusalem up to the broad wall. 3:9 Next to them, Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. 3:10 Next to them, Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. Next to him, Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. 3:11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahathmoab repaired another section, and the tower of the furnaces. 3:12 Next to him, Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired with his daughters. 3:13 Hanun and the residents of Zanoah repaired the valley gate; they built it and set up its doors, bolts, and bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to the dung gate. 3:14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth Haccherem, repaired the dung gate; he built it and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 3:15 Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the spring gate; he built it, covered it, and set up its doors, bolts, and bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king's garden, even to the stairs that lead down from the city of David. 3:16 After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, repaired the section opposite the tombs of David, to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. 3:17 After him, the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani, repaired. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. 3:18 After him, their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired. 3:19 Next to him, Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, opposite the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall. 3:20 After him, Baruch the son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 3:21 After him, Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. 3:22 After him, the priests, the men of the Plain, repaired. 3:23 After them, Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them, Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. 3:24 After him, Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall and to the corner. 3:25 Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the turning of the wall and the tower that projects from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him, Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired. 3:26 (Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, opposite the water gate to the east, and the tower that stands out.) 3:27 After him, the Tekoites repaired another section, opposite the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel. 3:28 The priests repaired above the horse gate, everyone opposite his own house. 3:29 After them, Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him, Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate, repaired. 3:30 After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. 3:31 After him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired to the house of the Nethinim and of the merchants, opposite the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner. 3:32 Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

4:1 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 4:2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned? 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall. 4:4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity; 4:5 and don't cover their iniquity, and don't let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders. 4:6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work. 4:7 But it happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very angry; 4:8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein. 4:9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 4:10 Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. 4:11 Our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, until we come into the midst of them, and kill them, and cause the work to cease. 4:12 It happened that when the Jews who lived by them came, they said to us ten times from all places, You must return to us. 4:13 Therefore set I in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set there the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 4:14 I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Don't be you afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. 4:15 It happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone to his work. 4:16 It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 4:17 They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other held his weapon; 4:18 and the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me. 4:19 I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another: 4:20 in whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, resort you there to us; our God will fight for us. 4:21 So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared. 4:22 Likewise at the same time said I to the people, Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labor in the day. 4:23 So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us put off our clothes, everyone went with his weapon to the water.

4:1 But when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was furious and filled with anger, and mocked the Jews. 4:2 He spoke to his brothers and the army of Samaria, saying, "What are these weak Jews doing? Are they going to fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Can they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones from the piles of rubbish, since they are burned?" 4:3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him and said, "Even if a fox goes up on what they are building, it will break down their stone wall." 4:4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: turn their reproach back on their heads, and hand them over as plunder in a land of captivity; 4:5 do not cover their iniquity, and don’t let their sin be erased from your sight; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders. 4:6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was connected to half the height of it because the people were eager to work. 4:7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was progressing, and that the breaches were beginning to be fixed, they were very angry; 4:8 and they all conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and create confusion there. 4:9 But we prayed to our God and set a guard against them day and night. 4:10 Judah said, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is failing, and there is a lot of rubbish; we can’t build the wall." 4:11 Our enemies said, "They won’t know or see anything until we come into their midst, kill them, and stop the work." 4:12 The Jews living near them came and warned us ten times from all places, "You must return to us." 4:13 So I stationed people in the lowest parts behind the wall, in the open spaces, setting them up by families with their swords, spears, and bows. 4:14 I looked, got up, and said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "Don’t be afraid of them; remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." 4:15 When our enemies heard that we knew what they were planning, and that God had frustrated their scheme, we all returned to the wall, everyone to their work. 4:16 From that point on, half of my servants worked on the project, while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor; and the leaders were behind all the people of Judah. 4:17 They all worked on the wall, and those who carried burdens loaded themselves; each one worked with one hand while holding a weapon with the other; 4:18 and the builders had their swords strapped to their sides while they built. He who sounded the trumpet was next to me. 4:19 I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another; 4:20 wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there; our God will fight for us." 4:21 So we continued working, and half of them held the spears from the first light of morning until the stars appeared. 4:22 At the same time, I said to the people, "Let everyone stay within Jerusalem with their servant, so they can act as a guard at night and work during the day." 4:23 None of us, neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the guards with me, removed our clothes; everyone went with their weapon to the water.

5:1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews. 5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many: let us get grain, that we may eat and live. 5:3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth. 5:4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute on our fields and our vineyards. 5:5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children: and behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards. 5:6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. 5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, You exact usury, everyone of his brother. I held a great assembly against them. 5:8 I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our brothers the Jews, that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word. 5:9 Also I said, The thing that you do is not good: ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies? 5:10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, do lend them money and grain. Please let us leave off this usury. 5:11 Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you exact of them. 5:12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as you say. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise. 5:13 Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn't perform this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. All the assembly said, Amen, and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise. 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor. 5:15 But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people: but I didn't do so, because of the fear of God. 5:16 Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work. 5:17 Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty men, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were around us. 5:18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I didn't demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people. 5:19 Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

5:1 Then a loud complaint arose from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. 5:2 Some were saying, "We, our sons, and our daughters are many; let us get grain so we can eat and survive." 5:3 Others said, "We are mortgaging our fields, vineyards, and houses to get grain because of the famine." 5:4 Some also said, "We have borrowed money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards." 5:5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children, and we are bringing our sons and daughters into slavery. Some of our daughters are already in bondage, and we can't do anything about it because other men own our fields and vineyards. 5:6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. 5:7 So I consulted with myself, they I took up the matter with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You are charging interest, each of you to his brother." I called a large assembly against them. 5:8 I told them, "We have redeemed our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and they be sold to us?" They were silent and could find no answer. 5:9 I said, "What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of neighboring nations?" 5:10 I, along with my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please stop this interest. 5:11 Please return to them today their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, along with the one percent interest on the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have charged them. 5:12 Then they said, "We will return them and will require nothing from them; we will do just as you say." So I called the priests and made them take an oath that they would do according to this promise. 5:13 Also, I shook out the fold of my robe and said, "So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise; may he be shaken out and emptied." All the assembly said, "Amen," and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise. 5:14 Furthermore, from the time I was appointed as their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, that is, for twelve years, I and my brothers did not eat the governor's food. 5:15 But the previous governors who were before me were supported by the people. They took bread and wine from them, in addition to forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people, but I didn't do so because of the fear of God. 5:16 Yes, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land; all my servants were gathered for the work. 5:17 Moreover, there were at my table one hundred fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the surrounding nations. 5:18 Now what was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowl were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine; yet for all this I did not demand the bread of the governor, because the burden was heavy on this people. 5:19 Remember me, my God, for good, for all that I have done for this people.

6:1 Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;) 6:2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. 6:3 I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you? 6:4 They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building the wall: and you would be their king, according to these words. 6:7 You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as you say, but you feign them out of your own heart. 6:9 For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, God, strengthen you my hands. 6:10 I went to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you. 6:11 I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. 6:12 I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 6:13 For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. 6:14 Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 6:16 It happened, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God. 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife. 6:19 Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

6:1 It happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, and the other enemies heard that I had built the wall, and that there were no gaps left in it (although I hadn't yet set up the doors in the gates), 6:2 they sent me a message saying, "Come, let’s meet in one of the villages in the Plain of Ono." But they were planning to harm me. 6:3 I sent messengers back to them saying, "I’m doing an important job, so I can’t come down. Why should the work stop while I leave to meet you?" 6:4 They sent me this message four times, and I replied the same way each time. 6:5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me for the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, 6:6 which said, "It's been reported among the nations—and Gashmu says it—that you and the Jews are planning to rebel, which is why you are building the wall. You want to be their king, according to these reports. 6:7 You've also appointed prophets to proclaim about you in Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah.' Now reports will reach the king about these things. So come, let’s discuss this together." 6:8 I replied, "Nothing you say is true; you’re just making it up in your own mind." 6:9 They were all trying to scare us, saying, "The work will be weakened and won’t be completed." But now, God, strengthen my hands. 6:10 I went to see Shemaiah son of Delaiah son of Mehetabel, who had closed himself up. He said, "Let’s meet in the house of God, within the temple, and shut the temple doors, for they are coming to kill you; they will come at night to kill you." 6:11 I replied, "Should such a man as I run away? Who, being like me, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in." 6:12 I realized that God had not sent him, but he was prophesying against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 6:13 They hired him to intimidate me, so I would act this way and sin, and they could make a bad report to discredit me. 6:14 Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me. 6:15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 6:16 When all our enemies heard about it, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. 6:17 Also, in those days, the officials of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters came back to them. 6:18 Many in Judah were bound by oath to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 6:19 They also spoke about his good deeds in front of me and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

7:1 Now it happened, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 7:2 that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 7:3 I said to them, Don't let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, let them shut the doors, and bar you them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, and everyone to be over against his house. 7:4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built. 7:5 My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written therein: 7:6 These are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone to his city; 7:7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 7:8 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 7:9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 7:10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty-two. 7:11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 7:12 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 7:13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. 7:14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 7:15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight. 7:16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight. 7:17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. 7:18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. 7:19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven. 7:20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five. 7:21 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 7:22 The children of Hashum, three hundred Twenty-eight. 7:23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four. 7:24 The children of Hariph, one hundred twelve. 7:25 The children of Gibeon, ninety-five. 7:26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight. 7:27 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 7:28 The men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two. 7:29 The men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 7:30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 7:31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. 7:32 The men of Bethel and Ai, a hundred twenty-three. 7:33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty-two. 7:34 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 7:35 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 7:36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 7:37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one. 7:38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty. 7:39 The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 7:40 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 7:41 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 7:42 The children of Harim, one thousand and seventeen. 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. 7:44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight. 7:45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight. 7:46 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 7:47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, 7:49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 7:50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 7:51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah. 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim, 7:53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 7:54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 7:55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 7:56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 7:59 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon. 7:60 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety-two. 7:61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel: 7:62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two. 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 7:64 These sought their register among those who were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 7:65 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. 7:66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 7:67 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women. 7:68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 7:69 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty. 7:70 Some from among the heads of fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests' garments. 7:71 Some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver. 7:72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests' garments. 7:73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month was come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

7:1 So, after the wall was built, and I had installed the doors, appointing the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites, 7:2 I put my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem because he was a trustworthy man who feared God more than most. 7:3 I instructed them, "Don’t open the gates of Jerusalem until it gets hot in the sun; and while they stand on guard, they should shut the doors and secure them. Appoint watchmen from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in their assigned watch, and everyone to be in front of their house." 7:4 The city was spacious and large, but the population was small, and the houses were not built. 7:5 God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, rulers, and people to be counted by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogies of those who had come up first, and I found written in it: 7:6 These are the descendants of the province who returned from the captivity, those Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had exiled, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own city; 7:7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The count of the men of the people of Israel: 7:8 The descendants of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 7:9 The descendants of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 7:10 The descendants of Arah, six hundred fifty-two. 7:11 The descendants of Pahathmoab, of the descendants of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 7:12 The descendants of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 7:13 The descendants of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. 7:14 The descendants of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 7:15 The descendants of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight. 7:16 The descendants of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight. 7:17 The descendants of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. 7:18 The descendants of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. 7:19 The descendants of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven. 7:20 The descendants of Adin, six hundred fifty-five. 7:21 The descendants of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 7:22 The descendants of Hashum, three hundred twenty-eight. 7:23 The descendants of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four. 7:24 The descendants of Hariph, one hundred twelve. 7:25 The descendants of Gibeon, ninety-five. 7:26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight. 7:27 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 7:28 The men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two. 7:29 The men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 7:30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 7:31 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. 7:32 The men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred twenty-three. 7:33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty-two. 7:34 The descendants of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 7:35 The descendants of Harim, three hundred twenty. 7:36 The descendants of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 7:37 The descendants of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one. 7:38 The descendants of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty. 7:39 The priests: The descendants of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 7:40 The descendants of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 7:41 The descendants of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 7:42 The descendants of Harim, one thousand and seventeen. 7:43 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the descendants of Hodevah, seventy-four. 7:44 The singers: the descendants of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight. 7:45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, the descendants of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight. 7:46 The Nethinim: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 7:47 the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon, 7:48 the descendants of Lebana, the descendants of Hagaba, the descendants of Salmai, 7:49 the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, 7:50 the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, 7:51 the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah. 7:52 The descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim, 7:53 the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, 7:54 the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, 7:55 the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, 7:56 the descendants of Neziah, the descendants of Hatipha. 7:57 The descendants of Solomon's servants: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida, 7:58 the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, 7:59 the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the descendants of Amon. 7:60 All the Nethinim, and the descendants of Solomon's servants, totaled three hundred ninety-two. 7:61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they couldn’t prove their family lines, nor their lineage, whether they were of Israel: 7:62 The descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, the descendants of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two. 7:63 Of the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, the descendants of Barzillai, who took a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was known by their name. 7:64 These sought their registration among those who were recognized by genealogy, but it wasn't found: therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood. 7:65 The governor told them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummim. 7:66 The total assembly was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 7:67 not counting their male and female servants, totaling seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and women. 7:68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 7:69 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty. 7:70 Some of the heads of families gave to the work. The governor contributed one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests' garments. 7:71 Some of the heads of families donated twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver to the treasury for the work. 7:72 The rest of the people gave twenty thousand darics of gold, two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests' garments. 7:73 So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, some of the people, the Nethinim, and all Israel lived in their cities. When the seventh month arrived, the Israelites were back in their cities.

8:1 All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Yahweh had commanded to Israel. 8:2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 8:3 He read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 8:5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 8:6 and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground. 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8:8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. 8:9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to Yahweh your God; don't mourn, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 8:10 Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength. 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be you grieved. 8:12 All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. 8:13 On the second day were gathered together the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law. 8:14 They found written in the law, how that Yahweh had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month; 8:15 and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth to the mountain, and get olive branches, and branches of wild olive, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. 8:16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, everyone on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim. 8:17 All the assembly of those who were come again out of the captivity made booths, and lived in the booths; for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the children of Israel had not done so. There was very great gladness. 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. They kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.

8:1 Everyone gathered together as one in the large area in front of the water gate; they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that Yahweh had commanded for Israel. 8:2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, including men and women, and anyone who could understand, on the first day of the seventh month. 8:3 He read from it in the large area in front of the water gate from early morning until midday, in front of the men and women, and those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform they had made for this purpose; beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right, and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 8:5 Ezra opened the book in front of all the people; (for he was elevated above them;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 8:6 Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting their hands; they bowed their heads and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground. 8:7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites helped the people understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8:8 They read from the book of the law of God clearly and explained it so that the people understood what was being read. 8:9 Nehemiah, the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to Yahweh your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go eat the rich food and drink the sweet drinks, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength." 8:11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." 8:12 All the people went away to eat, drink, send portions, and celebrate because they understood the words that were proclaimed to them. 8:13 On the second day, the heads of families of all the people, along with the priests and Levites, gathered to Ezra the scribe to focus on the words of the law. 8:14 They found written in the law that Yahweh had commanded through Moses that the children of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month; 8:15 and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, "Go to the mountain and get olive branches, branches of wild olive, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of thick trees to make booths, as it is written." 8:16 So the people went out, gathered them, and made booths, everyone on the roof of their house, in their courtyards, in the courtyards of the house of God, and in the large area of the water gate, and in the large area of the gate of Ephraim. 8:17 All the assembly of those who had returned from captivity made booths and lived in them; for since the days of Jeshua son of Nun to that day, the children of Israel had not done this. There was very great joy. 8:18 Also, day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, as was required.

9:1 Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloth, and earth on them. 9:2 The seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 9:3 They stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Yahweh their God a fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped Yahweh their God. 9:4 Then stood up on the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice to Yahweh their God. 9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. 9:6 You are Yahweh, even you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their army, the earth and all things that are thereon, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all; and the army of heaven worships you. 9:7 You are Yahweh the God, who did choose Abram, and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham, 9:8 and found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, to give it to his seed, and have performed your words; for you are righteous. 9:9 You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea, 9:10 and showed signs and wonders on Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land; for you knew that they dealt proudly against them, and did get you a name, as it is this day. 9:11 You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers you did cast into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters. 9:12 Moreover in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go. 9:13 You came down also on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments, 9:14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, and statutes, and a law, by Moses your servant, 9:15 and gave them bread from the sky for their hunger, and brought forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commanded those who they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them. 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and didn't listen to your commandments, 9:17 and refused to obey, neither were mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn't forsake them. 9:18 Yes, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt, and had committed awful blasphemies; 9:19 yet you in your manifold mercies didn't forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud didn't depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. 9:20 You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn't withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. 9:21 Yes, forty years did you sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes didn't grow old, and their feet didn't swell. 9:22 Moreover you gave them kingdoms and peoples, which you did allot after their portions: so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. 9:23 Their children also multiplied you as the stars of the sky, and brought them into the land concerning which you did say to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. 9:24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hands, with their kings, and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they would. 9:25 They took fortified cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns dug out, vineyards, and olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance: so they ate, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness. 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their back, and killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies. 9:27 Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your manifold mercies you gave them saviors who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries. 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before you; therefore left you them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried to you, you heard from heaven; and many times did you deliver them according to your mercies, 9:29 and testified against them, that you might bring them again to your law. Yet they dealt proudly, and didn't listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances, (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 9:30 Yet many years did you bear with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gave you them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. 9:31 Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you did not make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God. 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keep covenant and loving kindness, don't let all the travail seem little before you, that has come on us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria to this day. 9:33 However you are just in all that is come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly; 9:34 neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you did testify against them. 9:35 For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works. 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and as for the land that you gave to our fathers to eat its fruit and its good, behold, we are servants in it. 9:37 It yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. 9:38 Yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal to it.

9:1 On the twenty-fourth day of this month, the people of Israel came together with fasting, wearing sackcloth and dust on themselves. 9:2 The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, stood, and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 9:3 They stood in their place and read from the book of the law of Yahweh their God for a fourth of the day; and for another fourth of the day, they confessed and worshiped Yahweh their God. 9:4 Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani stood on the steps of the Levites and cried out with loud voices to Yahweh their God. 9:5 The Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said, "Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." 9:6 You alone are Yahweh; you made the heavens, the highest heavens with all their hosts, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all; and the host of heaven worships you. 9:7 You are Yahweh the God who chose Abram, brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham, 9:8 and found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites to his descendants, and you have fulfilled your words; for you are righteous. 9:9 You saw the oppression of our ancestors in Egypt and heard their cry by the Red Sea, 9:10 showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, and against all his servants, and all the people of his land; for you knew that they dealt arrogantly against them, and you made a name for yourself, as it is today. 9:11 You divided the sea before them, so they went through the middle of the sea on dry land; and you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. 9:12 Furthermore, you led them by a pillar of cloud by day, and by a pillar of fire by night, to give them light on the way they should go. 9:13 You came down on Mount Sinai, spoke with them from heaven, and gave them just decrees and true laws, good statutes and commandments, 9:14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, statutes, and a law by Moses your servant, 9:15 and gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, and brought forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commanded them to go in and possess the land which you had sworn to give them. 9:16 But they and our ancestors acted arrogantly and hardened their necks, and did not listen to your commandments, 9:17 and refused to obey; they were not mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and did not forsake them. 9:18 Even when they made a molten calf and said, "This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt," and committed terrible blasphemies; 9:19 yet you, in your many mercies, did not forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud did not depart from over them by day to lead them in the way; nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way they should go. 9:20 You also gave your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and gave them water for their thirst. 9:21 Yes, for forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. 9:22 Moreover, you gave them kingdoms and peoples, which you allotted according to their portions: so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. 9:23 Their children were as numerous as the stars of the sky, and you brought them into the land concerning which you said to their ancestors, that they should go in to possess it. 9:24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hands, with their kings, and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they wished. 9:25 They took fortified cities and a rich land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance: so they ate, and were filled, and grew fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness. 9:26 Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their backs, and killed your prophets who testified against them to turn them back to you, and they committed terrible blasphemies. 9:27 Therefore you delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them: and in their time of trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your numerous mercies, you gave them saviors who saved them out of the hands of their adversaries. 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before you; therefore you left them in the hand of their enemies, who had dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried to you, you heard from heaven; and many times you delivered them according to your mercies, 9:29 and testified against them, that you might bring them back to your law. Yet they acted arrogantly and did not listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances, (which if a person does, they shall live in them), and turned their shoulder away, and hardened their neck, and would not listen. 9:30 Yet for many years you bore with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets: yet they would not listen; therefore you gave them into the hands of the peoples of the lands. 9:31 Nevertheless, in your many mercies you did not make a complete end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God. 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness, do not let all the trouble seem small before you, that has come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, on our priests, on our prophets, on our ancestors, and on all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria to this day. 9:33 However, you are just in all that has come upon us; for you have dealt truly, but we have acted wickedly; 9:34 neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our ancestors kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you testified against them. 9:35 For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land which you placed before them, nor did they turn from their wicked works. 9:36 Behold, we are servants today, and as for the land that you gave to our ancestors to enjoy its fruit and its good, behold, we are servants in it. 9:37 It yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins; they also have power over our bodies and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. 9:38 Yet for all this, we make a firm covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal it.

10:1 Now those who sealed were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah, 10:2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 10:3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, 10:4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 10:5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 10:6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests. 10:9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10:10 and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 10:11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 10:12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 10:13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. 10:14 The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 10:15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 10:16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 10:17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 10:18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, 10:19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai, 10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 10:21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, 10:22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 10:23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, 10:24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 10:25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 10:26 and Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 10:27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah. 10:28 The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge, and understanding; 10:29 They joined with their brothers, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of Yahweh our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes; 10:30 and that we would not give our daughters to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; 10:31 and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt. 10:32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; 10:33 for the show bread, and for the continual meal offering, and for the continual burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of Yahweh our God, as it is written in the law; 10:35 and to bring the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of all manner of trees, year by year, to the house of Yahweh; 10:36 also the firstborn of our sons, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; 10:37 and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our wave offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. 10:38 The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests who minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

10:1 Now those who made the agreement were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah, 10:2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 10:3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, 10:4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 10:5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 10:6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests. 10:9 The Levites: specifically, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui from the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10:10 and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 10:11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 10:12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 10:13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. 10:14 The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 10:15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 10:16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 10:17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 10:18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, 10:19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai, 10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 10:21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, 10:22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 10:23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, 10:24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 10:25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 10:26 and Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 10:27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah. 10:28 The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the people of the land to follow the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding; 10:29 They joined with their brothers and their leaders, and entered into a curse and an oath to follow God's law, given through Moses, the servant of God, and to observe and carry out all the commandments of Yahweh our Lord, and His ordinances and statutes; 10:30 and that we would not give our daughters to the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; 10:31 and if the people of the land bring goods or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we would not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day; and that we would practice the seventh year, and forgive the debts of every loan. 10:32 We also established rules for ourselves to contribute yearly the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; 10:33 for the showbread, the continual meal offering, the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the set feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our ancestral houses, at appointed times, year by year, to burn on the altar of Yahweh our God, as it is written in the law; 10:35 and to bring the first fruits of our crops, and the first fruits of all the fruit of every kind of tree, year by year, to the house of Yahweh; 10:36 also the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as stated in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; 10:37 and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, our wave offerings, and the fruit of every kind of tree, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the storage rooms of the house of our God; and the tithes of our crops to the Levites; for they, the Levites, receive the tithes in all the cities where we cultivate. 10:38 The priest, a descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes; and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the storage rooms, into the treasure house. 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, to the storage rooms where the sanctuary vessels are, and the priests who minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not neglect the house of our God.

11:1 The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities. 11:2 The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem. 11:3 Now these are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah lived everyone in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants. 11:4 In Jerusalem lived certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez; 11:5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite. 11:6 All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men. 11:7 These are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah. 11:8 After him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. 11:9 Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city. 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin, 11:11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God, 11:12 and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, 11:14 and their brothers, mighty men of valor, one hundred twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim. 11:15 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 11:16 and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God; 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 11:18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four. 11:19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers, who kept watch at the gates, were one hundred seventy-two. 11:20 The residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his inheritance. 11:21 But the Nethinim lived in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim. 11:22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers, over the business of the house of God. 11:23 For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. 11:24 Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. 11:25 As for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its towns, and in Dibon and its towns, and in Jekabzeel and its villages, 11:26 and in Jeshua, and in Moladah, and Beth Pelet, 11:27 and in Hazar Shual, and in Beersheba and its towns, 11:28 and in Ziklag, and in Meconah and in its towns, 11:29 and in En Rimmon, and in Zorah, and in Jarmuth, 11:30 Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, Azekah and its towns. So they encamped from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom. 11:31 The children of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Bethel and its towns, 11:32 at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 11:33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 11:35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. 11:36 Of the Levites, certain divisions in Judah were joined to Benjamin.

11:1 The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also drew lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine parts lived in the other cities. 11:2 The people praised all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. 11:3 Now these are the leaders of the province who lived in Jerusalem, while everyone else in the cities of Judah lived in their own possessions in their cities, namely, Israel, the priests, Levites, Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants. 11:4 In Jerusalem lived some of the children of Judah and Benjamin. From the children of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, son of Zechariah, son of Amariah, son of Shephatiah, son of Mahalalel, from the children of Perez; 11:5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, son of Colhozeh, son of Hazaiah, son of Adaiah, son of Joiarib, son of Zechariah, son of the Shilonite. 11:6 All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men. 11:7 These are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, son of Joed, son of Pedaiah, son of Kolaiah, son of Maaseiah, son of Ithiel, son of Jeshaiah. 11:8 After him were Gabbai and Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. 11:9 Joel son of Zichri was their overseer, and Judah son of Hassenuah was second in command over the city. 11:10 Among the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib, Jachin, 11:11 Seraiah son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God, 11:12 and their brothers who worked in the house, eight hundred twenty-two; and Adaiah son of Jeroham, son of Pelaliah, son of Amzi, son of Zechariah, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah, 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of the fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two; and Amashsai son of Azarel, son of Ahzai, son of Meshillemoth, son of Immer, 11:14 and their brothers, mighty men of valor, one hundred twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, son of Haggedolim. 11:15 Among the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, son of Bunni; 11:16 and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who oversaw the outer business of the house of God; 11:17 and Mattaniah son of Mica, son of Zabdi, son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda son of Shammua, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun. 11:18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four. 11:19 Additionally, the gatekeepers Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers, who kept watch at the gates, were one hundred seventy-two. 11:20 The remainder of Israel, including the priests and Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his own inheritance. 11:21 But the Nethinim lived in Ophel; Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of the Nethinim. 11:22 The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, son of Hashabiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Mica, from the sons of Asaph, the singers, overseeing the work of the house of God. 11:23 For there was a command from the king regarding them, along with a regular provision for the singers, as needed each day. 11:24 Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, from the children of Zerah son of Judah, was at the king's hand for all matters concerning the people. 11:25 As for the villages with their fields, some of the children of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its towns, in Dibon and its towns, in Jekabzeel and its villages, 11:26 and in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth Pelet, 11:27 and in Hazar Shual, in Beersheba and its towns, 11:28 and in Ziklag, in Meconah and its towns, 11:29 and in En Rimmon, and Zorah, and Jarmuth, 11:30 Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, Azekah and its towns. So they settled from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom. 11:31 The children of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Bethel and its towns, 11:32 at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 11:33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 11:35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. 11:36 Some Levites' divisions in Judah were joined to Benjamin.

12:1 Now these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 12:2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, 12:3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 12:4 Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, 12:5 Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, 12:6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah. 12:7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua. 12:8 Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving, he and his brothers. 12:9 Also Bakbukiah and Unno, their brothers, were over against them according to their offices. 12:10 Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada, 12:11 and Joiada became the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan became the father of Jaddua. 12:12 In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; 12:13 of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; 12:14 of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; 12:15 of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; 12:16 of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; 12:17 of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai; 12:18 of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; 12:19 and of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; 12:21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel. 12:22 As for the Levites, in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, there were recorded the heads of fathers' houses; also the priests, in the reign of Darius the Persian. 12:23 The sons of Levi, heads of fathers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. 12:24 The chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers over against them, to praise and give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, watch next to watch. 12:25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the watch at the storehouses of the gates. 12:26 These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest the scribe. 12:27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks, and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps. 12:28 The sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain around Jerusalem, and from the villages of the Netophathites; 12:29 also from Beth Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had built them villages around Jerusalem. 12:30 The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah on the wall, and appointed two great companies who gave thanks and went in procession. One went on the right hand on the wall toward the dung gate; 12:32 and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah, 12:33 and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 12:34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, 12:35 and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph; 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them. 12:37 By the spring gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even to the water gate eastward. 12:38 The other company of those who gave thanks went to meet them, and I after them, with the half of the people, on the wall, above the tower of the furnaces, even to the broad wall, 12:39 and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the gate of the guard. 12:40 So stood the two companies of those who gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me; 12:41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; 12:42 and Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. The singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. 12:43 They offered great sacrifices that day, and rejoiced; for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. 12:44 On that day were men appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them, according to the fields of the cities, the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites who waited. 12:45 They performed the duty of their God, and the duty of the purification, and so did the singers and the porters, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 12:47 All Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required: and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.

12:1 These are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 12:2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, 12:3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 12:4 Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, 12:5 Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, 12:6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah. 12:7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their brothers during the days of Jeshua. 12:8 Also, the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was in charge of the thanksgiving, along with his brothers. 12:9 Additionally, Bakbukiah and Unno, their brothers, were on duty in their respective positions. 12:10 Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada, 12:11 and Joiada became the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan became the father of Jaddua. 12:12 In the days of Joiakim, the priests were heads of their respective family groups: Seraiah, Meraiah; Jeremiah, Hananiah; 12:13 Ezra, Meshullam; Amariah, Jehohanan; 12:14 Malluchi, Jonathan; Shebaniah, Joseph; 12:15 Harim, Adna; Meraioth, Helkai; 12:16 Iddo, Zechariah; Ginnethon, Meshullam; 12:17 Abijah, Zichri; Miniamin, Moadiah, Piltai; 12:18 Bilgah, Shammua; Shemaiah, Jehonathan; 12:19 and Joiarib, Mattenai; Jedaiah, Uzzi; 12:20 Sallai, Kallai; Amok, Eber; 12:21 Hilkiah, Hashabiah; Jedaiah, Nethanel. 12:22 Regarding the Levites, in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the heads of the family groups were recorded; also, the priests during the reign of Darius the Persian. 12:23 The descendants of Levi, heads of their family groups, were documented in the chronicles, up until the days of Johanan, the son of Eliashib. 12:24 The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua, the son of Kadmiel, along with their brothers in front of them to praise and give thanks, according to the command of David, the man of God, watch by watch. 12:25 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub served as guards at the storehouses of the gates. 12:26 These were the days of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and during the time of Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the priest and scribe. 12:27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their locations to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with joy, thanksgiving, and singing, using cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps. 12:28 The descendants of the singers gathered together from the area around Jerusalem, as well as from the villages of the Netophathites; 12:29 also from Beth Gilgal and the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, since the singers had built villages around Jerusalem. 12:30 The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. 12:31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall and appointed two large groups to give thanks and march in procession. One went to the right on the wall toward the dung gate; 12:32 and Hoshaiah went with them, along with half of the leaders of Judah, 12:33 and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 12:34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, 12:35 and some of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechariah, the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph; 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, along with Judah and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David, the man of God, and Ezra, the scribe, was ahead of them. 12:37 At the spring gate and directly in front of them, they ascended by the steps of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, all the way to the water gate eastward. 12:38 The other group of those giving thanks went to meet them, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the tower of the furnaces, up to the broad wall, 12:39 and above the gate of Ephraim, the old gate, the fish gate, the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, until they reached the sheep gate, where they stood still at the guard gate. 12:40 So both groups of those giving thanks stood in the house of God, along with me and half of the leaders; 12:41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah with trumpets; 12:42 and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. The singers sang loudly, with Jezrahiah as their overseer. 12:43 They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with immense joy; even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from far away. 12:44 On that day, men were appointed over the storerooms for the treasures, wave offerings, first fruits, and tithes, to collect them according to the fields of the cities, the portions designated by law for the priests and Levites, as Judah rejoiced for the priests and Levites who served. 12:45 They fulfilled their duties to God and handled the purification, and so did the singers and gatekeepers, following the command of David and his son Solomon. 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old, there was a chief of the singers, with songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 12:47 All Israel, in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, provided for the singers and gatekeepers as needed each day, and they set aside what was for the Levites; the Levites set aside what was for the sons of Aaron.

13:1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever, 13:2 because they didn't meet the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, to curse them: however our God turned the curse into a blessing. 13:3 It came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude. 13:4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being allied to Tobiah, 13:5 had prepared for him a great chamber, where before they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the wave offerings for the priests. 13:6 But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king, 13:7 and I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. 13:8 It grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. 13:9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and there brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal offerings and the frankincense. 13:10 I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them; so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled everyone to his field. 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? I gathered them together, and set them in their place. 13:12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the treasuries. 13:13 I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute to their brothers. 13:14 Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don't wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its observances. 13:15 In those days saw I in Judah some men treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys therewith; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day in which they sold food. 13:16 There lived men of Tyre also therein, who brought in fish, and all manner of wares, and sold on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day? 13:18 Didn't your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this evil on us, and on this city? yet you bring more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath. 13:19 It came to pass that, when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and commanded that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. I set some of my servants over the gates, that no burden should be brought in on the Sabbath day. 13:20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why lodge you about the wall? if you do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath. 13:22 I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness. 13:23 In those days also saw I the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: 13:24 and their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. 13:25 I contended with them, and cursed them, and struck certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons, or for yourselves. 13:26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, and he was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin. 13:27 Shall we then listen to you to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in marrying foreign women? 13:28 One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. 13:29 Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. 13:30 Thus cleansed I them from all foreigners, and appointed duties for the priests and for the Levites, everyone in his work; 13:31 and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.

13:1 On that day, they read from the book of Moses in front of the people, and it was written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, 13:2 because they did not meet the Israelites with food and water, but hired Balaam to curse them. However, our God turned that curse into a blessing. 13:3 When they heard the law, they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel. 13:4 Before this, Eliashib the priest, who was in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God and was connected to Tobiah, 13:5 had prepared a large room for him, where previously they stored the grain offerings, incense, and the vessels, along with the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil, which were given to the Levites, the singers, and the gatekeepers, along with the wave offerings for the priests. 13:6 But during all this time, I was not in Jerusalem; for in the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon, I went to the king and after some time asked for permission to leave, 13:7 and I returned to Jerusalem. I found out the wrong Eliashib had done for Tobiah, by giving him a room in the courts of the house of God. 13:8 This greatly distressed me, so I threw out all of Tobiah's household items from the room. 13:9 Then I gave orders to cleanse the rooms, and I brought back the vessels of the house of God, along with the grain offerings and the incense. 13:10 I noticed that the Levites had not been given their portions, so the Levites and singers who did the work had all gone back to their fields. 13:11 Then I confronted the leaders and said, "Why is the house of God neglected?" I gathered them together and put them back in their positions. 13:12 Then all of Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms. 13:13 I appointed treasurers over the storerooms: Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah; and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, for they were deemed trustworthy, and their job was to distribute to their fellow Israelites. 13:14 Remember me, my God, for this, and do not erase my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and its services. 13:15 In those days, I saw some Jews in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, bringing in sheaves and loading donkeys with them; as well as wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. I warned them against this on the day they sold food. 13:16 There were also men from Tyre living there, who brought fish and all kinds of merchandise and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah and in Jerusalem. 13:17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil you’re doing, profaning the Sabbath?" 13:18 Didn’t your ancestors do the same? Didn’t our God bring all this disaster on us and this city? Yet you are bringing even more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath. 13:19 When the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors be shut and not opened again until after the Sabbath. I appointed some of my servants at the gates, so that no load would be brought in on the Sabbath. 13:20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of merchandise camped outside Jerusalem once or twice. 13:21 Then I warned them, saying, "Why are you camping around the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on, they did not come back on the Sabbath. 13:22 I ordered the Levites to purify themselves and come to guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, my God, for this also, and spare me according to your great love. 13:23 In those days, I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab: 13:24 and their children spoke half in the language of Ashdod, and could not speak in the language of the Jews, but only according to the language of each people. 13:25 I confronted them, cursed them, struck some of them, and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons, or for yourselves." 13:26 Didn’t King Solomon of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations, there was no king like him, and he was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless, even he was led into sin by foreign women. 13:27 Should we then listen to you, to do all this great evil and transgress against our God by marrying foreign women? 13:28 One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; so I drove him away from me. 13:29 Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. 13:30 I cleansed them from all foreigners and assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each in their work; 13:31 and for the wood offering, at set times, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 9:9 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds














Esther

1:1 Now it happened in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over one hundred twenty-seven provinces), 1:2 that in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, 1:3 in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him. 1:4 He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred eighty days. 1:5 When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 1:6 There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble. 1:7 They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king. 1:8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had instructed all the officials of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure. 1:9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.

1:1 During the reign of Ahasuerus (the Ahasuerus who ruled from India to Ethiopia, over one hundred twenty-seven provinces), 1:2 in those days, when King Ahasuerus was on the throne of his kingdom in the palace of Shushan, 1:3 in the third year of his reign, he threw a feast for all his princes and servants; the power of Persia and Media and the nobles and princes of the provinces were gathered before him. 1:4 He showcased the wealth of his glorious kingdom and the prestige of his greatness for many days, totaling one hundred eighty days. 1:5 When these days were completed, the king hosted a seven-day feast for all the people present in the palace of Shushan, both great and small, in the courtyard of the king's garden. 1:6 There were hangings of white, green, and blue fabric, tied with fine linen and purple cords to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were made of gold and silver, placed on a floor of red, white, yellow, and black marble. 1:7 They served drinks in various golden vessels, including a lavish supply of royal wine, as per the king's generosity. 1:8 As per the law, drinking was not mandatory; the king had instructed all the officials of his household to allow each man to drink as he pleased. 1:9 Additionally, Queen Vashti held a feast for the women in the royal house that belonged to King Ahasuerus.

1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, 1:11 to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful. 1:12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him. 1:13 Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for it was the king's custom to consult those who knew law and judgment; 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom), 1:15 "What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the bidding of the King Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?"

1:10 On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from drinking wine, he instructed Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who were in the service of King Ahasuerus, 1:11 to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing the royal crown, so he could show off her beauty to the guests and officials; she was very beautiful. 1:12 But Queen Vashti refused to come when the eunuchs summoned her. This made the king very angry, and his anger was intense. 1:13 Then the king asked the wise men, who understood the times (for it was customary for the king to consult those knowledgeable about law and judgment; 1:14 and next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who were close to the king and held the highest positions in the kingdom), 1:15 "What should we do to Queen Vashti according to the law, since she has not obeyed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?"

1:16 Memucan answered before the king and the princes, "Vashti the queen has not done wrong to just the king, but also to all the princes, and to all the people who are in all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus. 1:17 For this deed of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to show contempt for their husbands, when it is reported, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she didn't come.' 1:18 Today, the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's deed will tell all the king's princes. This will cause much contempt and wrath. 1:19 If it please the king, let a royal commandment go from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate to another who is better than she. 1:20 When the king's decree which he shall make is published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give their husbands honor, both great and small."

1:16 Memucan spoke up in front of the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti hasn't just wronged the king; she has also disrespected all the princes and everyone in the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 1:17 Once word gets out about what the queen did, it will reach all women, making them look down on their husbands when they hear, 'King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti to come to him, but she refused.' 1:18 Today, the princesses of Persia and Media who know about the queen's actions will share this with all the king's princes. This will spark a lot of contempt and anger. 1:19 If the king agrees, let a royal decree be issued from him and written into the laws of the Persians and Medes, so it can’t be changed, stating that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to someone better than she is. 1:20 When the king's decree is made public across his great kingdom, all the wives will honor their husbands, both important and ordinary."

1:21 This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan: 1:22 for he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every man should rule his own house, speaking in the language of his own people.

1:21 The king and the princes were pleased with this advice, so the king followed Memucan's suggestion: 1:22 he sent letters to all the king's provinces, using the appropriate script for each province and the language of each people, instructing that every man should govern his household, speaking in the language of his own community.

2:1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2:2 Then the king's servants who served him said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 2:3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; 2:4 and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the king, and he did so.

2:1 After this, when King Ahasuerus had calmed down, he thought about Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decided about her. 2:2 Then the king's attendants suggested, "Let’s find beautiful young virgins for the king. 2:3 Let the king send officials to all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s quarters, under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who oversees the women. They should be given cosmetics; 2:4 and let the girl who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti." The proposal pleased the king, and he agreed to it.

2:5 There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 2:6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 2:7 He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. 2:8 So it happened, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 2:9 The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king's house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women's house. 2:10 Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. 2:11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women's house, to find out how Esther did, and what would become of her.

2:5 There was a Jewish man in the citadel of Susa named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 2:6 who had been taken from Jerusalem with the captives exiled by Jeconiah, the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had deported. 2:7 He raised Hadassah, also known as Esther, his uncle's daughter, because she had no father or mother. The girl was lovely and beautiful; after her parents passed away, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter. 2:8 So when the king's command and decree were proclaimed, and many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa, to the care of Hegai, Esther was taken into the king's palace, under the supervision of Hegai, the keeper of the women. 2:9 The young woman pleased him, and he showed her kindness. He quickly gave her beauty treatments and her food portions, along with seven choice maidens from the king's palace to serve her. He moved her and her maids to the best living quarters in the women's quarters. 2:10 Esther had not revealed her heritage or her family background, because Mordecai had instructed her not to. 2:11 Mordecai walked back and forth near the courtyard of the women's quarters every day to see how Esther was doing and what would happen to her.

2:12 Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). 2:13 The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women's house to the king's house. 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. 2:16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 2:17 The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

2:12 Each young woman had her turn to go in to King Ahasuerus after a purification period of twelve months (which included six months with myrrh oil and six months with sweet fragrances and beauty treatments). 2:13 When the young woman went to the king, she was allowed to take whatever she wanted from the women's house to the king's house. 2:14 She went in the evening and returned the next day to the second women's house, under the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless he was pleased with her and called for her by name. 2:15 When it was Esther’s turn, the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, suggested. Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 2:16 So Esther was brought to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, which is Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 2:17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she gained more favor and kindness in his sight than all the virgins; so he placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

2:18 Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king's bounty.

2:18 Then the king threw a big feast for all his princes and servants, including Esther's feast; and he declared a holiday in the provinces, giving out gifts as a show of the king's generosity.

2:19 When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate. 2:20 Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him. 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 2:22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. 2:23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king's presence.

2:19 When the young women were gathered together a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. 2:20 Esther had not yet revealed her family or her people, as Mordecai had told her; for Esther followed Mordecai's instructions, just as she had when she was raised by him. 2:21 During that time, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, became angry and plotted to harm King Ahasuerus. 2:22 This situation came to Mordecai’s attention, who notified Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. 2:23 When this matter was investigated and found to be true, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the king's presence.

3:1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 3:2 All the king's servants who were in the king's gate bowed down, and paid homage to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn't bow down or pay him homage. 3:3 Then the king's servants, who were in the king's gate, said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's commandment?" 3:4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn't listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. 3:5 When Haman saw that Mordecai didn't bow down, nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath. 3:6 But he scorned the thought of laying hands on Mordecai alone, for they had made known to him Mordecai's people. Therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the Mordecai's people.

3:1 After these events, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and gave him a higher position, placing him above all the other princes with him. 3:2 All the king's servants at the king's gate bowed and showed respect to Haman, as the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow or show him any respect. 3:3 The king's servants at the gate asked Mordecai, "Why are you disobeying the king's command?" 3:4 When they spoke to him every day and he still didn’t listen, they told Haman, to see if Mordecai's reason would hold up; he had told them that he was a Jew. 3:5 When Haman saw that Mordecai wouldn’t bow or pay him respect, he was furious. 3:6 However, he dismissed the idea of just punishing Mordecai because they had informed him of Mordecai's people. So Haman set out to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire kingdom of Ahasuerus, including Mordecai's people.

3:7 In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, and chose the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 3:8 Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different than other people's. They don't keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not for the king's profit to allow them to remain. 3:9 If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries."

3:7 In the first month, which is Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast lots, called Pur, before Haman day by day and month by month, and they chose the twelfth month, which is Adar. 3:8 Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There's a certain people scattered and separated among the nations in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different from everyone else's. They don't follow the king's laws. So it’s not in the king’s best interest to let them stay. 3:9 If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to those responsible for the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries."

3:10 The king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. 3:11 The king said to Haman, "The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you." 3:12 Then the king's scribes were called in on the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month; and all that Haman commanded was written to the king's satraps, and to the governors who were over every province, and to the princes of every people, to every province according its writing, and to every people in their language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus, and it was sealed with the king's ring. 3:13 Letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to plunder their possessions. 3:14 A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day. 3:15 The couriers went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

3:10 The king took his ring off his finger and handed it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. 3:11 The king said to Haman, "The silver is yours, and so are the people. Do with them what you think is best." 3:12 Then the king's scribes were called in on the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month, and everything Haman instructed was documented and sent to the king's governors and officials across every province and to the leaders of every people, in each province according to its script, and to every group in their language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's ring. 3:13 Letters were dispatched by messengers throughout all the king's provinces to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, including children and women, in a single day, specifically on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to take their possessions. 3:14 A copy of the letter, mandating the decree be distributed in every province, was made public to all the peoples so they would be prepared for that day. 3:15 The messengers hurried out as per the king's command, and the decree was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was bewildered.

4:1 Now when Mordecai found out all that was done, Mordecai tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and wailed loudly and a bitterly. 4:2 He came even before the king's gate, for no one is allowed inside the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. 4:3 In every province, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4:4 Esther's maidens and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothing to Mordecai, to replace his sackcloth; but he didn't receive it. 4:5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out what this was, and why it was. 4:6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai, to city square which was before the king's gate. 4:7 Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 4:8 He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.

4:1 When Mordecai learned about everything that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying loudly and bitterly. 4:2 He even went to the king's gate, because no one is allowed inside the king's gate wearing sackcloth. 4:3 In every province, wherever the king's command and decree reached, there was a lot of mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and wailing; many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4:4 Esther's maids and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was very upset. She sent clothes to Mordecai to replace his sackcloth, but he wouldn’t accept them. 4:5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs who had been assigned to her, and asked him to go to Mordecai to find out what was going on and why. 4:6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king's gate. 4:7 Mordecai explained everything that had happened to him and the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 4:8 He also gave him a copy of the decree issued in Shushan that called for their destruction, to show it to Esther, to inform her, and to urge her to go to the king to plead with him and to make a request for her people.

4:9 Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 4:10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a message to Mordecai: 4:11 "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, know, that whoever, whether man or woman, comes to the king into the inner court without being called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king might hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days."

4:9 Hathach came and told Esther what Mordecai said. 4:10 Then Esther sent a message through Hathach to Mordecai: 4:11 "Everyone who works for the king and the people in his provinces know that anyone, whether man or woman, who enters the king's inner court without being summoned, is subject to one law: they will be put to death, unless the king extends his golden scepter to them, allowing them to live. I haven't been called to see the king in thirty days."

4:12 They told to Mordecai Esther's words. 4:13 Then Mordecai asked them return answer to Esther, "Don't think to yourself that you will escape in the king's house any more than all the Jews. 4:14 For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Who knows if you haven't come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

4:12 They told Mordecai what Esther had said. 4:13 Then Mordecai sent back a message to Esther, "Don't think that you’ll be safe in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 4:14 For if you stay silent right now, help and deliverance will come to the Jews from somewhere else, but you and your family will be destroyed. Who knows, maybe you've come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

4:15 Then Esther asked them to answer Mordecai, 4:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish." 4:17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

4:15 Then Esther asked them to relay to Mordecai, 4:16 "Go and gather all the Jews in Shushan, and fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maidens and I will also fast like that. Afterward, I will go to the king, even though it’s against the law; and if I perish, I perish." 4:17 So Mordecai went on his way and did everything Esther had told him to do.

5:1 Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, next to the king's house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house. 5:2 When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter. 5:3 Then the king asked her, "What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom."

5:1 On the third day, Esther got dressed in her royal garments and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, near the entrance. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the palace, by the entrance. 5:2 When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his eyes, and he extended the golden scepter he held. Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 5:3 Then the king asked her, "What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? It will be granted to you, even up to half the kingdom."

5:4 Esther said, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."

5:4 Esther said, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I've arranged for him."

5:5 Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, so that it may be done as Esther has said." So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

5:5 Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, so that we can do what Esther has requested." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had organized.

5:6 The king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."

5:6 The king said to Esther at the wine banquet, "What do you want? I’ll give it to you. What’s your request? I’ll even give you half the kingdom if you ask for it."

5:7 Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and my request is this. 5:8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said."

5:7 Then Esther replied, "My request is this: 5:8 If I have found favor in the king's eyes and if it pleases the king to grant my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet I’ll prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow what the king has said."

5:9 Then Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he didn't stand up nor move for him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. 5:10 Nevertheless Haman restrained himself, and went home. There, he sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his wife. 5:11 Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, the multitude of his children, all the things in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. 5:12 Haman also said, "Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king. 5:13 Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

5:9 Then Haman went out that day feeling joyful and happy, but when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate not standing up or showing him any respect, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. 5:10 However, Haman controlled himself and went home. There, he called for his friends and his wife Zeresh. 5:11 Haman told them about his wealth, the many children he had, everything the king had done to honor him, and how he had been promoted above the princes and servants of the king. 5:12 Haman also said, "Yes, Queen Esther didn’t allow anyone to join the king at the banquet she prepared except for me, and tomorrow I’m also invited by her along with the king. 5:13 But none of this means anything to me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet." This pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

5:14 Then Zeresh, his wife, and all his friends said to him, "Let's build a gallows fifty cubits high, and in the morning, talk to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. After that, you can go happily to the banquet with the king." This suggestion pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

6:1 On that night, the king couldn't sleep. He commanded the book of records of the chronicles to be brought, and they were read to the king. 6:2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus. 6:3 The king said, "What honor and dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?"

6:1 On that night, the king couldn't sleep. He ordered the book of records to be brought, and they were read to him. 6:2 It was discovered that Mordecai had reported Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who were doorkeepers, who had attempted to harm King Ahasuerus. 6:3 The king asked, "What honor and recognition has been given to Mordecai for this?"

Then the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him."

Then the king's attendants said, "We haven't done anything for him."

6:4 The king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had come into the outer court of the king's house, to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

6:4 The king asked, "Who’s in the court?" At that moment, Haman had entered the outer court of the king's house to discuss hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had set up for him.

6:5 The king's servants said to him, "Behold, Haman stands in the court."

6:5 The king's servants said to him, "Look, Haman is in the courtyard."

The king said, "Let him come in." 6:6 So Haman came in. The king said to him, "What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?"

The king said, "Let him come in." 6:6 So Haman came in. The king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king wants to honor?"

Now Haman said in his heart, "Who would the king delight to honor more than myself?" 6:7 Haman said to the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honor, 6:8 let royal clothing be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and on the head of which a crown royal is set. 6:9 Let the clothing and the horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man whom the king delights to honor with them, and have him ride on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him, 'Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!'"

Now Haman thought to himself, "Who would the king want to honor more than me?" 6:7 Haman said to the king, "For the person the king wants to honor, 6:8 let royal clothing be brought that the king wears, and the horse that the king rides, with a royal crown on its head. 6:9 Let the clothing and the horse be given to one of the king's most noble princes, so they can dress the person the king wants to honor and have him ride through the city square, proclaiming before him, 'This is how it will be done for the person the king wants to honor!'"

6:10 Then the king said to Haman, "Hurry and take the clothing and the horse, as you have said, and do this for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Let nothing fail of all that you have spoken."

6:10 Then the king said to Haman, "Quickly take the clothes and the horse, just as you've described, and do this for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Make sure everything you said is done."

6:11 Then Haman took the clothing and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and had him ride through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!"

6:11 Then Haman took the clothes and the horse, dressed Mordecai in them, and had him ride through the city square, announcing in front of him, "This is how it will be done for the person the king wants to honor!"

6:12 Mordecai came back to the king's gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and having his head covered. 6:13 Haman recounted to Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and Zeresh his wife said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him, but you will surely fall before him." 6:14 While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs came, and hurried to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6:12 Mordecai returned to the king's gate, but Haman rushed to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 6:13 Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, whom you've begun to fall before, is Jewish, you won't be able to defeat him; you will definitely fall before him." 6:14 While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and quickly took Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

7:1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. 7:2 The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."

7:1 So the king and Haman joined Esther the queen for a feast. 7:2 On the second day of the wine banquet, the king said to Esther again, "What do you want, Queen Esther? Your request will be granted. What do you need? Even up to half of the kingdom, it will be done."

7:3 Then Esther the queen answered, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondservants and bondmaids, I would have held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's loss."

7:3 Then Queen Esther replied, "If I have found favor in your eyes, King, and if it pleases you, let my life be granted to me at my request, and my people at my request as well. 7:4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, and wiped out. If we had been sold as slaves, I would have remained silent, even though the adversary could never make up for the king's loss."

7:5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen, "Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so?"

7:5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, "Who is he, and where is he that dared to think he could do that?"

7:6 Esther said, "An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!"

7:6 Esther said, "A foe and an enemy, this evil Haman!"

Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. 7:7 The king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden. Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. 7:8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman had fallen on the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, "Will he even assault the queen in front of me in the house?" As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

Then Haman was terrified in front of the king and the queen. 7:7 The king got up in his anger from the wine banquet and went into the palace garden. Haman stood up to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that the king had decided to do him harm. 7:8 Then the king came back from the palace garden to the banquet hall, and Haman had fallen on the couch where Esther was. The king said, "Is he really going to assault the queen right in front of me in my own house?" As those words left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman's house."

7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who was with the king, said, "Look, the gallows fifty cubits high that Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke well of the king, is standing at Haman's house."

The king said, "Hang him on it!"

The king said, "Hang him on it!"

7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai. Then the king's anger was calmed.

8:1 On that day, King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the Jews' enemy, to Esther the queen. Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her. 8:2 The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. 8:3 Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. 8:4 Then the king held out to Esther the golden scepter. So Esther arose, and stood before the king. 8:5 She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right to the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. 8:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?"

8:1 On that day, King Ahasuerus gave Haman's estate, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Mordecai came before the king because Esther had told him about their relationship. 8:2 The king removed his ring that he had taken from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's estate. 8:3 Esther spoke to the king again, falling at his feet and pleading with tears to eliminate the evil plot of Haman the Agagite that he had devised against the Jews. 8:4 Then the king extended the golden scepter to Esther. She rose and stood before the king. 8:5 She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if it seems right to the king, and I am pleasing to him, let it be written to reverse the letters written by Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews throughout all the king’s provinces. 8:6 For how can I bear to see the disaster that would come to my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?"

8:7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, "See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged on the gallows, because he laid his hand on the Jews. 8:8 Write also to the Jews, as it pleases you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring; for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may not be reversed by any man."

8:7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Look, I have given Esther the estate of Haman, and he has been hanged on the gallows because he targeted the Jews. 8:8 Write also to the Jews whatever you think is best, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring; because anything written in the king's name and sealed with the king's ring cannot be undone by anyone."

8:9 Then the king's scribes were called at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princes of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, and to the Jews in their writing, and in their language. 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bread from swift steeds. 8:11 In those letters, the king granted the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves together, and to defend their life, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, their little ones and women, and to plunder their possessions, 8:12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 8:13 A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that the Jews should be ready for that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.

8:9 Then the king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month; and they wrote everything that Mordecai instructed for the Jews, and for the satraps, governors, and princes of the provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia, a total of one hundred twenty-seven provinces, adapting each document to its province and each people to their language, and to the Jews in their script and language. 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters via couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds. 8:11 In those letters, the king allowed the Jews in every city to gather, defend their lives, and to destroy, kill, and eliminate all the forces of the people and province that would attack them, including their children and women, and to seize their belongings, 8:12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is known as Adar. 8:13 A copy of the letter, mandating the decree to be issued in every province, was published to all the peoples, so that the Jews would be prepared for that day to take revenge on their enemies. 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal horses quickly set out, urged on by the king's command. The decree was issued in the citadel of Susa.

8:15 Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad. 8:16 The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. 8:17 In every province, and in every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast, and a good day. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen on them.

8:15 Mordecai left the king’s presence dressed in royal blue and white, wearing a magnificent gold crown and a robe made of fine linen and purple; the city of Susa erupted in cheers and celebration. 8:16 The Jews experienced brightness, happiness, joy, and respect. 8:17 In every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree reached, the Jews celebrated with joy, feasting, and a day of goodness. Many people from the land embraced Judaism because they were filled with fear of the Jews.

9:1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them), 9:2 the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people. 9:3 All the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who did the king's business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. 9:4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai grew greater and greater. 9:5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter and destruction, and did what they wanted to those who hated them. 9:6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 9:7 They killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 9:8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, 9:10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jew's enemy, but they didn't lay their hand on the plunder. 9:11 On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the king. 9:12 The king said to Esther the queen, "The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done."

9:1 Now in the twelfth month, which is Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king's command and decree were about to be carried out, on the day that the enemies of the Jews expected to defeat them, (but the opposite happened; the Jews defeated those who hated them), 9:2 the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to take action against those who wished to harm them. No one could stand against them because the fear of them had fallen on all the people. 9:3 All the leaders of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who worked for the king supported the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had come upon them. 9:4 For Mordecai was prominent in the king's palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; the man Mordecai became greater and greater. 9:5 The Jews attacked all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying, and did whatever they wanted to those who hated them. 9:6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 9:7 They killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 9:8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, 9:10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not take any of the plunder. 9:11 On that day, the total number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king. 9:12 The king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now, what is your request? It will be granted. What is your further request? It will be done."

9:13 Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according to this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on the gallows."

9:13 Then Esther said, "If it’s okay with the king, I’d like the Jews in Shushan to be allowed to act tomorrow according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows."

9:14 The king commanded this to be done. A decree was given out in Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. 9:15 The Jews who were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and killed three hundred men in Shushan; but they didn't lay their hand on the spoil. 9:16 The other Jews who were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, defended their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they didn't lay their hand on the plunder. 9:17 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of that month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 9:18 But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a good day, and a day of sending presents of food to one another. 9:20 Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both near and far, 9:21 to enjoin them that they should keep the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month Adar yearly, 9:22 as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending presents of food to one another, and gifts to the needy. 9:23 The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them; 9:24 because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast "Pur," that is the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; 9:25 but when this became known to the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 9:26 Therefore they called these days "Purim," from the word "Pur." Therefore because of all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and that which had come to them, 9:27 the Jews established, and imposed on themselves, and on their descendants, and on all those who joined themselves to them, so that it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to what was written, and according to its appointed time, every year; 9:28 and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memory of them perish from their seed.

9:14 The king ordered this to be done. A decree was issued in Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. 9:15 The Jews in Shushan gathered on the fourteenth day of the month Adar and killed three hundred men in Shushan; but they didn't take any of the spoils. 9:16 The other Jews in the king's provinces gathered together, defended themselves, gained rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their adversaries; but they didn't take any of the plunder. 9:17 This happened on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; on the fourteenth day of that month, they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy. 9:18 However, the Jews in Shushan gathered on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested and marked it as a day of feasting and joy. 9:19 Therefore, the Jews of the villages, living in unwalled towns, celebrate the fourteenth day of the month Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a good day, and a day for sending food gifts to each other. 9:20 Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews in the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 9:21 instructing them to observe the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month Adar each year, 9:22 as the days when the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month that turned from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a good day; that they should make those days days of feasting and joy, and send food gifts to one another, and gifts to the needy. 9:23 The Jews accepted the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them; 9:24 because Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had planned to destroy them, and had cast "Pur," which means the lot, to wipe them out; 9:25 but when the king learned about this, he instructed in letters that Haman's wicked scheme against the Jews should fall back on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 9:26 Therefore, they named these days "Purim," based on the word "Pur." Because of everything in this letter, and what they had seen pertaining to this matter, and what had come to them, 9:27 the Jews established and committed themselves, and their descendants, and all those who joined them, to ensure that it would not end, and that they would celebrate these two days as written, at their appointed time, every year; 9:28 and that these days should be remembered and observed throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that the days of Purim should not fade from the Jews, nor should the memory of them disappear from their descendants.

9:29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. 9:30 He sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 9:31 to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed, and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants, in the matter of the fastings and their cry. 9:32 The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

9:29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. 9:30 He sent letters to all the Jews in the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with messages of peace and truth, 9:31 to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established, and as they had committed themselves and their descendants to observe, regarding the fasts and their lament. 9:32 The command of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

10:1 King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and on the islands of the sea. 10:2 All the acts of his power and of his might, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted by the multitude of his brothers, seeking the good of his people, and speaking peace to all his descendants.

10:1 King Ahasuerus imposed a tax on the land and the islands of the sea. 10:2 All the powerful and mighty actions he took, and the complete story of Mordecai's greatness, which the king recognized, are they not recorded in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in command to King Ahasuerus, respected among the Jews, and embraced by most of his fellow countrymen, looking out for the welfare of his people and promoting peace for all his descendants.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 9:26 Purim is the Hebrew plural for pur, which means lot.

[1] back to 9:26 Purim is the Hebrew plural for pur, which means lot.














Job

1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil. 1:2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 1:3 His possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east. 1:4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 1:5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz named Job. He was a good and honest man who respected God and stayed away from evil. 1:2 He had seven sons and three daughters. 1:3 He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred pairs of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household; he was the most respected man in all the East. 1:4 His sons would hold a feast in each of their houses on their birthdays and invite their three sisters to join them for food and drinks. 1:5 When the feasting time was over, Job would send for them and have them purified. He would get up early in the morning and make burnt offerings for each of them, thinking, "It’s possible my sons have sinned and blasphemed God in their hearts." Job did this regularly.

1:6 Now it happened on the day when the God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them. 1:7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

1:6 One day, the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came along with them. 1:7 The Lord asked Satan, "Where have you been?"

Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

Then Satan replied to Yahweh, saying, "I've been roaming around the earth and walking back and forth on it."

1:8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil."

1:8 God said to Satan, "Have you thought about my servant, Job? There's no one like him on earth—he's a completely honest and good man, someone who respects God and stays away from evil."

1:9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 1:10 Haven't you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 1:11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face."

1:9 Then Satan replied to Yahweh and said, "Does Job really fear God for no reason? 1:10 Haven't you put a protective barrier around him, his home, and everything he owns, on all sides? You have blessed his work, and his possessions have grown in the land. 1:11 But if you reach out your hand now and take away everything he has, he will curse you directly."

1:12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don't put forth your hand."

1:12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Look, everything he has is under your control. Just don't harm him personally."

So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh. 1:13 It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, 1:14 that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them, 1:15 and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

So Satan left the presence of God. 1:13 One day, while his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 1:14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were feeding beside them, 1:15 when the Sabeans attacked and took them away. They’ve killed the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

1:16 While he was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

1:16 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "The fire of God has fallen from heaven, burning up the sheep and the servants. I’m the only one who escaped to tell you."

1:17 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

1:17 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "The Chaldeans organized three groups, charged at the camels, took them away, and killed the servants with the sword; I’m the only one who escaped to tell you."

1:18 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, 1:19 and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

1:18 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 1:19 when suddenly a strong wind came from the wilderness, hit all four corners of the house, and it collapsed on the young people, and they are dead. I’m the only one who survived to tell you."

1:20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. 1:21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

1:20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshiped. 1:21 He said, "I came into this world naked, and I'll leave it that way. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin or blame God for anything wrong.

2:1 Again it happened on the day when the God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2:2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

2:1 Once again, on the day when the sons of God came to stand before Yahweh, Satan also showed up to present himself to Yahweh. 2:2 Yahweh asked Satan, "Where have you been?"

Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

Satan replied to Yahweh, saying, "I've been roaming the earth and walking around in it."

2:3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause."

2:3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you thought about my servant Job? There's no one like him on earth; he's a blameless and upright man who fears God and stays away from evil. He still holds on to his integrity, even though you tempted me to ruin him for no reason."

2:4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 2:5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face."

2:4 Satan replied to Yahweh, saying, "A person will do anything to save their life. Yes, a man will sacrifice everything he has for his own survival. 2:5 But go ahead, strike his body and skin, and he'll turn on you right to your face."

2:6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

2:6 God said to Satan, "Look, he is in your control. Just don't take his life."

2:7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 2:8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes. 2:9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die."

2:7 So Satan left the presence of Yahweh and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 2:8 He took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself with and sat among the ashes. 2:9 Then his wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die."

2:10 But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"

2:10 But he said to her, "You’re speaking like one of those foolish women. What? Should we accept good from God and not also accept bad?"

In all this Job didn't sin with his lips. 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him. 2:12 When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn't recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky. 2:13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

In all this, Job didn’t speak a single word against God. 2:11 Now, when Job’s three friends heard about all the terrible things that had happened to him, they each came from their own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They agreed to come together to offer their sympathy and comfort. 2:12 When they saw him from a distance and didn’t recognize him, they raised their voices and cried; each of them tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky. 2:13 So they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, and no one said a word to him, for they saw that his grief was immense.

3:1 After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth. 3:2 Job answered:

3:1 After Job spoke up, he cursed the day he was born. 3:2 Job replied:

3:3 "Let the day perish in which I was born,
the night which said, 'There is a boy conceived.'
3:4 Let that day be darkness.
Don't let God from above seek for it,
neither let the light shine on it.
3:5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own.
Let a cloud dwell on it.
Let all that makes black the day terrify it.
3:6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it.
Let it not rejoice among the days of the year.
Let it not come into the number of the months.
3:7 Behold, let that night be barren.
Let no joyful voice come therein.
3:8 Let them curse it who curse the day,
who are ready to rouse up leviathan.
3:9 Let the stars of its twilight be dark.
Let it look for light, but have none,
neither let it see the eyelids of the morning,
3:10 because it didn't shut up the doors of my mother's womb,
nor did it hide trouble from my eyes.
3:11 "Why didn't I die from the womb?
Why didn't I give up the spirit when my mother bore me?
3:12 Why did the knees receive me?
Or why the breast, that I should suck?
3:13 For now should I have lain down and been quiet.
I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,
3:14 with kings and counselors of the earth,
who built up waste places for themselves;
3:15 or with princes who had gold,
who filled their houses with silver:
3:16 or as a hidden untimely birth I had not been,
as infants who never saw light.
3:17 There the wicked cease from troubling.
There the weary are at rest.
3:18 There the prisoners are at ease together.
They don't hear the voice of the taskmaster.
3:19 The small and the great are there.
The servant is free from his master.
3:20 "Why is light given to him who is in misery,
life to the bitter in soul,
3:21 Who long for death, but it doesn't come;
and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,
3:22 who rejoice exceedingly,
and are glad, when they can find the grave?
3:23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid,
whom God has hedged in?
3:24 For my sighing comes before I eat.
My groanings are poured out like water.
3:25 For the thing which I fear comes on me,
That which I am afraid of comes to me.
3:26 I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest;
but trouble comes."

4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied,

4:2 "If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved?
But who can withhold himself from speaking?
4:3 Behold, you have instructed many,
you have strengthened the weak hands.
4:4 Your words have supported him who was falling,
You have made firm the feeble knees.
4:5 But now it is come to you, and you faint.
It touches you, and you are troubled.
4:6 Isn't your piety your confidence?
Isn't the integrity of your ways your hope?
4:7 "Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent?
Or where were the upright cut off?
4:8 According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity,
and sow trouble,
reap the same.
4:9 By the breath of God they perish.
By the blast of his anger are they consumed.
4:10 The roaring of the lion,
and the voice of the fierce lion,
the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
4:11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey.
The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad.
4:12 "Now a thing was secretly brought to me.
My ear received a whisper of it.
4:13 In thoughts from the visions of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men,
4:14 fear came on me, and trembling,
which made all my bones shake.
4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face.
The hair of my flesh stood up.
4:16 It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance.
A form was before my eyes.
Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,
4:17 'Shall mortal man be more just than God?
Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?
4:18 Behold, he puts no trust in his servants.
He charges his angels with error.
4:19 How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed before the moth!
4:20 Between morning and evening they are destroyed.
They perish forever without any regarding it.
4:21 Isn't their tent cord plucked up within them?
They die, and that without wisdom.'
5:1 "Call now; is there any who will answer you?
To which of the holy ones will you turn?
5:2 For resentment kills the foolish man,
and jealousy kills the simple.
5:3 I have seen the foolish taking root,
but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
5:4 His children are far from safety.
They are crushed in the gate.
Neither is there any to deliver them,
5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up,
and take it even out of the thorns.
The snare gapes for their substance.
5:6 For affliction doesn't come forth from the dust,
neither does trouble spring out of the ground;
5:7 but man is born to trouble,
as the sparks fly upward.
5:8 "But as for me, I would seek God.
I would commit my cause to God,
5:9 who does great things that can't be fathomed,
marvelous things without number;
5:10 who gives rain on the earth,
and sends waters on the fields;
5:11 so that he sets up on high those who are low,
those who mourn are exalted to safety.
5:12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.
5:13 He takes the wise in their own craftiness;
the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.
5:14 They meet with darkness in the day time,
and grope at noonday as in the night.
5:15 But he saves from the sword of their mouth,
even the needy from the hand of the mighty.
5:16 So the poor has hope,
and injustice shuts her mouth.
5:17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects.
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
5:18 For he wounds, and binds up.
He injures, and his hands make whole.
5:19 He will deliver you in six troubles;
yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you.
5:20 In famine he will redeem you from death;
in war, from the power of the sword.
5:21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.
5:22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh,
neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth.
5:23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field.
The animals of the field shall be at peace with you.
5:24 You shall know that your tent is in peace.
You shall visit your fold, and shall miss nothing.
5:25 You shall know also that your seed shall be great,
Your offspring as the grass of the earth.
5:26 You shall come to your grave in a full age,
like a shock of grain comes in its season.
5:27 Look this, we have searched it, so it is.
Hear it, and know it for your good."

6:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

6:2 "Oh that my anguish were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
6:3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas,
therefore have my words been rash.
6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me.
My spirit drinks up their poison.
The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
6:5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6:6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
6:7 My soul refuses to touch them.
They are as loathsome food to me.
6:8 "Oh that I might have my request,
that God would grant the thing that I long for,
6:9 even that it would please God to crush me;
that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
6:10 Be it still my consolation,
yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare,
that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
6:11 What is my strength, that I should wait?
What is my end, that I should be patient?
6:12 Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh of brass?
6:13 Isn't it that I have no help in me,
That wisdom is driven quite from me?
6:14 "To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend;
even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
6:15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook,
as the channel of brooks that pass away;
6:16 Which are black by reason of the ice,
in which the snow hides itself.
6:17 In the dry season, they vanish.
When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
6:18 The caravans that travel beside them turn aside.
They go up into the waste, and perish.
6:19 The caravans of Tema looked.
The companies of Sheba waited for them.
6:20 They were distressed because they were confident.
They came there, and were confounded.
6:21 For now you are nothing.
You see a terror, and are afraid.
6:22 Did I say, 'Give to me?'
or, 'Offer a present for me from your substance?'
6:23 or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?'
or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?'
6:24 "Teach me, and I will hold my peace.
Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
6:25 How forcible are words of uprightness!
But your reproof, what does it reprove?
6:26 Do you intend to reprove words,
seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
6:27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless,
and make merchandise of your friend.
6:28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me,
for surely I shall not lie to your face.
6:29 Please return.
Let there be no injustice.
Yes, return again.
My cause is righteous.
6:30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
Can't my taste discern mischievous things?
7:1 "Isn't a man forced to labor on earth?
Aren't his days like the days of a hired hand?
7:2 As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow,
as a hireling who looks for his wages,
7:3 so am I made to possess months of misery,
wearisome nights are appointed to me.
7:4 When I lie down, I say,
'When shall I arise, and the night be gone?'
I toss and turn until the dawning of the day.
7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust.
My skin closes up, and breaks out afresh.
7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle,
and are spent without hope.
7:7 Oh remember that my life is a breath.
My eye shall no more see good.
7:8 The eye of him who sees me shall see me no more.
Your eyes shall be on me, but I shall not be.
7:9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away,
so he who goes down to Sheol shall come up no more.
7:10 He shall return no more to his house,
neither shall his place know him any more.
7:11 "Therefore I will not keep silent.
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit.
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
7:12 Am I a sea, or a sea monster,
that you put a guard over me?
7:13 When I say, 'My bed shall comfort me.
My couch shall ease my complaint;'
7:14 then you scare me with dreams,
and terrify me through visions:
7:15 so that my soul chooses strangling,
death rather than my bones.
7:16 I loathe my life.
I don't want to live forever.
Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.
7:17 What is man, that you should magnify him,
that you should set your mind on him,
7:18 that you should visit him every morning,
and test him every moment?
7:19 How long will you not look away from me,
nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?
7:20 If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men?
Why have you set me as a mark for you,
so that I am a burden to myself?
7:21 Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity?
For now shall I lie down in the dust.
You will seek me diligently, but I shall not be."

8:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

8:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite responded,

8:2 "How long will you speak these things?
Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?
8:3 Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?
8:4 If your children have sinned against him,
He has delivered them into the hand of their disobedience.
8:5 If you want to seek God diligently,
make your supplication to the Almighty.
8:6 If you were pure and upright,
surely now he would awaken for you,
and make the habitation of your righteousness prosperous.
8:7 Though your beginning was small,
yet your latter end would greatly increase.
8:8 "Please inquire of past generations.
Find out about the learning of their fathers.
8:9 (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing,
because our days on earth are a shadow.)
8:10 Shall they not teach you, tell you,
and utter words out of their heart?
8:11 "Can the papyrus grow up without mire?
Can the rushes grow without water?
8:12 While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down,
it withers before any other reed.
8:13 So are the paths of all who forget God.
The hope of the godless man shall perish,
8:14 Whose confidence shall break apart,
Whose trust is a spider's web.
8:15 He shall lean on his house, but it shall not stand.
He shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.
8:16 He is green before the sun.
His shoots go forth over his garden.
8:17 His roots are wrapped around the rock pile.
He sees the place of stones.
8:18 If he is destroyed from his place,
then it shall deny him, saying, 'I have not seen you.'
8:19 Behold, this is the joy of his way:
out of the earth, others shall spring.
8:20 "Behold, God will not cast away a blameless man,
neither will he uphold the evil-doers.
8:21 He will still fill your mouth with laughter,
your lips with shouting.
8:22 Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame.
The tent of the wicked shall be no more."

9:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

9:2 "Truly I know that it is so,
but how can man be just with God?
9:3 If he is pleased to contend with him,
he can't answer him one time in a thousand.
9:4 God who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength:
who has hardened himself against him, and prospered?
9:5 He removes the mountains, and they don't know it,
when he overturns them in his anger.
9:6 He shakes the earth out of its place.
Its pillars tremble.
9:7 He commands the sun, and it doesn't rise,
and seals up the stars.
9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens,
and treads on the waves of the sea.
9:9 He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades,
and the chambers of the south.
9:10 He does great things past finding out;
yes, marvelous things without number.
9:11 Behold, he goes by me, and I don't see him.
He passes on also, but I don't perceive him.
9:12 Behold, he snatches away.
Who can hinder him?
Who will ask him, 'What are you doing?'
9:13 "God will not withdraw his anger.
The helpers of Rahab stoop under him.
9:14 How much less shall I answer him,
And choose my words to argue with him?
9:15 Though I were righteous, yet I wouldn't answer him.
I would make supplication to my judge.
9:16 If I had called, and he had answered me,
yet I wouldn't believe that he listened to my voice.
9:17 For he breaks me with a storm,
and multiplies my wounds without cause.
9:18 He will not allow me to catch my breath,
but fills me with bitterness.
9:19 If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty!
If of justice, 'Who,' says he, 'will summon me?'
9:20 Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me.
Though I am blameless, it shall prove me perverse.
9:21 I am blameless.
I don't regard myself.
I despise my life.
9:22 "It is all the same.
Therefore I say he destroys the blameless and the wicked.
9:23 If the scourge kills suddenly,
he will mock at the trial of the innocent.
9:24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked.
He covers the faces of its judges.
If not he, then who is it?
9:25 "Now my days are swifter than a runner.
They flee away, they see no good,
9:26 They have passed away as the swift ships,
as the eagle that swoops on the prey.
9:27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint,
I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'
9:28 I am afraid of all my sorrows,
I know that you will not hold me innocent.
9:29 I shall be condemned.
Why then do I labor in vain?
9:30 If I wash myself with snow,
and cleanse my hands with lye,
9:31 yet you will plunge me in the ditch.
My own clothes shall abhor me.
9:32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him,
that we should come together in judgment.
9:33 There is no umpire between us,
that might lay his hand on us both.
9:34 Let him take his rod away from me.
Let his terror not make me afraid;
9:35 then I would speak, and not fear him,
for I am not so in myself.
10:1 "My soul is weary of my life.
I will give free course to my complaint.
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
10:2 I will tell God, 'Do not condemn me.
Show me why you contend with me.
10:3 Is it good to you that you should oppress,
that you should despise the work of your hands,
and smile on the counsel of the wicked?
10:4 Do you have eyes of flesh?
Or do you see as man sees?
10:5 Are your days as the days of mortals,
or your years as man's years,
10:6 that you inquire after my iniquity,
and search after my sin?
10:7 Although you know that I am not wicked,
there is no one who can deliver out of your hand.
10:8 "'Your hands have framed me and fashioned me altogether,
yet you destroy me.
10:9 Remember, I beg you, that you have fashioned me as clay.
Will you bring me into dust again?
10:10 Haven't you poured me out like milk,
and curdled me like cheese?
10:11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh,
and knit me together with bones and sinews.
10:12 You have granted me life and loving kindness.
Your visitation has preserved my spirit.
10:13 Yet you hid these things in your heart.
I know that this is with you:
10:14 if I sin, then you mark me.
You will not acquit me from my iniquity.
10:15 If I am wicked, woe to me.
If I am righteous, I still shall not lift up my head,
being filled with disgrace,
and conscious of my affliction.
10:16 If my head is held high, you hunt me like a lion.
Again you show yourself powerful to me.
10:17 You renew your witnesses against me,
and increase your indignation on me.
Changes and warfare are with me.
10:18 "'Why, then, have you brought me forth out of the womb?
I wish I had given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me.
10:19 I should have been as though I had not been.
I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
10:20 Aren't my days few?
Cease then.
Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,
10:21 before I go where I shall not return from,
to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;
10:22 the land dark as midnight,
of the shadow of death,
without any order,
where the light is as midnight.'"

11:1 Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

Then Zophar, the Naamathite, replied,

11:2 "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered?
Should a man full of talk be justified?
11:3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace?
When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
11:4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure.
I am clean in your eyes.'
11:5 But oh that God would speak,
and open his lips against you,
11:6 that he would show you the secrets of wisdom!
For true wisdom has two sides.
Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
11:7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God?
Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
11:8 They are high as heaven. What can you do?
They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth,
and broader than the sea.
11:10 If he passes by, or confines,
or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
11:11 For he knows false men.
He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
11:12 An empty-headed man becomes wise
when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.
11:13 "If you set your heart aright,
stretch out your hands toward him.
11:14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away.
Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
11:15 Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
11:16 for you shall forget your misery.
You shall remember it as waters that are passed away.
11:17 Life shall be clearer than the noonday.
Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
11:18 You shall be secure, because there is hope.
Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.
11:19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.
Yes, many shall court your favor.
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail.
They shall have no way to flee.
Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."

12:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

12:2 "No doubt, but you are the people,
and wisdom shall die with you.
12:3 But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Yes, who doesn't know such things as these?
12:4 I am like one who is a joke to his neighbor,
I, who called on God, and he answered.
The just, the blameless man is a joke.
12:5 In the thought of him who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune.
It is ready for them whose foot slips.
12:6 The tents of robbers prosper.
Those who provoke God are secure,
who carry their God in their hands.
12:7 "But ask the animals, now, and they shall teach you;
the birds of the sky, and they shall tell you.
12:8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you.
The fish of the sea shall declare to you.
12:9 Who doesn't know that in all these,
the hand of Yahweh has done this,
12:10 in whose hand is the life of every living thing,
and the breath of all mankind?
12:11 Doesn't the ear try words,
even as the palate tastes its food?
12:12 With aged men is wisdom,
in length of days understanding.
12:13 "With God is wisdom and might.
He has counsel and understanding.
12:14 Behold, he breaks down, and it can't be built again.
He imprisons a man, and there can be no release.
12:15 Behold, he withholds the waters, and they dry up.
Again, he sends them out, and they overturn the earth.
12:16 With him is strength and wisdom.
The deceived and the deceiver are his.
12:17 He leads counselors away stripped.
He makes judges fools.
12:18 He loosens the bond of kings.
He binds their waist with a belt.
12:19 He leads priests away stripped,
and overthrows the mighty.
12:20 He removes the speech of those who are trusted,
and takes away the understanding of the elders.
12:21 He pours contempt on princes,
and loosens the belt of the strong.
12:22 He uncovers deep things out of darkness,
and brings out to light the shadow of death.
12:23 He increases the nations, and he destroys them.
He enlarges the nations, and he leads them captive.
12:24 He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth,
and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
12:25 They grope in the dark without light.
He makes them stagger like a drunken man.
13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this.
My ear has heard and understood it.
13:2 What you know, I know also.
I am not inferior to you.
13:3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty.
I desire to reason with God.
13:4 But you are forgers of lies.
You are all physicians of no value.
13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent!
Then you would be wise.
13:6 Hear now my reasoning.
Listen to the pleadings of my lips.
13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God,
and talk deceitfully for him?
13:8 Will you show partiality to him?
Will you contend for God?
13:9 Is it good that he should search you out?
Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?
13:10 He will surely reprove you
if you secretly show partiality.
13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid,
And his dread fall on you?
13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes,
Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13:13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak.
Let come on me what will.
13:14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth,
and put my life in my hand?
13:15 Behold, he will kill me.
I have no hope.
Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.
13:16 This also shall be my salvation,
that a godless man shall not come before him.
13:17 Hear diligently my speech.
Let my declaration be in your ears.
13:18 See now, I have set my cause in order.
I know that I am righteous.
13:19 Who is he who will contend with me?
For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.
13:20 "Only don't do two things to me;
then I will not hide myself from your face:
13:21 withdraw your hand far from me;
and don't let your terror make me afraid.
13:22 Then call, and I will answer;
or let me speak, and you answer me.
13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Make me know my disobedience and my sin.
13:24 Why hide you your face,
and hold me for your enemy?
13:25 Will you harass a driven leaf?
Will you pursue the dry stubble?
13:26 For you write bitter things against me,
and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:
13:27 You also put my feet in the stocks,
and mark all my paths.
You set a bound to the soles of my feet,
13:28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing,
like a garment that is moth-eaten.
14:1 "Man, who is born of a woman,
is of few days, and full of trouble.
14:2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down.
He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.
14:3 Do you open your eyes on such a one,
and bring me into judgment with you?
14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
Not one.
14:5 Seeing his days are determined,
the number of his months is with you,
and you have appointed his bounds that he can't pass;
14:6 Look away from him, that he may rest,
until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.
14:7 "For there is hope for a tree,
If it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
that the tender branch of it will not cease.
14:8 Though its root grows old in the earth,
and its stock dies in the ground,
14:9 yet through the scent of water it will bud,
and put forth boughs like a plant.
14:10 But man dies, and is laid low.
Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?
14:11 As the waters fail from the sea,
and the river wastes and dries up,
14:12 so man lies down and doesn't rise.
Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake,
nor be roused out of their sleep.
14:13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol,
that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past,
that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my warfare would I wait,
until my release should come.
14:15 You would call, and I would answer you.
You would have a desire to the work of your hands.
14:16 But now you number my steps.
Don't you watch over my sin?
14:17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag.
You fasten up my iniquity.
14:18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing.
The rock is removed out of its place;
14:19 The waters wear the stones.
The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth.
So you destroy the hope of man.
14:20 You forever prevail against him, and he departs.
You change his face, and send him away.
14:21 His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it.
They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.
14:22 But his flesh on him has pain,
and his soul within him mourns."

15:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Then Eliphaz from Teman responded,

15:2 "Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge,
and fill himself with the east wind?
15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk,
or with speeches with which he can do no good?
15:4 Yes, you do away with fear,
and hinder devotion before God.
15:5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth,
and you choose the language of the crafty.
15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I.
Yes, your own lips testify against you.
15:7 "Are you the first man who was born?
Or were you brought forth before the hills?
15:8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God?
Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
15:9 What do you know, that we don't know?
What do you understand, which is not in us?
15:10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men,
much elder than your father.
15:11 Are the consolations of God too small for you,
even the word that is gentle toward you?
15:12 Why does your heart carry you away?
Why do your eyes flash,
15:13 That you turn your spirit against God,
and let such words go out of your mouth?
15:14 What is man, that he should be clean?
What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones.
Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;
15:16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt,
a man who drinks iniquity like water!
15:17 "I will show you, listen to me;
that which I have seen I will declare:
15:18 (Which wise men have told by their fathers,
and have not hidden it;
15:19 to whom alone the land was given,
and no stranger passed among them):
15:20 the wicked man writhes in pain all his days,
even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.
15:21 A sound of terrors is in his ears.
In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
15:22 He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness.
He is waited for by the sword.
15:23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?'
He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
15:24 Distress and anguish make him afraid.
They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God,
and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;
15:26 he runs at him with a stiff neck,
with the thick shields of his bucklers;
15:27 because he has covered his face with his fatness,
and gathered fat on his thighs.
15:28 He has lived in desolate cities,
in houses which no one inhabited,
which were ready to become heaps.
15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue,
neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.
15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness.
The flame shall dry up his branches.
By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.
15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself;
for emptiness shall be his reward.
15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time.
His branch shall not be green.
15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine,
and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.
15:34 For the company of the godless shall be barren,
and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.
15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
Their heart prepares deceit."

16:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

16:2 "I have heard many such things.
You are all miserable comforters!
16:3 Shall vain words have an end?
Or what provokes you that you answer?
16:4 I also could speak as you do.
If your soul were in my soul's place,
I could join words together against you,
and shake my head at you,
16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth.
The solace of my lips would relieve you.
16:6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided.
Though I forbear, what am I eased?
16:7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out.
You have made desolate all my company.
16:8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me.
My leanness rises up against me.
It testifies to my face.
16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me.
He has gnashed on me with his teeth.
My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
16:10 They have gaped on me with their mouth.
They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully.
They gather themselves together against me.
16:11 God delivers me to the ungodly,
and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
16:12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart.
Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces.
He has also set me up for his target.
16:13 His archers surround me.
He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare.
He pours out my gall on the ground.
16:14 He breaks me with breach on breach.
He runs on me like a giant.
16:15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin,
and have thrust my horn in the dust.
16:16 My face is red with weeping.
Deep darkness is on my eyelids.
16:17 Although there is no violence in my hands,
and my prayer is pure.
16:18 "Earth, don't cover my blood.
Let my cry have no place to rest.
16:19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven.
He who vouches for me is on high.
16:20 My friends scoff at me.
My eyes pour out tears to God,
16:21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God,
of a son of man with his neighbor!
16:22 For when a few years are come,
I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.
17:1 "My spirit is consumed.
My days are extinct,
And the grave is ready for me.
17:2 Surely there are mockers with me.
My eye dwells on their provocation.
17:3 "Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself.
Who is there who will strike hands with me?
17:4 For you have hidden their heart from understanding,
Therefore you shall not exalt them.
17:5 He who denounces his friends for a prey,
Even the eyes of his children shall fail.
17:6 "But he has made me a byword of the people.
They spit in my face.
17:7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow.
All my members are as a shadow.
17:8 Upright men shall be astonished at this.
The innocent shall stir up himself against the godless.
17:9 Yet shall the righteous hold on his way.
He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
17:10 But as for you all, come on now again;
I shall not find a wise man among you.
17:11 My days are past, my plans are broken off,
as are the thoughts of my heart.
17:12 They change the night into day,
saying 'The light is near' in the presence of darkness.
17:13 If I look for Sheol as my house,
if I have spread my couch in the darkness,
17:14 If I have said to corruption, 'You are my father;'
to the worm, 'My mother,' and 'my sister;'
17:15 where then is my hope?
as for my hope, who shall see it?
17:16 Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol,
or descend together into the dust?"

18:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

18:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite responded,

18:2 "How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and afterwards we will speak.
18:3 Why are we counted as animals,
which have become unclean in your sight?
18:4 You who tear yourself in your anger,
shall the earth be forsaken for you?
Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?
18:5 "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out,
The spark of his fire shall not shine.
18:6 The light shall be dark in his tent.
His lamp above him shall be put out.
18:7 The steps of his strength shall be shortened.
His own counsel shall cast him down.
18:8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet,
and he wanders into its mesh.
18:9 A snare will take him by the heel.
A trap will catch him.
18:10 A noose is hidden for him in the ground,
a trap for him in the way.
18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side,
and shall chase him at his heels.
18:12 His strength shall be famished.
Calamity shall be ready at his side.
18:13 The members of his body shall be devoured.
The firstborn of death shall devour his members.
18:14 He shall be rooted out of his tent where he trusts.
He shall be brought to the king of terrors.
18:15 There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his.
Sulfur shall be scattered on his habitation.
18:16 His roots shall be dried up beneath.
Above shall his branch be cut off.
18:17 His memory shall perish from the earth.
He shall have no name in the street.
18:18 He shall be driven from light into darkness,
and chased out of the world.
18:19 He shall have neither son nor grandson among his people,
nor any remaining where he sojourned.
18:20 Those who come after shall be astonished at his day,
as those who went before were frightened.
18:21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous.
This is the place of him who doesn't know God."

19:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

19:2 "How long will you torment me,
and crush me with words?
19:3 You have reproached me ten times.
You aren't ashamed that you attack me.
19:4 If it is true that I have erred,
my error remains with myself.
19:5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me,
and plead against me my reproach;
19:6 know now that God has subverted me,
and has surrounded me with his net.
19:7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard.
I cry for help, but there is no justice.
19:8 He has walled up my way so that I can't pass,
and has set darkness in my paths.
19:9 He has stripped me of my glory,
and taken the crown from my head.
19:10 He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone.
My hope he has plucked up like a tree.
19:11 He has also kindled his wrath against me.
He counts me among his adversaries.
19:12 His troops come on together,
build a siege ramp against me,
and encamp around my tent.
19:13 "He has put my brothers far from me.
My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.
19:14 My relatives have gone away.
My familiar friends have forgotten me.
19:15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger.
I am an alien in their sight.
19:16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer.
I beg him with my mouth.
19:17 My breath is offensive to my wife.
I am loathsome to the children of my own mother.
19:18 Even young children despise me.
If I arise, they speak against me.
19:19 All my familiar friends abhor me.
They whom I loved have turned against me.
19:20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh.
I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
19:21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends;
for the hand of God has touched me.
19:22 Why do you persecute me as God,
and are not satisfied with my flesh?
19:23 "Oh that my words were now written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
19:24 That with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
19:25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives.
In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
19:26 After my skin is destroyed,
then in my flesh shall I see God,
19:27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side.
My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger.
"My heart is consumed within me.
19:28 If you say, 'How we will persecute him!'
because the root of the matter is found in me,
19:29 be afraid of the sword,
for wrath brings the punishments of the sword,
that you may know there is a judgment."

20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite responded,

20:2 "Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me,
even by reason of my haste that is in me.
20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame.
The spirit of my understanding answers me.
20:4 Don't you know this from old time,
since man was placed on earth,
20:5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short,
the joy of the godless but for a moment?
20:6 Though his height mount up to the heavens,
and his head reach to the clouds,
20:7 yet he shall perish forever like his own dung.
Those who have seen him shall say, 'Where is he?'
20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found.
Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.
20:9 The eye which saw him shall see him no more,
neither shall his place any more see him.
20:10 His children shall seek the favor of the poor.
His hands shall give back his wealth.
20:11 His bones are full of his youth,
but youth shall lie down with him in the dust.
20:12 "Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth,
though he hide it under his tongue,
20:13 though he spare it, and will not let it go,
but keep it still within his mouth;
20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned.
It is cobra venom within him.
20:15 He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again.
God will cast them out of his belly.
20:16 He shall suck cobra venom.
The viper's tongue shall kill him.
20:17 He shall not look at the rivers,
the flowing streams of honey and butter.
20:18 That for which he labored he shall restore, and shall not swallow it down.
According to the substance that he has gotten, he shall not rejoice.
20:19 For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor.
He has violently taken away a house, and he shall not build it up.
20:20 "Because he knew no quietness within him,
he shall not save anything of that in which he delights.
20:21 There was nothing left that he didn't devour,
therefore his prosperity shall not endure.
20:22 In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress shall overtake him.
The hand of everyone who is in misery shall come on him.
20:23 When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath on him.
It will rain on him while he is eating.
20:24 He shall flee from the iron weapon.
The bronze arrow shall strike him through.
20:25 He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body.
Yes, the glittering point comes out of his liver.
Terrors are on him.
20:26 All darkness is laid up for his treasures.
An unfanned fire shall devour him.
It shall consume that which is left in his tent.
20:27 The heavens shall reveal his iniquity.
The earth shall rise up against him.
20:28 The increase of his house shall depart.
They shall rush away in the day of his wrath.
20:29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God,
the heritage appointed to him by God."

21:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

21:2 "Listen diligently to my speech.
Let this be your consolation.
21:3 Allow me, and I also will speak;
After I have spoken, mock on.
21:4 As for me, is my complaint to man?
Why shouldn't I be impatient?
21:5 Look at me, and be astonished.
Lay your hand on your mouth.
21:6 When I remember, I am troubled.
Horror takes hold of my flesh.
21:7 "Why do the wicked live,
become old, yes, and grow mighty in power?
21:8 Their child is established with them in their sight,
their offspring before their eyes.
21:9 Their houses are safe from fear,
neither is the rod of God upon them.
21:10 Their bulls breed without fail.
Their cows calve, and don't miscarry.
21:11 They send forth their little ones like a flock.
Their children dance.
21:12 They sing to the tambourine and harp,
and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
21:13 They spend their days in prosperity.
In an instant they go down to Sheol.
21:14 They tell God, 'Depart from us,
for we don't want to know about your ways.
21:15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
What profit should we have, if we pray to him?'
21:16 Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand.
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
21:17 "How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out,
that their calamity comes on them,
that God distributes sorrows in his anger?
21:18 How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind,
as chaff that the storm carries away?
21:19 You say, 'God lays up his iniquity for his children.'
Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.
21:20 Let his own eyes see his destruction.
Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21:21 For what does he care for his house after him,
when the number of his months is cut off?
21:22 "Shall any teach God knowledge,
seeing he judges those who are high?
21:23 One dies in his full strength,
being wholly at ease and quiet.
21:24 His pails are full of milk.
The marrow of his bones is moistened.
21:25 Another dies in bitterness of soul,
and never tastes of good.
21:26 They lie down alike in the dust.
The worm covers them.
21:27 "Behold, I know your thoughts,
the devices with which you would wrong me.
21:28 For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince?
Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?'
21:29 Haven't you asked wayfaring men?
Don't you know their evidences,
21:30 that the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity,
That they are led forth to the day of wrath?
21:31 Who shall declare his way to his face?
Who shall repay him what he has done?
21:32 Yet he will be borne to the grave.
Men shall keep watch over the tomb.
21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him.
All men shall draw after him,
as there were innumerable before him.
21:34 So how can you comfort me with nonsense,
seeing that in your answers there remains only falsehood?"

22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded,

22:2 "Can a man be profitable to God?
Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
22:3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous?
Or does it benefit him, that you make your ways perfect?
22:4 Is it for your piety that he reproves you,
that he enters with you into judgment?
22:5 Isn't your wickedness great?
Neither is there any end to your iniquities.
22:6 For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing,
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
22:7 You haven't given water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
22:8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth.
The honorable man, he lived in it.
22:9 You have sent widows away empty,
and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
22:10 Therefore snares are around you.
Sudden fear troubles you,
22:11 or darkness, so that you can not see,
and floods of waters cover you.
22:12 "Isn't God in the heights of heaven?
See the height of the stars, how high they are!
22:13 You say, 'What does God know?
Can he judge through the thick darkness?
22:14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he doesn't see.
He walks on the vault of the sky.'
22:15 Will you keep the old way,
which wicked men have trodden,
22:16 who were snatched away before their time,
whose foundation was poured out as a stream,
22:17 who said to God, 'Depart from us;'
and, 'What can the Almighty do for us?'
22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things,
but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
22:19 The righteous see it, and are glad.
The innocent ridicule them,
22:20 saying, 'Surely those who rose up against us are cut off.
The fire has consumed the remnant of them.'
22:21 "Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace.
Thereby good shall come to you.
22:22 Please receive instruction from his mouth,
and lay up his words in your heart.
22:23 If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up,
if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.
22:24 Lay your treasure in the dust,
the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.
22:25 The Almighty will be your treasure,
and precious silver to you.
22:26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty,
and shall lift up your face to God.
22:27 You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you.
You shall pay your vows.
22:28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you.
Light shall shine on your ways.
22:29 When they cast down, you shall say, 'be lifted up.'
He will save the humble person.
22:30 He will even deliver him who is not innocent.
Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

23:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

23:2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious.
His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
23:4 I would set my cause in order before him,
and fill my mouth with arguments.
23:5 I would know the words which he would answer me,
and understand what he would tell me.
23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, but he would listen to me.
23:7 There the upright might reason with him,
so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
23:8 "If I go east, he is not there;
if west, I can't find him;
23:9 He works to the north, but I can't see him.
He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.
23:10 But he knows the way that I take.
When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.
23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps.
I have kept his way, and not turned aside.
23:12 I haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips.
I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
23:13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
What his soul desires, even that he does.
23:14 For he performs that which is appointed for me.
Many such things are with him.
23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence.
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
23:16 For God has made my heart faint.
The Almighty has terrified me.
23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
24:1 "Why aren't times laid up by the Almighty?
Why don't those who know him see his days?
24:2 There are people who remove the landmarks.
They violently take away flocks, and feed them.
24:3 They drive away the donkey of the fatherless,
and they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
24:4 They turn the needy out of the way.
The poor of the earth all hide themselves.
24:5 Behold, as wild donkeys in the desert,
they go forth to their work, seeking diligently for food.
The wilderness yields them bread for their children.
24:6 They cut their provender in the field.
They glean the vineyard of the wicked.
24:7 They lie all night naked without clothing,
and have no covering in the cold.
24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains,
and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter.
24:9 There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast,
and take a pledge of the poor,
24:10 So that they go around naked without clothing.
Being hungry, they carry the sheaves.
24:11 They make oil within the walls of these men.
They tread wine presses, and suffer thirst.
24:12 From out of the populous city, men groan.
The soul of the wounded cries out,
yet God doesn't regard the folly.
24:13 "These are of those who rebel against the light.
They don't know its ways,
nor abide in its paths.
24:14 The murderer rises with the light.
He kills the poor and needy.
In the night he is like a thief.
24:15 The eye also of the adulterer waits for the twilight,
saying, 'No eye shall see me.'
He disguises his face.
24:16 In the dark they dig through houses.
They shut themselves up in the daytime.
They don't know the light.
24:17 For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness,
for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.
24:18 "They are foam on the surface of the waters.
Their portion is cursed in the earth.
They don't turn into the way of the vineyards.
24:19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters,
so does Sheol those who have sinned.
24:20 The womb shall forget him.
The worm shall feed sweetly on him.
He shall be no more remembered.
Unrighteousness shall be broken as a tree.
24:21 He devours the barren who don't bear.
He shows no kindness to the widow.
24:22 Yet God preserves the mighty by his power.
He rises up who has no assurance of life.
24:23 God gives them security, and they rest in it.
His eyes are on their ways.
24:24 They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone.
Yes, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others,
and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.
24:25 If it isn't so now, who will prove me a liar,
and make my speech worth nothing?"

25:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Then Bildad the Shuhite replied,

25:2 "Dominion and fear are with him.
He makes peace in his high places.
25:3 Can his armies be counted?
On whom does his light not arise?
25:4 How then can man be just with God?
Or how can he who is born of a woman be clean?
25:5 Behold, even the moon has no brightness,
and the stars are not pure in his sight;
25:6 How much less man, who is a worm,
the son of man, who is a worm!"

26:1 Then Job answered,

Then Job replied,

26:2 "How have you helped him who is without power!
How have you saved the arm that has no strength!
26:3 How have you counseled him who has no wisdom,
and plentifully declared sound knowledge!
26:4 To whom have you uttered words?
Whose spirit came forth from you?
26:5 "Those who are deceased tremble,
those beneath the waters and all that live in them.
26:6 Sheol is naked before God,
and Abaddon has no covering.
26:7 He stretches out the north over empty space,
and hangs the earth on nothing.
26:8 He binds up the waters in his thick clouds,
and the cloud is not burst under them.
26:9 He encloses the face of his throne,
and spreads his cloud on it.
26:10 He has described a boundary on the surface of the waters,
and to the confines of light and darkness.
26:11 The pillars of heaven tremble
and are astonished at his rebuke.
26:12 He stirs up the sea with his power,
and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab.
26:13 By his Spirit the heavens are garnished.
His hand has pierced the swift serpent.
26:14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways.
How small a whisper do we hear of him!
But the thunder of his power who can understand?"

27:1 Job again took up his parable, and said,

27:1 Job once more began his parable and said,

27:2 "As God lives, who has taken away my right,
the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter.
27:3 (For the length of my life is still in me,
and the spirit of God is in my nostrils);
27:4 surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness,
neither shall my tongue utter deceit.
27:5 Far be it from me that I should justify you.
Until I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
27:6 I hold fast to my righteousness, and will not let it go.
My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
27:7 "Let my enemy be as the wicked.
Let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.
27:8 For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?
27:9 Will God hear his cry when trouble comes on him?
27:10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty,
and call on God at all times?
27:11 I will teach you about the hand of God.
That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.
27:12 Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves;
why then have you become altogether vain?
27:13 "This is the portion of a wicked man with God,
the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty.
27:14 If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword.
His offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.
27:15 Those who remain of him shall be buried in death.
His widows shall make no lamentation.
27:16 Though he heap up silver as the dust,
and prepare clothing as the clay;
27:17 he may prepare it, but the just shall put it on,
and the innocent shall divide the silver.
27:18 He builds his house as the moth,
as a booth which the watchman makes.
27:19 He lies down rich, but he shall not do so again.
He opens his eyes, and he is not.
27:20 Terrors overtake him like waters.
A storm steals him away in the night.
27:21 The east wind carries him away, and he departs.
It sweeps him out of his place.
27:22 For it hurls at him, and does not spare,
as he flees away from his hand.
27:23 Men shall clap their hands at him,
and shall hiss him out of his place.
28:1 "Surely there is a mine for silver,
and a place for gold which they refine.
28:2 Iron is taken out of the earth,
and copper is smelted out of the ore.
28:3 Man sets an end to darkness,
and searches out, to the furthest bound,
the stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.
28:4 He breaks open a shaft away from where people live.
They are forgotten by the foot.
They hang far from men, they swing back and forth.
28:5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread;
Underneath it is turned up as it were by fire.
28:6 Sapphires come from its rocks.
It has dust of gold.
28:7 That path no bird of prey knows,
neither has the falcon's eye seen it.
28:8 The proud animals have not trodden it,
nor has the fierce lion passed by there.
28:9 He puts forth his hand on the flinty rock,
and he overturns the mountains by the roots.
28:10 He cuts out channels among the rocks.
His eye sees every precious thing.
28:11 He binds the streams that they don't trickle.
The thing that is hidden he brings forth to light.
28:12 "But where shall wisdom be found?
Where is the place of understanding?
28:13 Man doesn't know its price;
Neither is it found in the land of the living.
28:14 The deep says, 'It isn't in me.'
The sea says, 'It isn't with me.'
28:15 It can't be gotten for gold,
neither shall silver be weighed for its price.
28:16 It can't be valued with the gold of Ophir,
with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
28:17 Gold and glass can't equal it,
neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
28:18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal.
Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it,
Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
28:20 Whence then comes wisdom?
Where is the place of understanding?
28:21 Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living,
and kept close from the birds of the sky.
28:22 Destruction and Death say,
'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'
28:23 "God understands its way,
and he knows its place.
28:24 For he looks to the ends of the earth,
and sees under the whole sky.
28:25 He establishes the force of the wind.
Yes, he measures out the waters by measure.
28:26 When he made a decree for the rain,
and a way for the lightning of the thunder;
28:27 then he saw it, and declared it.
He established it, yes, and searched it out.
28:28 To man he said,
'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.
To depart from evil is understanding.'"

29:1 Job again took up his parable, and said,

29:1 Job once more began to speak in a parable and said,

29:2 "Oh that I were as in the months of old,
as in the days when God watched over me;
29:3 when his lamp shone on my head,
and by his light I walked through darkness,
29:4 as I was in the ripeness of my days,
when the friendship of God was in my tent,
29:5 when the Almighty was yet with me,
and my children were around me,
29:6 when my steps were washed with butter,
and the rock poured out streams of oil for me,
29:7 when I went forth to the city gate,
when I prepared my seat in the street.
29:8 The young men saw me and hid themselves.
The aged rose up and stood.
29:9 The princes refrained from talking,
and laid their hand on their mouth.
29:10 The voice of the nobles was hushed,
and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.
29:11 For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me;
and when the eye saw me, it commended me:
29:12 Because I delivered the poor who cried,
and the fatherless also, who had none to help him,
29:13 the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
29:14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me.
My justice was as a robe and a diadem.
29:15 I was eyes to the blind,
and feet to the lame.
29:16 I was a father to the needy.
The cause of him who I didn't know, I searched out.
29:17 I broke the jaws of the unrighteous,
and plucked the prey out of his teeth.
29:18 Then I said, 'I shall die in my own house,
I shall number my days as the sand.
29:19 My root is spread out to the waters.
The dew lies all night on my branch.
29:20 My glory is fresh in me.
My bow is renewed in my hand.'
29:21 "Men listened to me, waited,
and kept silence for my counsel.
29:22 After my words they didn't speak again.
My speech fell on them.
29:23 They waited for me as for the rain.
Their mouths drank as with the spring rain.
29:24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence.
They didn't reject the light of my face.
29:25 I chose out their way, and sat as chief.
I lived as a king in the army,
as one who comforts the mourners.
30:1 "But now those who are younger than I have me in derision,
whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.
30:2 Of what use is the strength of their hands to me,
men in whom ripe age has perished?
30:3 They are gaunt from lack and famine.
They gnaw the dry ground, in the gloom of waste and desolation.
30:4 They pluck salt herbs by the bushes.
The roots of the broom are their food.
30:5 They are driven out from the midst of men.
They cry after them as after a thief;
30:6 So that they dwell in frightful valleys,
and in holes of the earth and of the rocks.
30:7 Among the bushes they bray;
and under the nettles they are gathered together.
30:8 They are children of fools, yes, children of base men.
They were flogged out of the land.
30:9 "Now I have become their song.
Yes, I am a byword to them.
30:10 They abhor me, they stand aloof from me,
and don't hesitate to spit in my face.
30:11 For he has untied his cord, and afflicted me;
and they have thrown off restraint before me.
30:12 On my right hand rise the rabble.
They thrust aside my feet,
They cast up against me their ways of destruction.
30:13 They mar my path,
They set forward my calamity,
without anyone's help.
30:14 As through a wide breach they come,
in the midst of the ruin they roll themselves in.
30:15 Terrors have turned on me.
They chase my honor as the wind.
My welfare has passed away as a cloud.
30:16 "Now my soul is poured out within me.
Days of affliction have taken hold on me.
30:17 In the night season my bones are pierced in me,
and the pains that gnaw me take no rest.
30:18 By great force is my garment disfigured.
It binds me about as the collar of my coat.
30:19 He has cast me into the mire.
I have become like dust and ashes.
30:20 I cry to you, and you do not answer me.
I stand up, and you gaze at me.
30:21 You have turned to be cruel to me.
With the might of your hand you persecute me.
30:22 You lift me up to the wind, and drive me with it.
You dissolve me in the storm.
30:23 For I know that you will bring me to death,
To the house appointed for all living.
30:24 "However doesn't one stretch out a hand in his fall?
Or in his calamity therefore cry for help?
30:25 Didn't I weep for him who was in trouble?
Wasn't my soul grieved for the needy?
30:26 When I looked for good, then evil came;
When I waited for light, there came darkness.
30:27 My heart is troubled, and doesn't rest.
Days of affliction have come on me.
30:28 I go mourning without the sun.
I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help.
30:29 I am a brother to jackals,
and a companion to ostriches.
30:30 My skin grows black and peels from me.
My bones are burned with heat.
30:31 Therefore my harp has turned to mourning,
and my pipe into the voice of those who weep.
31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes,
how then should I look lustfully at a young woman?
31:2 For what is the portion from God above,
and the heritage from the Almighty on high?
31:3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous,
and disaster to the workers of iniquity?
31:4 Doesn't he see my ways,
and number all my steps?
31:5 "If I have walked with falsehood,
and my foot has hurried to deceit
31:6 (let me be weighed in an even balance,
that God may know my integrity);
31:7 if my step has turned out of the way,
if my heart walked after my eyes,
if any defilement has stuck to my hands,
31:8 then let me sow, and let another eat.
Yes, let the produce of my field be rooted out.
31:9 "If my heart has been enticed to a woman,
and I have laid wait at my neighbor's door,
31:10 then let my wife grind for another,
and let others sleep with her.
31:11 For that would be a heinous crime.
Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges:
31:12 For it is a fire that consumes to destruction,
and would root out all my increase.
31:13 "If I have despised the cause of my male servant
or of my female servant,
when they contended with me;
31:14 What then shall I do when God rises up?
When he visits, what shall I answer him?
31:15 Didn't he who made me in the womb make him?
Didn't one fashion us in the womb?
31:16 "If I have withheld the poor from their desire,
or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
31:17 or have eaten my morsel alone,
and the fatherless has not eaten of it
31:18 (no, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father,
her have I guided from my mother's womb);
31:19 if I have seen any perish for want of clothing,
or that the needy had no covering;
31:20 if his heart hasn't blessed me,
if he hasn't been warmed with my sheep's fleece;
31:21 if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,
because I saw my help in the gate,
31:22 then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade,
and my arm be broken from the bone.
31:23 For calamity from God is a terror to me.
Because his majesty, I can do nothing.
31:24 "If I have made gold my hope,
and have said to the fine gold, 'You are my confidence;'
31:25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great,
and because my hand had gotten much;
31:26 if I have seen the sun when it shined,
or the moon moving in splendor,
31:27 and my heart has been secretly enticed,
and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
31:28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges;
for I should have denied the God who is above.
31:29 "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me,
or lifted up myself when evil found him;
31:30 (yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin
by asking his life with a curse);
31:31 if the men of my tent have not said,
'Who can find one who has not been filled with his meat?'
31:32 (the foreigner has not lodged in the street,
but I have opened my doors to the traveler);
31:33 if like Adam I have covered my transgressions,
by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
31:34 because I feared the great multitude,
and the contempt of families terrified me,
so that I kept silence, and didn't go out of the door--
31:35 oh that I had one to hear me!
(behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me);
let the accuser write my indictment!
31:36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder;
and I would bind it to me as a crown.
31:37 I would declare to him the number of my steps.
as a prince would I go near to him.
31:38 If my land cries out against me,
and its furrows weep together;
31:39 if I have eaten its fruits without money,
or have caused its owners to lose their life,
31:40 let briars grow instead of wheat,
and stinkweed instead of barley."

The words of Job are ended.

The words of Job are finished.

32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 32:2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. 32:3 Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 32:4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than he. 32:5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

32:1 So these three men stopped responding to Job because he thought he was right in his own eyes. 32:2 Then Elihu, the son of Barachel, the Buzite, from the family of Ram, became angry with Job. He was angry because Job justified himself instead of God. 32:3 He was also angry with his three friends because they had no answers but still condemned Job. 32:4 Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he was. 32:5 When Elihu saw that these three men had nothing to say, he became angry.

32:6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered,

32:6 Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, responded,

"I am young, and you are very old;
Therefore I held back, and didn't dare show you my opinion.
32:7 I said, 'Days should speak,
and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'
32:8 But there is a spirit in man,
and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
32:9 It is not the great who are wise,
nor the aged who understand justice.
32:10 Therefore I said, 'Listen to me;
I also will show my opinion.'
32:11 "Behold, I waited for your words,
and I listened for your reasoning,
while you searched out what to say.
32:12 Yes, I gave you my full attention,
but there was no one who convinced Job,
or who answered his words, among you.
32:13 Beware lest you say, 'We have found wisdom,
God may refute him, not man;'
32:14 for he has not directed his words against me;
neither will I answer him with your speeches.
32:15 "They are amazed. They answer no more.
They don't have a word to say.
32:16 Shall I wait, because they don't speak,
because they stand still, and answer no more?
32:17 I also will answer my part,
and I also will show my opinion.
32:18 For I am full of words.
The spirit within me constrains me.
32:19 Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent;
like new wineskins it is ready to burst.
32:20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed.
I will open my lips and answer.
32:21 Please don't let me respect any man's person,
neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
32:22 For I don't know how to give flattering titles;
or else my Maker would soon take me away.
33:1 "However, Job, Please hear my speech,
and listen to all my words.
33:2 See now, I have opened my mouth.
My tongue has spoken in my mouth.
33:3 My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart.
That which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.
33:4 The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
33:5 If you can, answer me.
Set your words in order before me, and stand forth.
33:6 Behold, I am toward God even as you are.
I am also formed out of the clay.
33:7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid,
neither shall my pressure be heavy on you.
33:8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
I have heard the voice of your words, saying,
33:9 'I am clean, without disobedience.
I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.
33:10 Behold, he finds occasions against me.
He counts me for his enemy.
33:11 He puts my feet in the stocks.
He marks all my paths.'
33:12 "Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just,
for God is greater than man.
33:13 Why do you strive against him,
because he doesn't give account of any of his matters?
33:14 For God speaks once,
yes twice, though man pays no attention.
33:15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men,
in slumbering on the bed;
33:16 Then he opens the ears of men,
and seals their instruction,
33:17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose,
and hide pride from man.
33:18 He keeps back his soul from the pit,
and his life from perishing by the sword.
33:19 He is chastened also with pain on his bed,
with continual strife in his bones;
33:20 So that his life abhors bread,
and his soul dainty food.
33:21 His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen.
His bones that were not seen stick out.
33:22 Yes, his soul draws near to the pit,
and his life to the destroyers.
33:23 "If there is beside him an angel,
an interpreter, one among a thousand,
to show to man what is right for him;
33:24 then God is gracious to him, and says,
'Deliver him from going down to the pit,
I have found a ransom.'
33:25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's.
He returns to the days of his youth.
33:26 He prays to God, and he is favorable to him,
so that he sees his face with joy.
He restores to man his righteousness.
33:27 He sings before men, and says,
'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right,
and it didn't profit me.
33:28 He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit.
My life shall see the light.'
33:29 "Behold, God works all these things,
twice, yes three times, with a man,
33:30 to bring back his soul from the pit,
that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
33:31 Mark well, Job, and listen to me.
Hold your peace, and I will speak.
33:32 If you have anything to say, answer me.
Speak, for I desire to justify you.
33:33 If not, listen to me.
Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."

34:1 Moreover Elihu answered,

Elihu responded,

34:2 "Hear my words, you wise men.
Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
34:3 For the ear tries words,
as the palate tastes food.
34:4 Let us choose for us that which is right.
Let us know among ourselves what is good.
34:5 For Job has said, 'I am righteous,
God has taken away my right:
34:6 Notwithstanding my right I am considered a liar.
My wound is incurable, though I am without disobedience.'
34:7 What man is like Job,
who drinks scorn like water,
34:8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity,
and walks with wicked men?
34:9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing
that he should delight himself with God.'
34:10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
far be it from God, that he should do wickedness,
from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
34:11 For the work of a man he will render to him,
and cause every man to find according to his ways.
34:12 Yes surely, God will not do wickedly,
neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
34:13 Who put him in charge of the earth?
or who has appointed him over the whole world?
34:14 If he set his heart on himself,
If he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath,
34:15 all flesh would perish together,
and man would turn again to dust.
34:16 "If now you have understanding, hear this.
Listen to the voice of my words.
34:17 Shall even one who hates justice govern?
Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty?--
34:18 Who says to a king, 'Vile!'
or to nobles, 'Wicked!'?
34:19 Who doesn't respect the persons of princes,
nor regards the rich more than the poor;
for they all are the work of his hands.
34:20 In a moment they die, even at midnight.
The people are shaken and pass away.
The mighty are taken away without a hand.
34:21 "For his eyes are on the ways of a man.
He sees all his goings.
34:22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom,
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
34:23 For he doesn't need to consider a man further,
that he should go before God in judgment.
34:24 He breaks in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out,
and sets others in their place.
34:25 Therefore he takes knowledge of their works.
He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
34:26 He strikes them as wicked men
in the open sight of others;
34:27 because they turned aside from following him,
and wouldn't pay attention to any of his ways,
34:28 so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him.
He heard the cry of the afflicted.
34:29 When he gives quietness, who then can condemn?
When he hides his face, who then can see him?
Alike whether to a nation, or to a man,
34:30 that the godless man may not reign,
that there be no one to ensnare the people.
34:31 "For has any said to God,
'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more.
34:32 Teach me that which I don't see.
If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?
34:33 Shall his recompense be as you desire, that you refuse it?
For you must choose, and not I.
Therefore speak what you know.
34:34 Men of understanding will tell me,
yes, every wise man who hears me:
34:35 'Job speaks without knowledge.
His words are without wisdom.'
34:36 I wish that Job were tried to the end,
because of his answering like wicked men.
34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin.
He claps his hands among us,
and multiplies his words against God."

35:1 Moreover Elihu answered,

35:1 Also, Elihu replied,

35:2 "Do you think this to be your right,
or do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's,'
35:3 That you ask, 'What advantage will it be to you?
What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'
35:4 I will answer you,
and your companions with you.
35:5 Look to the heavens, and see.
See the skies, which are higher than you.
35:6 If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him?
If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
35:7 If you are righteous, what do you give him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?
35:8 Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
35:9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out.
They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.
35:10 But none says, 'Where is God my Maker,
who gives songs in the night,
35:11 who teaches us more than the animals of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?'
35:12 There they cry, but none gives answer,
because of the pride of evil men.
35:13 Surely God will not hear an empty cry,
neither will the Almighty regard it.
35:14 How much less when you say you don't see him.
The cause is before him, and you wait for him!
35:15 But now, because he has not visited in his anger,
neither does he greatly regard arrogance.
35:16 Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk,
and he multiplies words without knowledge."

36:1 Elihu also continued, and said,

Elihu kept talking and said,

36:2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you;
for I still have something to say on God's behalf.
36:3 I will get my knowledge from afar,
and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
36:4 For truly my words are not false.
One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
36:5 "Behold, God is mighty, and doesn't despise anyone.
He is mighty in strength of understanding.
36:6 He doesn't preserve the life of the wicked,
but gives to the afflicted their right.
36:7 He doesn't withdraw his eyes from the righteous,
but with kings on the throne,
he sets them forever, and they are exalted.
36:8 If they are bound in fetters,
and are taken in the cords of afflictions,
36:9 then he shows them their work,
and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.
36:10 He also opens their ears to instruction,
and commands that they return from iniquity.
36:11 If they listen and serve him,
they shall spend their days in prosperity,
and their years in pleasures.
36:12 But if they don't listen, they shall perish by the sword;
they shall die without knowledge.
36:13 "But those who are godless in heart lay up anger.
They don't cry for help when he binds them.
36:14 They die in youth.
Their life perishes among the unclean.
36:15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction,
and opens their ear in oppression.
36:16 Yes, he would have allured you out of distress,
into a broad place, where there is no restriction.
That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.
36:17 "But you are full of the judgment of the wicked.
Judgment and justice take hold of you.
36:18 Don't let riches entice you to wrath,
neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.
36:19 Would your wealth sustain you in distress,
or all the might of your strength?
36:20 Don't desire the night,
when people are cut off in their place.
36:21 Take heed, don't regard iniquity;
for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
36:22 Behold, God is exalted in his power.
Who is a teacher like him?
36:23 Who has prescribed his way for him?
Or who can say, 'You have committed unrighteousness?'
36:24 "Remember that you magnify his work,
whereof men have sung.
36:25 All men have looked thereon.
Man sees it afar off.
36:26 Behold, God is great, and we don't know him.
The number of his years is unsearchable.
36:27 For he draws up the drops of water,
which distill in rain from his vapor,
36:28 Which the skies pour down
and which drop on man abundantly.
36:29 Yes, can any understand the spreading of the clouds,
and the thunderings of his pavilion?
36:30 Behold, he spreads his light around him.
He covers the bottom of the sea.
36:31 For by these he judges the people.
He gives food in abundance.
36:32 He covers his hands with the lightning,
and commands it to strike the mark.
36:33 Its noise tells about him,
and the livestock also concerning the storm that comes up.
37:1 "Yes, at this my heart trembles,
and is moved out of its place.
37:2 Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice,
the sound that goes out of his mouth.
37:3 He sends it forth under the whole sky,
and his lightning to the ends of the earth.
37:4 After it a voice roars.
He thunders with the voice of his majesty.
He doesn't hold back anything when his voice is heard.
37:5 God thunders marvelously with his voice.
He does great things, which we can't comprehend.
37:6 For he says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth;'
likewise to the shower of rain,
and to the showers of his mighty rain.
37:7 He seals up the hand of every man,
that all men whom he has made may know it.
37:8 Then the animals take cover,
and remain in their dens.
37:9 Out of its chamber comes the storm,
and cold out of the north.
37:10 By the breath of God, ice is given,
and the breadth of the waters is frozen.
37:11 Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture.
He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
37:12 It is turned around by his guidance,
that they may do whatever he commands them
on the surface of the habitable world,
37:13 Whether it is for correction, or for his land,
or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
37:14 "Listen to this, Job.
Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
37:15 Do you know how God controls them,
and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
37:16 Do you know the workings of the clouds,
the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
37:17 You whose clothing is warm,
when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
37:18 Can you, with him, spread out the sky,
which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
37:19 Teach us what we shall tell him,
for we can't make our case by reason of darkness.
37:20 Shall it be told him that I would speak?
Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
37:21 Now men don't see the light which is bright in the skies,
but the wind passes, and clears them.
37:22 Out of the north comes golden splendor.
With God is awesome majesty.
37:23 We can't reach the Almighty.
He is exalted in power.
In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
37:24 Therefore men revere him.
He doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."

38:1 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,

38:1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm,

38:2 "Who is this who darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
38:3 Brace yourself like a man,
for I will question you, then you answer me!
38:4 "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if you have understanding.
38:5 Who determined its measures, if you know?
Or who stretched the line on it?
38:6 Whereupon were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
38:7 when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
38:8 "Or who shut up the sea with doors,
when it broke forth from the womb,
38:9 when I made clouds its garment,
and wrapped it in thick darkness,
38:10 marked out for it my bound,
set bars and doors,
38:11 and said, 'Here you may come, but no further.
Here your proud waves shall be stayed?'
38:12 "Have you commanded the morning in your days,
and caused the dawn to know its place;
38:13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
and shake the wicked out of it?
38:14 It is changed as clay under the seal,
and stands forth as a garment.
38:15 From the wicked, their light is withheld.
The high arm is broken.
38:16 "Have you entered into the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?
38:17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
38:18 Have you comprehended the earth in its breadth?
Declare, if you know it all.
38:19 "What is the way to the dwelling of light?
As for darkness, where is its place,
38:20 that you should take it to its bound,
that you should discern the paths to its house?
38:21 Surely you know, for you were born then,
and the number of your days is great!
38:22 Have you entered the treasuries of the snow,
or have you seen the treasures of the hail,
38:23 which I have reserved against the time of trouble,
against the day of battle and war?
38:24 By what way is the lightning distributed,
or the east wind scattered on the earth?
38:25 Who has cut a channel for the flood water,
or the path for the thunderstorm;
38:26 To cause it to rain on a land where no man is;
on the wilderness, in which there is no man;
38:27 to satisfy the waste and desolate ground,
to cause the tender grass to spring forth?
38:28 Does the rain have a father?
Or who fathers the drops of dew?
38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice?
The gray frost of the sky, who has given birth to it?
38:30 The waters become hard like stone,
when the surface of the deep is frozen.
38:31 "Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
or loosen the cords of Orion?
38:32 Can you lead forth the constellations in their season?
Or can you guide the Bear with her cubs?
38:33 Do you know the laws of the heavens?
Can you establish its dominion over the earth?
38:34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That abundance of waters may cover you?
38:35 Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go?
Do they report to you, 'Here we are?'
38:36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts?
Or who has given understanding to the mind?
38:37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of the sky,
38:38 when the dust runs into a mass,
and the clods of earth stick together?
38:39 "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
38:40 when they crouch in their dens,
and lie in wait in the thicket?
38:41 Who provides for the raven his prey,
when his young ones cry to God,
and wander for lack of food?
39:1 "Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth?
Do you watch when the doe bears fawns?
39:2 Can you number the months that they fulfill?
Or do you know the time when they give birth?
39:3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young,
they end their labor pains.
39:4 Their young ones become strong.
They grow up in the open field.
They go forth, and don't return again.
39:5 "Who has set the wild donkey free?
Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,
39:6 Whose home I have made the wilderness,
and the salt land his dwelling place?
39:7 He scorns the tumult of the city,
neither does he hear the shouting of the driver.
39:8 The range of the mountains is his pasture,
He searches after every green thing.
39:9 "Will the wild ox be content to serve you?
Or will he stay by your feeding trough?
39:10 Can you hold the wild ox in the furrow with his harness?
Or will he till the valleys after you?
39:11 Will you trust him, because his strength is great?
Or will you leave to him your labor?
39:12 Will you confide in him, that he will bring home your seed,
and gather the grain of your threshing floor?
39:13 "The wings of the ostrich wave proudly;
but are they the feathers and plumage of love?
39:14 For she leaves her eggs on the earth,
warms them in the dust,
39:15 and forgets that the foot may crush them,
or that the wild animal may trample them.
39:16 She deals harshly with her young ones, as if they were not hers.
Though her labor is in vain, she is without fear,
39:17 because God has deprived her of wisdom,
neither has he imparted to her understanding.
39:18 When she lifts up herself on high,
she scorns the horse and his rider.
39:19 "Have you given the horse might?
Have you clothed his neck with a quivering mane?
39:20 Have you made him to leap as a locust?
The glory of his snorting is awesome.
39:21 He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength.
He goes out to meet the armed men.
39:22 He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed,
neither does he turn back from the sword.
39:23 The quiver rattles against him,
the flashing spear and the javelin.
39:24 He eats up the ground with fierceness and rage,
neither does he stand still at the sound of the trumpet.
39:25 As often as the trumpet sounds he snorts, 'Aha!'
He smells the battle afar off,
the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
39:26 "Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars,
and stretches her wings toward the south?
39:27 Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up,
and makes his nest on high?
39:28 On the cliff he dwells, and makes his home,
on the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.
39:29 From there he spies out the prey.
His eyes see it afar off.
39:30 His young ones also suck up blood.
Where the slain are, there he is."

40:1 Moreover Yahweh answered Job,

40:1 Moreover, the Lord answered Job,

40:2 "Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it."

40:3 Then Job answered Yahweh,

Then Job responded to Yahweh,

40:4 "Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
40:5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."

40:6 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,

40:6 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm,

40:7 "Now brace yourself like a man.
I will question you, and you will answer me.
40:8 Will you even annul my judgment?
Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?
40:9 Or do you have an arm like God?
Can you thunder with a voice like him?
40:10 "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity.
Array yourself with honor and majesty.
40:11 Pour out the fury of your anger.
Look at everyone who is proud, and bring him low.
40:12 Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him.
Crush the wicked in their place.
40:13 Hide them in the dust together.
Bind their faces in the hidden place.
40:14 Then I will also admit to you
that your own right hand can save you.
40:15 "See now, behemoth, which I made as well as you.
He eats grass as an ox.
40:16 Look now, his strength is in his thighs.
His force is in the muscles of his belly.
40:17 He moves his tail like a cedar.
The sinews of his thighs are knit together.
40:18 His bones are like tubes of brass.
His limbs are like bars of iron.
40:19 He is the chief of the ways of God.
He who made him gives him his sword.
40:20 Surely the mountains produce food for him,
where all the animals of the field play.
40:21 He lies under the lotus trees,
in the covert of the reed, and the marsh.
40:22 The lotuses cover him with their shade.
The willows of the brook surround him.
40:23 Behold, if a river overflows, he doesn't tremble.
He is confident, though the Jordan swells even to his mouth.
40:24 Shall any take him when he is on the watch,
or pierce through his nose with a snare?
41:1 "Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook,
or press down his tongue with a cord?
41:2 Can you put a rope into his nose,
or pierce his jaw through with a hook?
41:3 Will he make many petitions to you,
or will he speak soft words to you?
41:4 Will he make a covenant with you,
that you should take him for a servant forever?
41:5 Will you play with him as with a bird?
Or will you bind him for your girls?
41:6 Will traders barter for him?
Will they part him among the merchants?
41:7 Can you fill his skin with barbed irons,
or his head with fish spears?
41:8 Lay your hand on him.
Remember the battle, and do so no more.
41:9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain.
Won't one be cast down even at the sight of him?
41:10 None is so fierce that he dare stir him up.
Who then is he who can stand before me?
41:11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?
Everything under the heavens is mine.
41:12 "I will not keep silence concerning his limbs,
nor his mighty strength, nor his goodly frame.
41:13 Who can strip off his outer garment?
Who shall come within his jaws?
41:14 Who can open the doors of his face?
Around his teeth is terror.
41:15 Strong scales are his pride,
shut up together with a close seal.
41:16 One is so near to another,
that no air can come between them.
41:17 They are joined one to another.
They stick together, so that they can't be pulled apart.
41:18 His sneezing flashes out light.
His eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
41:19 Out of his mouth go burning torches.
Sparks of fire leap forth.
41:20 Out of his nostrils a smoke goes,
as of a boiling pot over a fire of reeds.
41:21 His breath kindles coals.
A flame goes forth from his mouth.
41:22 There is strength in his neck.
Terror dances before him.
41:23 The flakes of his flesh are joined together.
They are firm on him.
They can't be moved.
41:24 His heart is as firm as a stone,
yes, firm as the lower millstone.
41:25 When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid.
They retreat before his thrashing.
41:26 If one attacks him with the sword, it can't prevail;
nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.
41:27 He counts iron as straw;
and brass as rotten wood.
41:28 The arrow can't make him flee.
Sling stones are like chaff to him.
41:29 Clubs are counted as stubble.
He laughs at the rushing of the javelin.
41:30 His undersides are like sharp potsherds,
leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge.
41:31 He makes the deep to boil like a pot.
He makes the sea like a pot of ointment.
41:32 He makes a path shine after him.
One would think the deep had white hair.
41:33 On earth there is not his equal,
that is made without fear.
41:34 He sees everything that is high.
He is king over all the sons of pride."

42:1 Then Job answered Yahweh,

Then Job replied to Yahweh,

42:2 "I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
42:3 You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?'
therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know.
42:4 You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you will answer me.'
42:5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you.
42:6 Therefore I abhor myself,
and repent in dust and ashes."

42:7 It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has. 42:8 Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has."

42:7 After God had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends because you haven’t spoken the truth about me like my servant Job has. 42:8 So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to my servant Job, and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you; I will accept him so that I don’t treat you according to your foolishness. You haven’t spoken the truth about me like my servant Job has."

42:9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did what Yahweh commanded them, and Yahweh accepted Job.

42:9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord asked them to do, and the Lord accepted Job.

42:10 Yahweh turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. Yahweh gave Job twice as much as he had before. 42:11 Then came there to him all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all those who had been of his acquaintance before, and ate bread with him in his house. They comforted him, and consoled him concerning all the evil that Yahweh had brought on him. Everyone also gave him a piece of money, and everyone a ring of gold.

42:10 The Lord restored Job’s fortunes when he prayed for his friends. He gave Job twice as much as he had before. 42:11 Then all his brothers, sisters, and everyone who had known him before came to him, and they shared a meal with him in his home. They comforted and consoled him about all the trouble the Lord had brought upon him. Each of them also gave him a piece of money, and a gold ring.

42:12 So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys. 42:13 He had also seven sons and three daughters. 42:14 He called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren Happuch. 42:15 In all the land were no women found so beautiful as the daughters of Job. Their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. 42:16 After this Job lived one hundred forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, to four generations. 42:17 So Job died, being old and full of days.

42:12 So God blessed the end of Job's life more than the beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand pairs of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys. 42:13 He also had seven sons and three daughters. 42:14 He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren Happuch. 42:15 In all the land, there were no women as beautiful as Job's daughters. Their father gave them an inheritance alongside their brothers. 42:16 After this, Job lived for one hundred forty years and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation. 42:17 So Job died, old and satisfied with his life.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 26:6 Sheol is the lower world or the grave.

[1] back to 26:6 Sheol is the underworld or the grave.

[2] back to 26:6 Abaddon means Destroyer.

Abaddon means Destroyer.

[3] back to 28:16 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or lapis lazuli

[4] back to 41:1 Leviathan is a name for a crocodile or similar creature.

[4] back to 41:1 Leviathan is a term for a crocodile or a similar creature.

[5] back to 42:11 literally, kesitah, a unit of money, probably silver

[5] back to 42:11 literally, kesitah, a unit of money, probably silver














The Psalms

BOOK I

BOOK 1

Psalm 1

1:1 Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand in the way of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
1:2 but his delight is in Yahweh's law.
On his law he meditates day and night.
1:3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season,
whose leaf also does not wither.
Whatever he does shall prosper.
1:4 The wicked are not so,
but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
1:6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall perish.

Psalm 2

2:1 Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot a vain thing?
2:2 The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
2:3 "Let's break their bonds apart,
and cast their cords from us."
2:4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
The Lord will have them in derision.
2:5 Then he will speak to them in his anger,
and terrify them in his wrath:
2:6 "Yet I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion."
2:7 I will tell of the decree.
Yahweh said to me, "You are my son.
Today I have become your father.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance,
the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron.
You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
2:10 Now therefore be wise, you kings.
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
2:11 Serve Yahweh with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
2:12 Give sincere homage, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath will soon be kindled.
Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3

A Psalm by David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

A Psalm by David when he was fleeing from his son Absalom.

3:1 Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are those who rise up against me.
3:2 Many there are who say of my soul,
"There is no help for him in God."
Selah.
3:3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
3:4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice,
and he answers me out of his holy hill.
Selah.
3:5 I laid myself down and slept.
I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.
3:6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me on every side.
3:7 Arise, Yahweh!
Save me, my God!
For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone.
You have broken the teeth of the wicked.
3:8 Salvation belongs to Yahweh.
Your blessing be on your people.
Selah.

Psalm 4

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

For the Head Musician; on string instruments. A Psalm by David.

4:1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness.
Give me relief from my distress.
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
4:2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor?
Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood?
Selah.
4:3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly:
Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
4:4 Stand in awe, and don't sin.
Search your own heart on your bed, and be still.
Selah.
4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
Put your trust in Yahweh.
4:6 Many say, "Who will show us any good?"
Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
4:7 You have put gladness in my heart,
more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
4:8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep,
for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

Psalm 5

For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David.

5:1 Give ear to my words, Yahweh.
Consider my meditation.
5:2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God;
for to you do I pray.
5:3 Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice.
In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
5:4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness.
Evil can't live with you.
5:5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight.
You hate all workers of iniquity.
5:6 You will destroy those who speak lies.
Yahweh abhors the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
5:7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house.
I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.
5:8 Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies.
Make your way straight before my face.
5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth.
Their heart is destruction.
Their throat is an open tomb.
They flatter with their tongue.
5:10 Hold them guilty, God.
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
for they have rebelled against you.
5:11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice,
Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them.
Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.
5:12 For you will bless the righteous.
Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, using the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm by David.

6:1 Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your anger,
neither discipline me in your wrath.
6:2 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint.
Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
6:3 My soul is also in great anguish.
But you, Yahweh--how long?
6:4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul,
and save me for your loving kindness' sake.
6:5 For in death there is no memory of you.
In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
6:6 I am weary with my groaning.
Every night I flood my bed.
I drench my couch with my tears.
6:7 My eye wastes away because of grief.
It grows old because of all my adversaries.
6:8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,
for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.
6:9 Yahweh has heard my supplication.
Yahweh accepts my prayer.
6:10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed.
They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.

Psalm 7

A meditation by David, which he sang to Yahweh, concerning the words of Cush, the Benjamite.

A meditation by David, which he sang to the Lord, about the words of Cush, the Benjamite.

7:1 Yahweh, my God, I take refuge in you.
Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,
7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion,
ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
7:3 Yahweh, my God, if I have done this,
if there is iniquity in my hands,
7:4 if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me
(yes, if I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary),
7:5 let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it;
yes, let him tread my life down to the earth,
and lay my glory in the dust.
Selah.
7:6 Arise, Yahweh, in your anger.
Lift up yourself against the rage of my adversaries.
Awake for me. You have commanded judgment.
7:7 Let the congregation of the peoples surround you.
Rule over them on high.
7:8 Yahweh administers judgment to the peoples.
Judge me, Yahweh, according to my righteousness,
and to my integrity that is in me.
7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous;
their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.
7:10 My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
7:11 God is a righteous judge,
yes, a God who has indignation every day.
7:12 If a man doesn't relent, he will sharpen his sword;
he has bent and strung his bow.
7:13 He has also prepared for himself the instruments of death.
He makes ready his flaming arrows.
7:14 Behold, he travails with iniquity.
Yes, he has conceived mischief,
and brought forth falsehood.
7:15 He has dug a hole,
and has fallen into the pit which he made.
7:16 The trouble he causes shall return to his own head.
His violence shall come down on the crown of his own head.
7:17 I will give thanks to Yahweh according to his righteousness,
and will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High.

Psalm 8

For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by David.

8:1 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth,
who has set your glory above the heavens!
8:2 From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength,
because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
8:4 what is man, that you think of him?
What is the son of man, that you care for him?
8:5 For you have made him a little lower than God,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
8:6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands.
You have put all things under his feet:
8:7 All sheep and cattle,
yes, and the animals of the field,
8:8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
8:9 Yahweh, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 9

For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Death of the Son." A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Death of the Son." A Psalm by David.

9:1 I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart.
I will tell of all your marvelous works.
9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in you.
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
9:3 When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish in your presence.
9:4 For you have maintained my just cause.
You sit on the throne judging righteously.
9:5 You have rebuked the nations.
You have destroyed the wicked.
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.
9:6 The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin.
The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished.
9:7 But Yahweh reigns forever.
He has prepared his throne for judgment.
9:8 He will judge the world in righteousness.
He will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
9:9 Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed;
a high tower in times of trouble.
9:10 Those who know your name will put their trust in you,
for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.
9:11 Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion,
and declare among the people what he has done.
9:12 For he who avenges blood remembers them.
He doesn't forget the cry of the afflicted.
9:13 Have mercy on me, Yahweh.
See my affliction by those who hate me,
and lift me up from the gates of death;
9:14 that I may show forth all your praise.
In the gates of the daughter of Zion, I will rejoice in your salvation.
9:15 The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made.
In the net which they hid, their own foot is taken.
9:16 Yahweh has made himself known.
He has executed judgment.
The wicked is snared by the work of his own hands.
Meditation. Selah.
9:17 The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol,
even all the nations that forget God.
9:18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
9:19 Arise, Yahweh! Don't let man prevail.
Let the nations be judged in your sight.
9:20 Put them in fear, Yahweh.
Let the nations know that they are only men.
Selah.

Psalm 10

10:1 Why do you stand far off, Yahweh?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
10:2 In arrogance, the wicked hunt down the weak.
They are caught in the schemes that they devise.
10:3 For the wicked boasts of his heart's cravings.
He blesses the greedy, and condemns Yahweh.
10:4 The wicked, in the pride of his face,
has no room in his thoughts for God.
10:5 His ways are prosperous at all times.
He is haughty, and your laws are far from his sight.
As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them.
10:6 He says in his heart, "I shall not be shaken.
For generations I shall have no trouble."
10:7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression.
Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.
10:8 He lies in wait near the villages.
From ambushes, he murders the innocent.
His eyes are secretly set against the helpless.
10:9 He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless.
He catches the helpless, when he draws him in his net.
10:10 The helpless are crushed.
They collapse.
They fall under his strength.
10:11 He says in his heart, "God has forgotten.
He hides his face.
He will never see it."
10:12 Arise, Yahweh!
God, lift up your hand!
Don't forget the helpless.
10:13 Why does the wicked person condemn God,
and say in his heart, "God won't call me into account?"
10:14 But you do see trouble and grief.
You consider it to take it into your hand.
You help the victim and the fatherless.
10:15 Break the arm of the wicked.
As for the evil man, seek out his wickedness until you find none.
10:16 Yahweh is King forever and ever!
The nations will perish out of his land.
10:17 Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble.
You will prepare their heart.
You will cause your ear to hear,
10:18 to judge the fatherless and the oppressed,
that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.

Psalm 11

For the Chief Musician. By David.

For the Lead Musician. By David.

11:1 In Yahweh, I take refuge.
How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain!"
11:2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bows.
They set their arrows on the strings,
that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
11:3 If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?
11:4 Yahweh is in his holy temple.
Yahweh is on his throne in heaven.
His eyes observe.
His eyes examine the children of men.
11:5 Yahweh examines the righteous,
but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates.
11:6 On the wicked he will rain blazing coals;
fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
11:7 For Yahweh is righteous.
He loves righteousness.
The upright shall see his face.

Psalm 12

For the Chief Musician; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David.

For the head musician; with an eight-stringed harp. A Psalm of David.

12:1 Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases.
For the faithful fail from among the children of men.
12:2 Everyone lies to his neighbor.
They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart.
12:3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips,
and the tongue that boasts,
12:4 who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail.
Our lips are our own.
Who is lord over us?"
12:5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says Yahweh;
"I will set him in safety from those who malign him."
12:6 The words of Yahweh are flawless words,
as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.
12:7 You will keep them, Yahweh.
You will preserve them from this generation forever.
12:8 The wicked walk on every side,
when what is vile is exalted among the sons of men.

Psalm 13

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

13:1 How long, Yahweh?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
having sorrow in my heart every day?
How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
13:3 Behold, and answer me, Yahweh, my God.
Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
13:4 Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him;"
Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.
13:5 But I trust in your loving kindness.
My heart rejoices in your salvation.
13:6 I will sing to Yahweh,
because he has been good to me.

Psalm 14

For the Chief Musician. By David.

For the Head Musician. By David.

14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt.
They have done abominable works.
There is none who does good.
14:2 Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men,
to see if there were any who did understand,
who did seek after God.
14:3 They have all gone aside.
They have together become corrupt.
There is none who does good, no, not one.
14:4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and don't call on Yahweh?
14:5 There they were in great fear,
for God is in the generation of the righteous.
14:6 You frustrate the plan of the poor,
because Yahweh is his refuge.
14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When Yahweh restores the fortunes of his people,
then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Psalm 15

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

15:1 Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary?
Who shall live on your holy hill?
15:2 He who walks blamelessly does what is right,
and speaks truth in his heart;
15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue,
nor does evil to his friend,
nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
15:4 In whose eyes a vile man is despised,
but who honors those who fear Yahweh;
he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;
15:5 he who doesn't lend out his money for usury,
nor take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be shaken.

Psalm 16

A Poem by David.

A Poem by David.

16:1 Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge.
16:2 My soul, you have said to Yahweh, "You are my Lord.
Apart from you I have no good thing."
16:3 As for the saints who are in the earth,
they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god.
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
nor take their names on my lips.
16:5 Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup.
You made my lot secure.
16:6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
16:7 I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel.
Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
16:8 I have set Yahweh always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices.
My body shall also dwell in safety.
16:10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol,
neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
16:11 You will show me the path of life.
In your presence is fullness of joy.
In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 17

A Prayer by David.

David's Prayer.

17:1 Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea;
Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.
17:2 Let my sentence come forth from your presence.
Let your eyes look on equity.
17:3 You have proved my heart.
You have visited me in the night.
You have tried me, and found nothing.
I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.
17:4 As for the works of men, by the word of your lips,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
17:5 My steps have held fast to your paths.
My feet have not slipped.
17:6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God.
Turn your ear to me.
Hear my speech.
17:7 Show your marvelous loving kindness,
you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.
17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings,
17:9 from the wicked who oppress me,
my deadly enemies, who surround me.
17:10 They close up their callous hearts.
With their mouth they speak proudly.
17:11 They have now surrounded us in our steps.
They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
17:12 He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey,
as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
17:13 Arise, Yahweh, confront him.
Cast him down.
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;
17:14 from men by your hand, Yahweh,
from men of the world, whose portion is in this life.
You fill the belly of your cherished ones.
Your sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.
17:15 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness.
I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Psalm 18

For the Chief Musician. By David the servant of Yahweh, who spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said,

For the Chief Musician. By David, the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord rescued him from the hands of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said,

18:1 I love you, Yahweh, my strength.
18:2 Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
18:3 I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised;
and I am saved from my enemies.
18:4 The cords of death surrounded me.
The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me.
The snares of death came on me.
18:6 In my distress I called on Yahweh,
and cried to my God.
He heard my voice out of his temple.
My cry before him came into his ears.
18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled.
The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken,
because he was angry.
18:8 Smoke went out of his nostrils.
Consuming fire came out of his mouth.
Coals were kindled by it.
18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down.
Thick darkness was under his feet.
18:10 He rode on a cherub, and flew.
Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind.
18:11 He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him,
darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.
18:12 At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed,
hailstones and coals of fire.
18:13 Yahweh also thundered in the sky.
The Most High uttered his voice:
hailstones and coals of fire.
18:14 He sent out his arrows, and scattered them;
Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them.
18:15 Then the channels of waters appeared.
The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
18:16 He sent from on high.
He took me.
He drew me out of many waters.
18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.
18:18 They came on me in the day of my calamity,
but Yahweh was my support.
18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place.
He delivered me, because he delighted in me.
18:20 Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness.
According to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.
18:21 For I have kept the ways of Yahweh,
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
18:22 For all his ordinances were before me.
I didn't put away his statutes from me.
18:23 I was also blameless with him.
I kept myself from my iniquity.
18:24 Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
18:25 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful.
With the perfect man, you will show yourself perfect.
18:26 With the pure, you will show yourself pure.
With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.
18:27 For you will save the afflicted people,
but the haughty eyes you will bring down.
18:28 For you will light my lamp, Yahweh.
My God will light up my darkness.
18:29 For by you, I advance through a troop.
By my God, I leap over a wall.
18:30 As for God, his way is perfect.
The word of Yahweh is tried.
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
18:31 For who is God, except Yahweh?
Who is a rock, besides our God,
18:32 the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect?
18:33 He makes my feet like deer's feet,
and sets me on my high places.
18:34 He teaches my hands to war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
18:35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation.
Your right hand sustains me.
Your gentleness has made me great.
18:36 You have enlarged my steps under me,
My feet have not slipped.
18:37 I will pursue my enemies, and overtake them.
Neither will I turn again until they are consumed.
18:38 I will strike them through, so that they will not be able to rise.
They shall fall under my feet.
18:39 For you have girded me with strength to the battle.
You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
18:40 You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me,
that I might cut off those who hate me.
18:41 They cried, but there was none to save;
even to Yahweh, but he didn't answer them.
18:42 Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind.
I cast them out as the mire of the streets.
18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people.
You have made me the head of the nations.
A people whom I have not known shall serve me.
18:44 As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me.
The foreigners shall submit themselves to me.
18:45 The foreigners shall fade away,
and shall come trembling out of their close places.
18:46 Yahweh lives; and blessed be my rock.
Exalted be the God of my salvation,
18:47 even the God who executes vengeance for me,
and subdues peoples under me.
18:48 He rescues me from my enemies.
Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me.
You deliver me from the violent man.
18:49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations,
and will sing praises to your name.
18:50 He gives great deliverance to his king,
and shows loving kindness to his anointed,
to David and to his seed, forevermore.

Psalm 19

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Head Musician. A Psalm by David.

19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God.
The expanse shows his handiwork.
19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech,
and night after night they display knowledge.
19:3 There is no speech nor language,
where their voice is not heard.
19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth,
their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.
19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens,
his circuit to its ends;
There is nothing hidden from its heat.
19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned.
In keeping them there is great reward.
19:12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive me from hidden errors.
19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins.
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I will be upright.
I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

Psalm 20

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

20:1 May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble.
May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,
20:2 send you help from the sanctuary,
grant you support from Zion,
20:3 remember all your offerings,
and accept your burnt sacrifice.
Selah.
20:4 May He grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your counsel.
20:5 We will triumph in your salvation.
In the name of our God, we will set up our banners.
May Yahweh grant all your requests.
20:6 Now I know that Yahweh saves his anointed.
He will answer him from his holy heaven,
with the saving strength of his right hand.
20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,
but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.
20:8 They are bowed down and fallen,
but we rise up, and stand upright.
20:9 Save, Yahweh!
Let the King answer us when we call!

Psalm 21

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Head Musician. A Psalm by David.

21:1 The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh!
How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!
21:2 You have given him his heart's desire,
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah.
21:3 For you meet him with the blessings of goodness.
You set a crown of fine gold on his head.
21:4 He asked life of you, you gave it to him,
even length of days forever and ever.
21:5 His glory is great in your salvation.
You lay honor and majesty on him.
21:6 For you make him most blessed forever.
You make him glad with joy in your presence.
21:7 For the king trusts in Yahweh.
Through the loving kindness of the Most High, he shall not be moved.
21:8 Your hand will find out all of your enemies.
Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
21:9 You will make them as a fiery furnace in the time of your anger.
Yahweh will swallow them up in his wrath.
The fire shall devour them.
21:10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from among the children of men.
21:11 For they intended evil against you.
They plotted evil against you which cannot succeed.
21:12 For you will make them turn their back,
when you aim drawn bows at their face.
21:13 Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength,
so we will sing and praise your power.

Psalm 22

For the Chief Musician; set to "The Doe of the Morning." A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician; set to "The Doe of the Morning." A Psalm by David.

22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
22:2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don't answer;
in the night season, and am not silent.
22:3 But you are holy,
you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
22:4 Our fathers trusted in you.
They trusted, and you delivered them.
22:5 They cried to you, and were delivered.
They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
22:6 But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
22:7 All those who see me mock me.
They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
22:8 "He trusts in Yahweh;
let him deliver him.
Let him rescue him, since he delights in him."
22:9 But you brought me out of the womb.
You made me trust at my mother's breasts.
22:10 I was thrown on you from my mother's womb.
You are my God since my mother bore me.
22:11 Don't be far from me, for trouble is near.
For there is none to help.
22:12 Many bulls have surrounded me.
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
22:13 They open their mouths wide against me,
lions tearing prey and roaring.
22:14 I am poured out like water.
All my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax;
it is melted within me.
22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have brought me into the dust of death.
22:16 For dogs have surrounded me.
A company of evil-doers have enclosed me.
Like a lion, they pin my hands and feet.
22:17 I can count all of my bones.
They look and stare at me.
22:18 They divide my garments among them.
They cast lots for my clothing.
22:19 But don't be far off, Yahweh.
You are my help: hurry to help me.
22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dog.
22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth!
Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me.
22:22 I will declare your name to my brothers.
In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you.
22:23 You who fear Yahweh, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him!
Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel!
22:24 For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted,
Neither has he hidden his face from him;
but when he cried to him, he heard.
22:25 Of you comes my praise in the great assembly.
I will pay my vows before those who fear him.
22:26 The humble shall eat and be satisfied.
They shall praise Yahweh who seek after him.
Let your hearts live forever.
22:27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh.
All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.
22:28 For the kingdom is Yahweh's.
He is the ruler over the nations.
22:29 All the rich ones of the earth shall eat and worship.
All those who go down to the dust shall bow before him,
even he who can't keep his soul alive.
22:30 Posterity shall serve him.
Future generations shall be told about the Lord.
22:31 They shall come and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born,
for he has done it.

Psalm 23

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd:
I shall lack nothing.
23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
23:3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

Psalm 24

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

24:1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness;
the world, and those who dwell therein.
24:2 For he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the floods.
24:3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill?
Who may stand in his holy place?
24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart;
who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood,
and has not sworn deceitfully.
24:5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh,
righteousness from the God of his salvation.
24:6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek your face--even Jacob.
Selah.
24:7 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Be lifted up, you everlasting doors,
and the King of glory will come in.
24:8 Who is the King of glory?
Yahweh strong and mighty,
Yahweh mighty in battle.
24:9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors,
and the King of glory will come in.
24:10 Who is this King of glory?
Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory!
Selah.

Psalm 25

By David.

By David.

25:1 To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.
25:2 My God, I have trusted in you.
Don't let me be shamed.
Don't let my enemies triumph over me.
25:3 Yes, no one who waits for you shall be shamed.
They shall be shamed who deal treacherously without cause.
25:4 Show me your ways, Yahweh.
Teach me your paths.
25:5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation,
I wait for you all day long.
25:6 Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness,
for they are from old times.
25:7 Don't remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions.
Remember me according to your loving kindness,
for your goodness' sake, Yahweh.
25:8 Good and upright is Yahweh,
therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.
25:9 He will guide the humble in justice.
He will teach the humble his way.
25:10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth
to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
25:11 For your name's sake, Yahweh,
pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
25:12 What man is he who fears Yahweh?
He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.
25:13 His soul shall dwell at ease.
His seed shall inherit the land.
25:14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him.
He will show them his covenant.
25:15 My eyes are ever on Yahweh,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
25:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me,
for I am desolate and afflicted.
25:17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged.
Oh bring me out of my distresses.
25:18 Consider my affliction and my travail.
Forgive all my sins.
25:19 Consider my enemies, for they are many.
They hate me with cruel hatred.
25:20 Oh keep my soul, and deliver me.
Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.
25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
25:22 Redeem Israel, God,
out all of his troubles.

Psalm 26

By David.

By David.

26:1 Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity.
I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.
26:2 Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me.
Try my heart and my mind.
26:3 For your loving kindness is before my eyes.
I have walked in your truth.
26:4 I have not sat with deceitful men,
neither will I go in with hypocrites.
26:5 I hate the assembly of evil-doers,
and will not sit with the wicked.
26:6 I will wash my hands in innocence,
so I will go about your altar, Yahweh;
26:7 that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard,
and tell of all your wondrous works.
26:8 Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house,
the place where your glory dwells.
26:9 Don't gather my soul with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men;
26:10 in whose hands is wickedness,
their right hand is full of bribes.
26:11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity.
Redeem me, and be merciful to me.
26:12 My foot stands in an even place.
In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.

Psalm 27

By David.

By David.

27:1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation.
Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life.
Of whom shall I be afraid?
27:2 When evil-doers came at me to eat up my flesh,
even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
27:3 Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear.
Though war should rise against me,
even then I will be confident.
27:4 One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after,
that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life,
to see Yahweh's beauty,
and to inquire in his temple.
27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion.
In the covert of his tent he will hide me.
He will lift me up on a rock.
27:6 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me.
I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.
27:7 Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice.
Have mercy also on me, and answer me.
27:8 When you said, "Seek my face,"
my heart said to you, "I will seek your face, Yahweh."
27:9 Don't hide your face from me.
Don't put your servant away in anger.
You have been my help.
Don't abandon me,
neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
then Yahweh will take me up.
27:11 Teach me your way, Yahweh.
Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
27:12 Don't deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
such as breathe out cruelty.
27:13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.
27:14 Wait for Yahweh.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage.
Yes, wait for Yahweh.

Psalm 28

By David.

By David.

28:1 To you, Yahweh, I call.
My rock, don't be deaf to me;
lest, if you are silent to me,
I would become like those who go down into the pit.
28:2 Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you,
when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
28:3 Don't draw me away with the wicked,
with the workers of iniquity who speak peace with their neighbors,
but mischief is in their hearts.
28:4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings.
Give them according to the operation of their hands.
Bring back on them what they deserve.
28:5 Because they don't regard the works of Yahweh,
nor the operation of his hands,
he will break them down and not build them up.
28:6 Blessed be Yahweh,
because he has heard the voice of my petitions.
28:7 Yahweh is my strength and my shield.
My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices.
With my song I will thank him.
28:8 Yahweh is their strength.
He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.
28:9 Save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Be their shepherd also,
and bear them up forever.

Psalm 29

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

29:1 Ascribe to Yahweh, you sons of the mighty,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
29:2 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Worship Yahweh in holy array.
29:3 Yahweh's voice is on the waters.
The God of glory thunders, even Yahweh on many waters.
29:4 Yahweh's voice is powerful.
Yahweh's voice is full of majesty.
29:5 The voice of Yahweh breaks the cedars.
Yes, Yahweh breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
29:6 He makes them also to skip like a calf;
Lebanon and Sirion like a young, wild ox.
29:7 Yahweh's voice strikes with flashes of lightning.
29:8 Yahweh's voice shakes the wilderness.
Yahweh shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
29:9 Yahweh's voice makes the deer calve,
and strips the forests bare.
In his temple everything says, "Glory!"
29:10 Yahweh sat enthroned at the Flood.
Yes, Yahweh sits as King forever.
29:11 Yahweh will give strength to his people.
Yahweh will bless his people with peace.

Psalm 30

A Psalm. A Song for the Dedication of the Temple. By David.

A Psalm. A Song for the Dedication of the Temple. By David.

30:1 I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up,
and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.
30:2 Yahweh my God, I cried to you,
and you have healed me.
30:3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol.
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
30:4 Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his.
Give thanks to his holy name.
30:5 For his anger is but for a moment.
His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
30:6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
"I shall never be moved."
30:7 You, Yahweh, when you favored me, made my mountain stand strong;
but when you hid your face, I was troubled.
30:8 I cried to you, Yahweh.
To Yahweh I made supplication:
30:9 "What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit?
Shall the dust praise you?
Shall it declare your truth?
30:10 Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me.
Yahweh, be my helper."
30:11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me.
You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,
30:12 To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent.
Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Psalm 31

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Head Musician. A Psalm by David.

31:1 In you, Yahweh, I take refuge.
Let me never be disappointed.
Deliver me in your righteousness.
31:2 Bow down your ear to me.
Deliver me speedily.
Be to me a strong rock,
a house of defense to save me.
31:3 For you are my rock and my fortress,
therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me.
31:4 Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me,
for you are my stronghold.
31:5 Into your hand I commend my spirit.
You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.
31:6 I hate those who regard lying vanities,
but I trust in Yahweh.
31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness,
for you have seen my affliction.
You have known my soul in adversities.
31:8 You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy.
You have set my feet in a large place.
31:9 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress.
My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.
31:10 For my life is spent with sorrow,
my years with sighing.
My strength fails because of my iniquity.
My bones are wasted away.
31:11 Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors,
A fear to my acquaintances.
Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
31:12 I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man.
I am like broken pottery.
31:13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side,
while they conspire together against me,
they plot to take away my life.
31:14 But I trust in you, Yahweh.
I said, "You are my God."
31:15 My times are in your hand.
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
31:16 Make your face to shine on your servant.
Save me in your loving kindness.
31:17 Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you.
Let the wicked be disappointed.
Let them be silent in Sheol.
31:18 Let the lying lips be mute,
which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.
31:19 Oh how great is your goodness,
which you have laid up for those who fear you,
which you have worked for those who take refuge in you,
before the sons of men!
31:20 In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man.
You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.
31:21 Praise be to Yahweh,
for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.
31:22 As for me, I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before your eyes."
Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.
31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints!
Yahweh preserves the faithful,
and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly.
31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who hope in Yahweh.

Psalm 32

By David. A contemplative psalm.

By David. A reflective psalm.

32:1 Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
32:2 Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn't impute iniquity,
in whose spirit there is no deceit.
32:3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me.
My strength was sapped in the heat of summer.
Selah.
32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you.
I didn't hide my iniquity.
I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh,
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah.
32:6 For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found.
Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.
32:7 You are my hiding place.
You will preserve me from trouble.
You will surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go.
I will counsel you with my eye on you.
32:9 Don't be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding,
who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.
32:10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.
32:11 Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous!
Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 33

33:1 Rejoice in Yahweh, you righteous!
Praise is fitting for the upright.
33:2 Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre.
Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings.
33:3 Sing to him a new song.
Play skillfully with a shout of joy!
33:4 For the word of Yahweh is right.
All his work is done in faithfulness.
33:5 He loves righteousness and justice.
The earth is full of the loving kindness of Yahweh.
33:6 By Yahweh's word, the heavens were made;
all their army by the breath of his mouth.
33:7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap.
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
33:8 Let all the earth fear Yahweh.
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
33:9 For he spoke, and it was done.
He commanded, and it stood firm.
33:10 Yahweh brings the counsel of the nations to nothing.
He makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect.
33:11 The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever,
the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh,
the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
33:13 Yahweh looks from heaven.
He sees all the sons of men.
33:14 From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
33:15 he who fashions all of their hearts;
and he considers all of their works.
33:16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an army.
A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
33:17 A horse is a vain thing for safety,
neither does he deliver any by his great power.
33:18 Behold, Yahweh's eye is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his loving kindness;
33:19 to deliver their soul from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
33:20 Our soul has waited for Yahweh.
He is our help and our shield.
33:21 For our heart rejoices in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name.
33:22 Let your loving kindness be on us, Yahweh,
since we have hoped in you.

Psalm 34

By David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.*

By David; when he acted crazy in front of Abimelech, who sent him away, and he left.*

34:1 I will bless Yahweh at all times.
His praise will always be in my mouth.
34:2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh.
The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.
34:3 Oh magnify Yahweh with me.
Let us exalt his name together.
34:4 I sought Yahweh, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
34:5 They looked to him, and were radiant.
Their faces shall never be covered with shame.
34:6 This poor man cried, and Yahweh heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
34:7 The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him,
and delivers them.
34:8 Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good.
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
34:9 Oh fear Yahweh, you his saints,
for there is no lack with those who fear him.
34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger,
but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.
34:11 Come, you children, listen to me.
I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.
34:12 Who is someone who desires life,
and loves many days, that he may see good?
34:13 Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking lies.
34:14 Depart from evil, and do good.
seek peace, and pursue it.
34:15 Yahweh's eyes are toward the righteous.
His ears listen to their cry.
34:16 Yahweh's face is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
34:17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
34:18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
34:20 He protects all of his bones.
Not one of them is broken.
34:21 Evil shall kill the wicked.
Those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
34:22 Yahweh redeems the soul of his servants.
None of those who take refuge in him shall be condemned.

Psalm 35

By David.

By David.

35:1 Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me.
Fight against those who fight against me.
35:2 Take hold of shield and buckler,
and stand up for my help.
35:3 Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me.
Tell my soul, "I am your salvation."
35:4 Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonor.
Let those who plot my ruin be turned back and confounded.
35:5 Let them be as chaff before the wind,
Yahweh's angel driving them on.
35:6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
Yahweh's angel pursuing them.
35:7 For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me.
Without cause they have dug a pit for my soul.
35:8 Let destruction come on him unawares.
Let his net that he has hidden catch himself.
Let him fall into that destruction.
35:9 My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh.
It shall rejoice in his salvation.
35:10 All my bones shall say, "Yahweh, who is like you,
who delivers the poor from him who is too strong for him;
yes, the poor and the needy from him who robs him?"
35:11 Unrighteous witnesses rise up.
They ask me about things that I don't know about.
35:12 They reward me evil for good,
to the bereaving of my soul.
35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth.
I afflicted my soul with fasting.
My prayer returned into my own bosom.
35:14 I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother.
I bowed down mourning, as one who mourns his mother.
35:15 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together.
The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn't know it.
They tore at me, and didn't cease.
35:16 Like the profane mockers in feasts,
they gnashed their teeth at me.
35:17 Lord, how long will you look on?
Rescue my soul from their destruction,
my precious life from the lions.
35:18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly.
I will praise you among many people.
35:19 Don't let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me;
neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes.
35:20 For they don't speak peace,
but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
35:21 Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me.
They said, "Aha! Aha! Our eye has seen it!"
35:22 You have seen it, Yahweh. Don't keep silent.
Lord, don't be far from me.
35:23 Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God!
My Lord, contend for me!
35:24 Vindicate me, Yahweh my God, according to your righteousness.
Don't let them gloat over me.
35:25 Don't let them say in their heart, "Aha! That's the way we want it!"
Don't let them say, "We have swallowed him up!"
35:26 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity.
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me.
35:27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause.
Yes, let them say continually, "Yahweh be magnified,
who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant!"
35:28 My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long.

Psalm 36

For the Chief Musician. By David, the servant of Yahweh.

For the head musician. By David, the servant of the Lord.

36:1 An oracle is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked:
"There is no fear of God before his eyes."
36:2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
too much to detect and hate his sin.
36:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit.
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
36:4 He plots iniquity on his bed.
He sets himself in a way that is not good.
He doesn't abhor evil.
36:5 Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
36:6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God.
Your judgments are like a great deep.
Yahweh, you preserve man and animal.
36:7 How precious is your loving kindness, God!
The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house.
You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
36:9 For with you is the spring of life.
In your light shall we see light.
36:10 Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
36:11 Don't let the foot of pride come against me.
Don't let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
36:12 There the workers of iniquity are fallen.
They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.

Psalm 37

By David.

By David.

37:1 Don't fret because of evil-doers,
neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.
37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
37:3 Trust in Yahweh, and do good.
Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.
37:4 Also delight yourself in Yahweh,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
37:5 Commit your way to Yahweh.
Trust also in him, and he will do this:
37:6 he will make your righteousness go forth as the light,
and your justice as the noon day sun.
37:7 Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him.
Don't fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.
37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath.
Don't fret, it leads only to evildoing.
37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.
37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more.
Yes, though you look for his place, he isn't there.
37:11 But the humble shall inherit the land,
and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
37:12 The wicked plots against the just,
and gnashes at him with his teeth.
37:13 The Lord will laugh at him,
for he sees that his day is coming.
37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow,
to cast down the poor and needy,
to kill those who are upright in the way.
37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart.
Their bows shall be broken.
37:16 Better is a little that the righteous has,
than the abundance of many wicked.
37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but Yahweh upholds the righteous.
37:18 Yahweh knows the days of the perfect.
Their inheritance shall be forever.
37:19 They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil.
In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
37:20 But the wicked shall perish.
The enemies of Yahweh shall be like the beauty of the fields.
They will vanish--
vanish like smoke.
37:21 The wicked borrow, and don't pay back,
but the righteous give generously.
37:22 For such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land.
Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.
37:23 A man's goings are established by Yahweh.
He delights in his way.
37:24 Though he stumble, he shall not fall,
for Yahweh holds him up with his hand.
37:25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his children begging for bread.
37:26 All day long he deals graciously, and lends.
His seed is blessed.
37:27 Depart from evil, and do good.
Live securely forever.
37:28 For Yahweh loves justice,
and doesn't forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
and live in it forever.
37:30 The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom.
His tongue speaks justice.
37:31 The law of his God is in his heart.
None of his steps shall slide.
37:32 The wicked watches the righteous,
and seeks to kill him.
37:33 Yahweh will not leave him in his hand,
nor condemn him when he is judged.
37:34 Wait for Yahweh, and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
37:36 But he passed away, and behold, he was not.
Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37:37 Mark the perfect man, and see the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
37:38 As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together.
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh.
He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
37:40 Yahweh helps them, and rescues them.
He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,
Because they have taken refuge in him.

Psalm 38

A Psalm by David, for a memorial.

A Psalm by David, for remembrance.

38:1 Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your wrath,
neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.
38:2 For your arrows have pierced me,
your hand presses hard on me.
38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation,
neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.
38:4 For my iniquities have gone over my head.
As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.
38:5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt,
because of my foolishness.
38:6 I am pained and bowed down greatly.
I go mourning all day long.
38:7 For my waist is filled with burning.
There is no soundness in my flesh.
38:8 I am faint and severely bruised.
I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart.
38:9 Lord, all my desire is before you.
My groaning is not hidden from you.
38:10 My heart throbs.
My strength fails me.
As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me.
38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague.
My kinsmen stand far away.
38:12 They also who seek after my life lay snares.
Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things,
and meditate deceits all day long.
38:13 But I, as a deaf man, don't hear.
I am as a mute man who doesn't open his mouth.
38:14 Yes, I am as a man who doesn't hear,
in whose mouth are no reproofs.
38:15 For in you, Yahweh, do I hope.
You will answer, Lord my God.
38:16 For I said, "Don't let them gloat over me,
or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."
38:17 For I am ready to fall.
My pain is continually before me.
38:18 For I will declare my iniquity.
I will be sorry for my sin.
38:19 But my enemies are vigorous and many.
Those who hate me without reason are numerous.
38:20 They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me,
because I follow what is good.
38:21 Don't forsake me, Yahweh.
My God, don't be far from me.
38:22 Hurry to help me,
Lord, my salvation.

Psalm 39

For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.

39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue.
I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."
39:2 I was mute with silence.
I held my peace, even from good.
My sorrow was stirred.
39:3 My heart was hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned:
I spoke with my tongue:
39:4 "Yahweh, show me my end,
what is the measure of my days.
Let me know how frail I am.
39:5 Behold, you have made my days handbreadths.
My lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely every man stands as a breath."
Selah.
39:6 "Surely every man walks like a shadow.
Surely they busy themselves in vain.
He heaps up, and doesn't know who shall gather.
39:7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.
39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Don't make me the reproach of the foolish.
39:9 I was mute.
I didn't open my mouth,
because you did it.
39:10 Remove your scourge away from me.
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
39:11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity,
You consume his wealth like a moth.
Surely every man is but a breath."
Selah.
39:12 "Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry.
Don't be silent at my tears.
For I am a stranger with you,
a foreigner, as all my fathers were.
39:13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,
before I go away, and exist no more."

Psalm 40

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Head of Music. A Psalm by David.

40:1 I waited patiently for Yahweh.
He turned to me, and heard my cry.
40:2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay.
He set my feet on a rock,
and gave me a firm place to stand.
40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God.
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.
40:4 Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust,
and doesn't respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
40:5 Many, Yahweh, my God, are the wonderful works which you have done,
and your thoughts which are toward us.
They can't be declared back to you.
If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
40:6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire.
You have opened my ears.
You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.
40:7 Then I said, "Behold, I have come.
It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
40:8 I delight to do your will, my God.
Yes, your law is within my heart."
40:9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.
Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.
40:10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart.
I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation.
I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.
40:11 Don't withhold your tender mercies from me, Yahweh.
Let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.
40:12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me.
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up.
They are more than the hairs of my head.
My heart has failed me.
40:13 Be pleased, Yahweh, to deliver me.
Hurry to help me, Yahweh.
40:14 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who seek after my soul to destroy it.
Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt.
40:15 Let them be desolate by reason of their shame that tell me, "Aha! Aha!"
40:16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let such as love your salvation say continually, "Let Yahweh be exalted!"
40:17 But I am poor and needy.
May the Lord think about me.
You are my help and my deliverer.
Don't delay, my God.

Psalm 41

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

41:1 Blessed is he who considers the poor.
Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil.
41:2 Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive.
He shall be blessed on the earth,
and he will not surrender him to the will of his enemies.
41:3 Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed,
and restore him from his bed of illness.
41:4 I said, "Yahweh, have mercy on me!
Heal me, for I have sinned against you."
41:5 My enemies speak evil against me:
"When will he die, and his name perish?"
41:6 If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood.
His heart gathers iniquity to itself.
When he goes abroad, he tells it.
41:7 All who hate me whisper together against me.
They imagine the worst for me.
41:8 "An evil disease," they say, "has afflicted him.
Now that he lies he shall rise up no more."
41:9 Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted,
who ate bread with me,
has lifted up his heel against me.
41:10 But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me, and raise me up,
that I may repay them.
41:11 By this I know that you delight in me,
because my enemy doesn't triumph over me.
41:12 As for me, you uphold me in my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.
41:13 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel,
from everlasting and to everlasting!
Amen and amen.

BOOK II

BOOK II

Psalm 42

For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by the sons of Korah.

For the Chief Musician. A reflection by the sons of Korah.

42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
so my soul pants after you, God.
42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
42:3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"
42:4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me,
how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to the house of God,
with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.
42:5 Why are you in despair, my soul?
Why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God!
For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.
42:6 My God, my soul is in despair within me.
Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar.
42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls.
All your waves and your billows have swept over me.
42:8 Yahweh will command his loving kindness in the daytime.
In the night his song shall be with me:
a prayer to the God of my life.
42:9 I will ask God, my rock, "Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
42:10 As with a sword in my bones, my adversaries reproach me,
while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"
42:11 Why are you in despair, my soul?
Why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God! For I shall still praise him,
the saving help of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 43

43:1 Vindicate me, God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation.
Oh, deliver me from deceitful and wicked men.
43:2 For you are the God of my strength. Why have you rejected me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
43:3 Oh, send out your light and your truth.
Let them lead me.
Let them bring me to your holy hill,
To your tents.
43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my exceeding joy.
I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.
43:5 Why are you in despair, my soul?
Why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God!
For I shall still praise him:
my Savior, my helper, and my God.

Psalm 44

For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. A contemplative psalm.

For the Head Musician. By the sons of Korah. A reflective psalm.

44:1 We have heard with our ears, God;
our fathers have told us,
what work you did in their days,
in the days of old.
44:2 You drove out the nations with your hand,
but you planted them.
You afflicted the peoples,
but you spread them abroad.
44:3 For they didn't get the land in possession by their own sword,
neither did their own arm save them;
but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face,
because you were favorable to them.
44:4 You are my King, God.
Command victories for Jacob!
44:5 Through you, will we push down our adversaries.
Through your name, will we tread them under who rise up against us.
44:6 For I will not trust in my bow,
neither shall my sword save me.
44:7 But you have saved us from our adversaries,
and have shamed those who hate us.
44:8 In God we have made our boast all day long,
we will give thanks to your name forever.
Selah.
44:9 But now you rejected us, and brought us to dishonor,
and don't go out with our armies.
44:10 You make us turn back from the adversary.
Those who hate us take spoil for themselves.
44:11 You have made us like sheep for food,
and have scattered us among the nations.
44:12 You sell your people for nothing,
and have gained nothing from their sale.
44:13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors,
a scoffing and a derision to those who are around us.
44:14 You make us a byword among the nations,
a shaking of the head among the peoples.
44:15 All day long my dishonor is before me,
and shame covers my face,
44:16 At the taunt of one who reproaches and verbally abuses,
because of the enemy and the avenger.
44:17 All this has come on us,
yet have we not forgotten you,
Neither have we been false to your covenant.
44:18 Our heart has not turned back,
neither have our steps strayed from your path,
44:19 Though you have crushed us in the haunt of jackals,
and covered us with the shadow of death.
44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God,
or spread forth our hands to a strange god;
44:21 won't God search this out?
For he knows the secrets of the heart.
44:22 Yes, for your sake we are killed all day long.
We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.
44:23 Wake up!
Why do you sleep, Lord?
Arise!
Don't reject us forever.
44:24 Why do you hide your face,
and forget our affliction and our oppression?
44:25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust.
Our body cleaves to the earth.
44:26 Rise up to help us.
Redeem us for your loving kindness' sake.

Psalm 45

For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song.

For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A reflection by the sons of Korah. A wedding song.

45:1 My heart overflows with a noble theme.
I recite my verses for the king.
My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
45:2 You are the most excellent of the sons of men.
Grace has anointed your lips,
therefore God has blessed you forever.
45:3 Gird your sword on your thigh, mighty one:
your splendor and your majesty.
45:4 In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness.
Let your right hand display awesome deeds.
45:5 Your arrows are sharp.
The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king's enemies.
45:6 Your throne, God, is forever and ever.
A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.
45:7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
45:8 All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.
45:9 Kings' daughters are among your honorable women.
At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ophir.
45:10 Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear.
Forget your own people, and also your father's house.
45:11 So the king will desire your beauty,
honor him, for he is your lord.
45:12 The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift.
The rich among the people entreat your favor.
45:13 The princess inside is all glorious.
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
45:14 She shall be led to the king in embroidered work.
The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.
45:15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led.
They shall enter into the king's palace.
45:16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers.
You shall make them princes in all the earth.
45:17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations.
Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.

Psalm 46

For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.

For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.

46:1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
46:2 Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes,
though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
46:3 though its waters roar and are troubled,
though the mountains tremble with their swelling.
Selah.
46:4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad,
the holy place of the tents of the Most High.
46:5 God is in her midst. She shall not be moved.
God will help her at dawn.
46:6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved.
He lifted his voice, and the earth melted.
46:7 Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.
46:8 Come, see Yahweh's works,
what desolations he has made in the earth.
46:9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear.
He burns the chariots in the fire.
46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth."
46:11 Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.

Psalm 47

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

For the Lead Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

47:1 Oh clap your hands, all you nations.
Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
47:2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome.
He is a great King over all the earth.
47:3 He subdues nations under us,
and peoples under our feet.
47:4 He chooses our inheritance for us,
the glory of Jacob whom he loved.
Selah.
47:5 God has gone up with a shout,
Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet.
47:6 Sing praise to God, sing praises.
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
47:7 For God is the King of all the earth.
Sing praises with understanding.
47:8 God reigns over the nations.
God sits on his holy throne.
47:9 The princes of the peoples are gathered together,
the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God.
He is greatly exalted!

Psalm 48

A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

A Song. A Psalm by the descendants of Korah.

48:1 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised,
in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.
48:2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth,
is Mount Zion, on the north sides,
the city of the great King.
48:3 God has shown himself in her citadels as a refuge.
48:4 For, behold, the kings assembled themselves,
they passed by together.
48:5 They saw it, then they were amazed.
They were dismayed.
They hurried away.
48:6 Trembling took hold of them there,
pain, as of a woman in travail.
48:7 With the east wind, you break the ships of Tarshish.
48:8 As we have heard, so we have seen,
in the city of Yahweh of Armies, in the city of our God.
God will establish it forever.
Selah.
48:9 We have thought about your loving kindness, God,
in the midst of your temple.
48:10 As is your name, God,
so is your praise to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is full of righteousness.
48:11 Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice,
Because of your judgments.
48:12 Walk about Zion, and go around her.
Number its towers.
48:13 Mark well her bulwarks.
Consider her palaces,
that you may tell it to the next generation.
48:14 For this God is our God forever and ever.
He will be our guide even to death.

Psalm 49

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the descendants of Korah.

49:1 Hear this, all you peoples.
Listen, all you inhabitants of the world,
49:2 both low and high,
rich and poor together.
49:3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom.
My heart shall utter understanding.
49:4 I will incline my ear to a proverb.
I will open my riddle on the harp.
49:5 Why should I fear in the days of evil,
when iniquity at my heels surrounds me?
49:6 Those who trust in their wealth,
and boast in the multitude of their riches--
49:7 none of them can by any means redeem his brother,
nor give God a ransom for him.
49:8 For the redemption of their life is costly,
no payment is ever enough,
49:9 That he should live on forever,
that he should not see corruption.
49:10 For he sees that wise men die;
likewise the fool and the senseless perish,
and leave their wealth to others.
49:11 Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever,
and their dwelling places to all generations.
They name their lands after themselves.
49:12 But man, despite his riches, doesn't endure.
He is like the animals that perish.
49:13 This is the destiny of those who are foolish,
and of those who approve their sayings.
Selah.
49:14 They are appointed as a flock for Sheol.
Death shall be their shepherd.
The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning.
Their beauty shall decay in Sheol,
far from their mansion.
49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me.
Selah.
49:16 Don't be afraid when a man is made rich,
when the glory of his house is increased.
49:17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away.
His glory shall not descend after him.
49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul--
and men praise you when you do well for yourself--
49:19 he shall go to the generation of his fathers.
They shall never see the light.
49:20 A man who has riches without understanding,
is like the animals that perish.

Psalm 50

A Psalm by Asaph.

A Psalm by Asaph.

50:1 The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, speaks,
and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.
50:2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.
50:3 Our God comes, and does not keep silent.
A fire devours before him.
It is very stormy around him.
50:4 He calls to the heavens above,
to the earth, that he may judge his people:
50:5 "Gather my saints together to me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
50:6 The heavens shall declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge.
Selah.
50:7 "Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, and I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
50:8 I don't rebuke you for your sacrifices.
Your burnt offerings are continually before me.
50:9 I have no need for a bull from your stall,
nor male goats from your pens.
50:10 For every animal of the forest is mine,
and the livestock on a thousand hills.
50:11 I know all the birds of the mountains.
The wild animals of the field are mine.
50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
50:13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
50:14 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Pay your vows to the Most High.
50:15 Call on me in the day of trouble.
I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
50:16 But to the wicked God says,
"What right do you have to declare my statutes,
that you have taken my covenant on your lips,
50:17 seeing you hate instruction,
and throw my words behind you?
50:18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him,
and have participated with adulterers.
50:19 "You give your mouth to evil.
Your tongue frames deceit.
50:20 You sit and speak against your brother.
You slander your own mother's son.
50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent.
You thought that the I was just like you.
I will rebuke you, and accuse you in front of your eyes.
50:22 "Now consider this, you who forget God,
lest I tear you into pieces, and there be none to deliver.
50:23 Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me,
and prepares his way so that I will show God's salvation to him."

Psalm 51

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David, when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

51:1 Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness.
According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity.
Cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I know my transgressions.
My sin is constantly before me.
51:4 Against you, and you only, have I sinned,
and done that which is evil in your sight;
that you may be proved right when you speak,
and justified when you judge.
51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity.
In sin my mother conceived me.
51:6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts.
You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
51:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean.
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
51:8 Let me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
51:9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all of my iniquities.
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a right spirit within me.
51:11 Don't throw me from your presence,
and don't take your holy Spirit from me.
51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation.
Uphold me with a willing spirit.
51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways.
Sinners shall be converted to you.
51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation.
My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
51:15 Lord, open my lips.
My mouth shall declare your praise.
51:16 For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it.
You have no pleasure in burnt offering.
51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
51:18 Do well in your good pleasure to Zion.
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
51:19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness,
in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings.
Then they will offer bulls on your altar.

Psalm 52

For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, "David has come to Abimelech's house."

For the Chief Musician. A reflection by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, "David has gone to Abimelech's house."

52:1 Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man?
God's loving kindness endures continually.
52:2 Your tongue plots destruction,
like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
52:3 You love evil more than good,
lying rather than speaking the truth.
Selah.
52:4 You love all devouring words,
you deceitful tongue.
52:5 God will likewise destroy you forever.
He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent,
and root you out of the land of the living.
Selah.
52:6 The righteous also will see it, and fear,
and laugh at him, saying,
52:7 "Behold, this is the man who didn't make God his strength,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches,
and strengthened himself in his wickedness."
52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God's house.
I trust in God's loving kindness forever and ever.
52:9 I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it.
I will hope in your name, for it is good,
in the presence of your saints.

Psalm 53

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A contemplation by David.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A reflection by David.

53:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity.
There is no one who does good.
53:2 God looks down from heaven on the children of men,
to see if there are any who understood,
who seek after God.
53:3 Every one of them has gone back.
They have become filthy together.
There is no one who does good, no, not one.
53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and don't call on God?
53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was,
for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you.
You have put them to shame,
because God has rejected them.
53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When God brings back his people from captivity,
then Jacob shall rejoice,
and Israel shall be glad.

Psalm 54

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Isn't David hiding himself among us?"

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A reflection by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Isn't David hiding out among us?"

54:1 Save me, God, by your name.
Vindicate me in your might.
54:2 Hear my prayer, God.
Listen to the words of my mouth.
54:3 For strangers have risen up against me.
Violent men have sought after my soul.
They haven't set God before them.
Selah.
54:4 Behold, God is my helper.
The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.
54:5 He will repay the evil to my enemies.
Destroy them in your truth.
54:6 With a free will offering, I will sacrifice to you.
I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good.
54:7 For he has delivered me out of all trouble.
My eye has seen triumph over my enemies.

Psalm 55

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.

For the Chief Musician. On string instruments. A reflection by David.

55:1 Listen to my prayer, God.
Don't hide yourself from my supplication.
55:2 Attend to me, and answer me.
I am restless in my complaint, and moan,
55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they bring suffering on me.
In anger they hold a grudge against me.
55:4 My heart is severely pained within me.
The terrors of death have fallen on me.
55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me.
Horror has overwhelmed me.
55:6 I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove!
Then I would fly away, and be at rest.
55:7 Behold, then I would wander far off.
I would lodge in the wilderness."
Selah.
55:8 "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm."
55:9 Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language,
for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
55:10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls.
Malice and abuse are also within her.
55:11 Destructive forces are within her.
Threats and lies don't depart from her streets.
55:12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me,
then I could have endured it.
Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me,
then I would have hid myself from him.
55:13 But it was you, a man like me,
my companion, and my familiar friend.
55:14 We took sweet fellowship together.
We walked in God's house with company.
55:15 Let death come suddenly on them.
Let them go down alive into Sheol.
For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.
55:16 As for me, I will call on God.
Yahweh will save me.
55:17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress.
He will hear my voice.
55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
although there are many who oppose me.
55:19 God, who is enthroned forever,
will hear, and answer them.
Selah.
They never change,
who don't fear God.
55:20 He raises his hands against his friends.
He has violated his covenant.
55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter,
but his heart was war.
His words were softer than oil,
yet they were drawn swords.
55:22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you.
He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
55:23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction.
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days,
but I will trust in you.

Psalm 56

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by David, when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

56:1 Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up.
All day long, he attacks and oppresses me.
56:2 My enemies want to swallow me up all day long,
for they are many who fight proudly against me.
56:3 When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
56:4 In God, I praise his word.
In God, I put my trust.
I will not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?
56:5 All day long they twist my words.
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
56:6 They conspire and lurk,
watching my steps, they are eager to take my life.
56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity?
In anger cast down the peoples, God.
56:8 You number my wanderings.
You put my tears into your bottle.
Aren't they in your book?
56:9 Then my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call.
I know this, that God is for me.
56:10 In God, I will praise his word.
In Yahweh, I will praise his word.
56:11 I have put my trust in God.
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
56:12 Your vows are on me, God.
I will give thank offerings to you.
56:13 For you have delivered my soul from death,
and prevented my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Psalm 57

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when he was escaping from Saul, in the cave.

57:1 Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me,
for my soul takes refuge in you.
Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
until disaster has passed.
57:2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
57:3 He will send from heaven, and save me,
he rebukes the one who is pursuing me.
Selah.
God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
57:4 My soul is among lions.
I lie among those who are set on fire,
even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
57:5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be above all the earth!
57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps.
My soul is bowed down.
They dig a pit before me.
They fall into its midst themselves.
Selah.
57:7 My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
57:8 Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp!
I will wake up the dawn.
57:9 I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples.
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
57:10 For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens,
and your truth to the skies.
57:11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 58

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David.

58:1 Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones?
Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?
58:2 No, in your heart you plot injustice.
You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
58:3 The wicked go astray from the womb.
They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a snake;
like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,
58:5 which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers,
no matter how skillful the charmer may be.
58:6 Break their teeth, God, in their mouth.
Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.
58:7 Let them vanish as water that flows away.
When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.
58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away,
like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.
58:9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns,
he will sweep away the green and the burning alike.
58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance.
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;
58:11 so that men shall say, "Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous.
Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth."

Psalm 59

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when Saul sent men to watch the house in order to kill him.

59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God.
Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity.
Save me from the bloodthirsty men.
59:3 For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul.
The mighty gather themselves together against me,
not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, Yahweh.
59:4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Rise up, behold, and help me!
59:5 You, Yahweh God of Armies, the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish the nations.
Show no mercy to the wicked traitors.
Selah.
59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs,
and prowl around the city.
59:7 Behold, they spew with their mouth.
Swords are in their lips,
"For," they say, "who hears us?"
59:8 But you, Yahweh, laugh at them.
You scoff at all the nations.
59:9 Oh, my Strength, I watch for you,
for God is my high tower.
59:10 My God will go before me with his loving kindness.
God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.
59:11 Don't kill them, or my people may forget.
Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.
59:12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride,
for the curses and lies which they utter.
59:13 Consume them in wrath.
Consume them, and they will be no more.
Let them know that God rules in Jacob,
to the ends of the earth.
Selah.
59:14 At evening let them return.
Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
59:15 They shall wander up and down for food,
and wait all night if they aren't satisfied.
59:16 But I will sing of your strength.
Yes, I will sing aloud of your loving kindness in the morning.
For you have been my high tower,
a refuge in the day of my distress.
59:17 To you, my strength, I will sing praises.
For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

Psalm 60

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem by David, when he fought against Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and Joab came back, killing twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

60:1 God, you have rejected us.
You have broken us down.
You have been angry.
Restore us, again.
60:2 You have made the land tremble.
You have torn it.
Mend its fractures,
for it quakes.
60:3 You have shown your people hard things.
You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.
60:4 You have given a banner to those who fear you,
that it may be displayed because of the truth.
Selah.
60:5 So that your beloved may be delivered,
save with your right hand, and answer us.
60:6 God has spoken from his sanctuary:
"I will triumph.
I will divide Shechem,
and measure out the valley of Succoth.
60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine.
Ephraim also is the defense of my head.
Judah is my scepter.
60:8 Moab is my wash basin.
I will throw my shoe on Edom.
I shout in triumph over Philistia."
60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city?
Who has led me to Edom?
60:10 Haven't you, God, rejected us?
You don't go out with our armies, God.
60:11 Give us help against the adversary,
for the help of man is vain.
60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly,
for it is he who will tread down our adversaries.

Psalm 61

For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David.

For the Head Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David.

61:1 Hear my cry, God.
Listen to my prayer.
61:2 From the end of the earth, I will call to you, when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
61:3 For you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower from the enemy.
61:4 I will dwell in your tent forever.
I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah.
61:5 For you, God, have heard my vows.
You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
61:6 You will prolong the king's life;
his years shall be for generations.
61:7 He shall be enthroned in God's presence forever.
Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.
61:8 So I will sing praise to your name forever,
that I may fulfill my vows daily.

Psalm 62

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthan. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthan. A Psalm by David.

62:1 My soul rests in God alone.
My salvation is from him.
62:2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress--
I will never be greatly shaken.
62:3 How long will you assault a man,
would all of you throw him down,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
62:4 They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place.
They delight in lies.
They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.
Selah.
62:5 My soul, wait in silence for God alone,
for my expectation is from him.
62:6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.
I will not be shaken.
62:7 With God is my salvation and my honor.
The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
62:8 Trust in him at all times, you people.
Pour out your heart before him.
God is a refuge for us.
Selah.
62:9 Surely men of low degree are just a breath,
and men of high degree are a lie.
In the balances they will go up.
They are together lighter than a breath.
62:10 Don't trust in oppression.
Don't become vain in robbery.
If riches increase,
don't set your heart on them.
62:11 God has spoken once;
twice I have heard this,
that power belongs to God.
62:12 Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness,
for you reward every man according to his work.

Psalm 63

A Psalm by David, when he was in the desert of Judah.

A Psalm by David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

63:1 God, you are my God.
I will earnestly seek you.
My soul thirsts for you.
My flesh longs for you,
in a dry and weary land, where there is no water.
63:2 So I have seen you in the sanctuary,
watching your power and your glory.
63:3 Because your loving kindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise you.
63:4 So I will bless you while I live.
I will lift up my hands in your name.
63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food.
My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,
63:6 when I remember you on my bed,
and think about you in the night watches.
63:7 For you have been my help.
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
63:8 My soul stays close to you.
Your right hand holds me up.
63:9 But those who seek my soul, to destroy it,
shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
63:10 They shall be given over to the power of the sword.
They shall be jackal food.
63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God.
Everyone who swears by him will praise him,
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.

Psalm 64

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

64:1 Hear my voice, God, in my complaint.
Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
64:2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
from the noisy crowd of the ones doing evil;
64:3 who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
and aim their arrows, deadly words,
64:4 to shoot innocent men from ambushes.
They shoot at him suddenly and fearlessly.
64:5 They encourage themselves in evil plans.
They talk about laying snares secretly.
They say, "Who will see them?"
64:6 They plot injustice, saying, "We have made a perfect plan!"
Surely man's mind and heart are cunning.
64:7 But God will shoot at them.
They will be suddenly struck down with an arrow.
64:8 Their own tongues shall ruin them.
All who see them will shake their heads.
64:9 All mankind shall be afraid.
They shall declare the work of God,
and shall wisely ponder what he has done.
64:10 The righteous shall be glad in Yahweh,
and shall take refuge in him.
All the upright in heart shall praise him!

Psalm 65

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. A song.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. A song.

65:1 Praise waits for you, God, in Zion.
To you shall vows be performed.
65:2 You who hear prayer,
to you all men will come.
65:3 Sins overwhelmed me,
but you atoned for our transgressions.
65:4 Blessed is one whom you choose, and cause to come near,
that he may live in your courts.
We will be filled with the goodness of your house,
your holy temple.
65:5 By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us,
God of our salvation.
You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth,
of those who are far away on the sea;
65:6 Who by his power forms the mountains,
having armed yourself with strength;
65:7 who stills the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
65:8 They also who dwell in far-away places are afraid at your wonders.
You call the morning's dawn and the evening with songs of joy.
65:9 You visit the earth, and water it.
You greatly enrich it.
The river of God is full of water.
You provide them grain, for so you have ordained it.
65:10 You drench its furrows.
You level its ridges.
You soften it with showers.
You bless it with a crop.
65:11 You crown the year with your bounty.
Your carts overflow with abundance.
65:12 The wilderness grasslands overflow.
The hills are clothed with gladness.
65:13 The pastures are covered with flocks.
The valleys also are clothed with grain.
They shout for joy!
They also sing.

Psalm 66

For the Chief Musician. A song. A Psalm.

For the Head Musician. A song. A Psalm.

66:1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
66:2 Sing to the glory of his name!
Offer glory and praise!
66:3 Tell God, "How awesome are your deeds!
Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you.
66:4 All the earth will worship you,
and will sing to you;
they will sing to your name."
Selah.
66:5 Come, and see God's deeds--
awesome work on behalf of the children of men.
66:6 He turned the sea into dry land.
They went through the river on foot.
There, we rejoiced in him.
66:7 He rules by his might forever.
His eyes watch the nations.
Don't let the rebellious rise up against him.
Selah.
66:8 Praise our God, you peoples!
Make the sound of his praise heard,
66:9 who preserves our life among the living,
and doesn't allow our feet to be moved.
66:10 For you, God, have tested us.
You have refined us, as silver is refined.
66:11 You brought us into prison.
You laid a burden on our backs.
66:12 You allowed men to ride over our heads.
We went through fire and through water,
but you brought us to the place of abundance.
66:13 I will come into your temple with burnt offerings.
I will pay my vows to you, 66:14 which my lips promised,
and my mouth spoke, when I was in distress.
66:15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fat animals,
with the offering of rams,
I will offer bulls with goats.
Selah.
66:16 Come, and hear, all you who fear God.
I will declare what he has done for my soul.
66:17 I cried to him with my mouth.
He was extolled with my tongue.
66:18 If I cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord wouldn't have listened.
66:19 But most certainly, God has listened.
He has heard the voice of my prayer.
66:20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer,
nor his loving kindness from me.

Psalm 67

For the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song.

For the Chief Musician. With string instruments. A Psalm. A song.

67:1 May God be merciful to us, bless us,
and cause his face to shine on us.
Selah.
67:2 That your way may be known on earth,
and your salvation among all nations,
67:3 let the peoples praise you, God.
Let all the peoples praise you.
67:4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you will judge the peoples with equity,
and govern the nations on earth.
Selah.
67:5 Let the peoples praise you, God.
Let all the peoples praise you.
67:6 The earth has yielded its increase.
God, even our own God, will bless us.
67:7 God will bless us.
All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Psalm 68

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. A song.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. A song.

68:1 Let God arise!
Let his enemies be scattered!
Let them who hate him also flee before him.
68:2 As smoke is driven away,
so drive them away.
As wax melts before the fire,
so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
68:3 But let the righteous be glad.
Let them rejoice before God.
Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.
68:4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name!
Extol him who rides on the clouds:
to Yah, his name!
Rejoice before him!
68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows,
is God in his holy habitation.
68:6 God sets the lonely in families.
He brings out the prisoners with singing,
but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
68:7 God, when you went forth before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness...
Selah.
68:8 The earth trembled.
The sky also poured down rain at the presence of the God of Sinai--
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
68:9 You, God, sent a plentiful rain.
You confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary.
68:10 Your congregation lived therein.
You, God, prepared your goodness for the poor.
68:11 The Lord announced the word.
The ones who proclaim it are a great company.
68:12 "Kings of armies flee! They flee!"
She who waits at home divides the spoil,
68:13 while you sleep among the campfires,
the wings of a dove sheathed with silver,
her feathers with shining gold.
68:14 When the Almighty scattered kings in her,
it snowed on Zalmon.
68:15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains.
The mountains of Bashan are rugged.
68:16 Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains,
at the mountain where God chooses to reign?
Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.
68:17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands.
The Lord is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.
68:18 You have ascended on high.
You have led away captives.
You have received gifts among men,
yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.
68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens,
even the God who is our salvation.
Selah.
68:20 God is to us a God of deliverance.
To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death.
68:21 But God will strike through the head of his enemies,
the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness.
68:22 The Lord said, "I will bring you again from Bashan,
I will bring you again from the depths of the sea;
68:23 That you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood,
that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies."
68:24 They have seen your processions, God,
even the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.
68:25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after,
in the midst of the ladies playing with tambourines,
68:26 "Bless God in the congregations,
even the Lord in the assembly of Israel!"
68:27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler,
the princes of Judah, their council,
the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
68:28 Your God has commanded your strength.
Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us.
68:29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem,
kings shall bring presents to you.
68:30 Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds,
the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples.
Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver.
Scatter the nations that delight in war.
68:31 Princes shall come out of Egypt.
Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God.
68:32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth!
Sing praises to the Lord!
Selah.
68:33 To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old;
behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice.
68:34 Ascribe strength to God!
His excellency is over Israel,
his strength is in the skies.
68:35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries.
The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people.
Praise be to God!

Psalm 69

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Lilies." By David.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Lilies." By David.

69:1 Save me, God,
for the waters have come up to my neck!
69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.
I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
69:3 I am weary with my crying.
My throat is dry.
My eyes fail, looking for my God.
69:4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head.
Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty.
I have to restore what I didn't take away.
69:5 God, you know my foolishness.
My sins aren't hidden from you.
69:6 Don't let those who wait for you be shamed through me, Lord Yahweh of Armies.
Don't let those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, God of Israel.
69:7 Because for your sake, I have borne reproach.
Shame has covered my face.
69:8 I have become a stranger to my brothers,
an alien to my mother's children.
69:9 For the zeal of your house consumes me.
The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
69:10 When I wept and I fasted,
that was to my reproach.
69:11 When I made sackcloth my clothing,
I became a byword to them.
69:12 Those who sit in the gate talk about me.
I am the song of the drunkards.
69:13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, Yahweh, in an acceptable time.
God, in the abundance of your loving kindness, answer me in the truth of your salvation.
69:14 Deliver me out of the mire, and don't let me sink.
Let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.
69:15 Don't let the flood waters overwhelm me,
neither let the deep swallow me up.
Don't let the pit shut its mouth on me.
69:16 Answer me, Yahweh, for your loving kindness is good.
According to the multitude of your tender mercies, turn to me.
69:17 Don't hide your face from your servant,
for I am in distress.
Answer me speedily!
69:18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it.
Ransom me because of my enemies.
69:19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor.
My adversaries are all before you.
69:20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness.
I looked for some to take pity, but there was none;
for comforters, but I found none.
69:21 They also gave me gall for my food.
In my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink.
69:22 Let their table before them become a snare.
May it become a retribution and a trap.
69:23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they can't see.
Let their backs be continually bent.
69:24 Pour out your indignation on them.
Let the fierceness of your anger overtake them.
69:25 Let their habitation be desolate.
Let no one dwell in their tents.
69:26 For they persecute him whom you have wounded.
They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt.
69:27 Charge them with crime upon crime.
Don't let them come into your righteousness.
69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life,
and not be written with the righteous.
69:29 But I am in pain and distress.
Let your salvation, God, protect me.
69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song,
and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
69:31 It will please Yahweh better than an ox,
or a bull that has horns and hoofs.
69:32 The humble have seen it, and are glad.
You who seek after God, let your heart live.
69:33 For Yahweh hears the needy,
and doesn't despise his captive people.
69:34 Let heaven and earth praise him;
the seas, and everything that moves therein!
69:35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah.
They shall settle there, and own it.
69:36 The children also of his servants shall inherit it.
Those who love his name shall dwell therein.

Psalm 70

For the Chief Musician. By David. A reminder.

For the Chief Musician. By David. A reminder.

70:1 Hurry, God, to deliver me.
Come quickly to help me, Yahweh.
70:2 Let them be disappointed and confounded who seek my soul.
Let those who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
70:3 Let them be turned because of their shame
Who say, "Aha! Aha!"
70:4 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation continually say,
"Let God be exalted!"
70:5 But I am poor and needy.
Come to me quickly, God.
You are my help and my deliverer.
Yahweh, don't delay.

Psalm 71

71:1 In you, Yahweh, I take refuge.
Never let me be disappointed.
71:2 Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me.
Turn your ear to me, and save me.
71:3 Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go.
Give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
71:4 Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
71:5 For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh;
my confidence from my youth.
71:6 I have relied on you from the womb.
You are he who took me out of my mother's womb.
I will always praise you.
71:7 I am a marvel to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
71:8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
with your honor all the day.
71:9 Don't reject me in my old age.
Don't forsake me when my strength fails.
71:10 For my enemies talk about me.
Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
71:11 saying, "God has forsaken him.
Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him."
71:12 God, don't be far from me.
My God, hurry to help me.
71:13 Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed.
Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.
71:14 But I will always hope,
and will add to all of your praise.
71:15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness,
and of your salvation all day,
though I don't know its full measure.
71:16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh.
I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
71:17 God, you have taught me from my youth.
Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
71:18 Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don't forsake me,
until I have declared your strength to the next generation,
your might to everyone who is to come.
71:19 Your righteousness also, God, reaches to the heavens;
you have done great things.
God, who is like you?
71:20 You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles,
you will let me live.
You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
71:21 Increase my honor,
and comfort me again.
71:22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God.
I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
71:23 My lips shall shout for joy!
My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you!
71:24 My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long,
for they are disappointed, and they are confounded,
who want to harm me.

Psalm 72

By Solomon.

By Solomon.

72:1 God, give the king your justice;
your righteousness to the royal son.
72:2 He will judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.
72:3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people.
The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
72:4 He will judge the poor of the people.
He will save the children of the needy,
and will break the oppressor in pieces.
72:5 They shall fear you while the sun endures;
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
72:6 He will come down like rain on the mown grass,
as showers that water the earth.
72:7 In his days, the righteous shall flourish,
and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
72:8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
from the River to the ends of the earth.
72:9 Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him.
His enemies shall lick the dust.
72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
72:11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before him.
All nations shall serve him.
72:12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries;
the poor, who has no helper.
72:13 He will have pity on the poor and needy.
He will save the souls of the needy.
72:14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence.
Their blood will be precious in his sight.
72:15 They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba.
Men shall pray for him continually.
They shall bless him all day long.
72:16 There shall be abundance of grain throughout the land.
Its fruit sways like Lebanon.
Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.
72:17 His name endures forever.
His name continues as long as the sun.
Men shall be blessed by him.
All nations will call him blessed.
72:18 Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
72:19 Blessed be his glorious name forever!
Let the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and amen.
72:20 This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.

BOOK III

BOOK 3

Psalm 73

A Psalm by Asaph.

A Psalm by Asaph.

73:1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone.
My steps had nearly slipped.
73:3 For I was envious of the arrogant,
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:4 For there are no struggles in their death,
but their strength is firm.
73:5 They are free from burdens of men,
neither are they plagued like other men.
73:6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck.
Violence covers them like a garment.
73:7 Their eyes bulge with fat.
Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
73:8 They scoff and speak with malice.
In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
73:9 They have set their mouth in the heavens.
Their tongue walks through the earth.
73:10 Therefore their people return to them,
and they drink up waters of abundance.
73:11 They say, "How does God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?"
73:12 Behold, these are the wicked.
Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
73:13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart,
and washed my hands in innocence,
73:14 For all day long have I been plagued,
and punished every morning.
73:15 If I had said, "I will speak thus;"
behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
73:16 When I tried to understand this,
it was too painful for me;
73:17 Until I entered God's sanctuary,
and considered their latter end.
73:18 Surely you set them in slippery places.
You throw them down to destruction.
73:19 How they are suddenly destroyed!
They are completely swept away with terrors.
73:20 As a dream when one wakes up,
so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
73:21 For my soul was grieved.
I was embittered in my heart.
73:22 I was so senseless and ignorant.
I was a brute beast before you.
73:23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you.
You have held my right hand.
73:24 You will guide me with your counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
73:25 Who do I have in heaven?
There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.
73:26 My flesh and my heart fails,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
73:27 For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish.
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
73:28 But it is good for me to come close to God.
I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 74

A contemplation by Asaph.

Asaph's reflection.

74:1 God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
74:2 Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old,
which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance;
Mount Zion, in which you have lived.
74:3 Lift up your feet to the perpetual ruins,
all the evil that the enemy has done in the sanctuary.
74:4 Your adversaries have roared in the midst of your assembly.
They have set up their standards as signs.
74:5 They behaved like men wielding axes,
cutting through a thicket of trees.
74:6 Now they break all its carved work down with hatchet and hammers.
74:7 They have burned your sanctuary to the ground.
They have profaned the dwelling place of your Name.
74:8 They said in their heart, "We will crush them completely."
They have burned up all the places in the land where God was worshiped.
74:9 We see no miraculous signs.
There is no longer any prophet,
neither is there among us anyone who knows how long.
74:10 How long, God, shall the adversary reproach?
Shall the enemy blaspheme your name forever?
74:11 Why do you draw back your hand, even your right hand?
Take it out of your pocket and consume them!
74:12 Yet God is my King of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth.
74:13 You divided the sea by your strength.
You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.
74:14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces.
You gave him as food to people and desert creatures.
74:15 You opened up spring and stream.
You dried up mighty rivers.
74:16 The day is yours, the night is also yours.
You have prepared the light and the sun.
74:17 You have set all the boundaries of the earth.
You have made summer and winter.
74:18 Remember this, that the enemy has mocked you, Yahweh.
Foolish people have blasphemed your name.
74:19 Don't deliver the soul of your dove to wild beasts.
Don't forget the life of your poor forever.
74:20 Honor your covenant,
for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the earth.
74:21 Don't let the oppressed return ashamed.
Let the poor and needy praise your name.
74:22 Arise, God! Plead your own cause.
Remember how the foolish man mocks you all day.
74:23 Don't forget the voice of your adversaries.
The tumult of those who rise up against you ascends continually.

Psalm 75

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A Psalm by Asaph. A song.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A Psalm by Asaph. A song.

75:1 We give thanks to you, God.
We give thanks, for your Name is near.
Men tell about your wondrous works.
75:2 When I choose the appointed time,
I will judge blamelessly.
75:3 The earth and all its inhabitants quake.
I firmly hold its pillars.
Selah.
75:4 I said to the arrogant, "Don't boast!"
I said to the wicked, "Don't lift up the horn.
75:5 Don't lift up your horn on high.
Don't speak with a stiff neck."
75:6 For neither from the east, nor from the west,
nor yet from the south, comes exaltation.
75:7 But God is the judge.
He puts down one, and lifts up another.
75:8 For in the hand of Yahweh there is a cup,
full of foaming wine mixed with spices.
He pours it out.
Indeed the wicked of the earth drink and drink it to its very dregs.
75:9 But I will declare this forever:
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
75:10 I will cut off all the horns of the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Psalm 76

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm by Asaph. A song.

For the lead musician. On string instruments. A psalm by Asaph. A song.

76:1 In Judah, God is known.
His name is great in Israel.
76:2 His tent is also in Salem;
His dwelling place in Zion.
76:3 There he broke the flaming arrows of the bow,
the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war.
Selah.
76:4 Glorious are you, and excellent,
more than mountains of game.
76:5 Valiant men lie plundered,
they have slept their last sleep.
None of the men of war can lift their hands.
76:6 At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
both chariot and horse are cast into a deep sleep.
76:7 You, even you, are to be feared.
Who can stand in your sight when you are angry?
76:8 You pronounced judgment from heaven.
The earth feared, and was silent,
76:9 when God arose to judgment,
to save all the afflicted ones of the earth.
Selah.
76:10 Surely the wrath of man praises you.
The survivors of your wrath are restrained.
76:11 Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them!
Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared.
76:12 He will cut off the spirit of princes.
He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Psalm 77

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph.

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph.

77:1 My cry goes to God!
Indeed, I cry to God for help,
and for him to listen to me.
77:2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord.
My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn't get tired.
My soul refused to be comforted.
77:3 I remember God, and I groan.
I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed.
Selah.
77:4 You hold my eyelids open.
I am so troubled that I can't speak.
77:5 I have considered the days of old,
the years of ancient times.
77:6 I remember my song in the night.
I consider in my own heart;
my spirit diligently inquires:
77:7 "Will the Lord reject us forever?
Will he be favorable no more?
77:8 Has his loving kindness vanished forever?
Does his promise fail for generations?
77:9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?"
Selah.
77:10 Then I thought, "I will appeal to this:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
77:11 I will remember Yah's deeds;
for I will remember your wonders of old.
77:12 I will also meditate on all your work,
and consider your doings.
77:13 Your way, God, is in the sanctuary.
What god is great like God?
77:14 You are the God who does wonders.
You have made your strength known among the peoples.
77:15 You have redeemed your people with your arm,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
Selah.
77:16 The waters saw you, God.
The waters saw you, and they writhed.
The depths also convulsed.
77:17 The clouds poured out water.
The skies resounded with thunder.
Your arrows also flashed around.
77:18 The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind.
The lightnings lit up the world.
The earth trembled and shook.
77:19 Your way was through the sea;
your paths through the great waters.
Your footsteps were not known.
77:20 You led your people like a flock,
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 78

A contemplation by Asaph.

A reflection by Asaph.

78:1 Hear my teaching, my people.
Turn your ears to the words of my mouth.
78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable.
I will utter dark sayings of old,
78:3 Which we have heard and known,
and our fathers have told us.
78:4 We will not hide them from their children,
telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh,
his strength, and his wondrous works that he has done.
78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob,
and appointed a teaching in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers,
that they should make them known to their children;
78:6 that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born;
who should arise and tell their children,
78:7 that they might set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments,
78:8 and might not be as their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that didn't make their hearts loyal,
whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
78:9 The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows,
turned back in the day of battle.
78:10 They didn't keep God's covenant,
and refused to walk in his law.
78:11 They forgot his doings,
his wondrous works that he had shown them.
78:12 He did marvelous things in the sight of their fathers,
in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
78:13 He split the sea, and caused them to pass through.
He made the waters stand as a heap.
78:14 In the daytime he also led them with a cloud,
and all night with a light of fire.
78:15 He split rocks in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths.
78:16 He brought streams also out of the rock,
and caused waters to run down like rivers.
78:17 Yet they still went on to sin against him,
to rebel against the Most High in the desert.
78:18 They tempted God in their heart
by asking food according to their desire.
78:19 Yes, they spoke against God.
They said, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?
78:20 Behold, he struck the rock, so that waters gushed out,
and streams overflowed.
Can he give bread also?
Will he provide flesh for his people?"
78:21 Therefore Yahweh heard, and was angry.
A fire was kindled against Jacob,
anger also went up against Israel,
78:22 because they didn't believe in God,
and didn't trust in his salvation.
78:23 Yet he commanded the skies above,
and opened the doors of heaven.
78:24 He rained down manna on them to eat,
and gave them food from the sky.
78:25 Man ate the bread of angels.
He sent them food to the full.
78:26 He caused the east wind to blow in the sky.
By his power he guided the south wind.
78:27 He rained also flesh on them as the dust;
winged birds as the sand of the seas.
78:28 He let them fall in the midst of their camp,
around their habitations.
78:29 So they ate, and were well filled.
He gave them their own desire.
78:30 They didn't turn from their cravings.
Their food was yet in their mouths,
78:31 when the anger of God went up against them,
killed some of the fattest of them,
and struck down the young men of Israel.
78:32 For all this they still sinned,
and didn't believe in his wondrous works.
78:33 Therefore he consumed their days in vanity,
and their years in terror.
78:34 When he killed them, then they inquired after him.
They returned and sought God earnestly.
78:35 They remembered that God was their rock,
the Most High God, their redeemer.
78:36 But they flattered him with their mouth,
and lied to him with their tongue.
78:37 For their heart was not right with him,
neither were they faithful in his covenant.
78:38 But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn't destroy them.
Yes, many times he turned his anger away,
and didn't stir up all his wrath.
78:39 He remembered that they were but flesh,
a wind that passes away, and doesn't come again.
78:40 How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness,
and grieved him in the desert!
78:41 They turned again and tempted God,
and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
78:42 They didn't remember his hand,
nor the day when he redeemed them from the adversary;
78:43 how he set his signs in Egypt,
his wonders in the field of Zoan,
78:44 he turned their rivers into blood,
and their streams, so that they could not drink.
78:45 He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them;
and frogs, which destroyed them.
78:46 He gave also their increase to the caterpillar,
and their labor to the locust.
78:47 He destroyed their vines with hail,
their sycamore fig trees with frost.
78:48 He gave over their livestock also to the hail,
and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.
78:49 He threw on them the fierceness of his anger,
wrath, indignation, and trouble,
and a band of angels of evil.
78:50 He made a path for his anger.
He didn't spare their soul from death,
but gave their life over to the pestilence,
78:51 and struck all the firstborn in Egypt,
the chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.
78:52 But he led forth his own people like sheep,
and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
78:53 He led them safely, so that they weren't afraid,
but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
78:54 He brought them to the border of his sanctuary,
to this mountain, which his right hand had taken.
78:55 He also drove out the nations before them,
allotted them for an inheritance by line,
and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
78:56 Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God,
and didn't keep his testimonies;
78:57 but turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers.
They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
78:58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places,
and moved him to jealousy with their engraved images.
78:59 When God heard this, he was angry,
and greatly abhorred Israel;
78:60 So that he forsook the tent of Shiloh,
the tent which he placed among men;
78:61 and delivered his strength into captivity,
his glory into the adversary's hand.
78:62 He also gave his people over to the sword,
and was angry with his inheritance.
78:63 Fire devoured their young men.
Their virgins had no wedding song.
78:64 Their priests fell by the sword,
and their widows couldn't weep.
78:65 Then the Lord awakened as one out of sleep,
like a mighty man who shouts by reason of wine.
78:66 He struck his adversaries backward.
He put them to a perpetual reproach.
78:67 Moreover he rejected the tent of Joseph,
and didn't choose the tribe of Ephraim,
78:68 But chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion which he loved.
78:69 He built his sanctuary like the heights,
like the earth which he has established forever.
78:70 He also chose David his servant,
and took him from the sheepfolds;
78:71 from following the ewes that have their young,
he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people,
and Israel, his inheritance.
78:72 So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart,
and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.

Psalm 79

A Psalm by Asaph.

A Psalm by Asaph.

79:1 God, the nations have come into your inheritance.
They have defiled your holy temple.
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
79:2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky,
the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth.
79:3 Their blood they have shed like water around Jerusalem.
There was no one to bury them.
79:4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
a scoffing and derision to those who are around us.
79:5 How long, Yahweh?
Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
79:6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don't know you;
on the kingdoms that don't call on your name;
79:7 For they have devoured Jacob,
and destroyed his homeland.
79:8 Don't hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us.
Let your tender mercies speedily meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
79:9 Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name.
Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.
79:10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes,
that vengeance for your servants' blood is being poured out.
79:11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you.
According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death.
79:12 Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom
their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.
79:13 So we, your people and sheep of your pasture,
will give you thanks forever.
We will praise you forever, to all generations.

Psalm 80

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." A Psalm by Asaph.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." A Psalm by Asaph.

80:1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock,
you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth.
80:2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might!
Come to save us!
80:3 Turn us again, God.
Cause your face to shine,
and we will be saved.
80:4 Yahweh God of Armies,
How long will you be angry against the prayer of your people?
80:5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in large measure.
80:6 You make us a source of contention to our neighbors.
Our enemies laugh among themselves.
80:7 Turn us again, God of Armies.
Cause your face to shine,
and we will be saved.
80:8 You brought a vine out of Egypt.
You drove out the nations, and planted it.
80:9 You cleared the ground for it.
It took deep root, and filled the land.
80:10 The mountains were covered with its shadow.
Its boughs were like God's cedars.
80:11 It sent out its branches to the sea,
Its shoots to the River.
80:12 Why have you broken down its walls,
so that all those who pass by the way pluck it?
80:13 The boar out of the wood ravages it.
The wild animals of the field feed on it.
80:14 Turn again, we beg you, God of Armies.
Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine,
80:15 the stock which your right hand planted,
the branch that you made strong for yourself.
80:16 It's burned with fire.
It's cut down.
They perish at your rebuke.
80:17 Let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself.
80:18 So we will not turn away from you.
Revive us, and we will call on your name.
80:19 Turn us again, Yahweh God of Armies.
Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.

Psalm 81

For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph.

For the Chief Musician. On an instrument from Gath. By Asaph.

81:1 Sing aloud to God, our strength!
Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!
81:2 Raise a song, and bring here the tambourine,
the pleasant lyre with the harp.
81:3 Blow the trumpet at the New Moon,
at the full moon, on our feast day.
81:4 For it is a statute for Israel,
an ordinance of the God of Jacob.
81:5 He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony,
when he went out over the land of Egypt,
I heard a language that I didn't know.
81:6 "I removed his shoulder from the burden.
His hands were freed from the basket.
81:7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you.
I answered you in the secret place of thunder.
I tested you at the waters of Meribah."
Selah.
81:8 "Hear, my people, and I will testify to you,
Israel, if you would listen to me!
81:9 There shall be no strange god in you,
neither shall you worship any foreign god.
81:10 I am Yahweh, your God,
who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
81:11 But my people didn't listen to my voice.
Israel desired none of me.
81:12 So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts,
that they might walk in their own counsels.
81:13 Oh that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!
81:14 I would soon subdue their enemies,
and turn my hand against their adversaries.
81:15 The haters of Yahweh would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
81:16 But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat.
I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock."

Psalm 82

A Psalm by Asaph.

A Psalm of Asaph.

82:1 God presides in the great assembly.
He judges among the gods.
82:2 "How long will you judge unjustly,
and show partiality to the wicked?"
Selah.
82:3 "Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless.
Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
82:4 Rescue the weak and needy.
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."
82:5 They don't know, neither do they understand.
They walk back and forth in darkness.
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
82:6 I said, "You are gods,
all of you are sons of the Most High.
82:7 Nevertheless you shall die like men,
and fall like one of the rulers."
82:8 Arise, God, judge the earth,
for you inherit all of the nations.

Psalm 83

A song. A Psalm by Asaph.

A song. A Psalm by Asaph.

83:1 God, don't keep silent.
Don't keep silent,
and don't be still, God.
83:2 For, behold, your enemies are stirred up.
Those who hate you have lifted up their heads.
83:3 They conspire with cunning against your people.
They plot against your cherished ones.
83:4 "Come," they say, "and let's destroy them as a nation,
that the name of Israel may be remembered no more."
83:5 For they have conspired together with one mind.
They form an alliance against you.
83:6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab, and the Hagrites;
83:7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
83:8 Assyria also is joined with them.
They have helped the children of Lot.
Selah.
83:9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon;
83:10 who perished at Endor,
who became as dung for the earth.
83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb;
yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna;
83:12 who said, "Let us take possession of God's pasturelands."
83:13 My God, make them like tumbleweed;
like chaff before the wind.
83:14 As the fire that burns the forest,
as the flame that sets the mountains on fire,
83:15 so pursue them with your tempest,
and terrify them with your storm.
83:16 Fill their faces with confusion,
that they may seek your name, Yahweh.
83:17 Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever.
Yes, let them be confounded and perish;
83:18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is Yahweh,
are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalm 84

For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

For the Chief Musician. On an instrument from Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

84:1 How lovely are your dwellings,
Yahweh of Armies!
84:2 My soul longs, and even faints for the courts of Yahweh.
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
84:3 Yes, the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young,
near your altars, Yahweh of Armies, my King, and my God.
84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house.
They are always praising you.
Selah.
84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you;
who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.
84:6 Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs.
Yes, the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
84:7 They go from strength to strength.
Everyone of them appears before God in Zion.
84:8 Yahweh, God of Armies, hear my prayer.
Listen, God of Jacob.
Selah.
84:9 Behold, God our shield,
look at the face of your anointed.
84:10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
84:11 For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield.
Yahweh will give grace and glory.
He withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly.
84:12 Yahweh of Armies,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 85

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah.

85:1 Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land.
You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.
85:2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people.
You have covered all their sin.
Selah.
85:3 You have taken away all your wrath.
You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.
85:4 Turn us, God of our salvation,
and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
85:5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you draw out your anger to all generations?
85:6 Won't you revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
85:7 Show us your loving kindness, Yahweh.
Grant us your salvation.
85:8 I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, his saints;
but let them not turn again to folly.
85:9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
85:10 Mercy and truth meet together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
85:11 Truth springs out of the earth.
Righteousness has looked down from heaven.
85:12 Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good.
Our land will yield its increase.
85:13 Righteousness goes before him,
And prepares the way for his steps.

Psalm 86

A Prayer by David.

David's Prayer.

86:1 Hear, Yahweh, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
86:2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly.
You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.
86:3 Be merciful to me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
86:4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant,
for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.
86:5 For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive;
abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
86:6 Hear, Yahweh, my prayer.
Listen to the voice of my petitions.
86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you,
for you will answer me.
86:8 There is no one like you among the gods, Lord,
nor any deeds like your deeds.
86:9 All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord.
They shall glorify your name.
86:10 For you are great, and do wondrous things.
You are God alone.
86:11 Teach me your way, Yahweh.
I will walk in your truth.
Make my heart undivided to fear your name.
86:12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart.
I will glorify your name forevermore.
86:13 For your loving kindness is great toward me.
You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.
86:14 God, the proud have risen up against me.
A company of violent men have sought after my soul,
and they don't hold regard for you before them.
86:15 But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
86:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me!
Give your strength to your servant.
Save the son of your handmaid.
86:17 Show me a sign of your goodness,
that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed,
because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.

Psalm 87

A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song.

A Psalm by the descendants of Korah; a Song.

87:1 His foundation is in the holy mountains.
87:2 Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
87:3 Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God.
Selah.
87:4 I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me.
Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia:
"This one was born there."
87:5 Yes, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one was born in her;"
the Most High himself will establish her.
87:6 Yahweh will count, when he writes up the peoples,
"This one was born there."
Selah.
87:7 Those who sing as well as those who dance say,
"All my springs are in you."

Psalm 88

A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite.

A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A reflection by Heman, the Ezrahite.

88:1 Yahweh, the God of my salvation,
I have cried day and night before you.
88:2 Let my prayer enter into your presence.
Turn your ear to my cry.
88:3 For my soul is full of troubles.
My life draws near to Sheol.
88:4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit.
I am like a man who has no help,
88:5 set apart among the dead,
like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more.
They are cut off from your hand.
88:6 You have laid me in the lowest pit,
in the darkest depths.
88:7 Your wrath lies heavily on me.
You have afflicted me with all your waves.
Selah.
88:8 You have taken my friends from me.
You have made me an abomination to them.
I am confined, and I can't escape.
88:9 My eyes are dim from grief.
I have called on you daily, Yahweh.
I have spread out my hands to you.
88:10 Do you show wonders to the dead?
Do the dead rise up and praise you?
Selah.
88:11 Is your loving kindness declared in the grave?
Or your faithfulness in Destruction?
88:12 Are your wonders made known in the dark?
Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
88:13 But to you, Yahweh, I have cried.
In the morning, my prayer comes before you.
88:14 Yahweh, why do you reject my soul?
Why do you hide your face from me?
88:15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up.
While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.
88:16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me.
Your terrors have cut me off.
88:17 They came around me like water all day long.
They completely engulfed me.
88:18 You have put lover and friend far from me,
and my friends into darkness.

Psalm 89

A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite.

A reflection by Ethan, the Ezrahite.

89:1 I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever.
With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
89:2 I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever.
You established the heavens.
Your faithfulness is in them."
89:3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David, my servant,
89:4 'I will establish your seed forever,
and build up your throne to all generations.'"
Selah.
89:5 The heavens will praise your wonders, Yahweh;
your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
89:6 For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh?
Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh,
89:7 a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones,
to be feared above all those who are around him?
89:8 Yahweh, God of Armies, who is a mighty one, like you?
Yah, your faithfulness is around you.
89:9 You rule the pride of the sea.
When its waves rise up, you calm them.
89:10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, like one of the slain.
You have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
89:11 The heavens are yours.
The earth also is yours;
the world and its fullness.
You have founded them.
89:12 The north and the south, you have created them.
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name.
89:13 You have a mighty arm.
Your hand is strong, and your right hand is exalted.
89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
Loving kindness and truth go before your face.
89:15 Blessed are the people who learn to acclaim you.
They walk in the light of your presence, Yahweh.
89:16 In your name they rejoice all day.
In your righteousness, they are exalted.
89:17 For you are the glory of their strength.
In your favor, our horn will be exalted.
89:18 For our shield belongs to Yahweh;
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
89:19 Then you spoke in vision to your saints,
and said, "I have bestowed strength on the warrior.
I have exalted a young man from the people.
89:20 I have found David, my servant.
I have anointed him with my holy oil,
89:21 with whom my hand shall be established.
My arm will also strengthen him.
89:22 No enemy will tax him.
No wicked man will oppress him.
89:23 I will beat down his adversaries before him,
and strike those who hate him.
89:24 But my faithfulness and my loving kindness will be with him.
In my name, his horn will be exalted.
89:25 I will set his hand also on the sea,
and his right hand on the rivers.
89:26 He will call to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, and the rock of my salvation!'
89:27 I will also appoint him my firstborn,
the highest of the kings of the earth.
89:28 I will keep my loving kindness for him forevermore.
My covenant will stand firm with him.
89:29 I will also make his seed endure forever,
and his throne as the days of heaven.
89:30 If his children forsake my law,
and don't walk in my ordinances;
89:31 if they break my statutes,
and don't keep my commandments;
89:32 then I will punish their sin with the rod,
and their iniquity with stripes.
89:33 But I will not completely take my loving kindness from him,
nor allow my faithfulness to fail.
89:34 I will not break my covenant,
nor alter what my lips have uttered.
89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness,
I will not lie to David.
89:36 His seed will endure forever,
his throne like the sun before me.
89:37 It will be established forever like the moon,
the faithful witness in the sky."
Selah.
89:38 But you have rejected and spurned.
You have been angry with your anointed.
89:39 You have renounced the covenant of your servant.
You have defiled his crown in the dust.
89:40 You have broken down all his hedges.
You have brought his strongholds to ruin.
89:41 All who pass by the way rob him.
He has become a reproach to his neighbors.
89:42 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries.
You have made all of his enemies rejoice.
89:43 Yes, you turn back the edge of his sword,
and haven't supported him in battle.
89:44 You have ended his splendor,
and thrown his throne down to the ground.
89:45 You have shortened the days of his youth.
You have covered him with shame.
Selah.
89:46 How long, Yahweh?
Will you hide yourself forever?
Will your wrath burn like fire?
89:47 Remember how short my time is!
For what vanity have you created all the children of men!
89:48 What man is he who shall live and not see death,
who shall deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?
Selah.
89:49 Lord, where are your former loving kindnesses,
which you swore to David in your faithfulness?
89:50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of your servants,
how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the mighty peoples,
89:51 With which your enemies have mocked, Yahweh,
with which they have mocked the footsteps of your anointed one.
89:52 Blessed be Yahweh forevermore.
Amen, and Amen.

BOOK IV

BOOK IV

Psalm 90

A Prayer by Moses, the man of God.

A Prayer by Moses, the man of God.

90:1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.
90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
before you had formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
90:3 You turn man to destruction, saying,
"Return, you children of men."
90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past,
like a watch in the night.
90:5 You sweep them away as they sleep.
In the morning they sprout like new grass.
90:6 In the morning it sprouts and springs up.
By evening, it is withered and dry.
90:7 For we are consumed in your anger.
We are troubled in your wrath.
90:8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
90:9 For all our days have passed away in your wrath.
We bring our years to an end as a sigh.
90:10 The days of our years are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty years;
yet their pride is but labor and sorrow,
for it passes quickly, and we fly away.
90:11 Who knows the power of your anger,
your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?
90:12 So teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
90:13 Relent, Yahweh!
How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
90:15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen evil.
90:16 Let your work appear to your servants;
your glory to their children.
90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish the work of our hands for us;
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 91

91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
91:2 I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust."
91:3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
and from the deadly pestilence.
91:4 He will cover you with his feathers.
Under his wings you will take refuge.
His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
91:5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
91:6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
91:7 A thousand may fall at your side,
and ten thousand at your right hand;
but it will not come near you.
91:8 You will only look with your eyes,
and see the recompense of the wicked.
91:9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge,
and the Most High your dwelling place,
91:10 no evil shall happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
91:11 For he will put his angels in charge of you,
to guard you in all your ways.
91:12 They will bear you up in their hands,
so that you won't dash your foot against a stone.
91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra.
You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
91:14 "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
91:15 He will call on me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble.
I will deliver him, and honor him.
91:16 I will satisfy him with long life,
and show him my salvation."

Psalm 92

A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.

A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath.

92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks to Yahweh,
to sing praises to your name, Most High;
92:2 to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning,
and your faithfulness every night,
92:3 with the ten-stringed lute, with the harp,
and with the melody of the lyre.
92:4 For you, Yahweh, have made me glad through your work.
I will triumph in the works of your hands.
92:5 How great are your works, Yahweh!
Your thoughts are very deep.
92:6 A senseless man doesn't know,
neither does a fool understand this:
92:7 though the wicked spring up as the grass,
and all the evil-doers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever.
92:8 But you, Yahweh, are on high forevermore.
92:9 For, behold, your enemies, Yahweh,
for, behold, your enemies shall perish.
All the evil-doers will be scattered.
92:10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox.
I am anointed with fresh oil.
92:11 My eye has also seen my enemies.
My ears have heard of the wicked enemies who rise up against me.
92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
92:13 They are planted in Yahweh's house.
They will flourish in our God's courts.
92:14 They will still bring forth fruit in old age.
They will be full of sap and green,
92:15 to show that Yahweh is upright.
He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 93

93:1 Yahweh reigns!
He is clothed with majesty!
Yahweh is armed with strength.
The world also is established.
It can't be moved.
93:2 Your throne is established from long ago.
You are from everlasting.
93:3 The floods have lifted up, Yahweh,
the floods have lifted up their voice.
The floods lift up their waves.
93:4 Above the voices of many waters,
the mighty breakers of the sea,
Yahweh on high is mighty.
93:5 Your statutes stand firm.
Holiness adorns your house,
Yahweh, forevermore.

Psalm 94

94:1 Yahweh, you God to whom vengeance belongs,
you God to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth.
94:2 Rise up, you judge of the earth.
Pay back the proud what they deserve.
94:3 Yahweh, how long will the wicked,
how long will the wicked triumph?
94:4 They pour out arrogant words.
All the evil-doers boast.
94:5 They break your people in pieces, Yahweh,
and afflict your heritage.
94:6 They kill the widow and the alien,
and murder the fatherless.
94:7 They say, "Yah will not see,
neither will Jacob's God consider."
94:8 Consider, you senseless among the people;
you fools, when will you be wise?
94:9 He who implanted the ear, won't he hear?
He who formed the eye, won't he see?
94:10 He who disciplines the nations, won't he punish?
He who teaches man knows.
94:11 Yahweh knows the thoughts of man,
that they are futile.
94:12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, Yah,
and teach out of your law;
94:13 that you may give him rest from the days of adversity,
until the pit is dug for the wicked.
94:14 For Yahweh won't reject his people,
neither will he forsake his inheritance.
94:15 For judgment will return to righteousness.
All the upright in heart shall follow it.
94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will stand up for me against the evil-doers?
94:17 Unless Yahweh had been my help,
my soul would have soon lived in silence.
94:18 When I said, "My foot is slipping!"
Your loving kindness, Yahweh, held me up.
94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me,
your comforts delight my soul.
94:20 Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with you,
which brings about mischief by statute?
94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous,
and condemn the innocent blood.
94:22 But Yahweh has been my high tower,
my God, the rock of my refuge.
94:23 He has brought on them their own iniquity,
and will cut them off in their own wickedness.
Yahweh, our God, will cut them off.

Psalm 95

95:1 Oh come, let's sing to Yahweh.
Let's shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!
95:2 Let's come before his presence with thanksgiving.
Let's extol him with songs!
95:3 For Yahweh is a great God,
a great King above all gods.
95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth.
The heights of the mountains are also his.
95:5 The sea is his, and he made it.
His hands formed the dry land.
95:6 Oh come, let's worship and bow down.
Let's kneel before Yahweh, our Maker,
95:7 for he is our God.
We are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep in his care.
Today, oh that you would hear his voice!
95:8 Don't harden your heart, as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the wilderness,
95:9 when your fathers tempted me,
tested me, and saw my work.
95:10 Forty long years I was grieved with that generation,
and said, "It is a people that errs in their heart.
They have not known my ways."
95:11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
"They won't enter into my rest."

Psalm 96

96:1 Sing to Yahweh a new song!
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
96:2 Sing to Yahweh!
Bless his name!
Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
96:3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
96:4 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised!
He is to be feared above all gods.
96:5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but Yahweh made the heavens.
96:6 Honor and majesty are before him.
Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
96:7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
96:8 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
96:9 Worship Yahweh in holy array.
Tremble before him, all the earth.
96:10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
96:11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.
Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
96:12 Let the field and all that is in it exult!
Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
96:13 before Yahweh; for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
the peoples with his truth.

Psalm 97

97:1 Yahweh reigns!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the multitude of islands be glad!
97:2 Clouds and darkness are around him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
97:3 A fire goes before him,
and burns up his adversaries on every side.
97:4 His lightning lights up the world.
The earth sees, and trembles.
97:5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
97:6 The heavens declare his righteousness.
All the peoples have seen his glory.
97:7 Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images,
who boast in their idols.
Worship him, all you gods!
97:8 Zion heard and was glad.
The daughters of Judah rejoiced,
because of your judgments, Yahweh.
97:9 For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth.
You are exalted far above all gods.
97:10 You who love Yahweh, hate evil.
He preserves the souls of his saints.
He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
97:11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright in heart.
97:12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people!
Give thanks to his holy Name.

Psalm 98

A Psalm.

A Song.

98:1 Sing to Yahweh a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him.
98:2 Yahweh has made known his salvation.
He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
98:3 He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
98:4 Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth!
Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!
98:5 Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp,
with the harp and the voice of melody.
98:6 With trumpets and sound of the ram's horn,
make a joyful noise before the King, Yahweh.
98:7 Let the sea roar with its fullness;
the world, and those who dwell therein.
98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands.
Let the mountains sing for joy together.
98:9 Let them sing before Yahweh,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.

Psalm 99

99:1 Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble.
He sits enthroned among the cherubim.
Let the earth be moved.
99:2 Yahweh is great in Zion.
He is high above all the peoples.
99:3 Let them praise your great and awesome name.
He is Holy!
99:4 The King's strength also loves justice.
You do establish equity.
You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob.
99:5 Exalt Yahweh our God.
Worship at his footstool.
He is Holy!
99:6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel among those who call on his name;
they called on Yahweh, and he answered them.
99:7 He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud.
They kept his testimonies,
the statute that he gave them.
99:8 You answered them, Yahweh our God.
You are a God who forgave them,
although you took vengeance for their doings.
99:9 Exalt Yahweh, our God.
Worship at his holy hill,
for Yahweh, our God, is holy!

Psalm 100

A Psalm of thanksgiving.

A Thanksgiving Psalm.

100:1 Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!
100:2 Serve Yahweh with gladness.
Come before his presence with singing.
100:3 Know that Yahweh, he is God.
It is he who has made us, and we are his.
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, and bless his name.
100:5 For Yahweh is good.
His loving kindness endures forever,
his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 101

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

101:1 I will sing of loving kindness and justice.
To you, Yahweh, I will sing praises.
101:2 I will be careful to live a blameless life.
When will you come to me?
I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.
101:3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes.
I hate the deeds of faithless men.
They will not cling to me.
101:4 A perverse heart will be far from me.
I will have nothing to do with evil.
101:5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor.
I won't tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.
101:6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in a perfect way,
he will serve me.
101:7 He who practices deceit won't dwell within my house.
He who speaks falsehood won't be established before my eyes.
101:8 Morning by morning, I will destroy all the wicked of the land;
to cut off all the workers of iniquity from Yahweh's city.

Psalm 102

A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh.

A prayer from someone who is struggling, feeling overwhelmed, and sharing their concerns with the Lord.

102:1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh!
Let my cry come to you.
102:2 Don't hide your face from me in the day of my distress.
Turn your ear to me.
Answer me quickly in the day when I call.
102:3 For my days consume away like smoke.
My bones are burned as a firebrand.
102:4 My heart is blighted like grass, and withered,
for I forget to eat my bread.
102:5 By reason of the voice of my groaning,
my bones stick to my skin.
102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness.
I have become as an owl of the waste places.
102:7 I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.
102:8 My enemies reproach me all day.
Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.
102:9 For I have eaten ashes like bread,
and mixed my drink with tears,
102:10 Because of your indignation and your wrath,
for you have taken me up, and thrown me away.
102:11 My days are like a long shadow.
I have withered like grass.
102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever;
your renown endures to all generations.
102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion;
for it is time to have pity on her.
Yes, the set time has come.
102:14 For your servants take pleasure in her stones,
and have pity on her dust.
102:15 So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh;
all the kings of the earth your glory.
102:16 For Yahweh has built up Zion.
He has appeared in his glory.
102:17 He has responded to the prayer of the destitute,
and has not despised their prayer.
102:18 This will be written for the generation to come.
A people which will be created will praise Yah.
102:19 For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary.
From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;
102:20 to hear the groans of the prisoner;
to free those who are condemned to death;
102:21 that men may declare the name of Yahweh in Zion,
and his praise in Jerusalem;
102:22 when the peoples are gathered together,
the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.
102:23 He weakened my strength along the course.
He shortened my days.
102:24 I said, "My God, don't take me away in the midst of my days.
Your years are throughout all generations.
102:25 Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the work of your hands.
102:26 They will perish, but you will endure.
Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.
102:27 But you are the same.
Your years will have no end.
102:28 The children of your servants will continue.
Their seed will be established before you."

Psalm 103

By David.

By David.

103:1 Praise Yahweh, my soul!
All that is within me, praise his holy name!
103:2 Praise Yahweh, my soul,
and don't forget all his benefits;
103:3 who forgives all your sins;
who heals all your diseases;
103:4 who redeems your life from destruction;
who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies;
103:5 who satisfies your desire with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
103:6 Yahweh executes righteous acts,
and justice for all who are oppressed.
103:7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the children of Israel.
103:8 Yahweh is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.
103:9 He will not always accuse;
neither will he stay angry forever.
103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
nor repaid us for our iniquities.
103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
103:12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
103:13 Like a father has compassion on his children,
so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.
103:14 For he knows how we are made.
He remembers that we are dust.
103:15 As for man, his days are like grass.
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
103:16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone.
Its place remembers it no more.
103:17 But Yahweh's loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him,
his righteousness to children's children;
103:18 to those who keep his covenant,
to those who remember to obey his precepts.
103:19 Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens.
His kingdom rules over all.
103:20 Praise Yahweh, you angels of his,
who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word,
obeying the voice of his word.
103:21 Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his,
you servants of his, who do his pleasure.
103:22 Praise Yahweh, all you works of his,
in all places of his dominion.
Praise Yahweh, my soul!

Psalm 104

104:1 Bless Yahweh, my soul.
Yahweh, my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honor and majesty.
104:2 He covers himself with light as with a garment.
He stretches out the heavens like a curtain.
104:3 He lays the beams of his chambers in the waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot.
He walks on the wings of the wind.
104:4 He makes his messengers winds;
his servants flames of fire.
104:5 He laid the foundations of the earth,
that it should not be moved forever.
104:6 You covered it with the deep as with a cloak.
The waters stood above the mountains.
104:7 At your rebuke they fled.
At the voice of your thunder they hurried away.
104:8 The mountains rose,
the valleys sank down,
to the place which you had assigned to them.
104:9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over;
that they don't turn again to cover the earth.
104:10 He sends forth springs into the valleys.
They run among the mountains.
104:11 They give drink to every animal of the field.
The wild donkeys quench their thirst.
104:12 The birds of the sky nest by them.
They sing among the branches.
104:13 He waters the mountains from his chambers.
The earth is filled with the fruit of your works.
104:14 He causes the grass to grow for the livestock,
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food out of the earth:
104:15 wine that makes glad the heart of man,
oil to make his face to shine,
and bread that strengthens man's heart.
104:16 Yahweh's trees are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon, which he has planted;
104:17 where the birds make their nests.
The stork makes its home in the fir trees.
104:18 The high mountains are for the wild goats.
The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons.
The sun knows when to set.
104:20 You make darkness, and it is night,
in which all the animals of the forest prowl.
104:21 The young lions roar after their prey,
and seek their food from God.
104:22 The sun rises, and they steal away,
and lay down in their dens.
104:23 Man goes forth to his work,
to his labor until the evening.
104:24 Yahweh, how many are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all.
The earth is full of your riches.
104:25 There is the sea, great and wide,
in which are innumerable living things,
both small and large animals.
104:26 There the ships go,
and leviathan, whom you formed to play there.
104:27 These all wait for you,
that you may give them their food in due season.
104:28 You give to them; they gather.
You open your hand; they are satisfied with good.
104:29 You hide your face: they are troubled;
you take away their breath: they die, and return to the dust.
104:30 You send forth your Spirit: they are created.
You renew the face of the ground.
104:31 Let the glory of Yahweh endure forever.
Let Yahweh rejoice in his works.
104:32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles.
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
104:33 I will sing to Yahweh as long as I live.
I will sing praise to my God while I have any being.
104:34 Let your meditation be sweet to him.
I will rejoice in Yahweh.
104:35 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth.
Let the wicked be no more.
Bless Yahweh, my soul.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 105

105:1 Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name!
Make his doings known among the peoples.
105:2 Sing to him, sing praises to him!
Tell of all his marvelous works.
105:3 Glory in his holy name.
Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
105:4 Seek Yahweh and his strength.
Seek his face forever more.
105:5 Remember his marvelous works that he has done;
his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
105:6 you seed of Abraham, his servant,
you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
105:7 He is Yahweh, our God.
His judgments are in all the earth.
105:8 He has remembered his covenant forever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
105:9 the covenant which he made with Abraham,
his oath to Isaac,
105:10 and confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute;
to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
105:11 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan,
the lot of your inheritance;"
105:12 when they were but a few men in number,
yes, very few, and foreigners in it.
105:13 They went about from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people.
105:14 He allowed no one to do them wrong.
Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,
105:15 "Don't touch my anointed ones!
Do my prophets no harm!"
105:16 He called for a famine on the land.
He destroyed the food supplies.
105:17 He sent a man before them.
Joseph was sold for a slave.
105:18 They bruised his feet with shackles.
His neck was locked in irons,
105:19 until the time that his word happened,
and Yahweh's word proved him true.
105:20 The king sent and freed him;
even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free.
105:21 He made him lord of his house,
and ruler of all of his possessions;
105:22 to discipline his princes at his pleasure,
and to teach his elders wisdom.
105:23 Israel also came into Egypt.
Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
105:24 He increased his people greatly,
and made them stronger than their adversaries.
105:25 He turned their heart to hate his people,
to conspire against his servants.
105:26 He sent Moses, his servant,
and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
105:27 They performed miracles among them,
and wonders in the land of Ham.
105:28 He sent darkness, and made it dark.
They didn't rebel against his words.
105:29 He turned their waters into blood,
and killed their fish.
105:30 Their land swarmed with frogs,
even in the chambers of their kings.
105:31 He spoke, and swarms of flies came,
and lice in all their borders.
105:32 He gave them hail for rain,
with lightning in their land.
105:33 He struck their vines and also their fig trees,
and shattered the trees of their country.
105:34 He spoke, and the locusts came,
and the grasshoppers, without number,
105:35 ate up every plant in their land;
and ate up the fruit of their ground.
105:36 He struck also all the firstborn in their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
105:37 He brought them forth with silver and gold.
There was not one feeble person among his tribes.
105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
for the fear of them had fallen on them.
105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering,
fire to give light in the night.
105:40 They asked, and he brought quails,
and satisfied them with the bread of the sky.
105:41 He opened the rock, and waters gushed out.
They ran as a river in the dry places.
105:42 For he remembered his holy word,
and Abraham, his servant.
105:43 He brought forth his people with joy,
his chosen with singing.
105:44 He gave them the lands of the nations.
They took the labor of the peoples in possession,
105:45 that they might keep his statutes,
and observe his laws.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 106

106:1 Praise Yahweh!
Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
106:2 Who can utter the mighty acts of Yahweh,
or fully declare all his praise?
106:3 Blessed are those who keep justice.
Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.
106:4 Remember me, Yahweh, with the favor that you show to your people.
Visit me with your salvation,
106:5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory with your inheritance.
106:6 We have sinned with our fathers.
We have committed iniquity.
We have done wickedly.
106:7 Our fathers didn't understand your wonders in Egypt.
They didn't remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses,
but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake,
that he might make his mighty power known.
106:9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up;
so he led them through the depths, as through a desert.
106:10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them,
and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
106:11 The waters covered their adversaries.
There was not one of them left.
106:12 Then they believed his words.
They sang his praise.
106:13 They soon forgot his works.
They didn't wait for his counsel,
106:14 but gave in to craving in the desert,
and tested God in the wasteland.
106:15 He gave them their request,
but sent leanness into their soul.
106:16 They envied Moses also in the camp,
and Aaron, Yahweh's saint.
106:17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan,
and covered the company of Abiram.
106:18 A fire was kindled in their company.
The flame burned up the wicked.
106:19 They made a calf in Horeb,
and worshiped a molten image.
106:20 Thus they exchanged their glory
for an image of a bull that eats grass.
106:21 They forgot God, their Savior,
who had done great things in Egypt,
106:22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham,
and awesome things by the Red Sea.
106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them,
had Moses, his chosen, not stood before him in the breach,
to turn away his wrath, so that he wouldn't destroy them.
106:24 Yes, they despised the pleasant land.
They didn't believe his word,
106:25 but murmured in their tents,
and didn't listen to Yahweh's voice.
106:26 Therefore he swore to them
that he would overthrow them in the wilderness,
106:27 that he would overthrow their seed among the nations,
and scatter them in the lands.
106:28 They joined themselves also to Baal Peor,
and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
106:29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their deeds.
The plague broke in on them.
106:30 Then Phinehas stood up, and executed judgment,
so the plague was stopped.
106:31 That was credited to him for righteousness,
for all generations to come.
106:32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah,
so that Moses was troubled for their sakes;
106:33 because they were rebellious against his spirit,
he spoke rashly with his lips.
106:34 They didn't destroy the peoples,
as Yahweh commanded them,
106:35 but mixed themselves with the nations,
and learned their works.
106:36 They served their idols,
which became a snare to them.
106:37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.
106:38 They shed innocent blood,
even the blood of their sons and of their daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.
The land was polluted with blood.
106:39 Thus were they defiled with their works,
and prostituted themselves in their deeds.
106:40 Therefore Yahweh burned with anger against his people.
He abhorred his inheritance.
106:41 He gave them into the hand of the nations.
Those who hated them ruled over them.
106:42 Their enemies also oppressed them.
They were brought into subjection under their hand.
106:43 Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their counsel,
and were brought low in their iniquity.
106:44 Nevertheless he regarded their distress,
when he heard their cry.
106:45 He remembered for them his covenant,
and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
106:46 He made them also to be pitied
by all those who carried them captive.
106:47 Save us, Yahweh, our God,
gather us from among the nations,
to give thanks to your holy name,
to triumph in your praise!
106:48 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel,
from everlasting even to everlasting!
Let all the people say, "Amen."
Praise Yah!

BOOK V

BOOK V

Psalm 107

107:1 Give thanks to Yahweh,
for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
107:2 Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so,
whom he has redeemed from the hand of the adversary,
107:3 And gathered out of the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
107:4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way.
They found no city to live in.
107:5 Hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted in them.
107:6 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble,
and he delivered them out of their distresses,
107:7 he led them also by a straight way,
that they might go to a city to live in.
107:8 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness,
for his wonderful works to the children of men!
107:9 For he satisfies the longing soul.
He fills the hungry soul with good.
107:10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
being bound in affliction and iron,
107:11 because they rebelled against the words of God,
and condemned the counsel of the Most High.
107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labor.
They fell down, and there was none to help.
107:13 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble,
and he saved them out of their distresses.
107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
and broke their bonds in sunder.
107:15 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness,
for his wonderful works to the children of men!
107:16 For he has broken the gates of brass,
and cut through bars of iron.
107:17 Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience,
and because of their iniquities.
107:18 Their soul abhors all kinds of food.
They draw near to the gates of death.
107:19 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble,
he saves them out of their distresses.
107:20 He sends his word, and heals them,
and delivers them from their graves.
107:21 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness,
for his wonderful works to the children of men!
107:22 Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and declare his works with singing.
107:23 Those who go down to the sea in ships,
who do business in great waters;
107:24 These see Yahweh's works,
and his wonders in the deep.
107:25 For he commands, and raises the stormy wind,
which lifts up its waves.
107:26 They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths.
Their soul melts away because of trouble.
107:27 They reel back and forth, and stagger like a drunken man,
and are at their wits' end.
107:28 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble,
and he brings them out of their distress.
107:29 He makes the storm a calm,
so that its waves are still.
107:30 Then they are glad because it is calm,
so he brings them to their desired haven.
107:31 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness,
for his wonderful works for the children of men!
107:32 Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people,
and praise him in the seat of the elders.
107:33 He turns rivers into a desert,
water springs into a thirsty ground,
107:34 and a fruitful land into a salt waste,
for the wickedness of those who dwell in it.
107:35 He turns a desert into a pool of water,
and a dry land into water springs.
107:36 There he makes the hungry live,
that they may prepare a city to live in,
107:37 sow fields, plant vineyards,
and reap the fruits of increase.
107:38 He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly.
He doesn't allow their livestock to decrease.
107:39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down
through oppression, trouble, and sorrow.
107:40 He pours contempt on princes,
and causes them to wander in a trackless waste.
107:41 Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction,
and increases their families like a flock.
107:42 The upright will see it, and be glad.
All the wicked will shut their mouths.
107:43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things.
They will consider the loving kindnesses of Yahweh.

Psalm 108

A Song. A Psalm by David.

A Song. A Psalm by David.

108:1 My heart is steadfast, God.
I will sing and I will make music with my soul.
108:2 Wake up, harp and lyre!
I will wake up the dawn.
108:3 I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations.
I will sing praises to you among the peoples.
108:4 For your loving kindness is great above the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
108:5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth.
108:6 That your beloved may be delivered,
save with your right hand, and answer us.
108:7 God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph,
I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
108:8 Gilead is mine. Manasseh is mine.
Ephraim also is my helmet.
Judah is my scepter.
108:9 Moab is my wash pot.
I will toss my sandal on Edom.
I will shout over Philistia."
108:10 Who will bring me into the fortified city?
Who has led me to Edom?
108:11 Haven't you rejected us, God?
You don't go forth, God, with our armies.
108:12 Give us help against the enemy,
for the help of man is vain.
108:13 Through God, we will do valiantly.
For it is he who will tread down our enemies.

Psalm 109

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

109:1 God of my praise, don't remain silent,
109:2 for they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me.
They have spoken to me with a lying tongue.
109:3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred,
and fought against me without a cause.
109:4 In return for my love, they are my adversaries;
but I am in prayer.
109:5 They have rewarded me evil for good,
and hatred for my love.
109:6 Set a wicked man over him.
Let an adversary stand at his right hand.
109:7 When he is judged, let him come forth guilty.
Let his prayer be turned into sin.
109:8 Let his days be few.
Let another take his office.
109:9 Let his children be fatherless,
and his wife a widow.
109:10 Let his children be wandering beggars.
Let them be sought from their ruins.
109:11 Let the creditor seize all that he has.
Let strangers plunder the fruit of his labor.
109:12 Let there be none to extend kindness to him,
neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children.
109:13 Let his posterity be cut off.
In the generation following let their name be blotted out.
109:14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by Yahweh.
Don't let the sin of his mother be blotted out.
109:15 Let them be before Yahweh continually,
that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth;
109:16 because he didn't remember to show kindness,
but persecuted the poor and needy man,
the broken in heart, to kill them.
109:17 Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him.
He didn't delight in blessing, and it was far from him.
109:18 He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment.
It came into his inward parts like water,
like oil into his bones.
109:19 Let it be to him as the clothing with which he covers himself,
for the belt that is always around him.
109:20 This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh,
of those who speak evil against my soul.
109:21 But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name's sake,
because your loving kindness is good, deliver me;
109:22 for I am poor and needy.
My heart is wounded within me.
109:23 I fade away like an evening shadow.
I am shaken off like a locust.
109:24 My knees are weak through fasting.
My body is thin and lacks fat.
109:25 I have also become a reproach to them.
When they see me, they shake their head.
109:26 Help me, Yahweh, my God.
Save me according to your loving kindness;
109:27 that they may know that this is your hand;
that you, Yahweh, have done it.
109:28 They may curse, but you bless.
When they arise, they will be shamed,
but your servant shall rejoice.
109:29 Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor.
Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.
109:30 I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth.
Yes, I will praise him among the multitude.
109:31 For he will stand at the right hand of the needy,
to save him from those who judge his soul.

Psalm 110

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

110:1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
110:2 Yahweh will send forth the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of your enemies.
110:3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
110:4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
110:5 The Lord is at your right hand.
He will crush kings in the day of his wrath.
110:6 He will judge among the nations.
He will heap up dead bodies.
He will crush the ruler of the whole earth.
110:7 He will drink of the brook in the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.

Psalm 111

111:1 Praise Yah!*
I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart,
in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
111:2 Yahweh's works are great,
pondered by all those who delight in them.
111:3 His work is honor and majesty.
His righteousness endures forever.
111:4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered.
Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
111:5 He has given food to those who fear him.
He always remembers his covenant.
111:6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
111:7 The works of his hands are truth and justice.
All his precepts are sure.
111:8 They are established forever and ever.
They are done in truth and uprightness.
111:9 He has sent redemption to his people.
He has ordained his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awesome!
111:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
All those who do his work have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

Psalm 112

112:1 Praise Yah!*
Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh,
who delights greatly in his commandments.
112:2 His seed will be mighty in the land.
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
112:3 Wealth and riches are in his house.
His righteousness endures forever.
112:4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright,
gracious, merciful, and righteous.
112:5 It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends.
He will maintain his cause in judgment.
112:6 For he will never be shaken.
The righteous will be remembered forever.
112:7 He will not be afraid of evil news.
His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh.
112:8 His heart is established.
He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries.
112:9 He has dispersed, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness endures forever.
His horn will be exalted with honor.
112:10 The wicked will see it, and be grieved.
He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away.
The desire of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 113

113:1 Praise Yah!
Praise, you servants of Yahweh,
praise the name of Yahweh.
113:2 Blessed be the name of Yahweh,
from this time forth and forevermore.
113:3 From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,
Yahweh's name is to be praised.
113:4 Yahweh is high above all nations,
his glory above the heavens.
113:5 Who is like Yahweh, our God,
who has his seat on high,
113:6 Who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth?
113:7 He raises up the poor out of the dust.
Lifts up the needy from the ash heap;
113:8 that he may set him with princes,
even with the princes of his people.
113:9 He settles the barren woman in her home,
as a joyful mother of children.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 114

114:1 When Israel went forth out of Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of foreign language;
114:2 Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
114:3 The sea saw it, and fled.
The Jordan was driven back.
114:4 The mountains skipped like rams,
the little hills like lambs.
114:5 What was it, you sea, that you fled?
You Jordan, that you turned back?
114:6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams;
you little hills, like lambs?
114:7 Tremble, you earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
114:8 who turned the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of waters.

Psalm 115

115:1 Not to us, Yahweh, not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for your loving kindness, and for your truth's sake.
115:2 Why should the nations say,
"Where is their God, now?"
115:3 But our God is in the heavens.
He does whatever he pleases.
115:4 Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of men's hands.
115:5 They have mouths, but they don't speak.
They have eyes, but they don't see.
115:6 They have ears, but they don't hear.
They have noses, but they don't smell.
115:7 They have hands, but they don't feel.
They have feet, but they don't walk,
neither do they speak through their throat.
115:8 Those who make them will be like them;
yes, everyone who trusts in them.
115:9 Israel, trust in Yahweh!
He is their help and their shield.
115:10 House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh!
He is their help and their shield.
115:11 You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh!
He is their help and their shield.
115:12 Yahweh remembers us. He will bless us.
He will bless the house of Israel.
He will bless the house of Aaron.
115:13 He will bless those who fear Yahweh,
both small and great.
115:14 May Yahweh increase you more and more,
you and your children.
115:15 Blessed are you by Yahweh,
who made heaven and earth.
115:16 The heavens are the heavens of Yahweh;
but the earth has he given to the children of men.
115:17 The dead don't praise Yah,
neither any who go down into silence;
115:18 But we will bless Yah,
from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 116

116:1 I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice,
and my cries for mercy.
116:2 Because he has turned his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
116:3 The cords of death surrounded me,
the pains of Sheol got a hold of me.
I found trouble and sorrow.
116:4 Then I called on the name of Yahweh:
"Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul."
116:5 Yahweh is Gracious and righteous.
Yes, our God is merciful.
116:6 Yahweh preserves the simple.
I was brought low, and he saved me.
116:7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you.
116:8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
and my feet from falling.
116:9 I will walk before Yahweh in the land of the living.
116:10 I believed, therefore I said,
"I was greatly afflicted."
116:11 I said in my haste,
"All men are liars."
116:12 What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?
116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of Yahweh.
116:14 I will pay my vows to Yahweh,
yes, in the presence of all his people.
116:15 Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints.
116:16 Yahweh, truly I am your servant.
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid.
You have freed me from my chains.
116:17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and will call on the name of Yahweh.
116:18 I will pay my vows to Yahweh,
yes, in the presence of all his people,
116:19 in the courts of Yahweh's house,
in the midst of you, Jerusalem.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 117

117:1 Praise Yahweh, all you nations!
Extol him, all you peoples!
117:2 For his loving kindness is great toward us.
Yahweh's faithfulness endures forever.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 118

118:1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
118:2 Let Israel now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.
118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say
that his loving kindness endures forever.
118:4 Now let those who fear Yahweh say
that his loving kindness endures forever.
118:5 Out of my distress, I called on Yah.
Yah answered me with freedom.
118:6 Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
118:7 Yahweh is on my side among those who help me.
Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
118:8 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh,
than to put confidence in man.
118:9 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh,
than to put confidence in princes.
118:10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of Yahweh, I cut them off.
118:11 They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me.
In the name of Yahweh I indeed cut them off.
118:12 They surrounded me like bees.
They are quenched like the burning thorns.
In the name of Yahweh I cut them off.
118:13 You pushed me back hard, to make me fall,
but Yahweh helped me.
118:14 Yah is my strength and song.
He has become my salvation.
118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
"The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
118:16 The right hand of Yahweh is exalted!
The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!"
118:17 I will not die, but live,
and declare Yah's works.
118:18 Yah has punished me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness.
I will enter into them.
I will give thanks to Yah.
118:20 This is the gate of Yahweh;
the righteous will enter into it.
118:21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me,
and have become my salvation.
118:22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
118:23 This is Yahweh's doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.
118:24 This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!
118:25 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh!
Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.
118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh!
We have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh.
118:27 Yahweh is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.
118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God, I will exalt you.
118:29 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psalm 119

ALEPH
119:1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to Yahweh's law.
119:2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes,
who seek him with their whole heart.
119:3 Yes, they do nothing wrong.
They walk in his ways.
119:4 You have commanded your precepts,
that we should fully obey them.
119:5 Oh that my ways were steadfast
to obey your statutes!
119:6 Then I wouldn't be disappointed,
when I consider all of your commandments.
119:7 I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart,
when I learn your righteous judgments.
119:8 I will observe your statutes.
Don't utterly forsake me.
BET
119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
119:10 With my whole heart, I have sought you.
Don't let me wander from your commandments.
119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
119:12 Blessed are you, Yahweh.
Teach me your statutes.
119:13 With my lips,
I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies,
as much as in all riches.
119:15 I will meditate on your precepts,
and consider your ways.
119:16 I will delight myself in your statutes.
I will not forget your word.
GIMEL
119:17 Do good to your servant.
I will live and I will obey your word.
119:18 Open my eyes,
that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
119:19 I am a stranger on the earth.
Don't hide your commandments from me.
119:20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
119:21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed,
who wander from your commandments.
119:22 Take reproach and contempt away from me,
for I have kept your statutes.
119:23 Though princes sit and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
119:24 Indeed your statutes are my delight,
and my counselors.
DALED
119:25 My soul is laid low in the dust.
Revive me according to your word!
119:26 I declared my ways, and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes.
119:27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts!
Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow:
strengthen me according to your word.
119:29 Keep me from the way of deceit.
Grant me your law graciously!
119:30 I have chosen the way of truth.
I have set your ordinances before me.
119:31 I cling to your statutes, Yahweh.
Don't let me be disappointed.
119:32 I run in the path of your commandments,
for you have set my heart free.
HEY
119:33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes.
I will keep them to the end.
119:34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law.
Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
119:35 Direct me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in them.
119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes,
not toward selfish gain.
119:37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
Revive me in your ways.
119:38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
that you may be feared.
119:39 Take away my disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
119:40 Behold, I long for your precepts!
Revive me in your righteousness.
WAW
119:41 Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh,
your salvation, according to your word.
119:42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,
for I trust in your word.
119:43 Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth,
for I put my hope in your ordinances.
119:44 So I will obey your law continually,
forever and ever.
119:45 I will walk in liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
119:46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings,
and will not be disappointed.
119:47 I will delight myself in your commandments,
because I love them.
119:48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love.
I will meditate on your statutes.
ZAYIN
119:49 Remember your word to your servant,
because you gave me hope.
119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
for your word has revived me.
119:51 The arrogant mock me excessively,
but I don't swerve from your law.
119:52 I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh,
and have comforted myself.
119:53 Indignation has taken hold on me,
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
119:54 Your statutes have been my songs,
in the house where I live.
119:55 I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night,
and I obey your law.
119:56 This is my way,
that I keep your precepts.
CHET
119:57 Yahweh is my portion.
I promised to obey your words.
119:58 I sought your favor with my whole heart.
Be merciful to me according to your word.
119:59 I considered my ways,
and turned my steps to your statutes.
119:60 I will hurry, and not delay,
to obey your commandments.
119:61 The ropes of the wicked bind me,
but I won't forget your law.
119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
119:63 I am a friend of all those who fear you,
of those who observe your precepts.
119:64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh.
Teach me your statutes.
TET
119:65 Do good to your servant,
according to your word, Yahweh.
119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
119:67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray;
but now I observe your word.
119:68 You are good, and do good.
Teach me your statutes.
119:69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me.
With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
119:70 Their heart is as callous as the fat,
but I delight in your law.
119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
119:72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
YUD
119:73 Your hands have made me and formed me.
Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
119:74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad,
because I have put my hope in your word.
119:75 Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous,
that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
119:76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort,
according to your word to your servant.
119:77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
119:78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully.
I will meditate on your precepts.
119:79 Let those who fear you turn to me.
They will know your statutes.
119:80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be disappointed.
KAF
119:81 My soul faints for your salvation.
I hope in your word.
119:82 My eyes fail for your word.
I say, "When will you comfort me?"
119:83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke.
I don't forget your statutes.
119:84 How many are the days of your servant?
When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
119:85 The proud have dug pits for me,
contrary to your law.
119:86 All of your commandments are faithful.
They persecute me wrongfully.
Help me!
119:87 They had almost wiped me from the earth,
but I didn't forsake your precepts.
119:88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness,
so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
LAMED
119:89 Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever.
119:90 Your faithfulness is to all generations.
You have established the earth, and it remains.
119:91 Your laws remain to this day,
for all things serve you.
119:92 Unless your law had been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
119:93 I will never forget your precepts,
for with them, you have revived me.
119:94 I am yours.
Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
119:95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me.
I will consider your statutes.
119:96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commands are boundless.
MEM
119:97 How I love your law!
It is my meditation all day.
119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for your commandments are always with me.
119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
119:100 I understand more than the aged,
because I have kept your precepts.
119:101 I have kept my feet from every evil way,
that I might observe your word.
119:102 I have not turned aside from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
119:103 How sweet are your promises to my taste,
more than honey to my mouth!
119:104 Through your precepts, I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
NUN
119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet,
and a light for my path.
119:106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it,
that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
119:107 I am afflicted very much.
Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word.
119:108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth.
Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.
119:109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I won't forget your law.
119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.
119:111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
119:112 I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever,
even to the end.
SAMEKH
119:113 I hate double-minded men,
but I love your law.
119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I hope in your word.
119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
119:116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live.
Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
119:117 Hold me up, and I will be safe,
and will have respect for your statutes continually.
119:118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes,
for their deceit is in vain.
119:119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross.
Therefore I love your testimonies.
119:120 My flesh trembles for fear of you.
I am afraid of your judgments.
AYIN
119:121 I have done what is just and righteous.
Don't leave me to my oppressors.
119:122 Ensure your servant's well-being.
Don't let the proud oppress me.
119:123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation,
for your righteous word.
119:124 Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness.
Teach me your statutes.
119:125 I am your servant. Give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies.
119:126 It is time to act, Yahweh,
for they break your law.
119:127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold,
yes, more than pure gold.
119:128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right.
I hate every false way.
PEY
119:129 Your testimonies are wonderful,
therefore my soul keeps them.
119:130 The entrance of your words gives light.
It gives understanding to the simple.
119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted,
for I longed for your commandments.
119:132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
119:133 Establish my footsteps in your word.
Don't let any iniquity have dominion over me.
119:134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
so I will observe your precepts.
119:135 Make your face shine on your servant.
Teach me your statutes.
119:136 Streams of tears run down my eyes,
because they don't observe your law.
TZADI
119:137 You are righteous, Yahweh.
Your judgments are upright.
119:138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness.
They are fully trustworthy.
119:139 My zeal wears me out,
because my enemies ignore your words.
119:140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
119:141 I am small and despised.
I don't forget your precepts.
119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness.
Your law is truth.
119:143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me.
Your commandments are my delight.
119:144 Your testimonies are righteous forever.
Give me understanding, that I may live.
KUF
119:145 I have called with my whole heart.
Answer me, Yahweh!
I will keep your statutes.
119:146 I have called to you. Save me!
I will obey your statutes.
119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help.
I put my hope in your words.
119:148 My eyes stay open through the night watches,
that I might meditate on your word.
119:149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness.
Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.
119:150 They draw near who follow after wickedness.
They are far from your law.
119:151 You are near, Yahweh.
All your commandments are truth.
119:152 Of old I have known from your testimonies,
that you have founded them forever.
RESH
119:153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me,
for I don't forget your law.
119:154 Plead my cause, and redeem me!
Revive me according to your promise.
119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they don't seek your statutes.
119:156 Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh.
Revive me according to your ordinances.
119:157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries.
I haven't swerved from your testimonies.
119:158 I look at the faithless with loathing,
because they don't observe your word.
119:159 Consider how I love your precepts.
Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.
119:160 All of your words are truth.
Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
SIN AND SHIN
119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
119:162 I rejoice at your word,
as one who finds great spoil.
119:163 I hate and abhor falsehood.
I love your law.
119:164 Seven times a day, I praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
119:165 Those who love your law have great peace.
Nothing causes them to stumble.
119:166 I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh.
I have done your commandments.
119:167 My soul has observed your testimonies.
I love them exceedingly.
119:168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
TAV
119:169 Let my cry come before you, Yahweh.
Give me understanding according to your word.
119:170 Let my supplication come before you.
Deliver me according to your word.
119:171 Let my lips utter praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
119:172 Let my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commandments are righteousness.
119:173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
119:174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh.
Your law is my delight.
119:175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you.
Let your ordinances help me.
119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.

Psalm 120

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

120:1 In my distress, I cried to Yahweh.
He answered me.
120:2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
120:3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you,
you deceitful tongue?
120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty,
with coals of juniper.
120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
120:6 My soul has had her dwelling too long
with him who hates peace.
120:7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war.

Psalm 121

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills.
Where does my help come from?
121:2 My help comes from Yahweh,
who made heaven and earth.
121:3 He will not allow your foot to be moved.
He who keeps you will not slumber.
121:4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
121:5 Yahweh is your keeper.
Yahweh is your shade on your right hand.
121:6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
121:7 Yahweh will keep you from all evil.
He will keep your soul.
121:8 Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in,
from this time forth, and forevermore.

Psalm 122

A Song of Ascents. By David.

A Song of Ascents. By David.

122:1 I was glad when they said to me,
"Let's go to Yahweh's house!"
122:2 Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem;
122:3 Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together;
122:4 where the tribes go up, even Yah's tribes,
according to an ordinance for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of Yahweh.
122:5 For there are set thrones for judgment,
the thrones of David's house.
122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Those who love you will prosper.
122:7 Peace be within your walls,
and prosperity within your palaces.
122:8 For my brothers' and companions' sakes,
I will now say, "Peace be within you."
122:9 For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God,
I will seek your good.

Psalm 123

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

123:1 To you I do lift up my eyes,
you who sit in the heavens.
123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress;
so our eyes look to Yahweh, our God,
until he has mercy on us.
123:3 Have mercy on us, Yahweh, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease,
with the contempt of the proud.

Psalm 124

A Song of Ascents. By David.

A Song of Ascents. By David.

124:1 If it had not been Yahweh who was on our side,
let Israel now say,
124:2 if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side,
when men rose up against us;
124:3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their wrath was kindled against us;
124:4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
the stream would have gone over our soul;
124:5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.
124:6 Blessed be Yahweh,
who has not given us as a prey to their teeth.
124:7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare.
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
124:8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 125

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

125:1 Those who trust in Yahweh are as Mount Zion,
which can't be moved, but remains forever.
125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so Yahweh surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore.
125:3 For the scepter of wickedness won't remain over the allotment of the righteous;
so that the righteous won't use their hands to do evil.
125:4 Do good, Yahweh, to those who are good,
to those who are upright in their hearts.
125:5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
Yahweh will lead them away with the workers of iniquity.
Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

126:1 When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion,
we were like those who dream.
126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
"Yahweh has done great things for them."
126:3 Yahweh has done great things for us,
and we are glad.
126:4 Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh,
like the streams in the Negev.
126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing,
will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.

A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.

127:1 Unless Yahweh builds the house,
they labor in vain who build it.
Unless Yahweh watches over the city,
the watchman guards it in vain.
127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
to stay up late,
eating the bread of toil;
for he gives sleep to his loved ones.
127:3 Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh.
The fruit of the womb is his reward.
127:4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,
so are the children of youth.
127:5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh,
who walks in his ways.
128:2 For you will eat the labor of your hands.
You will be happy, and it will be well with you.
128:3 Your wife will be as a fruitful vine,
in the innermost parts of your house;
your children like olive plants,
around your table.
128:4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh.
128:5 May Yahweh bless you out of Zion,
and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
128:6 Yes, may you see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 129

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

129:1 Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up.
Let Israel now say,
129:2 many times they have afflicted me from my youth up,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
129:3 The plowers plowed on my back.
They made their furrows long.
129:4 Yahweh is righteous.
He has cut apart the cords of the wicked.
129:5 Let them be disappointed and turned backward,
all those who hate Zion.
129:6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up;
129:7 with which the reaper doesn't fill his hand,
nor he who binds sheaves, his bosom.
129:8 Neither do those who go by say,
"The blessing of Yahweh be on you.
We bless you in the name of Yahweh."

Psalm 130

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.
130:2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions.
130:3 If you, Yah, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
130:4 But there is forgiveness with you,
therefore you are feared.
130:5 I wait for Yahweh.
My soul waits.
I hope in his word.
130:6 My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning;
more than watchmen for the morning.
130:7 Israel, hope in Yahweh,
for with Yahweh there is loving kindness.
With him is abundant redemption.
130:8 He will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents. By David.

A Song of Ascents. By David.

131:1 Yahweh, my heart isn't haughty, nor my eyes lofty;
nor do I concern myself with great matters,
or things too wonderful for me.
131:2 Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with his mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
131:3 Israel, hope in Yahweh,
from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 132

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

132:1 Yahweh, remember David and all his affliction,
132:2 how he swore to Yahweh,
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
132:3 "Surely I will not come into the structure of my house,
nor go up into my bed;
132:4 I will not give sleep to my eyes,
or slumber to my eyelids;
132:5 until I find out a place for Yahweh,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
132:6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah.
We found it in the field of Jaar:
132:7 "We will go into his dwelling place.
We will worship at his footstool.
132:8 Arise, Yahweh, into your resting place;
you, and the ark of your strength.
132:9 Let your priest be clothed with righteousness.
Let your saints shout for joy!"
132:10 For your servant David's sake,
don't turn away the face of your anointed one.
132:11 Yahweh has sworn to David in truth.
He will not turn from it:
"I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.
132:12 If your children will keep my covenant,
my testimony that I will teach them,
their children also will sit on your throne forevermore."
132:13 For Yahweh has chosen Zion.
He has desired it for his habitation.
132:14 "This is my resting place forever.
Here I will live, for I have desired it.
132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision.
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
132:16 Her priests I will also clothe with salvation.
Her saints will shout aloud for joy.
132:17 There I will make the horn of David to bud.
I have ordained a lamp for my anointed.
132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but on himself, his crown will be resplendent."

Psalm 133

A Song of Ascents. By David.

A Song of Ascents. By David.

133:1 See how good and how pleasant it is
for brothers to live together in unity!
133:2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
that ran down on the beard,
even Aaron's beard;
that came down on the edge of his robes;
133:3 like the dew of Hermon,
that comes down on the hills of Zion:
for there Yahweh gives the blessing,
even life forevermore.

Psalm 134

A Song of Ascents.

A Song of Ascents.

134:1 Look! Praise Yahweh, all you servants of Yahweh,
who stand by night in Yahweh's house!
134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary.
Praise Yahweh!
134:3 May Yahweh bless you from Zion;
even he who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 135

135:1 Praise Yah!
Praise the name of Yahweh!
Praise him, you servants of Yahweh,
135:2 you who stand in the house of Yahweh,
in the courts of our God's house.
135:3 Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good.
Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.
135:4 For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself;
Israel for his own possession.
135:5 For I know that Yahweh is great,
that our Lord is above all gods.
135:6 Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done,
in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;
135:7 who causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth;
who makes lightnings with the rain;
who brings forth the wind out of his treasuries;
135:8 Who struck the firstborn of Egypt,
both of man and animal;
135:9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, Egypt,
on Pharaoh, and on all his servants;
135:10 who struck many nations,
and killed mighty kings,
135:11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
135:12 and gave their land for a heritage,
a heritage to Israel, his people.
135:13 Your name, Yahweh, endures forever;
your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.
135:14 For Yahweh will judge his people,
and have compassion on his servants.
135:15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of men's hands.
135:16 They have mouths, but they can't speak.
They have eyes, but they can't see.
135:17 They have ears, but they can't hear;
neither is there any breath in their mouths.
135:18 Those who make them will be like them;
yes, everyone who trusts in them.
135:19 House of Israel, praise Yahweh!
House of Aaron, praise Yahweh!
135:20 House of Levi, praise Yahweh!
You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh!
135:21 Blessed be Yahweh from Zion,
Who dwells at Jerusalem.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 136

136:1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good;
for his loving kindness endures forever.
136:2 Give thanks to the God of gods;
for his loving kindness endures forever.
136:3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:4 To him who alone does great wonders;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:5 To him who by understanding made the heavens;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:6 To him who spread out the earth above the waters;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:7 To him who made the great lights;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:8 The sun to rule by day;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:10 To him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:11 And brought out Israel from among them;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:13 To him who divided the Red Sea apart;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:14 And made Israel to pass through its midst;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:16 To him who led his people through the wilderness;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:17 To him who struck great kings;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:18 And killed mighty kings;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:20 Og king of Bashan;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:21 And gave their land as an inheritance;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:22 Even a heritage to Israel his servant;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate;
for his loving kindness endures forever;
136:24 And has delivered us from our adversaries;
for his loving kindness endures forever:
136:25 Who gives food to every creature;
for his loving kindness endures forever.
136:26 Oh give thanks to the God of heaven;
for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psalm 137

137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down.
Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
137:2 On the willows in its midst,
we hung up our harps.
137:3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs.
Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy:
"Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
137:4 How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?
137:5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill.
137:6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you;
if I don't prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
137:7 Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom,
the day of Jerusalem;
who said, "Raze it!
Raze it even to its foundation!"
137:8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction,
he will be happy who rewards you,
as you have served us.
137:9 Happy shall he be,
who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Psalm 138

By David.

By David.

138:1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart.
Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.
138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple,
and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth;
for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
138:3 In the day that I called, you answered me.
You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
138:4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh,
for they have heard the words of your mouth.
138:5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh;
for great is Yahweh's glory.
138:6 For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly;
but the proud, he knows from afar.
138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me.
You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies.
Your right hand will save me.
138:8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me;
your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever.
Don't forsake the works of your own hands.

Psalm 139

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Head Musician. A Psalm by David.

139:1 Yahweh, you have searched me,
and you know me.
139:2 You know my sitting down and my rising up.
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
139:3 You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.
139:5 You hem me in behind and before.
You laid your hand on me.
139:6 This knowledge is beyond me.
It's lofty.
I can't attain it.
139:7 Where could I go from your Spirit?
Or where could I flee from your presence?
139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there.
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!
139:9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;
139:10 Even there your hand will lead me,
and your right hand will hold me.
139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me;
the light around me will be night;"
139:12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you,
but the night shines as the day.
The darkness is like light to you.
139:13 For you formed my inmost being.
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
139:14 I will give thanks to you,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful.
My soul knows that very well.
139:15 My frame wasn't hidden from you,
when I was made in secret,
woven together in the depths of the earth.
139:16 Your eyes saw my body.
In your book they were all written,
the days that were ordained for me,
when as yet there were none of them.
139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
139:18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand.
When I wake up, I am still with you.
139:19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked.
Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
139:20 For they speak against you wickedly.
Your enemies take your name in vain.
139:21 Yahweh, don't I hate those who hate you?
Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?
139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred.
They have become my enemies.
139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart.
Try me, and know my thoughts.
139:24 See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 140

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

For the Lead Musician. A Psalm by David.

140:1 Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man.
Preserve me from the violent man;
140:2 those who devise mischief in their hearts.
They continually gather themselves together for war.
140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent.
Viper's poison is under their lips.
Selah.
140:4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked.
Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
140:5 The proud have hidden a snare for me,
they have spread the cords of a net by the path.
They have set traps for me.
Selah.
140:6 I said to Yahweh, "You are my God."
Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.
140:7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
140:8 Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked.
Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud.
Selah.
140:9 As for the head of those who surround me,
let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
140:10 Let burning coals fall on them.
Let them be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, from where they never rise.
140:11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth.
Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
140:12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and justice for the needy.
140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name.
The upright will dwell in your presence.

Psalm 141

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

141:1 Yahweh, I have called on you.
Come to me quickly!
Listen to my voice when I call to you.
141:2 Let my prayer be set before you like incense;
the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
141:3 Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth.
Keep the door of my lips.
141:4 Don't incline my heart to any evil thing,
to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity.
Don't let me eat of their delicacies.
141:5 Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness;
let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head;
don't let my head refuse it;
Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.
141:6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock.
They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.
141:7 "As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol."
141:8 For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord.
In you, I take refuge.
Don't leave my soul destitute.
141:9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me,
from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
141:10 Let the wicked fall together into their own nets,
while I pass by.

Psalm 142

A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

A reflection by David when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

142:1 I cry with my voice to Yahweh.
With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.
142:2 I pour out my complaint before him.
I tell him my troubles.
142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
you knew my path.
In the way in which I walk,
they have hidden a snare for me.
142:4 Look on my right, and see;
for there is no one who is concerned for me.
Refuge has fled from me.
No one cares for my soul.
142:5 I cried to you, Yahweh.
I said, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
142:6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need.
deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than me.
142:7 Bring my soul out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name.
The righteous will surround me,
for you will be good to me.

Psalm 143

A Psalm by David.

A Psalm by David.

143:1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh.
Listen to my petitions.
In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
143:2 Don't enter into judgment with your servant,
for in your sight no man living is righteous.
143:3 For the enemy pursues my soul.
He has struck my life down to the ground.
He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.
143:4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me.
My heart within me is desolate.
143:5 I remember the days of old.
I meditate on all your doings.
I contemplate the work of your hands.
143:6 I spread forth my hands to you.
My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land.
Selah.
143:7 Hurry to answer me, Yahweh.
My spirit fails.
Don't hide your face from me,
so that I don't become like those who go down into the pit.
143:8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning,
for I trust in you.
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
for I lift up my soul to you.
143:9 Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies.
I flee to you to hide me.
143:10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
143:11 Revive me, Yahweh, for your name's sake.
In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.
143:12 In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies,
and destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am your servant.

Psalm 144

By David.

By David.

144:1 Blessed be Yahweh, my rock,
who teaches my hands to war,
and my fingers to battle:
144:2 my loving kindness, my fortress,
my high tower, my deliverer,
my shield, and he in whom I take refuge;
who subdues my people under me.
144:3 Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him?
Or the son of man, that you think of him?
144:4 Man is like a breath.
His days are like a shadow that passes away.
144:5 Part your heavens, Yahweh, and come down.
Touch the mountains, and they will smoke.
144:6 Throw out lightning, and scatter them.
Send out your arrows, and rout them.
144:7 Stretch out your hand from above,
rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters,
out of the hands of foreigners;
144:8 whose mouths speak deceit,
Whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
144:9 I will sing a new song to you, God.
On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.
144:10 You are he who gives salvation to kings,
who rescues David, his servant, from the deadly sword.
144:11 Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners,
whose mouths speak deceit,
whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
144:12 Then our sons will be like well-nurtured plants,
our daughters like pillars carved to adorn a palace.
144:13 Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision.
Our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields.
144:14 Our oxen will pull heavy loads.
There is no breaking in, and no going away,
and no outcry in our streets.
144:15 Happy are the people who are in such a situation.
Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh.

Psalm 145

A praise psalm by David.*

A psalm of praise by David.*

145:1 I will exalt you, my God, the King.
I will praise your name forever and ever.
145:2 Every day I will praise you.
I will extol your name forever and ever.
145:3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised!
His greatness is unsearchable.
145:4 One generation will commend your works to another,
and will declare your mighty acts.
145:5 Of the glorious majesty of your honor,
of your wondrous works, I will meditate.
145:6 Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts.
I will declare your greatness.
145:7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness,
and will sing of your righteousness.
145:8 Yahweh is gracious, merciful,
slow to anger, and of great loving kindness.
145:9 Yahweh is good to all.
His tender mercies are over all his works.
145:10 All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh.
Your saints will extol you.
145:11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and talk about your power;
145:12 to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts,
the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.
145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
Yahweh is faithful in all his words,
and loving in all his deeds.
145:14 Yahweh upholds all who fall,
and raises up all those who are bowed down.
145:15 The eyes of all wait for you.
You give them their food in due season.
145:16 You open your hand,
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
145:17 Yahweh is righteous in all his ways,
and gracious in all his works.
145:18 Yahweh is near to all those who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him.
He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
145:20 Yahweh preserves all those who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of Yahweh.
Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Psalm 146

146:1 Praise Yah!
Praise Yahweh, my soul.
146:2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh.
I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.
146:3 Don't put your trust in princes,
each a son of man in whom there is no help.
146:4 His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth.
In that very day, his thoughts perish.
146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:
146:6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps truth forever;
146:7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
Yahweh frees the prisoners.
146:8 Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind.
Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down.
Yahweh loves the righteous.
146:9 Yahweh preserves the foreigners.
He upholds the fatherless and widow,
but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.
146:10 Yahweh will reign forever;
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 147

147:1 Praise Yah,
for it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.
147:2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem.
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
147:3 He heals the broken in heart,
and binds up their wounds.
147:4 He counts the number of the stars.
He calls them all by their names.
147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power.
His understanding is infinite.
147:6 Yahweh upholds the humble.
He brings the wicked down to the ground.
147:7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving.
Sing praises on the harp to our God,
147:8 who covers the sky with clouds,
who prepares rain for the earth,
who makes grass grow on the mountains.
147:9 He provides food for the livestock,
and for the young ravens when they call.
147:10 He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse.
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
147:11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his loving kindness.
147:12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem!
Praise your God, Zion!
147:13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates.
He has blessed your children within you.
147:14 He makes peace in your borders.
He fills you with the finest of the wheat.
147:15 He sends out his commandment to the earth.
His word runs very swiftly.
147:16 He gives snow like wool,
and scatters frost like ashes.
147:17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can stand before his cold?
147:18 He sends out his word, and melts them.
He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
147:19 He shows his word to Jacob;
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
147:20 He has not done this for just any nation.
They don't know his ordinances.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 148

148:1 Praise Yah!
Praise Yahweh from the heavens!
Praise him in the heights!
148:2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all his army!
148:3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you shining stars!
148:4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens,
You waters that are above the heavens.
148:5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh,
For he commanded, and they were created.
148:6 He has also established them forever and ever.
He has made a decree which will not pass away.
148:7 Praise Yahweh from the earth,
you great sea creatures, and all depths!
148:8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds;
stormy wind, fulfilling his word;
148:9 mountains and all hills;
fruit trees and all cedars;
148:10 wild animals and all livestock;
small creatures and flying birds;
148:11 kings of the earth and all peoples;
princes and all judges of the earth;
148:12 both young men and maidens;
old men and children:
148:13 let them praise the name of Yahweh,
for his name alone is exalted.
His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
148:14 He has lifted up the horn of his people,
the praise of all his saints;
even of the children of Israel, a people near to him.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 149

149:1 Praise Yahweh!
Sing to Yahweh a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him who made them.
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance!
Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!
149:4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people.
He crowns the humble with salvation.
149:5 Let the saints rejoice in honor.
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
149:6 May the high praises of God be in their mouths,
and a two-edged sword in their hand;
149:7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
and punishments on the peoples;
149:8 To bind their kings with chains,
and their nobles with fetters of iron;
149:9 to execute on them the written judgment.
All his saints have this honor.
Praise Yah!

Psalm 150

150:1 Praise Yah!
Praise God in his sanctuary!
Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power!
150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts!
Praise him according to his excellent greatness!
150:3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet!
Praise him with harp and lyre!
150:4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing!
Praise him with stringed instruments and flute!
150:5 Praise him with loud cymbals!
Praise him with resounding cymbals!
150:6 Let everything that has breath praise Yah!
Praise Yah!

Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:2 The word "Anointed" is the same as the word for "Messiah" or "Christ"

[1] back to 2:2 The word "Anointed" is the same as "Messiah" or "Christ."

[2] back to 2:12 or, Kiss the son

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Kiss the son

[3] back to 8:5 Hebrew: Elohim. The word Elohim, used here, usually means "God," but can also mean "gods," "princes," or "angels."

[3] back to 8:5 Hebrew: Elohim. The term Elohim, used here, typically means "God," but it can also refer to "gods," "princes," or "angels."

[4] back to 22:16 or, They have pierced my hands and feet. (DSS)

[4] back to 22:16 or, They have nailed my hands and feet. (DSS)

[5] back to 34:0 Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[5] back to 34:0 Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[6] back to 46:0 Alamoth is a musical term.

Alamoth is a music term.

[7] back to 87:4 Rahab is a reference to Egypt.

Rahab means Egypt.

[8] back to 104:4 or, angels

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, angels

[9] back to 106:7 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[10] back to 106:9 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[11] back to 106:22 or, Sea of Reeds

Sea of Reeds

[12] back to 111:1 Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[12] back to 111:1 Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, with each line after the opening "Praise Yah!" beginning with a letter of the alphabet (arranged from Alef to Tav).

[13] back to 112:1 Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

[13] back to 112:1 Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, where each verse after the opening "Praise Yah!" begins with a letter of the alphabet (arranged from Alef to Tav).

[14] back to 136:13 or, Sea of Reeds

Sea of Reeds

[15] back to 136:15 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds

[16] back to 138:1 The word elohim, used here, usually means "God," but can also mean "gods," "princes," or "angels."

[16] back to 138:1 The word elohim, used here, typically means "God," but it can also refer to "gods," "princes," or "angels."

[17] back to 145:0 This is an acrostic psalm, with every verse (including the second half of verse 13) starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

[17] back to 145:0 This is an acrostic psalm, where each verse (including the second half of verse 13) begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

[18] back to 145:13 Some manuscripts omit these last two lines.

[18] back to 145:13 Some manuscripts leave out these last two lines.














Proverbs

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

1:1 The sayings of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

1:2 to know wisdom and instruction;
to discern the words of understanding;
1:3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
1:4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man:
1:5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
1:6 to understand a proverb, and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
1:7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;
but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
1:8 My son, listen to your father's instruction,
and don't forsake your mother's teaching:
1:9 for they will be a garland to grace your head,
and chains around your neck.
1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.
1:11 If they say, "Come with us,
Let's lay in wait for blood;
let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
1:12 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol,
and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
1:13 We'll find all valuable wealth.
We'll fill our houses with spoil.
1:14 You shall cast your lot among us.
We'll all have one purse."
1:15 My son, don't walk in the way with them.
Keep your foot from their path,
1:16 for their feet run to evil.
They hurry to shed blood.
1:17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
1:18 but these lay wait for their own blood.
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.
It takes away the life of its owners.
1:20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street.
She utters her voice in the public squares.
1:21 She calls at the head of noisy places.
At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:
1:22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,
and fools hate knowledge?
1:23 Turn at my reproof.
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you.
I will make known my words to you.
1:24 Because I have called, and you have refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
1:25 but you have ignored all my counsel,
and wanted none of my reproof;
1:26 I also will laugh at your disaster.
I will mock when calamity overtakes you;
1:27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;
when distress and anguish come on you.
1:28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;
1:29 because they hated knowledge,
and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.
1:30 They wanted none of my counsel.
They despised all my reproof.
1:31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own schemes.
1:32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them.
The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely,
and will be at ease, without fear of harm."
2:1 My son, if you will receive my words,
and store up my commandments within you;
2:2 So as to turn your ear to wisdom,
and apply your heart to understanding;
2:3 Yes, if you call out for discernment,
and lift up your voice for understanding;
2:4 If you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures:
2:5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
and find the knowledge of God.
2:6 For Yahweh gives wisdom.
Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
2:7 He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;
2:8 that he may guard the paths of justice,
and preserve the way of his saints.
2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
equity and every good path.
2:10 For wisdom will enter into your heart.
Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
2:11 Discretion will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you,
2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil,
from the men who speak perverse things;
2:13 who forsake the paths of uprightness,
to walk in the ways of darkness;
2:14 who rejoice to do evil,
and delight in the perverseness of evil;
2:15 who are crooked in their ways,
and wayward in their paths:
2:16 To deliver you from the strange woman,
even from the foreigner who flatters with her words;
2:17 who forsakes the friend of her youth,
and forgets the covenant of her God:
2:18 for her house leads down to death,
her paths to the dead.
2:19 None who go to her return again,
neither do they attain to the paths of life:
2:20 that you may walk in the way of good men,
and keep the paths of the righteous.
2:21 For the upright will dwell in the land.
The perfect will remain in it.
2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land.
The treacherous will be rooted out of it.
3:1 My son, don't forget my teaching;
but let your heart keep my commandments:
3:2 for length of days, and years of life,
and peace, will they add to you.
3:3 Don't let kindness and truth forsake you.
Bind them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
3:4 So you will find favor,
and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
and don't lean on your own understanding.
3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
3:7 Don't be wise in your own eyes.
Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
3:8 It will be health to your body,
and nourishment to your bones.
3:9 Honor Yahweh with your substance,
with the first fruits of all your increase:
3:10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
3:11 My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline,
neither be weary of his reproof:
3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves;
even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gets understanding.
3:14 For her good profit is better than getting silver,
and her return is better than fine gold.
3:15 She is more precious than rubies.
None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
3:16 Length of days is in her right hand.
In her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
All her paths are peace.
3:18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
Happy is everyone who retains her.
3:19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
By understanding, he established the heavens.
3:20 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,
and the skies drop down the dew.
3:21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
3:22 so they will be life to your soul,
and grace for your neck.
3:23 Then you shall walk in your way securely.
Your foot won't stumble.
3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
3:25 Don't be afraid of sudden fear,
neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes:
3:26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
and will keep your foot from being taken.
3:27 Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
3:28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again;
tomorrow I will give it to you,"
when you have it by you.
3:29 Don't devise evil against your neighbor,
seeing he dwells securely by you.
3:30 Don't strive with a man without cause,
if he has done you no harm.
3:31 Don't envy the man of violence.
Choose none of his ways.
3:32 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh,
but his friendship is with the upright.
3:33 Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.
3:34 Surely he mocks the mockers,
but he gives grace to the humble.
3:35 The wise will inherit glory,
but shame will be the promotion of fools.
4:1 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction.
Pay attention and know understanding;
4:2 for I give you sound learning.
Don't forsake my law.
4:3 For I was a son to my father,
tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
4:4 He taught me, and said to me:
"Let your heart retain my words.
Keep my commandments, and live.
4:5 Get wisdom.
Get understanding.
Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
4:6 Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you.
Love her, and she will keep you.
4:7 Wisdom is supreme.
Get wisdom.
Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.
4:9 She will give to your head a garland of grace.
She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."
4:10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.
The years of your life will be many.
4:11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom.
I have led you in straight paths.
4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered.
When you run, you will not stumble.
4:13 Take firm hold of instruction.
Don't let her go.
Keep her, for she is your life.
4:14 Don't enter into the path of the wicked.
Don't walk in the way of evil men.
4:15 Avoid it, and don't pass by it.
Turn from it, and pass on.
4:16 For they don't sleep, unless they do evil.
Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.
4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
and drink the wine of violence.
4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,
that shines more and more until the perfect day.
4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness.
They don't know what they stumble over.
4:20 My son, attend to my words.
Turn your ear to my sayings.
4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes.
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
4:22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to their whole body.
4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
for out of it is the wellspring of life.
4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.
Put corrupt lips far from you.
4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
4:26 Make the path of your feet level.
Let all of your ways be established.
4:27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left.
Remove your foot from evil.
5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
Turn your ear to my understanding:
5:2 that you may maintain discretion,
that your lips may preserve knowledge.
5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.
Her mouth is smoother than oil,
5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5:5 Her feet go down to death.
Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life.
Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.
5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
5:8 Remove your way far from her.
Don't come near the door of her house,
5:9 lest you give your honor to others,
and your years to the cruel one;
5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth,
and your labors enrich another man's house.
5:11 You will groan at your latter end,
when your flesh and your body are consumed,
5:12 and say, "How I have hated instruction,
and my heart despised reproof;
5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers,
nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
in the midst of the gathered assembly."
5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern,
running water out of your own well.
5:16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
streams of water in the public squares?
5:17 Let them be for yourself alone,
not for strangers with you.
5:18 Let your spring be blessed.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer--
let her breasts satisfy you at all times.
Be captivated always with her love.
5:20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another?
5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh.
He examines all his paths.
5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.
The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
5:23 He will die for lack of instruction.
In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
6:1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor,
if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth.
You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.
6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself,
seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor.
Go, humble yourself.
Press your plea with your neighbor.
6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
nor slumber to your eyelids.
6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.
Consider her ways, and be wise;
6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
6:8 provides her bread in the summer,
and gathers her food in the harvest.
6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?
When will you arise out of your sleep?
6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep:
6:11 so your poverty will come as a robber,
and your scarcity as an armed man.
6:12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity,
is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
who motions with his fingers;
6:14 in whose heart is perverseness,
who devises evil continually,
who always sows discord.
6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly.
He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
6:16 There are six things which Yahweh hates;
yes, seven which are an abomination to him:
6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood;
6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are swift in running to mischief,
6:19 a false witness who utters lies,
and he who sows discord among brothers.
6:20 My son, keep your father's commandment,
and don't forsake your mother's teaching.
6:21 Bind them continually on your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
6:22 When you walk, it will lead you.
When you sleep, it will watch over you.
When you awake, it will talk with you.
6:23 For the commandment is a lamp,
and the law is light.
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman,
from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.
6:25 Don't lust after her beauty in your heart,
neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
6:26 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread.
The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
and his clothes not be burned?
6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals,
and his feet not be scorched?
6:29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife.
Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
6:30 Men don't despise a thief,
if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:
6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
He shall give all the wealth of his house.
6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
He who does it destroys his own soul.
6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor.
His reproach will not be wiped away.
6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.
He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
6:35 He won't regard any ransom,
neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
7:1 My son, keep my words.
Lay up my commandments within you.
7:2 Keep my commandments and live!
Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.
7:3 Bind them on your fingers.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
7:4 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister."
Call understanding your relative,
7:5 that they may keep you from the strange woman,
from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
7:6 For at the window of my house,
I looked out through my lattice.
7:7 I saw among the simple ones.
I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
7:8 passing through the street near her corner,
he went the way to her house,
7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day,
in the middle of the night and in the darkness.
7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute,
and with crafty intent.
7:11 She is loud and defiant.
Her feet don't stay in her house.
7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares,
and lurking at every corner.
7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him.
With an impudent face she said to him:
7:14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me.
This day I have paid my vows.
7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you,
to diligently seek your face,
and I have found you.
7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry,
with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning.
Let's solace ourselves with loving.
7:19 For my husband isn't at home.
He has gone on a long journey.
7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him.
He will come home at the full moon."
7:21 With persuasive words, she led him astray.
With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.
7:22 He followed her immediately,
as an ox goes to the slaughter,
as a fool stepping into a noose.
7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver,
as a bird hurries to the snare,
and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me.
Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
7:25 Don't let your heart turn to her ways.
Don't go astray in her paths,
7:26 for she has thrown down many wounded.
Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
going down to the chambers of death.
8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out?
Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
8:2 On the top of high places by the way,
where the paths meet, she stands.
8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city,
at the entry doors, she cries aloud:
8:4 "To you men, I call!
I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
8:5 You simple, understand prudence.
You fools, be of an understanding heart.
8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things.
The opening of my lips is for right things.
8:7 For my mouth speaks truth.
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness.
There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
8:9 They are all plain to him who understands,
right to those who find knowledge.
8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver;
knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies.
All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.
8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling.
Find out knowledge and discretion.
8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine.
I have understanding and power.
8:15 By me kings reign,
and princes decree justice.
8:16 By me princes rule;
nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
8:17 I love those who love me.
Those who seek me diligently will find me.
8:18 With me are riches, honor,
enduring wealth, and prosperity.
8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold;
my yield than choice silver.
8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the midst of the paths of justice;
8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me.
I fill their treasuries.
8:22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work,
before his deeds of old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning,
before the earth existed.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
8:28 when he established the clouds above,
when the springs of the deep became strong,
8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary,
that the waters should not violate his commandment,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth;
8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side.
I was a delight day by day,
always rejoicing before him,
8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world.
My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
for blessed are those who keep my ways.
8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise.
Don't refuse it.
8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my door posts.
8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life,
and will obtain favor from Yahweh.
8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.
All those who hate me love death."
9:1 Wisdom has built her house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
9:2 She has prepared her meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has also set her table.
9:3 She has sent out her maidens.
She cries from the highest places of the city:
9:4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!"
As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9:5 "Come, eat some of my bread,
Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
9:6 Leave your simple ways, and live.
Walk in the way of understanding."
9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult.
He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.
Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser.
Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
9:11 For by me your days will be multiplied.
The years of your life will be increased.
9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself.
If you mock, you alone will bear it.
9:13 The foolish woman is loud,
Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
9:14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat in the high places of the city,
9:15 To call to those who pass by,
who go straight on their ways,
9:16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here."
as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9:17 "Stolen water is sweet.
Food eaten in secret is pleasant."
9:18 But he doesn't know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

10:1 The proverbs of Solomon.

10:1 Solomon's proverbs.

A wise son makes a glad father;
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
but righteousness delivers from death.
10:3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry,
but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
10:4 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments,
but a chattering fool will fall.
10:9 He who walks blamelessly walks surely,
but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow,
but a chattering fool will fall.
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life,
but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all wrongs.
10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment,
but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city.
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
10:16 The labor of the righteous leads to life.
The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
10:17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction,
but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips.
He who utters a slander is a fool.
10:19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
10:20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
10:22 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness,
but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
10:24 What the wicked fear, will overtake them,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more;
but the righteous stand firm forever.
10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
10:27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days,
but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
10:28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hope of the wicked will perish.
10:29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright,
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
10:30 The righteous will never be removed,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
11:1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh,
but accurate weights are his delight.
11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame,
but with humility comes wisdom.
11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them,
but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
11:4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way,
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes,
and expectation of power comes to nothing.
11:8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble,
and the wicked takes his place.
11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11:11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted,
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
11:12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding holds his peace.
11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence,
but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,
but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
11:15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it,
but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor,
but violent men obtain riches.
11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul,
but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages,
but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
11:19 He who is truly righteous gets life.
He who pursues evil gets death.
11:20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh,
but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished,
but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout,
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good.
The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
11:24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more.
There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat.
He who waters shall be watered also himself.
11:26 People curse someone who withholds grain,
but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.
The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
He who is wise wins souls.
11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth;
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh,
but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband,
but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more,
but the house of the righteous shall stand.
12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom,
but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant,
than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips,
but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but he who is wise listens to counsel.
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day,
but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly,
but a false witness lies.
12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise heals.
12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever,
but a lying tongue is only momentary.
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous,
but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
but those who do the truth are his delight.
12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge,
but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule,
but laziness ends in slave labor.
12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
but a kind word makes it glad.
12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game,
but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
12:28 In the way of righteousness is life;
in its path there is no death.
A wise son listens to his father's instruction,
but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things;
but the unfaithful crave violence.
13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul.
One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing,
but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
13:5 A righteous man hates lies,
but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches,
but the poor hear no threats.
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life,
to turn from the snares of death.
13:15 Good understanding wins favor;
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge,
but a fool exposes folly.
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
but prosperity rewards the righteous.
13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields,
but injustice sweeps it away.
13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son,
but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
14:1 Every wise woman builds her house,
but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh,
but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean,
but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
14:5 A truthful witness will not lie,
but a false witness pours out lies.
14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it,
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
14:7 Stay away from a foolish man,
for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
but among the upright there is good will.
14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;
he will not share these with a stranger.
14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,
and mirth may end in heaviness.
14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;
likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
14:15 A simple man believes everything,
but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
and a crafty man is hated.
14:18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
14:19 The evil bow down before the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
but the rich person has many friends.
14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil?
But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
14:23 In all hard work there is profit,
but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
14:25 A truthful witness saves souls,
but a false witness is deceitful.
14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
and he will be a refuge for his children.
14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
turning people from the snares of death.
14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory,
but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace,
but envy rots the bones.
14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity,
but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely,
but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
15:5 A fool despises his father's correction,
but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so with the heart of fools.
15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:
whoever hates reproof shall die.
15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh--
how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh,
than great treasure with trouble.
15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
than a fattened calf with hatred.
15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,
but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
15:20 A wise son makes a father glad,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,
but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.
How good is a word at the right time!
15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise,
to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud,
but he will keep the widow's borders intact.
15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked,
but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
but he who hates bribes will live.
15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
Good news gives health to the bones.
15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
and will be at home among the wise.
15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
Before honor is humility.
16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
but Yahweh weighs the motives.
16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh,
and your plans shall succeed.
16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end--
yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh:
they shall certainly not be unpunished.
16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.
By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
16:7 When a man's ways please Yahweh,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
16:8 Better is a little with righteousness,
than great revenues with injustice.
16:9 A man's heart plans his course,
but Yahweh directs his steps.
16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king.
He shall not betray his mouth.
16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
16:12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong,
for the throne is established by righteousness.
16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings.
They value one who speaks the truth.
16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death,
but a wise man will pacify it.
16:15 In the light of the king's face is life.
His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
16:18 Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,
than to divide the plunder with the proud.
16:20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.
Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but the punishment of fools is their folly.
16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,
and adds learning to his lips.
16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
16:26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him;
for his mouth urges him on.
16:27 A worthless man devises mischief.
His speech is like a scorching fire.
16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife.
A whisperer separates close friends.
16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor,
and leads him in a way that is not good.
16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory.
It is attained by a life of righteousness.
16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from Yahweh.
17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
than a house full of feasting with strife.
17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but Yahweh tests the hearts.
17:4 An evil-doer heeds wicked lips.
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men;
the glory of children are their parents.
17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool,
much less do lying lips fit a prince.
17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
wherever he turns, he prospers.
17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love;
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
than a hundred lashes into a fool.
17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
rather than a fool in his folly.
17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil shall not depart from his house.
17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
seeing he has no understanding?
17:17 A friend loves at all times;
and a brother is born for adversity.
17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands,
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity,
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
The father of a fool has no joy.
17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
to pervert the ways of justice.
17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father,
and bitterness to her who bore him.
17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,
nor to flog officials for their integrity.
17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge.
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment.
18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
but only in revealing his own opinion.
18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
and with shame comes disgrace.
18:4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
18:6 A fool's lips come into strife,
and his mouth invites beatings.
18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
they go down into a person's innermost parts.
18:9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower:
the righteous run to him, and are safe.
18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city,
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
but before honor is humility.
18:13 He who gives answer before he hears,
that is folly and shame to him.
18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
18:16 A man's gift makes room for him,
and brings him before great men.
18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right;
until another comes and questions him.
18:18 The lot settles disputes,
and keeps strong ones apart.
18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
18:20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
those who love it will eat its fruit.
18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
and obtains favor of Yahweh.
18:23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge;
nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his way;
his heart rages against Yahweh.
19:4 Wealth adds many friends,
but the poor is separated from his friend.
19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who pours out lies shall not go free.
19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun him:
how much more do his friends avoid him!
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
He who keeps understanding shall find good.
19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who utters lies shall perish.
19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
It is his glory to overlook an offense.
19:12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father.
A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.
19:14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.
The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh;
he will reward him.
19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
don't be a willing party to his death.
19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,
for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
that you may be wise in your latter end.
19:21 There are many plans in a man's heart,
but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.
19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
19:26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother,
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
19:29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler.
Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;
but every fool will be quarreling.
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
20:6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
but who can find a faithful man?
20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity.
Blessed are his children after him.
20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
scatters away all evil with his eyes.
20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure.
I am clean and without sin?"
20:10 Differing weights and differing measures,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings,
whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,
Yahweh has made even both of them.
20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty.
Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
20:14 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer;
but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies;
but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger;
and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man,
but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
20:18 Plans are established by advice;
by wise guidance you wage war!
20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets;
therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning,
won't be blessed in the end.
20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil."
Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh;
how then can man understand his way?
20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication,
then later to consider his vows.
20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked,
and drives the threshing wheel over them.
20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp,
searching all his innermost parts.
20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe.
His throne is sustained by love.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength.
The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
and beatings purge the innermost parts.
21:1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses.
He turns it wherever he desires.
21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
21:3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
21:4 A high look, and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
21:5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;
and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
21:7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away,
because they refuse to do what is right.
21:8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
21:9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
21:11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,
and brings the wicked to ruin.
21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,
he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger;
and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
21:15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice;
but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
21:16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding
shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
21:17 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man.
He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous;
the treacherous for the upright.
21:19 It is better to dwell in a desert land,
than with a contentious and fretful woman.
21:20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man swallows it up.
21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness
finds life, righteousness, and honor.
21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
and brings down the strength of its confidence.
21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps his soul from troubles.
21:24 The proud and haughty man, "scoffer" is his name;
he works in the arrogance of pride.
21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
21:26 There are those who covet greedily all day long;
but the righteous give and don't withhold.
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination:
how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
21:28 A false witness will perish,
and a man who listens speaks to eternity.
21:29 A wicked man hardens his face;
but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding
nor counsel against Yahweh.
21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle;
but victory is with Yahweh.
22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
Yahweh is the maker of them all.
22:3 A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
22:4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
is wealth, honor, and life.
22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
22:7 The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.
22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
for he shares his food with the poor.
22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
22:11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king's friend.
22:12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!"
22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.
22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty.
22:17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
22:19 That your trust may be in Yahweh,
I teach you today, even you.
22:20 Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
22:21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22:22 Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor;
and don't crush the needy in court;
22:23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man,
and don't associate with one who harbors anger:
22:25 lest you learn his ways,
and ensnare your soul.
22:26 Don't you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.
22:27 If you don't have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?
22:28 Don't move the ancient boundary stone,
which your fathers have set up.
22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won't serve obscure men.
23:1 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
consider diligently what is before you;
23:2 put a knife to your throat,
if you are a man given to appetite.
23:3 Don't be desirous of his dainties,
seeing they are deceitful food.
23:4 Don't weary yourself to be rich.
In your wisdom, show restraint.
23:5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not?
For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
23:6 Don't eat the food of him who has a stingy eye,
and don't crave his delicacies:
23:7 for as he thinks about the cost, so he is.
"Eat and drink!" he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
23:8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up,
and lose your good words.
23:9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool,
for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
23:10 Don't move the ancient boundary stone.
Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless:
23:11 for their Defender is strong.
He will plead their case against you.
23:12 Apply your heart to instruction,
and your ears to the words of knowledge.
23:13 Don't withhold correction from a child.
If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
23:14 Punish him with the rod,
and save his soul from Sheol.
23:15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad, even mine:
23:16 yes, my heart will rejoice,
when your lips speak what is right.
23:17 Don't let your heart envy sinners;
but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.
23:18 Indeed surely there is a future hope,
and your hope will not be cut off.
23:19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path!
23:20 Don't be among ones drinking too much wine,
or those who gorge themselves on meat:
23:21 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor;
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
23:22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23:23 Buy the truth, and don't sell it.
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
23:24 The father of the righteous has great joy.
Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
23:25 Let your father and your mother be glad!
Let her who bore you rejoice!
23:26 My son, give me your heart;
and let your eyes keep in my ways.
23:27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
23:28 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber,
and increases the unfaithful among men.
23:29 Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has strife?
Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises?
Who has bloodshot eyes?
23:30 Those who stay long at the wine;
those who go to seek out mixed wine.
23:31 Don't look at the wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly.
23:32 In the end, it bites like a snake,
and poisons like a viper.
23:33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
23:34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea,
or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
23:35 "They hit me, and I was not hurt!
They beat me, and I don't feel it!
When will I wake up? I can do it again.
I can find another."
24:1 Don't be envious of evil men;
neither desire to be with them:
24:2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about mischief.
24:3 Through wisdom a house is built;
by understanding it is established;
24:4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
with all rare and beautiful treasure.
24:5 A wise man has great power;
and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
24:6 for by wise guidance you wage your war;
and victory is in many advisors.
24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool:
he doesn't open his mouth in the gate.
24:8 One who plots to do evil
will be called a schemer.
24:9 The schemes of folly are sin.
The mocker is detested by men.
24:10 If you falter in the time of trouble,
your strength is small.
24:11 Rescue those who are being led away to death!
Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
24:12 If you say, "Behold, we didn't know this;"
doesn't he who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, doesn't he know it?
Shall he not render to every man according to his work?
24:13 My son, eat honey, for it is good;
the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:
24:14 so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul;
if you have found it, then there will be a reward,
your hope will not be cut off.
24:15 Don't lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous.
Don't destroy his resting place:
24:16 for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again;
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
24:17 Don't rejoice when your enemy falls.
Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;
24:18 lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him,
and he turn away his wrath from him.
24:19 Don't fret yourself because of evildoers;
neither be envious of the wicked:
24:20 for there will be no reward to the evil man;
and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
24:21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king.
Don't join those who are rebellious:
24:22 for their calamity will rise suddenly;
the destruction from them both--who knows?

24:23 These also are sayings of the wise.

24:23 These are also the words of the wise.

To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24:24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;"
peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him--
24:25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a rich blessing will come on them.
24:26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
24:27 Prepare your work outside,
and get your fields ready.
Afterwards, build your house.
24:28 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
Don't deceive with your lips.
24:29 Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work."
24:30 I went by the field of the sluggard,
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
24:31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.
Its surface was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
24:32 Then I saw, and considered well.
I saw, and received instruction:
24:33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep;
24:34 so your poverty will come as a robber,
and your want as an armed man.

25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

25:1 These are also the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, recorded.

25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
25:3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
25:4 Take away the dross from the silver,
and material comes out for the refiner;
25:5 Take away the wicked from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25:6 Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
or claim a place among great men;
25:7 for it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"
than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
whom your eyes have seen.
25:8 Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court.
What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
25:9 Debate your case with your neighbor,
and don't betray the confidence of another;
25:10 lest one who hears it put you to shame,
and your bad reputation never depart.
25:11 A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
so is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
25:14 As clouds and wind without rain,
so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
25:15 By patience a ruler is persuaded.
A soft tongue breaks the bone.
25:16 Have you found honey?
Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
25:17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
25:18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
25:19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
25:20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
or vinegar on soda,
so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
25:22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
and Yahweh will reward you.
25:23 The north wind brings forth rain:
so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25:25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
25:26 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well,
so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
25:27 It is not good to eat much honey;
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
25:28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls
is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
26:1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,
so honor is not fitting for a fool.
26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow,
like a darting swallow,
so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.
26:3 A whip is for the horse,
a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the back of fools!
26:4 Don't answer a fool according to his folly,
lest you also be like him.
26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
26:6 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool
is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
26:7 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose:
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
26:8 As one who binds a stone in a sling,
so is he who gives honor to a fool.
26:9 Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard,
so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
26:10 As an archer who wounds all,
so is he who hires a fool
or he who hires those who pass by.
26:11 As a dog that returns to his vomit,
so is a fool who repeats his folly.
26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
26:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion roams the streets!"
26:14 As the door turns on its hinges,
so does the sluggard on his bed.
26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish.
He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who answer with discretion.
26:17 Like one who grabs a dog's ears
is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
26:18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,
26:19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
26:20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
26:21 As coals are to hot embers,
and wood to fire,
so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
26:22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
they go down into the innermost parts.
26:23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel
are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
26:24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but he harbors evil in his heart.
26:25 When his speech is charming, don't believe him;
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26:26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
26:27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it.
Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow;
for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
27:2 Let another man praise you,
and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
27:3 A stone is heavy,
and sand is a burden;
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
27:4 Wrath is cruel,
and anger is overwhelming;
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
27:5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb;
but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest,
so is a man who wanders from his home.
27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart;
so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
27:10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend.
Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster:
better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.
27:11 Be wise, my son,
and bring joy to my heart,
then I can answer my tormentor.
27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
27:13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger.
Hold it for a wayward woman!
27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse by him.
27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy day
and a contentious wife are alike:
27:16 restraining her is like restraining the wind,
or like grasping oil in his right hand.
27:17 Iron sharpens iron;
so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
He who looks after his master shall be honored.
27:19 As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;
and a man's eyes are never satisfied.
27:21 The crucible is for silver,
and the furnace for gold;
but man is refined by his praise.
27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
27:23 Know well the state of your flocks,
and pay attention to your herds:
27:24 for riches are not forever,
nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
27:25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears,
the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
27:26 The lambs are for your clothing,
and the goats are the price of a field.
27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food,
for your family's food,
and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
28:2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;
but those who keep the law contend with them.
28:5 Evil men don't understand justice;
but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son;
but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
28:8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest
gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
28:9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
he will fall into his own trap;
but the blameless will inherit good.
28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes;
but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears;
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear,
so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.
One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
28:17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death;
no one will support him.
28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;
but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
28:19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food;
but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings;
but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
28:21 To show partiality is not good;
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
28:22 A stingy man hurries after riches,
and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue.
28:24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong."
He is a partner with a destroyer.
28:25 One who is greedy stirs up strife;
but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool;
but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
28:27 One who gives to the poor has no lack;
but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
29:4 The king by justice makes the land stable,
but he who takes bribes tears it down.
29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
but the righteous can sing and be glad.
29:7 The righteous care about justice for the poor.
The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
29:8 Mockers stir up a city,
but wise men turn away anger.
29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
and they seek the life of the upright.
29:11 A fool vents all of his anger,
but a wise man brings himself under control.
29:12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all of his officials are wicked.
29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
29:14 The king who fairly judges the poor,
his throne shall be established forever.
29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom,
but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
29:16 When the wicked increase, sin increases;
but the righteous will see their downfall.
29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but one who keeps the law is blessed.
29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words.
Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
29:21 He who pampers his servant from youth
will have him become a son in the end.
29:22 An angry man stirs up strife,
and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
29:23 A man's pride brings him low,
but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare,
but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor,
but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.
29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous,
and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle:

30:1 The sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh, the prophecy:

the man says to Ithiel,
to Ithiel and Ucal:
30:2 "Surely I am the most ignorant man,
and don't have a man's understanding.
30:3 I have not learned wisdom,
neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has bound the waters in his garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?
30:5 "Every word of God is flawless.
He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
30:6 Don't you add to his words,
lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
30:7 "Two things I have asked of you;
don't deny me before I die:
30:8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies.
Give me neither poverty nor riches.
Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
30:9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?'
or lest I be poor, and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
30:10 "Don't slander a servant to his master,
lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
30:11 There is a generation that curses their father,
and doesn't bless their mother.
30:12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,
yet are not washed from their filthiness.
30:13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
Their eyelids are lifted up.
30:14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
and their jaws like knives,
to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
30:15 "The leach has two daughters:
'Give, give.'
"There are three things that are never satisfied;
four that don't say, 'Enough:'
30:16 Sheol,
the barren womb;
the earth that is not satisfied with water;
and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'
30:17 "The eye that mocks at his father,
and scorns obedience to his mother:
the ravens of the valley shall pick it out,
the young eagles shall eat it.
30:18 "There are three things which are too amazing for me,
four which I don't understand:
30:19 The way of an eagle in the air;
the way of a serpent on a rock;
the way of a ship in the midst of the sea;
and the way of a man with a maiden.
30:20 "So is the way of an adulterous woman:
she eats and wipes her mouth,
and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'
30:21 "For three things the earth tremble,
and under four, it can't bear up:
30:22 For a servant when he is king;
a fool when he is filled with food;
30:23 for an unloved woman when she is married;
and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
30:24 "There are four things which are little on the earth,
but they are exceedingly wise:
30:25 the ants are not a strong people,
yet they provide their food in the summer.
30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk,
yet make they their houses in the rocks.
30:27 The locusts have no king,
yet they advance in ranks.
30:28 You can catch a lizard with your hands,
yet it is in kings' palaces.
30:29 "There are three things which are stately in their march,
four which are stately in going:
30:30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals,
and doesn't turn away for any;
30:31 the greyhound,
the male goat also;
and the king against whom there is no rising up.
30:32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself,
or if you have thought evil,
put your hand over your mouth.
30:33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter,
and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood;
so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."

31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

31:1 The words of King Lemuel; the message that his mother taught him.

31:2 "Oh, my son!
Oh, son of my womb!
Oh, son of my vows!
31:3 Don't give your strength to women,
nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel;
it is not for kings to drink wine;
nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law,
and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish;
and wine to the bitter in soul:
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
and remember his misery no more.
31:8 Open your mouth for the mute,
in the cause of all who are left desolate.
31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
and serve justice to the poor and needy."
31:10 *Who can find a worthy woman?
For her price is far above rubies.
31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her.
He shall have no lack of gain.
31:12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
31:13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works eagerly with her hands.
31:14 She is like the merchant ships.
She brings her bread from afar.
31:15 She rises also while it is yet night,
gives food to her household,
and portions for her servant girls.
31:16 She considers a field, and buys it.
With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
31:17 She girds her waist with strength,
and makes her arms strong.
31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp doesn't go out by night.
31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
31:20 She opens her arms to the poor;
yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates,
when he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing.
She laughs at the time to come.
31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom.
Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
31:29 "Many women do noble things,
but you excel them all."
31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands!
Let her works praise her in the gates!

Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 31:10 Proverbs 31:10-31 form an acrostic, with each verse starting with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order.

[1] back to 31:10 Proverbs 31:10-31 create an acrostic, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.














Ecclesiastes

1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:

1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:

1:2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." 1:3 What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun? 1:4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever. 1:5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises. 1:6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses. 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again. 1:8 All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 1:9 That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 1:10 Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Behold, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. 1:11 There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after.

1:2 "Everything is meaningless," says the Preacher; "Everything is meaningless, it's all just a waste." 1:3 What does a person gain from all their hard work under the sun? 1:4 One generation comes and another goes, but the earth stays the same. 1:5 The sun rises and sets, then races back to where it rises again. 1:6 The wind blows south, then turns north. It circles around constantly and returns to its path. 1:7 All the rivers lead to the sea, but the sea never fills up. The rivers flow to the same spot, and then flow back again. 1:8 Everything is weary to the point of being unexplainable. The eye is never satisfied with seeing, and the ear is never filled with hearing. 1:9 What has happened before will happen again; what has been done will be done again: there's nothing new under the sun. 1:10 Is there anything that can be said, "Look, this is new?" It has already existed long ago in ages before us. 1:11 There’s no memory of what happened before, and there won't be any memory of what will come after, among those who will come after.

1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 1:13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. 1:15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted. 1:16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge." 1:17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 1:13 I dedicated myself to seeking and understanding all that happens under the sky with wisdom. It’s a heavy burden that God has placed on humanity to endure. 1:14 I have seen all the things that happen under the sun, and honestly, everything is meaningless, just like trying to catch the wind. 1:15 What’s twisted can’t be made straight, and what’s missing can’t be counted. 1:16 I told myself, "Look, I've gained great wisdom, more than anyone before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has experienced a lot of wisdom and knowledge." 1:17 I committed myself to understanding wisdom, madness, and foolishness. I realized that this too was just chasing the wind. 1:18 Because with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and the more knowledge you have, the more grief you carry.

2:1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity. 2:2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"

2:1 I said to myself, "Let’s see how it goes with some fun, so enjoy some pleasure;" but look, this too was pointless. 2:2 I said about laughter, "It’s just silly;" and about fun, "What’s the point?"

2:3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. 2:4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards. 2:5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit. 2:6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared. 2:7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem; 2:8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men--musical instruments, and that of all sorts. 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me. 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. 2:11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

2:3 I thought about how to lift my spirits with wine, with my heart still guiding me wisely, and how to embrace foolishness, so I could understand what was worthwhile for people to do under heaven throughout their lives. 2:4 I created amazing projects. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards. 2:5 I made gardens and parks, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 2:6 I constructed pools of water to irrigate the forests where my trees grew. 2:7 I hired male and female servants, and had servants born in my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than anyone else in Jerusalem; 2:8 I collected silver and gold for myself, along with treasures from kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and the pleasures of people—musical instruments of all kinds. 2:9 So I became great, surpassing everyone who came before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom was still with me. 2:10 I didn't hold back anything my eyes desired. I didn't deny my heart any joy, for my heart found happiness in all my hard work, and this was my reward for all my efforts. 2:11 Then I looked at all the things my hands had created and at the efforts I had put in; and behold, everything was meaningless, like chasing after the wind, and there was no gain under the sun.

2:12 I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago. 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness--and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all. 2:15 Then said I in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?" Then said I in my heart that this also is vanity. 2:16 For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!

2:12 I turned to think about wisdom, madness, and foolishness: what can the king's heir do? Just what has already been done. 2:13 Then I realized that wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 2:14 The wise person's eyes are in their head, but the fool walks in darkness--and yet I saw that the same fate happens to them both. 2:15 Then I said to myself, "What happens to the fool will happen to me too; so why was I any wiser?" I told myself that this too is pointless. 2:16 For both the wise and the fool will be forgotten, since in the future, everything will be long gone. Indeed, the wise person must die just like the fool!

2:17 So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. 2:18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who comes after me. 2:19 Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

2:17 I hated life because the work done under the sun was hard for me; everything is pointless and feels like chasing the wind. 2:18 I despised all my work that I did under the sun, since I have to leave it to someone who comes after me. 2:19 Who knows if that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will take control of all the work I did, and the wisdom I showed while I was alive. This also is pointless.

2:20 Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun. 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 2:22 For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun? 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. 2:24 There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. 2:25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? 2:26 For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

2:20 So I started feeling hopeless about all the work I had done in my life. 2:21 There’s a person who works with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, yet he’ll end up leaving it all to someone who didn’t earn it. This is also pointless and a terrible injustice. 2:22 What does a person really gain from all their hard work and the struggles of their heart while working in this life? 2:23 All their days are filled with sorrow, and their efforts bring nothing but grief; even at night, their heart finds no peace. This too is pointless. 2:24 There’s nothing better for someone than to eat and drink and find joy in their work. I also realized that this comes from the hand of God. 2:25 After all, who can eat or enjoy life more than I do? 2:26 For the person who pleases Him, God grants wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner, He gives hard work to gather and store up, only to give to those who please God. This too is pointless and a chasing after the wind.

3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

3:1 There's a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven:

3:2 a time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3:3 a time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
3:4 a time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance;
3:5 a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
3:6 a time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to cast away;
3:7 a time to tear,
and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
3:8 a time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time for war,
and a time for peace.

3:9 What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? 3:10 I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end. 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. 3:13 Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. 3:14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him. 3:15 That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

3:9 What benefit does someone gain from working hard at something? 3:10 I’ve noticed the struggle that God has placed upon humans to endure. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has also put a sense of eternity in people's hearts, but they can't fully grasp the work that God has done from beginning to end. 3:12 I believe there’s nothing better for them than to be happy and to do good while they live. 3:13 Also, everyone should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruits of their labor; this is God's gift. 3:14 I understand that whatever God does lasts forever. Nothing can be added to it or taken away; God has done this so that people will revere Him. 3:15 What is has existed a long time ago, and what is yet to come has also been long ago: and God seeks again what has passed.

3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there. 3:17 I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work." 3:18 I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. 3:19 For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity. 3:20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again. 3:21 Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?"

3:16 I also noticed that under the sun, in the place of justice, there was wickedness; and in the place of righteousness, there was wickedness too. 3:17 I thought to myself, "God will judge both the righteous and the wicked because there’s a time for every purpose and every action." 3:18 I reflected, "As for humanity, God tests them so they can see that they are just like animals. 3:19 What happens to people also happens to animals. The same fate awaits them both. As one dies, so does the other. They all share the same breath; humans don’t have any advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 3:20 They all go to the same place. Everyone comes from dust, and everyone returns to dust. 3:21 Who knows if the spirit of man goes upward, and if the spirit of the animal goes downward to the earth?"

3:22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

3:22 So, I realized that nothing is better than for a person to enjoy their work, because that's what they get. After all, who can show them what will come after them?

4:1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. 4:2 Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive. 4:3 Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. 4:4 Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 4:5 The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

4:1 Then I came back and noticed all the oppression happening under the sun: and look, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they also had no comforter. 4:2 So I praised the dead who have been gone for a long time more than the living who are still alive. 4:3 Yes, better than both is the person who has not yet been born and has not seen the evil that happens under the sun. 4:4 Then I noticed all the work and achievements that result in envy from one's neighbor. This too is pointless and just chasing after the wind. 4:5 The fool folds his hands and brings ruin upon himself.

4:6 Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. 4:7 Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. 4:8 There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment? This also is vanity, yes, it is a miserable business.

4:6 It's better to have a little and be at peace than to have a lot and constantly struggle. 4:7 Then I looked around and saw how meaningless everything is. 4:8 There’s someone who’s all alone, without a son or a brother. He works endlessly, but his eyes never seem to be satisfied with his wealth. So, for whom am I working so hard and missing out on enjoying life? This is just meaningless; it really is a sad way to live.

4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have another to lift him up. 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? 4:12 If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their efforts. 4:10 If one falls, the other can help him up; but it’s bad for someone who is alone when they fall and has no one to help them up. 4:11 Also, if two lie together, they can stay warm; but how can one person get warm alone? 4:12 If someone attacks one person who is alone, two can stand up against him; and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

4:13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more. 4:14 For out of prison he came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. 4:15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. 4:16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was--yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

4:13 Better to be a poor and wise young person than an old and foolish king who can’t take advice anymore. 4:14 He came out of prison to become king; yes, he was even born poor in his own kingdom. 4:15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, and they were with the young man who succeeded him. 4:16 There was no shortage of people, even those he ruled over—yet those who come after him won’t celebrate him. This too is pointless and just a pursuit of the unattainable.

5:1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil. 5:2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words. 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. 5:5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

5:1 Be careful when you go to God's house; listening is better than offering the sacrifices of fools, because they don’t realize they’re doing wrong. 5:2 Don’t be quick to speak, and don’t let your heart rush to say anything to God; He’s in heaven, and you’re on earth. So let your words be few. 5:3 Just as dreams come with a lot of worries, a fool’s words come with a lot of talk. 5:4 When you make a vow to God, don’t delay in fulfilling it; He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you promised. 5:5 It’s better not to make a vow than to make one and not follow through. 5:6 Don’t let your mouth lead you to sin. Don’t argue with the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at what you say and ruin the work of your hands? 5:7 In the many dreams, there’s emptiness, and the same goes for many words: but you must fear God.

5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them. 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.

5:8 If you notice the oppression of the poor and the violent denial of justice and fairness in an area, don’t be surprised; one official is watched by a more powerful one, and there are others above them. 5:9 Additionally, the benefits of the land belong to everyone. The king benefits from the fields.

5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity. 5:11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

5:10 Anyone who loves silver won’t be satisfied with it; and someone who loves wealth won’t be satisfied with more. This is also pointless. 5:11 When possessions increase, the number of people who consume them increases as well; so what benefit does the owner have, other than to admire them?

5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

5:12 The sleep of a hardworking person is peaceful, whether they eat a little or a lot; but the wealth of the rich keeps them awake.

5:13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand. 5:15 As he came forth from his mother's womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand. 5:16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind? 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

5:13 I've seen a serious problem in the world: wealth that its owner keeps for their own harm. 5:14 Those riches can disappear due to bad luck, and if he has a son, there’s nothing left for him. 5:15 Just as he came into the world, he will leave it, taking nothing with him from his hard work. 5:16 This is also a serious issue; he leaves the same way he arrived. What benefit does he get from chasing after things that don’t last? 5:17 Throughout his life, he eats in darkness, feeling frustrated, sick, and angry.

5:18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. 5:20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

5:18 Look, what I believe is good and right is for someone to eat and drink, and to enjoy the benefits of all their hard work under the sun throughout their life, which God has given them; this is what they deserve. 5:19 Every person to whom God has granted wealth and resources, and the ability to enjoy it, and to appreciate their efforts—this is God's gift. 5:20 They won’t often dwell on the days of their lives because God fills them with the joy of their heart.

6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men: 6:2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

6:1 I've seen something wrong in this world, and it really weighs on people: 6:2 a person who has been given wealth, riches, and honor by God, so that he has everything he could want for his soul, yet God doesn’t allow him to enjoy it—someone else ends up enjoying it instead. This is pointless, and it’s a terrible misfortune.

6:3 If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he: 6:4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. 6:5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other. 6:6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place? 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living? 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. 6:10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. 6:11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man? 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

6:3 If a man has a hundred kids and lives for many years, so that his days are long, but he doesn’t experience anything good and has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he is: 6:4 because it comes in vain and goes away in darkness, and its name is hidden in darkness. 6:5 Besides, it hasn’t seen the sun or known it. This has more peace than the other. 6:6 Yes, even if he lives for two thousand years and still does not enjoy anything good, don’t we all end up in the same place? 6:7 All the work a person does is for their stomach, yet their hunger is never satisfied. 6:8 What advantage does the wise person have over the fool? What does the poor man have, who knows how to walk among the living? 6:9 It’s better to see with your own eyes than to have desires that lead you astray. This too is meaningless and like chasing the wind. 6:10 Whatever has happened was named long ago, and it’s clear what humanity is; no one can challenge someone stronger than themselves. 6:11 There are many words that create emptiness. What good does that do for a person? 6:12 Who knows what is good for a person in life, all the days of their meaningless life that passes like a shadow? Who can tell a person what will come after them under the sun?

7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth. 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart. 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good. 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding. 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning.

7:1 A good name is worth more than expensive perfume; and the day you die is better than the day you were born. 7:2 It's better to go to a funeral than to a party because that's the end for everyone, and the living should remember this. 7:3 Sadness is better than laughter; for a sad face makes the heart better. 7:4 The wise person reflects in the house of mourning, while a fool finds joy in the house of celebration. 7:5 It's better to listen to a wise person's criticism than to hear the songs of fools. 7:6 Just like the crackling of thorns in a fire, a fool's laughter is meaningless. 7:7 Surely, exploitation makes a wise person foolish, and a bribe ruins understanding. 7:8 The end of something is better than its beginning.

The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 7:9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.

The patient spirit is better than the proud spirit. 7:9 Don't rush to anger, because anger stays close to fools. 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the good old days better than these?" Because you're not being wise in asking that.

7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun. 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

7:11 Wisdom is just as valuable as an inheritance. In fact, it's even better for those who live life to the fullest. 7:12 Wisdom offers protection, just like money does; but the greatest thing about knowledge is that wisdom keeps the one who possesses it safe.

7:13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked? 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.

7:13 Think about God's work, for who can fix what He has twisted? 7:14 On a good day, be happy, and on a tough day, reflect; yes, God has created both situations so that people shouldn’t figure out anything that comes after.

7:15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evil-doing. 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 7:18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all. 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin. 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you; 7:22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others. 7:23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me. 7:24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out? 7:25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

7:15 I've seen all this during my days of emptiness: there's a righteous person who dies in their goodness, and there's a wicked person who lives a long life in their wrongdoing. 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, and don’t pretend to be overly wise. Why would you destroy yourself? 7:17 Don’t be too wicked, and don’t act foolishly. Why would you die before your time? 7:18 It's important to hold on to this. Yes, don’t let go of that either; because whoever fears God will get through it all. 7:19 Wisdom is more of a strength for the wise than ten rulers in a city. 7:20 Surely, there isn’t a righteous person on earth who does good and doesn’t sin. 7:21 Also, don’t pay attention to every word that is said, or you might hear your servant cursing you; 7:22 because often your own heart knows that you have cursed others as well. 7:23 I’ve tested all this with wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was beyond my reach. 7:24 What exists is incredibly far away and very deep. Who can uncover it? 7:25 I looked around, and my heart tried to understand, to explore, and to seek wisdom and the way things work, and to realize that wickedness is foolishness, and that foolishness is madness.

7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

7:26 I find the woman whose heart is full of snares and traps, whose hands are like chains, to be more bitter than death. Those who please God will escape her, but sinners will be caught by her.

7:27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme; 7:28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. 7:29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

7:27 Look, this is what I've discovered, says the Preacher, searching for the plan; 7:28 which my soul still longs for; but I haven't found it: I've found one man among a thousand; but I haven't found a single woman among all of them. 7:29 Look, this is all I’ve found: that God made man straightforward; but they look for many plans.

8:1 Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. 8:2 I say, "Keep the king's command!" because of the oath to God. 8:3 Don't be hasty to go out of his presence. Don't persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him, 8:4 for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?" 8:5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure. 8:6 For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him. 8:7 For he doesn't know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be? 8:8 There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

8:1 Who is like the wise person? And who understands the meaning of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face, and the severity of their expression changes. 8:2 I say, "Obey the king's command!" because of the oath to God. 8:3 Don’t be quick to leave his presence. Don’t keep doing something wrong, because he acts according to his own desires, 8:4 for the king’s word is final. Who can question him, "What are you doing?" 8:5 Whoever follows the command will not face harm, and their wise heart will recognize the right time and method. 8:6 For there is a time and method for every purpose, even though the struggles of life weigh heavily on him. 8:7 For he doesn’t know what will happen; who can tell him how things will turn out? 8:8 No one has power over the spirit to keep it contained; nor does anyone have power over the day of death. There is no escape in war; wickedness won’t save those who practice it.

8:9 All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt. 8:10 So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. This also is vanity. 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 8:12 Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. 8:13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn't fear God.

8:9 I've seen all this and focused my thoughts on everything that happens under the sun. There are times when one person has the power to harm another. 8:10 I noticed that the wicked were buried. They also came from a place of holiness. They went away and were forgotten in the city where they did this. This is also pointless. 8:11 Because punishment for evil deeds isn't carried out quickly, people's hearts are fully set on doing evil. 8:12 Even if a sinner commits crimes a hundred times and lives a long life, I know for sure that it will be better for those who fear God and are respectful towards Him. 8:13 But things won’t go well for the wicked, nor will they extend their days like a shadow; because they don't fear God.

8:14 There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

8:14 There's a pointless vanity here on earth: there are righteous people who suffer as if they were evil, while there are evil people who thrive as if they were righteous. I believe this is also pointless. 8:15 So I recommend enjoyment, because there's nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and be happy, since that will be their companion in all their work throughout their life that God has given them under the sun.

8:16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night sees sleep with his eyes), 8:17 then I saw all the work of God, that man can't find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won't find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won't be able to find it.

8:16 When I focused my heart on understanding wisdom and observing the activities that take place on earth (for there are people who don’t rest day or night), 8:17 I realized that all the work of God is beyond our grasp. No matter how hard a person works to uncover it, they won’t succeed. Even if a wise person believes they can understand it, they still won’t be able to find it.

9:1 For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hatred, man doesn't know it; all is before them. 9:2 All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to him who sacrifices, and to him who doesn't sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; he who takes an oath, as he who fears an oath. 9:3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 9:4 For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 9:5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 9:6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

9:1 I considered all of this carefully: that the righteous, the wise, and their actions are in God's hands; whether it’s love or hate, people can’t know it; everything lies ahead of them. 9:2 Everything happens to everyone the same way. There’s one fate for both the righteous and the wicked; for the good, for the clean, for the unclean; for those who make sacrifices and for those who don’t. Just like the good person, so is the sinner; the one who swears an oath is just like the one who avoids oaths. 9:3 This is a troubling reality in everything that takes place on earth: the same fate awaits all. Yes, the hearts of people are full of evil, and madness takes hold of them while they’re alive, and then they go to the grave. 9:4 But for those who are still living, there’s hope; a living dog is better than a dead lion. 9:5 The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they no longer receive any reward, for they are forgotten. 9:6 Their love, hatred, and envy have long since disappeared; they have no part in anything that happens on earth anymore.

9:7 Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. 9:8 Let your garments be always white, and don't let your head lack oil. 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun. 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.

9:7 Go ahead—enjoy your food and eat your bread with happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; because God has already accepted what you’ve done. 9:8 Keep your clothes white all the time, and don’t let your head go without oil. 9:9 Enjoy life with the wife you love during all the days of your brief life that God has given you under the sun, all your days of fleeting moments: that is your share in life, and in the hard work you put in under the sun. 9:10 Whatever you find to do, do it with all your strength; because there is no work, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, where you are headed.

9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. 9:12 For man also doesn't know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them.

9:11 I came back and observed under the sun that winning isn't always about speed and battles aren't won solely by strength. Wisdom doesn't guarantee food, intelligence doesn't always lead to wealth, and skill doesn't ensure favor; rather, time and chance affect everyone. 9:12 For people also don't know what their time holds. Just like fish that get caught in a bad net and birds trapped in a snare, so too are humans caught in difficult times that come upon them unexpectedly.

9:13 I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me. 9:14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. 9:15 Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. 9:17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools. 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.

9:13 I’ve also seen wisdom in the world this way, and it struck me as significant. 9:14 There was a small city with only a few people in it; then a great king came against it, besieged it, and built strong defenses around it. 9:15 Now, a poor wise man was found in the city, and he used his wisdom to save the city; still, no one remembered that poor man. 9:16 Then I said, Wisdom is better than strength. Yet the poor man’s wisdom is overlooked, and his words go unheard. 9:17 The quiet words of the wise are more valuable than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons for war; however, one sinner can ruin a lot of good.

10:1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left. 10:3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

10:1 Dead flies make the perfume smell bad; in the same way, a little foolishness can overshadow wisdom and respect. 10:2 A wise person's heart is focused and directed, while a fool's heart is scattered and confused. 10:3 Indeed, when a fool is on the move, he shows his lack of understanding, and everyone can see that he is foolish. 10:4 If the leader turns against you, stay calm; being gentle can resolve major conflicts.

10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler. 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. 10:7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth. 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 10:9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby. 10:10 If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

10:5 I've seen a problem under the sun, the kind that comes from those in power. 10:6 Foolishness is given high status, while the wealthy are placed low. 10:7 I've seen servants riding horses, and princes walking like servants on the ground. 10:8 Whoever digs a pit might fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall might get bitten by a snake. 10:9 Anyone who carves stone could be hurt by it. Anyone who splits wood might be put at risk. 10:10 If the axe is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to use more force; but skill leads to success.

10:11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue. 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips. 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 10:14 A fool also multiplies words.

10:11 If the snake strikes before it's charmed, then the charmer's words are pointless. 10:12 A wise person's words are kind; but a fool gets trapped by their own words. 10:13 The start of what they say is foolishness; and the conclusion of their talk is reckless insanity. 10:14 A fool also talks too much.

Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? 10:15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.

Man doesn't know what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? 10:15 The work of fools tires everyone out; they don't know how to get to the city.

10:16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a child,
and your princes eat in the morning! 10:17 Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles,
and your princes eat in due season,
for strength, and not for drunkenness!
10:18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in;
and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
10:19 A feast is made for laughter,
and wine makes the life glad;
and money is the answer for all things.
10:20 Don't curse the king, no, not in your thoughts;
and don't curse the rich in your bedchamber:
for a bird of the sky may carry your voice,
and that which has wings may tell the matter.
11:1 Cast your bread on the waters;
for you shall find it after many days.
11:2 Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight;
for you don't know what evil will be on the earth.
11:3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth;
and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north,
in the place where the tree falls, there shall it be.
11:4 He who observes the wind won't sow;
and he who regards the clouds won't reap.
11:5 As you don't know what is the way of the wind,
nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child;
even so you don't know the work of God who does all.
11:6 In the morning sow your seed,
and in the evening don't withhold your hand;
for you don't know which will prosper, whether this or that,
or whether they both will be equally good.
11:7 Truly the light is sweet,
and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun.
11:8 Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all;
but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many.
All that comes is vanity.
11:9 Rejoice, young man, in your youth,
and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth,
and walk in the ways of your heart,
and in the sight of your eyes;
but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart,
and put away evil from your flesh;
for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the evil days come, and the years draw near,
when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them;"
12:2 Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened,
and the clouds return after the rain;
12:3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble,
and the strong men shall bow themselves,
and the grinders cease because they are few,
and those who look out of the windows are darkened,
12:4 and the doors shall be shut in the street;
when the sound of the grinding is low,
and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird,
and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
12:5 yes, they shall be afraid of heights,
and terrors will be in the way;
and the almond tree shall blossom,
and the grasshopper shall be a burden,
and desire shall fail;
because man goes to his everlasting home,
and the mourners go about the streets:
12:6 before the silver cord is severed,
or the golden bowl is broken,
or the pitcher is broken at the spring,
or the wheel broken at the cistern,
12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
12:8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher.
All is vanity!

12:9 Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 12:10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12:12 Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

12:9 Moreover, since the Preacher was wise, he continued to teach the people knowledge. He thought deeply, searched extensively, and organized many proverbs. 12:10 The Preacher aimed to discover meaningful words and wrote everything accurately, presenting truths. 12:11 The words of the wise are like sharp sticks; and like well-driven nails are the words from the leaders of gatherings, which come from one source. 12:12 Additionally, my son, take heed: there is no end to the making of many books; and too much studying can wear you out.

12:13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

12:13 This concludes the discussion. Everything has been said. Respect God and follow His commandments, as this is the entire responsibility of humanity. 12:14 For God will evaluate every action, including every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.














Song of Solomon

1:1 The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.

1:1 The Song of Songs, attributed to Solomon.

Beloved
1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth;
for your love is better than wine.
1:3 Your oils have a pleasing fragrance.
Your name is oil poured forth,
therefore the virgins love you.
1:4 Take me away with you.
Let us hurry.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
Friends
We will be glad and rejoice in you.
We will praise your love more than wine!
Beloved
They are right to love you.
1:5 I am dark, but lovely,
you daughters of Jerusalem,
like Kedar's tents,
like Solomon's curtains.
1:6 Don't stare at me because I am dark,
because the sun has scorched me.
My mother's sons were angry with me.
They made me keeper of the vineyards.
I haven't kept my own vineyard.
1:7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves,
where you graze your flock,
where you rest them at noon;
For why should I be as one who is veiled
beside the flocks of your companions?
Lover
1:8 If you don't know, most beautiful among women,
follow the tracks of the sheep.
Graze your young goats beside the shepherds' tents.
1:9 I have compared you, my love,
to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.
1:10 Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings,
your neck with strings of jewels.
1:11 We will make you earrings of gold,
with studs of silver.
Beloved
1:12 While the king sat at his table,
my perfume spread its fragrance.
1:13 My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh,
that lies between my breasts.
1:14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
from the vineyards of En Gedi.
Lover
1:15 Behold, you are beautiful, my love.
Behold, you are beautiful.
Your eyes are doves.
Beloved
1:16 Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant;
and our couch is verdant.
Lover
1:17 The beams of our house are cedars.
Our rafters are firs.
Beloved
2:1 I am a rose of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.
Lover
2:2 As a lily among thorns,
so is my love among the daughters.
Beloved
2:3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
so is my beloved among the sons.
I sat down under his shadow with great delight,
his fruit was sweet to my taste.
2:4 He brought me to the banquet hall.
His banner over me is love.
2:5 Strengthen me with raisins,
refresh me with apples;
For I am faint with love.
2:6 His left hand is under my head.
His right hand embraces me.
2:7 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
by the roes, or by the hinds of the field,
that you not stir up, nor awaken love,
until it so desires.
2:8 The voice of my beloved!
Behold, he comes,
leaping on the mountains,
skipping on the hills.
2:9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart.
Behold, he stands behind our wall!
He looks in at the windows.
He glances through the lattice.
2:10 My beloved spoke, and said to me,
"Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
2:11 For, behold, the winter is past.
The rain is over and gone.
2:12 The flowers appear on the earth.
The time of the singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
2:13 The fig tree ripens her green figs.
The vines are in blossom.
They give forth their fragrance.
Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away."
Lover
2:14 My dove in the clefts of the rock,
In the hiding places of the mountainside,
Let me see your face.
Let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.
2:15 Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes that spoil the vineyards;
for our vineyards are in blossom.
Beloved
2:16 My beloved is mine, and I am his.
He browses among the lilies.
2:17 Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away,
turn, my beloved,
and be like a roe or a young hart on the mountains of Bether.
3:1 By night on my bed,
I sought him whom my soul loves.
I sought him, but I didn't find him.
3:2 I will get up now, and go about the city;
in the streets and in the squares I will seek him whom my soul loves.
I sought him, but I didn't find him.
3:3 The watchmen who go about the city found me;
"Have you seen him whom my soul loves?"
3:4 I had scarcely passed from them,
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go,
until I had brought him into my mother's house,
into the chamber of her who conceived me.
3:5 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
by the roes, or by the hinds of the field,
that you not stir up, nor awaken love,
until it so desires.
3:6 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke,
perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
with all spices of the merchant?
3:7 Behold, it is Solomon's carriage!
Sixty mighty men are around it,
of the mighty men of Israel.
3:8 They all handle the sword, and are expert in war.
Every man has his sword on his thigh,
because of fear in the night.
3:9 King Solomon made himself a carriage
of the wood of Lebanon.
3:10 He made its pillars of silver,
its bottom of gold, its seat of purple,
its midst being paved with love,
from the daughters of Jerusalem.
3:11 Go forth, you daughters of Zion, and see king Solomon,
with the crown with which his mother has crowned him,
in the day of his weddings,
in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Lover
4:1 Behold, you are beautiful, my love.
Behold, you are beautiful.
Your eyes are doves behind your veil.
Your hair is as a flock of goats,
that descend from Mount Gilead.
4:2 Your teeth are like a newly shorn flock,
which have come up from the washing,
where every one of them has twins.
None is bereaved among them.
4:3 Your lips are like scarlet thread.
Your mouth is lovely.
Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.
4:4 Your neck is like David's tower built for an armory,
whereon a thousand shields hang,
all the shields of the mighty men.
4:5 Your two breasts are like two fawns
that are twins of a roe,
which feed among the lilies.
4:6 Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away,
I will go to the mountain of myrrh,
to the hill of frankincense.
4:7 You are all beautiful, my love.
There is no spot in you.
4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,
with me from Lebanon.
Look from the top of Amana,
from the top of Senir and Hermon,
from the lions' dens,
from the mountains of the leopards.
4:9 You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride.
You have ravished my heart with one of your eyes,
with one chain of your neck.
4:10 How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine!
The fragrance of your perfumes than all manner of spices!
4:11 Your lips, my bride, drip like the honeycomb.
Honey and milk are under your tongue.
The smell of your garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
4:12 A locked up garden is my sister, my bride;
a locked up spring,
a sealed fountain.
4:13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits:
henna with spikenard plants,
4:14 spikenard and saffron,
calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree;
myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,
4:15 a fountain of gardens,
a well of living waters,
flowing streams from Lebanon.
Beloved
4:16 Awake, north wind; and come, you south!
Blow on my garden, that its spices may flow out.
Let my beloved come into his garden,
and taste his precious fruits.
Lover
5:1 I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride.
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice;
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
I have drunk my wine with my milk.
Friends
Eat, friends!
Drink, yes, drink abundantly, beloved.
Beloved
5:2 I was asleep, but my heart was awake.
It is the voice of my beloved who knocks:
"Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled;
for my head is filled with dew,
and my hair with the dampness of the night."
5:3 I have taken off my robe. Indeed, must I put it on?
I have washed my feet. Indeed, must I soil them?
5:4 My beloved thrust his hand in through the latch opening.
My heart pounded for him.
5:5 I rose up to open for my beloved.
My hands dripped with myrrh,
my fingers with liquid myrrh,
on the handles of the lock.
5:6 I opened to my beloved;
but my beloved left; and had gone away.
My heart went out when he spoke.
I looked for him, but I didn't find him.
I called him, but he didn't answer.
5:7 The watchmen who go about the city found me.
They beat me.
They bruised me.
The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me.
5:8 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
If you find my beloved,
that you tell him that I am faint with love.
Friends
5:9 How is your beloved better than another beloved,
you fairest among women?
How is your beloved better than another beloved,
that you do so adjure us?
Beloved
5:10 My beloved is white and ruddy.
The best among ten thousand.
5:11 His head is like the purest gold.
His hair is bushy, black as a raven.
5:12 His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks,
washed with milk, mounted like jewels.
5:13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes.
His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
5:14 His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl.
His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.
5:15 His legs are like pillars of marble set on sockets of fine gold.
His appearance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
5:16 His mouth is sweetness;
yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved, and this is my friend,
daughters of Jerusalem.
Friends
6:1 Where has your beloved gone, you fairest among women?
Where has your beloved turned, that we may seek him with you?
Beloved
6:2 My beloved has gone down to his garden,
to the beds of spices,
to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
6:3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.
He browses among the lilies,
6:4 You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah,
lovely as Jerusalem,
awesome as an army with banners.
6:5 Turn away your eyes from me,
for they have overcome me.
Your hair is like a flock of goats,
that lie along the side of Gilead.
6:6 Your teeth are like a flock of ewes,
which have come up from the washing;
of which every one has twins;
none is bereaved among them.
6:7 Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.
6:8 There are sixty queens, eighty concubines,
and virgins without number.
6:9 My dove, my perfect one, is unique.
She is her mother's only daughter.
She is the favorite one of her who bore her.
The daughters saw her, and called her blessed;
the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.
6:10 Who is she who looks forth as the morning,
beautiful as the moon,
clear as the sun,
and awesome as an army with banners?
6:11 I went down into the nut tree grove,
to see the green plants of the valley,
to see whether the vine budded,
and the pomegranates were in flower.
6:12 Without realizing it,
my desire set me with my royal people's chariots.
Friends
6:13 Return, return, Shulammite!
Return, return, that we may gaze at you.
Lover
Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite,
as at the dance of Mahanaim?
7:1 How beautiful are your feet in sandals, prince's daughter!
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
the work of the hands of a skillful workman.
7:2 Your body is like a round goblet,
no mixed wine is wanting.
Your waist is like a heap of wheat,
set about with lilies.
7:3 Your two breasts are like two fawns,
that are twins of a roe.
7:4 Your neck is like an ivory tower.
Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bathrabbim.
Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.
7:5 Your head on you is like Carmel.
The hair of your head like purple.
The king is held captive in its tresses.
7:6 How beautiful and how pleasant you are,
love, for delights!
7:7 This, your stature, is like a palm tree,
your breasts like its fruit.
7:8 I said, "I will climb up into the palm tree.
I will take hold of its fruit."
Let your breasts be like clusters of the vine,
the smell of your breath like apples,
Beloved
7:9 Your mouth like the best wine,
that goes down smoothly for my beloved,
gliding through the lips of those who are asleep.
7:10 I am my beloved's.
His desire is toward me.
7:11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field.
Let us lodge in the villages.
7:12 Let's go early up to the vineyards.
Let's see whether the vine has budded,
its blossom is open,
and the pomegranates are in flower.
There I will give you my love.
7:13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance.
At our doors are all kinds of precious fruits, new and old,
which I have stored up for you, my beloved.
8:1 Oh that you were like my brother,
who sucked the breasts of my mother!
If I found you outside, I would kiss you;
yes, and no one would despise me.
8:2 I would lead you, bringing you into my mother's house,
who would instruct me.
I would have you drink spiced wine,
of the juice of my pomegranate.
8:3 His left hand would be under my head.
His right hand would embrace me.
8:4 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
that you not stir up, nor awaken love,
until it so desires.
Friends
8:5 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness,
leaning on her beloved?
Under the apple tree I aroused you.
There your mother conceived you.
There she was in labor and bore you.
8:6 Set me as a seal on your heart,
as a seal on your arm;
for love is strong as death.
Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a very flame of Yahweh.
8:7 Many waters can't quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love,
he would be utterly scorned.
Friends
8:8 We have a little sister.
She has no breasts.
What shall we do for our sister
in the day when she is to be spoken for?
8:9 If she is a wall,
we will build on her a turret of silver.
if she is a door,
we will enclose her with boards of cedar.
Beloved
8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers,
then I was in his eyes like one who found peace.
8:11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon.
He leased out the vineyard to keepers.
Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.
8:12 My own vineyard is before me.
The thousand are for you, Solomon;
two hundred for those who tend its fruit.
Lover
8:13 You who dwell in the gardens, with friends in attendance,
let me hear your voice!
Beloved
8:14 Come away, my beloved!
Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!














Isaiah

1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

1:1 The vision of Isaiah, the son of Amoz, which he had about Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

1:2 Hear, heavens,
and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken:
I have nourished and brought up children,
and they have rebelled against me.
1:3 The ox knows his owner,
and the donkey his master's crib;
but Israel doesn't know,
my people don't consider.
1:4 Ah sinful nation,
a people loaded with iniquity,
a seed of evil-doers,
children who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken Yahweh.
They have despised the Holy One of Israel.
They are estranged and backward.
1:5 Why should you be beaten more,
that you revolt more and more?
The whole head is sick,
and the whole heart faint.
1:6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it:
wounds, welts, and open sores.
They haven't been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil.
1:7 Your country is desolate.
Your cities are burned with fire.
Strangers devour your land in your presence,
and it is desolate,
as overthrown by strangers.
1:8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard,
like a hut in a field of melons,
like a besieged city.
1:9 Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant,
we would have been as Sodom;
we would have been like Gomorrah.
1:10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
1:11 "What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh.
"I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams,
and the fat of fed animals.
I don't delight in the blood of bulls,
or of lambs,
or of male goats.
1:12 When you come to appear before me,
who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts?
1:13 Bring no more vain offerings.
Incense is an abomination to me;
new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations:
I can't bear with evil assemblies.
1:14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts.
They are a burden to me.
I am weary of bearing them.
1:15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you.
Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.
1:16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean.
Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.
Cease to do evil.
1:17 Learn to do well.
Seek justice.
Relieve the oppressed.
Judge the fatherless.
Plead for the widow."
1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh:
"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1:19 If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land;
1:20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword;
for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."
1:21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute!
She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her,
but now murderers.
1:22 Your silver has become dross,
your wine mixed with water.
1:23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves.
Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards.
They don't judge the fatherless,
neither does the cause of the widow come to them.
1:24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies,
the Mighty One of Israel, says:
"Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries,
and avenge myself of my enemies;
1:25 and I will turn my hand on you,
thoroughly purge away your dross,
and will take away all your tin.
1:26 I will restore your judges as at the first,
and your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you shall be called 'The city of righteousness,
a faithful town.'
1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice,
and her converts with righteousness.
1:28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together,
and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed.
1:29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired,
and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen.
1:30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades,
and as a garden that has no water.
1:31 The strong will be like tinder,
and his work like a spark.
They will both burn together,
and no one will quench them."

2:1 This is what Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2:1 This is what Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw about Judah and Jerusalem.

2:2 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh's house shall be established on the top of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
and all nations shall flow to it.
2:3 Many peoples shall go and say,
"Come, let's go up to the mountain of Yahweh,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths."
For out of Zion the law shall go forth,
and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem.
2:4 He will judge between the nations,
and will decide concerning many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
2:5 House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh.
2:6 For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob,
because they are filled from the east,
with those who practice divination like the Philistines,
and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners.
2:7 Their land is full of silver and gold,
neither is there any end of their treasures.
Their land also is full of horses,
neither is there any end of their chariots.
2:8 Their land also is full of idols.
They worship the work of their own hands,
that which their own fingers have made.
2:9 Man is brought low,
and mankind is humbled;
therefore don't forgive them.
2:10 Enter into the rock,
and hide in the dust,
from before the terror of Yahweh,
and from the glory of his majesty.
2:11 The lofty looks of man will be brought low,
the haughtiness of men will be bowed down,
and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.
2:12 For there will be a day of Yahweh of Armies for all that is proud and haughty,
and for all that is lifted up;
and it shall be brought low:
2:13 For all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up,
for all the oaks of Bashan,
2:14 For all the high mountains,
for all the hills that are lifted up,
2:15 For every lofty tower,
for every fortified wall,
2:16 For all the ships of Tarshish,
and for all pleasant imagery.
2:17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed down,
and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low;
and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.
2:18 The idols shall utterly pass away.
2:19 Men shall go into the caves of the rocks,
and into the holes of the earth,
from before the terror of Yahweh,
and from the glory of his majesty,
when he arises to shake the earth mightily.
2:20 In that day, men shall cast away their idols of silver,
and their idols of gold,
which have been made for themselves to worship,
to the moles and to the bats;
2:21 To go into the caverns of the rocks,
and into the clefts of the ragged rocks,
from before the terror of Yahweh,
and from the glory of his majesty,
when he arises to shake the earth mightily.
2:22 Stop trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils;
for of what account is he?
3:1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support,
the whole supply of bread,
and the whole supply of water;
3:2 the mighty man,
the man of war,
the judge,
the prophet,
the diviner,
the elder,
3:3 the captain of fifty,
the honorable man,
the counselor,
the skilled craftsman,
and the clever enchanter.
3:4 I will give boys to be their princes,
and children shall rule over them.
3:5 The people will be oppressed,
everyone by another,
and everyone by his neighbor.
The child will behave himself proudly against the old man,
and the base against the honorable.
3:6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying,
"You have clothing, you be our ruler,
and let this ruin be under your hand."
3:7 In that day he will cry out, saying, I will not be a healer;
for in my house is neither bread nor clothing.
You shall not make me ruler of the people.
3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen;
because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh,
to provoke the eyes of his glory.
3:9 The look of their faces testify against them.
They parade their sin like Sodom.
They don't hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought disaster upon themselves.
3:10 Tell the righteous "Good!"
For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.
3:11 Woe to the wicked!
Disaster is upon them;
for the deeds of his hands will be paid back to him.
3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors,
and women rule over them.
My people, those who lead you cause you to err,
and destroy the way of your paths.
3:13 Yahweh stands up to contend,
and stands to judge the peoples.
3:14 Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of his people,
and their leaders:
"It is you who have eaten up the vineyard.
The spoil of the poor is in your houses.
3:15 What do you mean that you crush my people,
and grind the face of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.
3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,
and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes,
walking to trip as they go,
jingling ornaments on their feet;
3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion,
and Yahweh will make their scalps bald."

3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 3:19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 3:21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 3:22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 3:23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.

3:18 On that day, the Lord will strip away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent necklaces, 3:19 earrings, bracelets, veils, 3:20 headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, charms, 3:21 signet rings, nose rings, 3:22 fine robes, capes, cloaks, purses, 3:23 hand mirrors, fine linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.

3:24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness;
instead of a belt, a rope;
instead of well set hair, baldness;
instead of a robe, a girding of sackcloth;
and branding instead of beauty.
3:25 Your men shall fall by the sword,
and your mighty in the war.
3:26 Her gates shall lament and mourn;
and she shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

4:1 Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

4:1 Seven women will grab onto one man in that day, saying, "We’ll cook our own food and wear our own clothes; just let us be called by your name. Remove our shame."

4:2 In that day, Yahweh's branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel. 4:3 It will happen, that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4:4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 4:5 Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 4:6 There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

4:2 On that day, the Lord's branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the produce of the land will reflect the beauty and glory of those who survive in Israel. 4:3 It will happen that those who are left in Zion and those who remain in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who is listed among the living in Jerusalem; 4:4 when the Lord has cleansed the pollution of the daughters of Zion and has removed the bloodshed from Jerusalem, by the spirit of justice and the spirit of purification. 4:5 The Lord will create a cloud and smoke over all of Mount Zion and her gatherings during the day, and a bright flame of fire at night; for over all the glory will be a covering. 4:6 There will be a shelter for shade from the heat during the day and a refuge from storms and rain.

5:1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard.
My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill.
5:2 He dug it up,
gathered out its stones,
planted it with the choicest vine,
built a tower in its midst,
and also cut out a winepress therein.
He looked for it to yield grapes,
but it yielded wild grapes.
5:3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah,
please judge between me and my vineyard.
5:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?
Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes?
5:5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard.
I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up.
I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down.
5:6 I will lay it a wasteland.
It won't be pruned nor hoed,
but it will grow briers and thorns.
I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it."
5:7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel,
and the men of Judah his pleasant plant:
and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression;
for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.
5:8 Woe to those who join house to house,
who lay field to field, until there is no room,
and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land!
5:9 In my ears, Yahweh of Armies says: "Surely many houses will be desolate,
even great and beautiful, unoccupied.
5:10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath,
and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah."
5:11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink;
who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!
5:12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts;
but they don't regard the work of Yahweh,
neither have they considered the operation of his hands.
5:13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge.
Their honorable men are famished,
and their multitudes are parched with thirst.
5:14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire,
and opened its mouth without measure;
and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it.
5:15 So man is brought low,
mankind is humbled,
and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled;
5:16 but Yahweh of Armies is exalted in justice,
and God the Holy One is sanctified in righteousness.
5:17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture,
and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.
5:18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood,
and wickedness as with cart rope;
5:19 Who say, "Let him make speed, let him hasten his work, that we may see it;
and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
that we may know it!"
5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
who put darkness for light,
and light for darkness;
who put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!
5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and prudent in their own sight!
5:22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine,
and champions at mixing strong drink;
5:23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice for the innocent!
5:24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble,
and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame,
so their root shall be as rottenness,
and their blossom shall go up as dust;
because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies,
and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
5:25 Therefore Yahweh's anger burns against his people,
and he has stretched out his hand against them, and has struck them.
The mountains tremble,
and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets.
For all this, his anger is not turned away,
but his hand is still stretched out.
5:26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from far,
and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth.
Behold, they will come speedily and swiftly.
5:27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them;
none shall slumber nor sleep;
neither shall the belt of their waist be untied,
nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:
5:28 whose arrows are sharp,
and all their bows bent.
Their horses' hoofs will be like flint,
and their wheels like a whirlwind.
5:29 Their roaring will be like a lioness.
They will roar like young lions.
Yes, they shall roar,
and seize their prey and carry it off,
and there will be no one to deliver.
5:30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea.
If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress.
The light is darkened in its clouds.

6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. 6:2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. 6:3 One called to another, and said,

6:1 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, elevated and surrounded by glory; and his robe filled the temple. 6:2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two, he covered his face. With two, he covered his feet. With two, he flew. 6:3 One called to another and said,

"Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies!
The whole earth is full of his glory!"

6:4 The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 6:5 Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Armies!"

6:4 The foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of the one who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 6:5 Then I said, "I’m doomed! For I am ruined, because I am a man with unclean lips, and I live among a people with unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts!"

6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. 6:7 He touched my mouth with it, and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven."

6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding a hot coal in his hand, which he had picked up with tongs from the altar. 6:7 He touched my lips with it, and said, "Look, this has touched your lips; your guilt is removed, and your sin is forgiven."

6:8 I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"

6:8 I heard the Lord's voice saying, "Who should I send, and who will go for us?"

Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!"

Then I said, "I'm here. Send me!"

6:9 He said, "Go, and tell this people,

6:9 He said, "Go and tell these people,

'You hear indeed,
but don't understand;
and you see indeed,
but don't perceive.'
6:10 Make the heart of this people fat.
Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;
lest they see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their heart,
and turn again, and be healed."

6:11 Then I said, "Lord, how long?"

6:11 Then I asked, "God, how long?"

He answered,

He replied,

"Until cities are waste without inhabitant,
and houses without man,
and the land becomes utterly waste,
6:12 And Yahweh has removed men far away,
and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.
6:13 If there is a tenth left in it,
that also will in turn be consumed:
as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remains when they are felled;
so the holy seed is its stock."

7:1 It happened in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. 7:2 It was told the house of David, saying, "Syria is allied with Ephraim." His heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind. 7:3 Then Yahweh said to Isaiah, "Go out now to meet Ahaz, you, and Shearjashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller's field. 7:4 Tell him, 'Be careful, and keep calm. Don't be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. 7:5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have plotted evil against you, saying, 7:6 "Let's go up against Judah, and tear it apart, and let's divide it among ourselves, and set up a king in its midst, even the son of Tabeel." 7:7 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: "It shall not stand, neither shall it happen." 7:8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within sixty-five years Ephraim shall be broken in pieces, so that it shall not be a people; 7:9 and the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.'"

7:1 It happened during the reign of Ahaz, the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but they could not succeed. 7:2 It was reported to the house of David, saying, "Syria has allied with Ephraim." His heart shook, and the hearts of his people trembled like trees in a forest swaying in the wind. 7:3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah, "Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shearjashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, along the road to the fuller’s field. 7:4 Tell him, 'Be careful and stay calm. Don’t be afraid, and don’t let your heart weaken because of these two stubs of smoldering firebrands — the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. 7:5 For Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, 7:6 "Let’s march against Judah, tear it apart, divide it among ourselves, and set up a king in the midst, even the son of Tabeel." 7:7 This is what the Lord God says: "It will not stand, nor will it happen." 7:8 The head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; within sixty-five years, Ephraim will be shattered, so that it will no longer be a people; 7:9 the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you do not believe, surely you will not be established.'"

7:10 Yahweh spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 7:11 "Ask a sign of Yahweh your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."

7:10 God spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 7:11 "Ask for a sign from the Lord your God; ask for it in the depths below or in the heights above."

7:12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, neither will I tempt Yahweh."

7:12 But Ahaz said, "I won’t ask, and I won’t put Yahweh to the test."

7:13 He said, "Listen now, house of David: Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God also? 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 7:15 He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 7:16 For before the child knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings you abhor shall be forsaken. 7:17 Yahweh will bring on you, on your people, and on your father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria. 7:18 It will happen in that day that Yahweh will whistle for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 7:19 They shall come, and shall all rest in the desolate valleys, in the clefts of the rocks, on all thorn hedges, and on all pastures. 7:20 In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard. 7:21 It shall happen in that day that a man shall keep alive a young cow, and two sheep; 7:22 and it shall happen, that because of the abundance of milk which they shall give he shall eat butter: for everyone will eat butter and honey that is left in the midst of the land. 7:23 It will happen in that day that every place where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silver shekels, shall be for briers and thorns. 7:24 People will go there with arrows and with bow, because all the land will be briers and thorns. 7:25 All the hills that were cultivated with the hoe, you shall not come there for fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of sheep."

7:13 He said, "Listen now, house of David: Is it not enough for you to test the patience of people, that you will also test the patience of my God? 7:14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and will name him Immanuel.. 7:15 He will eat butter and honey when he knows to reject what is wrong and choose what is right. 7:16 For before the child knows to reject what is wrong and choose what is right, the land whose two kings you despise will be abandoned. 7:17 Yahweh will bring upon you, your people, and your father’s house, days unlike any since Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria. 7:18 On that day, Yahweh will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 7:19 They will come and settle in the desolate valleys, in the cracks of the rocks, on all thorny bushes, and on all pastures. 7:20 On that day, the Lord will shave with a hired razor from across the river, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it will also remove the beard. 7:21 On that day, a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep; 7:22 and because of the abundance of milk they produce, he will eat butter: for everyone will eat the butter and honey left in the land. 7:23 On that day, every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels will become overgrown with briers and thorns. 7:24 People will go there with arrows and bows, because the whole land will be filled with briers and thorns. 7:25 All the cultivated hills will be abandoned for fear of briers and thorns; instead, they will be for the grazing of oxen and the trampling of sheep."

8:1 Yahweh said to me, "Take a large tablet, and write on it with a man's pen, 'For Maher Shalal Hash Baz;' 8:2 and I will take for myself faithful witnesses to testify: Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."

8:1 The Lord said to me, "Get a large tablet and write on it with a regular pen, 'For Maher Shalal Hash Baz;' 8:2 and I will call faithful witnesses to testify: Uriah the priest and Zechariah, the son of Jeberechiah."

8:3 I went to the prophetess, and she conceived, and bore a son. Then said Yahweh to me, "Call his name 'Maher Shalal Hash Baz.' 8:4 For before the child knows how to say, 'My father,' and, 'My mother,' the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away by the king of Assyria."

8:3 I went to the prophetess, and she became pregnant and had a son. Then Yahweh said to me, "Name him 'Maher Shalal Hash Baz.' 8:4 For before the child is able to say, 'My father,' and 'My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be taken away by the king of Assyria."

8:5 Yahweh spoke to me yet again, saying, 8:6 "Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son; 8:7 now therefore, behold, the Lord brings upon them the mighty flood waters of the River: the king of Assyria and all his glory. It will come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks. 8:8 It will sweep onward into Judah. It will overflow and pass through; it will reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, Immanuel. 8:9 Make an uproar, you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Listen, all you from far countries: dress for battle, and be shattered! Dress for battle, and be shattered! 8:10 Take counsel together, and it will be brought to nothing; speak the word, and it will not stand: for God is with us." 8:11 For Yahweh spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, 8:12 "Don't say, 'A conspiracy!' concerning all about which this people say, 'A conspiracy!' neither fear their threats, nor be terrorized. 8:13 Yahweh of Armies is who you must regard as holy. He is the one you must fear. He is the one you must dread. 8:14 He will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, he will be a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 8:15 Many will stumble over it, fall, be broken, be snared, and be captured." 8:16 Wrap up the testimony. Seal the law among my disciples. 8:17 I will wait for Yahweh, who hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Yahweh of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion.

8:5 The Lord spoke to me again, saying, 8:6 "Because these people have rejected the gentle waters of Shiloah and instead take pleasure in Rezin and Remaliah's son; 8:7 now, look, the Lord is bringing upon them the powerful floodwaters of the river: the king of Assyria and all his glory. It will overflow all its banks and spill over its channels. 8:8 It will sweep into Judah. It will flood and pass through; it will reach up to the neck, and the extending wings will fill the width of your land, Immanuel. 8:9 Shout, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, everyone from distant lands: prepare for battle, and be defeated! Prepare for battle, and be defeated! 8:10 Make plans together, and they will come to nothing; say something, and it won't succeed: because God is with us." 8:11 For the Lord spoke to me strongly and instructed me not to follow the way of this people, saying, 8:12 "Don't call it a 'conspiracy!' when this people calls it a 'conspiracy!' Don’t be afraid of what they fear, nor be terrified. 8:13 The Lord of Hosts is the one you must regard as holy. He is the one you should fear. He is the one you should dread. 8:14 He will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, he will be a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 8:15 Many will stumble over it, fall, be broken, be ensnared, and be captured." 8:16 Wrap up the testimony. Seal the law among my disciples. 8:17 I will wait for the Lord, who hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 8:18 Look, I and the children the Lord has given me are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion.

8:19 When they tell you, "Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter:" shouldn't a people consult with their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? 8:20 Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they don't speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. 8:21 They will pass through it, sore distressed and hungry; and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry, and curse by their king and by their God. They will turn their faces upward, 8:22 and look to the earth, and see distress, darkness, and the gloom of anguish. They will be driven into thick darkness.

8:19 When they say, "Talk to people who have familiar spirits and the wizards who make chirping and muttering sounds:" shouldn't people consult their God instead? Should they really ask the dead for advice about the living? 8:20 Look to the law and to the testimony! If they don’t follow this word, there’s definitely no hope for them. 8:21 They will go through it, feeling greatly distressed and hungry; and when they’re hungry, they will become angry and curse their king and their God. They will look up, 8:22 and gaze at the earth, only to see trouble, darkness, and deep anguish. They will be pushed into complete darkness.

9:1 But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

9:1 But there will be no more sadness for her who was suffering. In the past, he brought shame to the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the future, he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.
9:3 You have multiplied the nation.
You have increased their joy.

They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 9:4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian. 9:5 For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 9:6 For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 9:7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.

They celebrate in front of you like people celebrating a great harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoils. 9:4 You have shattered the heavy yoke, the burden on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor, just like during the days of Midian. 9:5 All the armor of the armed soldiers in the loud battle, and the clothes stained with blood, will be burned as fuel for the fire. 9:6 For to us a child is born; to us a son is given, and the government will rest on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 9:7 His government and peace will never end, sitting on the throne of David and over his kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.

9:8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob,
and it falls on Israel.
9:9 All the people will know,
including Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart,
9:10 "The bricks have fallen,
but we will build with cut stone.
The sycamore fig trees have been cut down,
but we will put cedars in their place."
9:11 Therefore Yahweh will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin,
and will stir up his enemies,
9:12 The Syrians in front,
and the Philistines behind;
and they will devour Israel with open mouth.
For all this, his anger is not turned away,
but his hand is stretched out still.
9:13 Yet the people have not turned to him who struck them,
neither have they sought Yahweh of Armies.
9:14 Therefore Yahweh will cut off from Israel head and tail,
palm branch and reed, in one day.
9:15 The elder and the honorable man is the head,
and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail.
9:16 For those who lead this people lead them astray;
and those who are led by them are destroyed.
9:17 Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men,
neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows;
for everyone is profane and an evil-doer,
and every mouth speaks folly.
For all this his anger is not turned away,
but his hand is stretched out still.
9:18 For wickedness burns like a fire.
It devours the briers and thorns;
yes, it kindles in the thickets of the forest,
and they roll upward in a column of smoke.
9:19 Through the wrath of Yahweh of Armies, the land is burnt up;
and the people are the fuel for the fire.
No one spares his brother.
9:20 One will devour on the right hand, and be hungry;
and he will eat on the left hand, and they will not be satisfied.
Everyone will eat the flesh of his own arm:
9:21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together shall be against Judah.
For all this his anger is not turned away,
but his hand is stretched out still.

10:1 Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers who write oppressive decrees; 10:2 to deprive the needy from justice, and to rob the poor among my people of their rights, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! 10:3 What will you do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?

10:1 Shame on those who create unjust laws, and on the writers who craft oppressive regulations; 10:2 to deny the needy their justice, and to steal the rights of the poor in my community, so that widows become their targets, and they make orphans their victims! 10:3 What will you do when the day of reckoning comes, and the destruction approaches from a distance? Who will you turn to for help? Where will you stash your wealth?

10:4 They will only bow down under the prisoners,
and will fall under the slain.
For all this his anger is not turned away,
but his hand is stretched out still.

10:5 Alas Assyrian, the rod of my anger, the staff in whose hand is my indignation! 10:6 I will send him against a profane nation, and against the people who anger me will I give him a command to take the spoil and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 10:7 However he doesn't mean so, neither does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off not a few nations. 10:8 For he says, "Aren't all of my princes kings? 10:9 Isn't Calno like Carchemish? Isn't Hamath like Arpad? Isn't Samaria like Damascus?" 10:10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols, whose engraved images exceeded those of Jerusalem and of Samaria; 10:11 shall I not, as I have done to Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols? 10:12 Therefore it will happen that, when the Lord has performed his whole work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the willful proud heart of the king of Assyria, and the insolence of his haughty looks. 10:13 For he has said, "By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I have understanding: and I have removed the boundaries of the peoples, and have robbed their treasures. Like a valiant man I have brought down their rulers. 10:14 My hand has found the riches of the peoples like a nest, and like one gathers eggs that are abandoned, have I gathered all the earth. There was no one who moved their wing, or that opened their mouth, or chirped."

10:5 Oh Assyrian, the tool of my anger, the staff in whose hand is my fury! 10:6 I will send him against a sinful nation, and I will command him against the people who provoke me to take their spoil and their prey, and to trample them down like dirt in the streets. 10:7 However, he doesn't realize this, nor does he think it; instead, his intention is to destroy, and to wipe out not just a few nations. 10:8 For he says, "Aren't all my leaders kings? 10:9 Isn't Calno like Carchemish? Isn’t Hamath like Arpad? Isn’t Samaria like Damascus?" 10:10 Just as my hand has conquered the kingdoms of the idols, whose carved images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria; 10:11 should I not do to Jerusalem and its idols what I have done to Samaria and its idols? 10:12 Therefore, it will happen that when the Lord has completed his entire work on Mount Zion and Jerusalem, I will punish the arrogant pride of the king of Assyria and the arrogance of his haughty looks. 10:13 For he has declared, "By the power of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom; for I have understanding: I have taken away the boundaries of the peoples, and have plundered their treasures. Like a strong man, I have brought down their leaders. 10:14 My hand has found the riches of the peoples like a nest, and just as one collects abandoned eggs, I have gathered all the earth. No one flapped a wing, opened their mouth, or chirped."

10:15 Should an axe brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood. 10:16 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory a burning will be kindled like the burning of fire. 10:17 The light of Israel will be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame; and it will burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day. 10:18 He will consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body. It will be as when a standard bearer faints. 10:19 The remnant of the trees of his forest shall be few, so that a child could write their number.

10:15 Should an axe boast against the person using it? Should a saw elevate itself above its user? It's like a rod raising up those who control it, or like a staff lifting someone who isn’t wood. 10:16 Therefore, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will bring weakness among his heavyweights; and under his glory, a fire will ignite like a blazing inferno. 10:17 The light of Israel will act as a fire, and his Holy One will serve as a flame; and it will burn and consume his thorns and briars in a single day. 10:18 He will destroy the glory of his forest and his fruitful fields, both soul and body. It will be like when a standard bearer collapses. 10:19 The remaining trees in his forest will be so few that a child could count them.

10:20 It will come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and those who have escaped from the house of Jacob will no more again lean on him who struck them, but shall lean on Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 10:21 A remnant will return, even the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. 10:22 For though your people, Israel, are like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. A destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness. 10:23 For the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will make a full end, and that determined, in the midst of all the earth. 10:24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, says "My people who dwell in Zion, don't be afraid of the Assyrian, though he strike you with the rod, and lift up his staff against you, as Egypt did. 10:25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to his destruction." 10:26 Yahweh of Armies will stir up a scourge against him, as in the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb. His rod will be over the sea, and he will lift it up like he did against Egypt. 10:27 It will happen in that day, that his burden will depart from off your shoulder, and his yoke from off your neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing oil.

10:20 On that day, the survivors of Israel and those who have escaped from the house of Jacob will no longer rely on the one who injured them, but will trust in Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, truly. 10:21 A remnant will return, even the survivors of Jacob, to the mighty God. 10:22 Though your people, Israel, are as numerous as the sand by the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction has been decided, overflowing with righteousness. 10:23 For the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will make a complete end, as decided, throughout all the earth. 10:24 Therefore, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, says, "My people who live in Zion, don't be afraid of the Assyrian, though he strikes you with a rod and raises his staff against you, like Egypt did. 10:25 For just a little while longer, and the anger directed at you will be over, and my fury will be aimed at his destruction." 10:26 Yahweh of Armies will raise a punishment against him, as in the defeat of Midian at the rock of Oreb. His rod will be over the sea, and he will lift it up like he did against Egypt. 10:27 On that day, his burden will be lifted from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.

10:28 He has come to Aiath. He has passed through Migron. At Michmash he stores his baggage. 10:29 They have gone over the pass. They have taken up their lodging at Geba. Ramah trembles. Gibeah of Saul has fled. 10:30 Cry aloud with your voice, daughter of Gallim! Listen, Laishah! You poor Anathoth! 10:31 Madmenah is a fugitive. The inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety. 10:32 This very day he will halt at Nob. He shakes his hand at the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. 10:33 Behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will lop the boughs with terror. The tall will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low. 10:34 He will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One.

10:28 He has arrived at Aiath. He has passed through Migron. At Michmash, he drops off his luggage. 10:29 They have crossed the pass. They have settled in Geba. Ramah is in fear. Gibeah of Saul has fled. 10:30 Shout out loud, daughter of Gallim! Listen, Laishah! You poor people of Anathoth! 10:31 Madmenah is on the run. The people of Gebim are fleeing for safety. 10:32 Today, he will stop at Nob. He waves his hand at the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. 10:33 Look, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will chop down the branches in terror. The tall will be cut down, and the proud will be brought low. 10:34 He will clear the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One.

A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse,
and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit.
11:2 The Spirit of Yahweh will rest on him:
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh.
11:3 His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh.
He will not judge by the sight of his eyes,
neither decide by the hearing of his ears;
11:4 but with righteousness he will judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the humble of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
and with the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.
11:5 Righteousness will be the belt of his waist,
and faithfulness the belt of his waist.
11:6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the young goat;
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together;
and a little child will lead them.
11:7 The cow and the bear will graze.
Their young ones will lie down together.
The lion will eat straw like the ox.
11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole,
and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den.
11:9 They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh,
as the waters cover the sea.

11:10 It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and his resting place will be glorious. 11:11 It will happen in that day that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 11:12 He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 11:13 The envy also of Ephraim will depart, and those who persecute Judah will be cut off. Ephraim won't envy Judah, and Judah won't persecute Ephraim. 11:14 They will fly down on the shoulders of the Philistines on the west. Together they will plunder the children of the east. They will extend their power over Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon will obey them. 11:15 Yahweh will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind he will wave his hand over the River, and will split it into seven streams, and cause men to march over in sandals. 11:16 There will be a highway for the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, like there was for Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

11:10 On that day, the nations will look for the root of Jesse, who serves as a banner for the people; his resting place will be glorious. 11:11 On that day, the Lord will again reach out a second time to gather what remains of his people from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the islands of the sea. 11:12 He will raise a banner for the nations, bringing together the outcasts of Israel and gathering the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 11:13 The jealousy of Ephraim will fade away, and those who oppress Judah will be removed. Ephraim won’t envy Judah, and Judah won’t oppress Ephraim. 11:14 They will swoop down on the shoulders of the Philistines to the west. Together, they will plunder the children of the east. They will exert their power over Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon will submit to them. 11:15 Yahweh will completely wipe out the tongue of the Egyptian sea; with his scorching wind, he will wave his hand over the River, splitting it into seven streams, allowing people to walk over in sandals. 11:16 There will be a highway for the remnant of his people from Assyria, similar to when Israel left the land of Egypt.

12:1 In that day you will say, "I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me. 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation." 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation. 12:4 In that day you will say, "Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted! 12:5 Sing to Yahweh, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth! 12:6 Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great in the midst of you!"

12:1 On that day you will say, "I want to thank you, Lord; for although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me. 12:2 Look, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord, Lord, is my strength and my song; and he has become my salvation." 12:3 Therefore, with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 12:4 On that day you will say, "Give thanks to the Lord! Call on his name. Tell the nations what he has done. Proclaim that his name is exalted! 12:5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done amazing things! Let this be known across the earth! 12:6 Shout and cry out, you people of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!"

13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw: 13:2 Set up a banner on the bare mountain! Lift up your voice to them! Wave your hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. 13:3 I have commanded my consecrated ones; yes, I have called my mighty men for my anger, even my proudly exulting ones. 13:4 The noise of a multitude is in the mountains, as of a great people; the noise of an uproar of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! Yahweh of Armies is mustering the army for the battle. 13:5 They come from a far country, from the uttermost part of heaven, even Yahweh, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 13:6 Wail; for the day of Yahweh is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 13:7 Therefore all hands will be feeble, and everyone's heart will melt. 13:8 They will be dismayed. Pangs and sorrows will seize them. They will be in pain like a woman in labor. They will look in amazement one at another. Their faces will be faces of flame. 13:9 Behold, the day of Yahweh comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy its sinners out of it. 13:10 For the stars of the sky and its constellations will not give their light. The sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine. 13:11 I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will humble the haughtiness of the terrible. 13:12 I will make people more rare than fine gold, even a person than the pure gold of Ophir. 13:13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place in the wrath of Yahweh of Armies, and in the day of his fierce anger. 13:14 It will happen that like a a hunted gazelle, and like sheep that no one gathers, they will each turn to their own people, and will each flee to their own land. 13:15 Everyone who is found will be thrust through. Everyone who is captured will fall by the sword. 13:16 Their infants also will be dashed in pieces before their eyes. Their houses will be ransacked, and their wives raped. 13:17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not value silver, and as for gold, they will not delight in it. 13:18 Their bows will dash the young men in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children. 13:19 Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 13:20 It will never be inhabited, neither will it be lived in from generation to generation. The Arabian will not pitch a tent there, neither will shepherds make their flocks lie down there. 13:21 But wild animals of the desert will lie there, and their houses will be full of jackals. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will frolic there. 13:22 Wolves will cry in their castles, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, and her days will not be prolonged.

13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw: 13:2 Raise a banner on the bare mountain! Shout out to them! Wave your hand, so they can enter the gates of the nobles. 13:3 I have commanded my chosen ones; yes, I have called my mighty men for my anger, even my boasting warriors. 13:4 The noise of a multitude is in the mountains, like a great people; the uproar of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! Yahweh of Armies is assembling the army for battle. 13:5 They come from a distant land, from the farthest edge of heaven, even Yahweh, and the weapons of his wrath, to destroy the whole land. 13:6 Cry out; for the day of Yahweh is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 13:7 Therefore, all hands will grow weak, and everyone’s heart will sink. 13:8 They will be terrified. Pangs and sorrows will grip them. They will be in pain like a woman in labor. They will look at each other in shock. Their faces will be like flames. 13:9 Look, the day of Yahweh is coming, brutal, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a wasteland, and to eliminate its sinners. 13:10 For the stars in the sky and their constellations will not shine. The sun will be darkened at its rising, and the moon will not give its light. 13:11 I will punish the world for their evil and the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the proud and will humble the haughtiness of the ruthless. 13:12 I will make people scarcer than fine gold, even rarer than the pure gold of Ophir. 13:13 Therefore, I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will shake out of its place in the anger of Yahweh of Armies, and on the day of his fierce wrath. 13:14 It will happen that like a hunted gazelle, and like sheep that no one gathers, they will each run to their own people, and will each escape to their own land. 13:15 Everyone who is found will be pierced through. Everyone who is captured will fall by the sword. 13:16 Their infants will also be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses will be looted, and their wives assaulted. 13:17 Look, I will raise up the Medes against them, who will not value silver, and as for gold, they will not find pleasure in it. 13:18 Their bows will shatter the young men; and they will have no mercy on the children. Their eyes will not spare infants. 13:19 Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the pride of the Chaldeans, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 13:20 It will never be inhabited, nor will it be lived in from generation to generation. The Arab will not pitch a tent there, nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there. 13:21 But wild animals will rest there, and their houses will be filled with jackals. Ostriches will settle there, and wild goats will frolic there. 13:22 Wolves will howl in their castles, and jackals in the fine palaces. Her time is close, and her days will not be prolonged.

14:1 For Yahweh will have compassion on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land. The foreigner will join himself with them, and they will unite with the house of Jacob. 14:2 The peoples will take them, and bring them to their place. The house of Israel will possess them in Yahweh's land for servants and for handmaids. They will take as captives those whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. 14:3 It will happen in the day that Yahweh will give you rest from your sorrow, from your trouble, and from the hard service in which you were made to serve, 14:4 that you will take up this parable against the king of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has ceased! The golden city has ceased!" 14:5 Yahweh has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers, 14:6 who struck the peoples in wrath with a continual stroke, who ruled the nations in anger, with a persecution that none restrained. 14:7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet. They break out song. 14:8 Yes, the fir trees rejoice with you, with the cedars of Lebanon, saying, "Since you are humbled, no lumberjack has come up against us." 14:9 Sheol from beneath has moved for you to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the dead for you, even all the rulers of the earth. It has raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 14:10 They all will answer and ask you, "Have you also become as weak as we are? Have you become like us?" 14:11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.

14:1 For God will have compassion on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and place them in their own land. The foreigner will join them, and they will unite with the house of Jacob. 14:2 The people will take them and bring them to their place. The house of Israel will possess them in God's land as servants and handmaids. They will take as captives those who had taken them captive; and they will rule over their oppressors. 14:3 It will happen on the day that God gives you rest from your sorrow, from your trouble, and from the hard labor that you were forced to endure, 14:4 that you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has come to an end! The golden city has fallen!" 14:5 God has shattered the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers, 14:6 who struck the peoples in anger with a constant blow, who ruled the nations in rage, with a persecution that no one stopped. 14:7 The whole earth is at rest and quiet. They break out in song. 14:8 Yes, the fir trees rejoice with you, along with the cedars of Lebanon, saying, "Since you have been brought down, no lumberjack has come against us." 14:9 The underworld from beneath has stirred to meet you at your arrival. It stirs up the dead for you, even all the rulers of the earth. It has raised up all the kings of the nations from their thrones. 14:10 They will all respond and ask you, "Have you also become as weak as we are? Have you become like us?" 14:11 Your pride has been brought down to the underworld, along with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread beneath you, and worms cover you.

14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low! 14:13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north! 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!" 14:15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the pit. 14:16 Those who see you will stare at you. They will ponder you, saying, "Is this the man who made the earth to tremble, who shook kingdoms; 14:17 who made the world like a wilderness, and overthrew its cities; who didn't release his prisoners to their home?"

14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! How you've been brought down to the ground, who brought nations low! 14:13 You said in your heart, "I will rise to heaven! I will elevate my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north! 14:14 I will rise above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!" 14:15 Yet you will be brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the pit. 14:16 Those who see you will stare at you. They will reflect on you, saying, "Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms; 14:17 who turned the world into a wilderness, and overthrew its cities; who didn't let his prisoners go home?"

14:18 All the kings of the nations, sleep in glory, everyone in his own house. 14:19 But you are cast away from your tomb like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, who are thrust through with the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit; like a dead body trodden under foot. 14:20 You will not join them in burial, because you have destroyed your land. You have killed your people. The seed of evil-doers will not be named forever. 14:21 Prepare for slaughter of his children because of the iniquity of their fathers, that they not rise up and possess the earth, and fill the surface of the world with cities. 14:22 "I will rise up against them," says Yahweh of Armies, "and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and son and son's son," says Yahweh. 14:23 "I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water. I will sweep it with the broom of destruction," says Yahweh of Armies. 14:24 Yahweh of Armies has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so shall it happen; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: 14:25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and tread him under foot on my mountains. Then his yoke will leave them, and his burden leave their shoulders. 14:26 This is the plan that is determined for the whole earth. This is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 14:27 For Yahweh of Armies has planned, and who can stop it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?"

14:18 All the kings of the nations rest in peace, each in their own home. 14:19 But you are cast out from your grave like a worthless branch, surrounded by the slain, who are pierced by the sword, who descend to the depths of the pit; like a corpse trampled underfoot. 14:20 You won’t be buried with them because you have ruined your land. You have killed your people. The descendants of wrongdoers will not be remembered forever. 14:21 Prepare for the slaughter of his children because of their fathers' sins, so they won’t rise up and take over the earth and fill the world with cities. 14:22 "I will rise up against them," says the Lord of Hosts, "and eliminate from Babylon both name and remnant, as well as descendant and descendant's descendant," says the Lord. 14:23 "I will also make it a home for porcupines, and pools of water. I will sweep it away with the broom of destruction," says the Lord of Hosts. 14:24 The Lord of Hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely, what I have intended will happen; and what I have planned will take place: 14:25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and trample him on my mountains. Then his yoke will be taken from them, and his burden will be removed from their shoulders. 14:26 This is the plan that is set for the entire earth. This is the hand stretched out over all the nations. 14:27 For the Lord of Hosts has planned, and who can stop it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?"

14:28 This burden was in the year that king Ahaz died. 14:29 Don't rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that struck you is broken; for out of the serpent's root an adder will emerge, and his fruit will be a fiery flying serpent. 14:30 The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will lie down in safety; and I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant will be killed.

14:28 This burden was in the year that king Ahaz died. 14:29 Don't celebrate, Philistia, all of you, because the power that hurt you is broken; for from the snake's root an adder will come, and its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. 14:30 The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will rest in safety; and I will destroy your root with famine, and your remnant will be killed.

14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. 14:32 What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That Yahweh has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people will take refuge.

14:31 Howl, gate! Shout, city! You have all faded away, Philistia; for smoke rises from the north, and there are no deserters in their ranks. 14:32 What will they say to the messengers of the nation? That Yahweh has established Zion, and in her the vulnerable of his people will find shelter.

15:1 The burden of Moab: for in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing; for in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. 15:2 They have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off. 15:3 In their streets, they dress themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly. 15:4 Heshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them. 15:5 My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction. 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing. 15:7 Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows. 15:8 For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab; its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim. 15:9 For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.

15:1 The burden of Moab: in one night, Ar of Moab is destroyed and brought to nothing; in one night, Kir of Moab is destroyed and brought to nothing. 15:2 They have gone up to Bayith and Dibon, to the high places, to mourn. Moab cries over Nebo and Medeba. Everyone is bald. Every beard is shaved off. 15:3 In their streets, they wear sackcloth. In their streets and on their rooftops, everyone wails, crying a lot. 15:4 Heshbon calls out with Elealeh. Their voices can be heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore, the soldiers of Moab cry out loudly. Their souls tremble within them. 15:5 My heart cries out for Moab! Her leaders flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; they go up by the ascent of Luhith, weeping; for on the road to Horonaim, they raise a cry of destruction. 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; the grass has dried up, the delicate grass is gone, there is no greenery. 15:7 Therefore, they will carry away the riches they’ve gathered and what they’ve stored up, over the brook of the willows. 15:8 For the cry has spread around the borders of Moab; its wailing reaches Eglaim and Beer Elim. 15:9 For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; I will bring even more on Dimon, a lion for those of Moab who escape, and for the remnant of the land.

16:1 Send the lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, to the mountain of the daughter of Zion. 16:2 For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon. 16:3 Give counsel! Execute justice! Make your shade like the night in the midst of the noonday! Hide the outcasts! Don't betray the fugitive! 16:4 Let my outcasts dwell with you! As for Moab, be a hiding place for him from the face of the destroyer. For the extortioner is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land. 16:5 A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.

16:1 Send the lambs to the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, to the mountain of the daughter of Zion. 16:2 For just like wandering birds and a scattered nest, the daughters of Moab will be at the fords of the Arnon. 16:3 Offer advice! Execute justice! Provide shade like the night in the midst of noon! Protect the outcasts! Don't betray the fugitive! 16:4 Let my outcasts live with you! As for Moab, be a refuge for him from the destroyer. For the extortioner will be brought to nothing. Destruction will cease. The oppressors will disappear from the land. 16:5 A throne will be established in kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and eager to do what is right.

16:6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; even of his arrogance, his pride, and his wrath. His boastings are nothing. 16:7 Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken. 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish with the vine of Sibmah. The lords of the nations have broken down its choice branches, which reached even to Jazer, which wandered into the wilderness. Its shoots were spread abroad. They passed over the sea. 16:9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle shout has fallen. 16:10 Gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there will be no singing, neither joyful noise. Nobody will tread out wine in the presses. I have made the shouting stop. 16:11 Therefore my heart sounds like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir Heres. 16:12 It will happen that when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself on the high place, and comes to his sanctuary to pray, that he will not prevail. 16:13 This is the word that Yahweh spoke concerning Moab in time past. 16:14 But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, "Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble."

16:6 We have heard about Moab's pride, how he is very proud; even about his arrogance, his pride, and his anger. His boasts mean nothing. 16:7 Therefore Moab will mourn for Moab. Everyone will mourn. You will grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, completely devastated. 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon are withering along with the vine of Sibmah. The leaders of the nations have torn down its choice branches, which reached even to Jazer, which strayed into the wilderness. Its shoots were spread far and wide. They crossed over the sea. 16:9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle cry has fallen. 16:10 Joy has been taken away, and gladness from the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there will be no singing or joyful noises. No one will stomp grapes in the presses. I have caused the shouting to cease. 16:11 Therefore my heart sounds like a harp for Moab, and my inner being for Kir Heres. 16:12 It will happen that when Moab presents himself, when he exhausts himself on the high place, and comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not succeed. 16:13 This is the message that Yahweh spoke about Moab long ago. 16:14 But now Yahweh has said, "Within three years, as a hired worker would count them, the glory of Moab will be brought low, along with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and weak."

17:1 The burden of Damascus: "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap. 17:2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken. They will be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 17:3 The fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria. They will be as the glory of the children of Israel," says Yahweh of Armies. 17:4 "It will happen in that day that the glory of Jacob will be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh will become lean. 17:5 It will be like when the harvester gathers the wheat, and his arm reaps the grain. Yes, it will be like when one gleans grain in the valley of Rephaim. 17:6 Yet gleanings will be left there, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outermost branches of a fruitful tree," says Yahweh, the God of Israel. 17:7 In that day, people will look to their Maker, and their eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. 17:8 They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands; neither shall they respect that which their fingers have made, either the Asherim, or the incense altars. 17:9 In that day, their strong cities will be like the forsaken places in the woods and on the mountain top, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it will be a desolation. 17:10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign seedlings. 17:11 In the day of your planting, you hedge it in. In the morning, you make your seed blossom, but the harvest flees away in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. 17:12 Ah, the uproar of many peoples, who roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters! 17:13 The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters: but he will rebuke them, and they will flee far off, and will be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm. 17:14 At evening, behold, terror! Before the morning, they are no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who rob us.

17:1 The burden of Damascus: "Look, Damascus will no longer be a city; it will become a pile of ruins. 17:2 The cities of Aroer will be abandoned. They will be grazing grounds for flocks, where they will lie down undisturbed. 17:3 The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and what's left of Syria. They will be like the glory of the children of Israel," says Yahweh of Hosts. 17:4 "On that day, the glory of Jacob will fade, and the richness of his body will become lean. 17:5 It will be like when the harvester collects wheat, reaping the grain with his arm. Yes, it will be like when someone gathers stray grain in the valley of Rephaim. 17:6 Yet there will still be some left behind, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives at the top of the highest branch, four or five on the outermost branches of a fruitful tree," says Yahweh, the God of Israel. 17:7 On that day, people will turn to their Maker, and their eyes will regard the Holy One of Israel. 17:8 They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands; nor will they respect what their fingers have made, whether it's the Asherim or the incense altars. 17:9 On that day, their strong cities will be like the abandoned places in the woods and on the mountaintops, which were deserted long before by the children of Israel; it will be a wasteland. 17:10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your strength. Therefore, you plant delightful plants and set out foreign seedlings. 17:11 On the day of your planting, you protect it. In the morning, you make your seeds bloom, but the harvest disappears in the day of trouble and deep sorrow. 17:12 Ah, the uproar of many peoples, roaring like the waves of the sea; and the rush of nations, crashing like raging waters! 17:13 The nations will surge like the surge of mighty waters: but he will rebuke them, and they will scatter far away, chased like chaff blown from the mountains by the wind, and like swirling dust before a storm. 17:14 In the evening, look, terror! By morning, they are gone. This is the fate of those who plunder us and the lot of those who rob us.

18:1 Ah, the land of the rustling of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; 18:2 that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, "Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!" 18:3 All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the trumpet is blown, listen! 18:4 For Yahweh said to me, "I will be still, and I will see in my dwelling place, like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest." 18:5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and he will cut down and take away the spreading branches. 18:6 They will be left together for the ravenous birds of the mountains, and for the animals of the earth. The ravenous birds will summer on them, and all the animals of the earth will winter on them. 18:7 In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.

18:1 Ah, the land where wings rustle, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; 18:2 that sends messengers by sea, even in papyrus boats on the waters, saying, "Go, you swift messengers, to a tall and smooth nation, to a people impressive from the very start, a nation that measures and dominates, whose land is split by rivers!" 18:3 All you people of the world, and you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, look! When the trumpet sounds, listen! 18:4 For Yahweh said to me, "I will stay quiet, and I will observe from my dwelling, like clear heat in sunlight, like a cloud of dew during the harvest heat." 18:5 For before the harvest, when the bloom is over and the flower turns into ripening grapes, he will cut off the branches with pruning hooks, and he will cut down and remove the spreading limbs. 18:6 They will be left for the hungry birds of the mountains, and for the animals of the earth. The hungry birds will feed on them in summer, and all the animals of the earth will find shelter on them in winter. 18:7 At that time, a gift will be presented to Yahweh of Armies from a tall and smooth people, even from a people impressive from the very start, a nation that measures and dominates, whose land is split by rivers, at the place named after Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.

19:1 The burden of Egypt: "Behold, Yahweh rides on a swift cloud, and comes to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence; and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. 19:2 I will stir up the Egyptians against the Egyptians, and they will fight everyone against his brother, and everyone against his neighbor; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. 19:3 The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst. I will destroy its counsel. They will seek the idols, the charmers, those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards. 19:4 I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel lord. A fierce king will rule over them," says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies. 19:5 The waters will fail from the sea, and the river will be wasted and become dry. 19:6 The rivers will become foul. The streams of Egypt will be diminished and dried up. The reeds and flags will wither away. 19:7 The meadows by the Nile, by the brink of the Nile, and all the sown fields of the Nile, will become dry, be driven away, and be no more. 19:8 The fishermen will lament, and all those who fish in the Nile will mourn, and those who spread nets on the waters will languish. 19:9 Moreover those who work in combed flax, and those who weave white cloth, will be confounded. 19:10 The pillars will be broken in pieces. All those who work for hire will be grieved in soul. 19:11 The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?" 19:12 Where then are your wise men? Let them tell you now; and let them know what Yahweh of Armies has purposed concerning Egypt. 19:13 The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, who are the cornerstone of her tribes. 19:14 Yahweh has mixed a spirit of perverseness in the midst of her; and they have caused Egypt to go astray in all of its works, like a drunken man staggers in his vomit. 19:15 Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do. 19:16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble and fear because of the shaking of the hand of Yahweh of Armies, which he shakes over them. 19:17 The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt. Everyone to whom mention is made of it will be afraid, because of the plans of Yahweh of Armies, which he determines against it. 19:18 In that day, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of Armies. One will be called "The city of destruction." 19:19 In that day, there will be an altar to Yahweh in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Yahweh at its border. 19:20 It will be for a sign and for a witness to Yahweh of Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to Yahweh because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will deliver them. 19:21 Yahweh will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yahweh in that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and will vow a vow to Yahweh, and will perform it. 19:22 Yahweh will strike Egypt, striking and healing. They will return to Yahweh, and he will be entreated by them, and will heal them. 19:23 In that day there will be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria; and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. 19:24 In that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth; 19:25 because Yahweh of Armies has blessed them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."

19:1 The burden of Egypt: "Look, Yahweh comes riding on a fast cloud to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence; the heart of Egypt will melt within it. 19:2 I will stir up the Egyptians against one another; they will fight against their brothers and neighbors; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. 19:3 The spirit of Egypt will fail within it. I will ruin its plans. They will seek out the idols, the charmers, those who have familiar spirits, and the magicians. 19:4 I will hand the Egyptians over to a cruel ruler. A fierce king will reign over them," says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies. 19:5 The waters will fail from the sea, and the river will be emptied and dried up. 19:6 The rivers will become polluted. The streams of Egypt will shrink and dry up. The reeds and rushes will wither away. 19:7 The meadows by the Nile, at the edge of the Nile, and all the farm fields along it will dry up, be driven away, and disappear. 19:8 The fishermen will mourn, and everyone who fishes in the Nile will grieve, and those who spread nets on the waters will waste away. 19:9 Those who work with combed flax and those who weave white cloth will be confused. 19:10 The pillars will be shattered. All who work for wages will be deeply troubled. 19:11 The princes of Zoan are completely foolish. The plans of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh have become senseless. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?" 19:12 Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you; let them know what Yahweh of Armies has planned for Egypt. 19:13 The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are misled. They have caused Egypt to go astray, which is the backbone of its tribes. 19:14 Yahweh has mixed a spirit of confusion in its midst; they have caused Egypt to stumble in all its works, like a drunken man reeling in his vomit. 19:15 There will be no work for Egypt, whether in head or tail, branch or reed. 19:16 In that day, the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble and fear at the shaking of the hand of Yahweh of Armies, which he raises over them. 19:17 The land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt. Everyone who hears about it will be afraid because of the plans of Yahweh of Armies, which he has made against it. 19:18 In that day, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to Yahweh of Armies. One will be called "The city of destruction." 19:19 In that day, there will be an altar to Yahweh in the middle of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Yahweh at its border. 19:20 It will serve as a sign and a witness for Yahweh of Armies in the land of Egypt; they will cry to Yahweh because of their oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will rescue them. 19:21 Yahweh will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yahweh on that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifices and offerings, and will make vows to Yahweh, and keep them. 19:22 Yahweh will strike Egypt, striking and healing. They will turn back to Yahweh, and he will be treated with favor, and will heal them. 19:23 In that day, there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrians will come into Egypt, and the Egyptians into Assyria; and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. 19:24 In that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth; 19:25 because Yahweh of Armies has blessed them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."

20:1 In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it; 20:2 at that time Yahweh spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, "Go, and loosen the sackcloth from off your waist, and take your shoes from off your feet." He did so, walking naked and barefoot. 20:3 Yahweh said, "As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia, 20:4 so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 20:5 They will be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory. 20:6 The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, 'Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?'"

20:1 In the year Tartan arrived in Ashdod, when Sargon, the king of Assyria, sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and conquered it; 20:2 at that time, the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, "Go, and remove the sackcloth from around your waist, and take your shoes off your feet." He did so, walking around naked and barefoot. 20:3 The Lord said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a wonder regarding Egypt and Ethiopia, 20:4 so the king of Assyria will carry away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, both young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks exposed, bringing shame to Egypt. 20:5 They will be terrified and confused because of their hope in Ethiopia and their pride in Egypt. 20:6 The people of this coastland will say that day, 'Look, this is our hope, where we sought help to escape from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we get away?'"

21:1 The burden of the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the South sweep through, it comes from the wilderness, from an awesome land. 21:2 A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media's sighing. 21:3 Therefore my thighs are filled with anguish. Pains have taken hold on me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am in so much pain that I can't hear. I so am dismayed that I can't see. 21:4 My heart flutters. Horror has frightened me. The twilight that I desired has been turned into trembling for me. 21:5 They prepare the table. They set the watch. They eat. They drink. Rise up, you princes, oil the shield! 21:6 For the Lord said to me, "Go, set a watchman. Let him declare what he sees. 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop of camels, he shall listen diligently with great attentiveness." 21:8 He cried like a lion: "Lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post. 21:9 Behold, here comes a troop of men, horsemen in pairs." He answered, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the engraved images of her gods are broken to the ground. 21:10 You are my threshing, and the grain of my floor!" That which I have heard from Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, I have declared to you.

21:1 The weight of the desolate sea. As winds from the South blow through, it comes from the wilderness, from a terrifying land. 21:2 A painful vision has been shown to me. The deceitful person acts deceitfully, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have silenced all of Media's cries. 21:3 Therefore, I am filled with anguish. Pains have gripped me, like the pain of a woman in labor. I'm in so much pain that I can't hear. I'm so overwhelmed that I can't see. 21:4 My heart races. Terror has terrified me. The evening I longed for has turned into fear for me. 21:5 They set the table. They keep watch. They eat. They drink. Rise up, you leaders, prepare the shield! 21:6 For the Lord said to me, "Go, set a lookout. Let him report what he sees. 21:7 When he sees a group, horsemen in pairs, a group of donkeys, a group of camels, he must listen carefully with great attention." 21:8 He shouted like a lion: "Lord, I stand on the watchtower during the day, and I stay at my post every night. 21:9 Look, here comes a group of men, horsemen in pairs." He replied, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved idols of her gods are shattered to the ground. 21:10 You are my threshing, and the grain of my floor!" What I have heard from the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, I have shared with you.

21:11 The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" 21:12 The watchman said, "The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Come back again."

21:11 The message of Dumah. Someone is calling to me from Seir, "Watchman, what time is it? Watchman, what time is it?" 21:12 The watchman replied, "Morning is coming, but so is the night. If you want to ask, ask. Come back later."

21:13 The burden on Arabia. In the forest in Arabia you will lodge, you caravans of Dedanites. 21:14 They brought water to him who was thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema met the fugitives with their bread. 21:15 For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle. 21:16 For the Lord said to me, "Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail, 21:17 and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has spoken it."

21:13 A message for Arabia. In the wilderness of Arabia, you caravans of Dedanites will find shelter. 21:14 They provided water to the thirsty. The people of Tema welcomed the refugees with bread. 21:15 They escaped from swords, from drawn weapons, from bent bows, and from the chaos of battle. 21:16 For the Lord told me, "Within a year, as a worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be lost, 21:17 and the remaining number of the archers, the mighty warriors of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has said it."

22:1 The burden of the valley of vision. What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops? 22:2 You that are full of shouting, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; your slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle. 22:3 All your rulers fled away together. They were bound by the archers. All who were found by you were bound together. They fled far away. 22:4 Therefore I said, "Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Don't labor to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people. 22:5 For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity, from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision; a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains." 22:6 Elam carried his quiver, with chariots of men and horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield. 22:7 It happened that your choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen set themselves in array at the gate. 22:8 He took away the covering of Judah; and you looked in that day to the armor in the house of the forest. 22:9 You saw the breaches of the city of David, that they were many; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 22:10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. 22:11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you didn't look to him who had done this, neither did you have respect for him who purposed it long ago. 22:12 In that day, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, called to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to dressing in sackcloth: 22:13 and behold, joy and gladness, killing cattle and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die." 22:14 Yahweh of Armies revealed himself in my ears, "Surely this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die," says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.

22:1 The weight of the valley of vision. What’s wrong with you now, that you’ve all gone up to the rooftops? 22:2 You who are full of shouting, a chaotic city, a lively town; your dead aren’t killed by the sword, nor are they fallen in battle. 22:3 All your leaders fled together. They were captured by the archers. Everyone you caught was tied up. They ran far away. 22:4 Therefore, I said, "Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Don’t try to comfort me for the destruction of my people’s daughters. 22:5 For it is a day of confusion, trampling, and distress, from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision; a tearing down of the walls, and a cry to the mountains." 22:6 Elam took his bow and had chariots of men and horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield. 22:7 It turned out your best valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen lined up at the gate. 22:8 He removed the protection of Judah; and you looked on that day to the armor in the house of the forest. 22:9 You saw the breaches in the city of David, which were numerous; and you gathered the waters of the lower pool. 22:10 You counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you tore down houses to strengthen the wall. 22:11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water from the old pool. But you didn’t pay attention to him who did this, nor did you respect him who planned it long ago. 22:12 On that day, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, called for weeping, mourning, baldness, and dressing in sackcloth: 22:13 and behold, joy and gladness, killing cattle and sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: "Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." 22:14 Yahweh of Armies revealed to me, "Surely this sin will not be forgiven you until you die," says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.

22:15 Thus says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, "Go, get yourself to this treasurer, even to Shebna, who is over the house, and say, 22:16 'What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?' Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!" 22:17 Behold, Yahweh will overcome you and hurl you away violently. Yes, he will grasp you firmly. 22:18 He will surely wind you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there the chariots of your glory will be, you shame of your lord's house. 22:19 I will thrust you from your office. You will be pulled down from your station.

22:15 So says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, "Go, find this treasurer, Shebna, who is in charge of the palace, and say, 22:16 'What are you doing here? Who put you in charge that you have carved out a tomb for yourself here?' You're digging out a grave on high, creating a place for yourself in the rock!" 22:17 Look, Yahweh will take you down and throw you away forcefully. Yes, He will hold you tightly. 22:18 He will surely wrap you up and toss you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will be, you disgrace of your lord's house. 22:19 I will remove you from your position. You will be pulled down from your place.

22:20 It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 22:21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and strengthen him with your belt. I will commit your government into his hand; and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22:22 I will lay the key of the house of David on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open. 22:23 I will fasten him like a nail in a sure place. He will be for a throne of glory to his father's house. 22:24 They will hang on him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the pitchers. 22:25 "In that day," says Yahweh of Armies, "the nail that was fastened in a sure place will give way. It will be cut down, and fall. The burden that was on it will be cut off, for Yahweh has spoken it."

22:20 On that day, I will call my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, 22:21 and I will dress him in your robe and strengthen him with your belt. I will give him control over your leadership, and he will be like a father to the people of Jerusalem and the house of Judah. 22:22 I will place the key to the house of David on his shoulder. He will open doors, and no one will close them. He will close doors, and no one will open them. 22:23 I will secure him like a nail in a strong place. He will be a throne of honor for his father's family. 22:24 All the glory of his father's family will rest on him, including the descendants and all the small items, from cups to all the pitchers. 22:25 "On that day," says Yahweh of Armies, "the nail that was secured in a strong place will give way. It will be cut down and fall, and the weight it carries will be removed, for Yahweh has spoken it."

23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in. From the land of Kittim it is revealed to them. 23:2 Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished. 23:3 On great waters, the seed of the Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, was her revenue. She was the market of nations. 23:4 Be ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, "I have not travailed, nor brought forth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins." 23:5 When the report comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report of Tyre. 23:6 Pass over to Tarshish! Wail, you inhabitants of the coast! 23:7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days, whose feet carried her far away to travel? 23:8 Who has planned this against Tyre, the giver of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth? 23:9 Yahweh of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. 23:10 Pass through your land like the Nile, daughter of Tarshish. There is no restraint any more. 23:11 He has stretched out his hand over the sea. He has shaken the kingdoms. Yahweh has ordered the destruction of Canaan's strongholds. 23:12 He said, "You shall rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, pass over to Kittim. Even there you will have no rest."

23:1 The burden of Tyre. Cry out, you ships of Tarshish! For it is devastated, with no home or entry left. From the land of Kittim, it has been made known to them. 23:2 Be quiet, you inhabitants of the coast, you who have been supplied by the merchants of Sidon that cross the sea. 23:3 On vast waters, the seed of the Shihor and the harvest of the Nile made her wealth. She was the marketplace of nations. 23:4 Feel ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, "I have not labored or given birth, nor have I raised young men or brought up virgins." 23:5 When the news reaches Egypt, they will be distressed at the report of Tyre. 23:6 Cross over to Tarshish! Wail, you inhabitants of the coast! 23:7 Is this your joyful city, whose heritage goes back to ancient times, whose feet carried her far and wide? 23:8 Who has planned this against Tyre, the crown-giver, whose merchants are princes and whose traders are the respected of the earth? 23:9 Yahweh of Armies has planned it, to tarnish the pride of all glory, to bring low all the respected of the earth. 23:10 Pass through your land like the Nile, daughter of Tarshish. There's no more restraint. 23:11 He has stretched out His hand over the sea. He has shaken the kingdoms. Yahweh has commanded the destruction of Canaan's strongholds. 23:12 He said, "You will rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Get up, cross over to Kittim. Even there, you won't find rest."

23:13 Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people was not. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin. 23:14 Howl, you ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is laid waste! 23:15 It will come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. After the end of seventy years it will be to Tyre like in the song of the prostitute. 23:16 Take a harp; go about the city, you prostitute that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered. 23:17 It will happen after the end of seventy years that Yahweh will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth. 23:18 Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to Yahweh. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

23:13 Look, the land of the Chaldeans. This people didn’t exist. The Assyrians created it for those living in the wilderness. They built their towers. They destroyed its palaces. They made it a ruin. 23:14 Cry out, you ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is ruined! 23:15 It will happen on that day that Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, like the reign of a single king. After seventy years, it will be to Tyre like the song of a prostitute. 23:16 Take a harp; walk through the city, you forgotten prostitute. Play a sweet tune. Sing many songs, so you can be remembered. 23:17 It will be after the seventy years end that Yahweh will come to Tyre, and she will return to her wages, and will act like a prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth. 23:18 Her goods and earnings will be sacred to Yahweh. They won’t be stored or saved; for her goods will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat enough, and for durable clothing.

24:1 Behold, Yahweh makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants. 24:2 It will be as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest. 24:3 The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for Yahweh has spoken this word. 24:4 The earth mourns and fades away. The world languishes and fades away. The lofty people of the earth languish. 24:5 The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. 24:6 Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. 24:7 The new wine mourns. The vine languishes. All the merry-hearted sigh. 24:8 The mirth of tambourines ceases. The sound of those who rejoice ends. The joy of the harp ceases. 24:9 They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it. 24:10 The confused city is broken down. Every house is shut up, that no man may come in. 24:11 There is a crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone. 24:12 The city is left in desolation, and the gate is struck with destruction. 24:13 For it will be so in the midst of the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive tree, as the gleanings when the vintage is done. 24:14 These shall lift up their voice. They will shout for the majesty of Yahweh. They cry aloud from the sea. 24:15 Therefore glorify Yahweh in the east, even the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea! 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs. Glory to the righteous! But I said, "I pine away! I pine away! woe is me!" The treacherous have dealt treacherously. Yes, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously. 24:17 Fear, the pit, and the snare, are on you who inhabitant the earth. 24:18 It will happen that he who flees from the noise of the fear will fall into the pit; and he who comes up out of the midst of the pit will be taken in the snare; for the windows on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble. 24:19 The earth is utterly broken. The earth is torn apart. The earth is shaken violently. 24:20 The earth will stagger like a drunken man, and will sway back and forth like a hammock. Its disobedience will be heavy on it, and it will fall and not rise again. 24:21 It shall happen in that day that Yahweh will punish the army of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth on the earth. 24:22 They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall they be visited. 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for Yahweh of Armies will reign on Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; and before his elders will be glory.

24:1 Look, the Lord makes the earth empty, makes it desolate, turns it upside down, and scatters its people. 24:2 It will be the same for the people as for the priest; as for the servant, so for his master; as for the maid, so for her mistress; as for the buyer, so for the seller; as for the lender, so for the borrower; as for the one who takes interest, so for the one who pays interest. 24:3 The earth will be completely emptied and utterly devastated; for the Lord has spoken this word. 24:4 The earth mourns and withers. The world fades and withers. The proud people of the earth wither. 24:5 The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, because they have broken the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. 24:6 Therefore, the curse has consumed the earth, and those who live there are guilty. Therefore, the people of the earth are burned, and only a few are left. 24:7 The new wine mourns. The vine withers. All the joyful people sigh. 24:8 The sounds of tambourines stop. The joyful sounds come to an end. The joy of the harp fades away. 24:9 They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter for those who drink it. 24:10 The confused city is in ruins. Every house is locked up, so no one can enter. 24:11 There is crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The happiness in the land is gone. 24:12 The city is left in ruins, and the gate is struck with destruction. 24:13 For this will happen in the midst of the earth among the people, like the shaking of an olive tree, like the leftover fruit after the harvest. 24:14 They will lift up their voices. They will shout for the majesty of the Lord. They cry out from the sea. 24:15 Therefore glorify the Lord in the east, the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea! 24:16 From the farthest parts of the earth, we have heard songs. Glory to the righteous! But I said, "I’m wasting away! I’m wasting away! Woe is me!" The treacherous have acted treacherously. Yes, the treacherous have acted very treacherously. 24:17 Fear, the pit, and the snare are upon you who inhabit the earth. 24:18 It will happen that whoever flees from the noise of fear will fall into the pit; and whoever comes up from the pit will be caught in the snare; for the windows above are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble. 24:19 The earth is completely broken. The earth is torn apart. The earth is shaken violently. 24:20 The earth will stagger like a drunken person, swaying back and forth like a hammock. Its disobedience will weigh heavily on it, and it will fall and not rise again. 24:21 In that day, the Lord will punish the army of the high ones above and the kings of the earth below. 24:22 They will be gathered together, just like prisoners are gathered in a pit, and will be shut up in prison; and after many days, they will be visited. 24:23 Then the moon will be ashamed, and the sun will feel humiliated; for the Lord of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; and before his elders will be glory.

25:1 Yahweh, you are my God. I will exalt you! I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in complete faithfulness and truth. 25:2 For you have made a city into a heap, a fortified city into a ruin, a palace of strangers to be no city. It will never be built. 25:3 Therefore a strong people will glorify you. A city of awesome nations will fear you. 25:4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall. 25:5 As the heat in a dry place will you bring down the noise of strangers; as the heat by the shade of a cloud, the song of the dreaded ones will be brought low. 25:6 In this mountain, Yahweh of Armies will make all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of choice wines, of fat things full of marrow, of well refined choice wines. 25:7 He will destroy in this mountain the surface of the covering that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations. 25:8 He has swallowed up death forever! The Lord Yahweh will wipe away tears from off all faces. He will take the reproach of his people away from off all the earth, for Yahweh has spoken it. 25:9 It shall be said in that day, "Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is Yahweh! We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!" 25:10 For in this mountain the hand of Yahweh will rest.

25:1 Yahweh, you are my God. I will lift you up! I will praise your name because you have done amazing things, things planned long ago, with complete faithfulness and truth. 25:2 You have turned a city into a wasteland, a fortified city into ruins, a palace of foreigners into a place that will never be rebuilt. 25:3 Therefore, a strong people will honor you. A city of powerful nations will respect you. 25:4 Because you have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter for the needy in times of trouble, a safe place from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the terror of others hits like a storm against the wall. 25:5 Just like the heat in a dry place, you will calm the noise of outsiders; like the shade of a cloud, the song of the feared will be brought down. 25:6 On this mountain, Yahweh of Armies will host a feast for all people, a feast of rich foods, a feast of fine wines, of rich, tender meats, of well-aged fine wines. 25:7 He will destroy the covering that covers all people on this mountain, and the veil that is spread over all nations. 25:8 He will swallow up death forever! The Lord Yahweh will wipe away tears from every face. He will remove the disgrace of his people from the entire earth, for Yahweh has declared it. 25:9 On that day, it will be said, "Look, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is Yahweh! We have waited for him. We will be happy and rejoice in his salvation!" 25:10 For on this mountain, the hand of Yahweh will rest.

Moab will be trodden down in his place, even like straw is trodden down in the water of the dunghill. 25:11 He will spread out his hands in its midst, like one who swims spreads out hands to swim, but his pride will be humbled together with the craft of his hands. 25:12 He has brought the high fortress of your walls down, laid low, and brought to the ground, even to the dust.

Moab will be trampled down as straw is trampled in the water of a cesspool. 25:11 He will stretch out his hands in the middle of it, like a swimmer spreading his arms to swim, but his pride will be brought low along with the skills he relied on. 25:12 He has brought down the high fortress of your walls, laid low, and brought to the ground, right into the dust.

26:1 In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

26:1 On that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

"We have a strong city.
God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks.
26:2 Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter:
the one which keeps faith.
26:3 You will keep whoever's mind is steadfast in perfect peace,
because he trusts in you.
26:4 Trust in Yahweh forever;
for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.
26:5 For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city.
He lays it low.
He lays it low even to the ground.
He brings it even to the dust.
26:6 The foot shall tread it down;
Even the feet of the poor,
and the steps of the needy."
26:7 The way of the just is uprightness.
You who are upright make the path of the righteous level.
26:8

Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, have we waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. 26:9 With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. 26:10 Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh's majesty. 26:11 Yahweh, your hand is lifted up, yet they don't see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your adversaries. 26:12 Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also worked all our works for us. 26:13 Yahweh our God, other lords besides you have had dominion over us, but by you only will we make mention of your name. 26:14 The dead shall not live. The deceased shall not rise. Therefore have you visited and destroyed them, and caused all memory of them to perish. 26:15 You have increased the nation, O Yahweh. You have increased the nation! You are glorified! You have enlarged all the borders of the land. 26:16 Yahweh, in trouble they have visited you. They poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them. 26:17 Like as a woman with child, who draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain and cries out in her pangs; so we have been before you, Yahweh. 26:18 We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. 26:19 Your dead shall live. My dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth will cast forth the dead.

Yes, in the way of your judgments, Lord, we have waited for you. Your name and your fame are what our soul longs for. 26:9 With my soul, I have desired you at night. Yes, with my spirit within me, I will seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are on the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. 26:10 Let grace be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of fairness, he will act unjustly and will not recognize your greatness, Lord. 26:11 Lord, your hand is lifted up, yet they don’t see it; but they will see your passion for the people and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your enemies. 26:12 Lord, you will grant us peace, for you have also accomplished all our works for us. 26:13 Lord our God, other lords have ruled over us, but only in you will we mention your name. 26:14 The dead will not live. The deceased will not rise. Therefore, you have visited and destroyed them, causing all memory of them to fade away. 26:15 You have expanded the nation, O Lord. You have expanded the nation! You are glorified! You have enlarged all the borders of the land. 26:16 Lord, in their trouble, they sought you. They poured out a prayer when your discipline was on them. 26:17 Like a woman in labor, nearing her time, who is in pain and cries out in her suffering; so we have been before you, Lord. 26:18 We have been in labor. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not achieved any deliverance on earth; neither have the people of the world fallen. 26:19 Your dead will live. My dead bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth will give birth to the dead.

26:20 Come, my people, enter into your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a little moment, until the indignation is past. 26:21 For, behold, Yahweh comes forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth also will disclose her blood, and will no longer cover her slain.

26:20 Come, my people, go into your rooms and shut the doors behind you. Hide for a little while until the anger passes. 26:21 For look, Yahweh is coming out of his place to punish the people on the earth for their wrongdoing. The earth will reveal its blood and will no longer hide its slain.

27:1 In that day, Yahweh with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan, the fleeing serpent, and leviathan the twisted serpent; and he will kill the dragon that is in the sea. 27:2 In that day, sing to her, "A pleasant vineyard! 27:3 I, Yahweh, am its keeper. I will water it every moment. Lest anyone damage it, I will keep it night and day. 27:4 Wrath is not in me, but if I should find briers and thorns, I would do battle! I would march on them and I would burn them together. 27:5 Or else let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me. Let him make peace with me."

27:1 On that day, the Lord with his powerful and mighty sword will punish the Leviathan, the escaping serpent, and the Leviathan, the twisted serpent; and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea. 27:2 On that day, sing to her, "What a lovely vineyard! 27:3 I, the Lord, am its keeper. I will water it constantly. To prevent anyone from harming it, I will protect it day and night. 27:4 I have no anger, but if I find thorns and briers, I would fight against them! I would attack and burn them all together. 27:5 Otherwise, let him grab hold of my strength, so he can make peace with me. Let him make peace with me."

27:6 In days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will blossom and bud. They will fill the surface of the world with fruit. 27:7 Has he struck them as he struck those who struck them? Or are they killed like those who killed them were killed? 27:8 In measure, when you send them away, you contend with them. He has removed them with his rough blast in the day of the east wind. 27:9 Therefore, by this the iniquity of Jacob will be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he makes all the stones of the altar as chalk stones that are beaten in pieces, so that the Asherim and the incense altars shall rise no more. 27:10 For the fortified city is solitary, a habitation deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness. The calf will feed there, and there he will lie down, and consume its branches. 27:11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off. The women will come and set them on fire, for they are a people of no understanding. Therefore he who made them will not have compassion on them, and he who formed them will show them no favor. 27:12 It will happen in that day, that Yahweh will thresh from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, children of Israel. 27:13 It will happen in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and those who were outcasts in the land of Egypt, shall come; and they will worship Yahweh in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

27:6 In the future, Jacob will take root. Israel will bloom and grow. They will cover the earth with fruit. 27:7 Has he struck them as he struck those who attacked them? Or are they killed just like those who killed them were killed? 27:8 In measure, when you drive them away, you wrestle with them. He has dismissed them with his fierce blast in the day of the east wind. 27:9 Therefore, through this, the iniquity of Jacob will be forgiven, and this is the total outcome of removing his sin: that he makes all the stones of the altar like crushed chalk stones, so that the Asherim and the incense altars will no longer rise. 27:10 For the fortified city is empty, a place abandoned and forsaken, like the wilderness. The calf will graze there, and there he will lie down, and eat its branches. 27:11 When its branches are dry, they will be broken off. The women will come and set them on fire, for they are a people of no understanding. Therefore he who made them will not show mercy on them, and he who formed them will give them no favor. 27:12 It will happen in that day, that Yahweh will gather from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, children of Israel. 27:13 It will happen in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were about to perish in the land of Assyria, and those who were outcasts in the land of Egypt, will come; and they will worship Yahweh on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.

28:1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine! 28:2 Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one. Like a storm of hail, a destroying storm, and like a storm of mighty waters overflowing, he will cast them down to the earth with his hand. 28:3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot. 28:4 The fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer; which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it. 28:5 In that day, Yahweh of Armies will become a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the residue of his people; 28:6 and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. 28:7 They also reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink. The priest and the prophet reel with strong drink. They are swallowed up by wine. They stagger with strong drink. They err in vision. They stumble in judgment. 28:8 For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and filthiness. 28:9 Whom will he teach knowledge? To whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts? 28:10 For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little. 28:11 But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language; 28:12 to whom he said, "This is the resting place. Give rest to weary;" and "This is the refreshing;" yet they would not hear. 28:13 Therefore the word of Yahweh will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken. 28:14 Therefore hear the word of Yahweh, you scoffers, that rule this people in Jerusalem: 28:15 "Because you have said, 'We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol are we in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it won't come to us; for we have made lies our refuge, and we have hidden ourselves under falsehood.'" 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily. 28:17 I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line. The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. 28:18 Your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it. 28:19 As often as it passes through, it will seize you; for morning by morning it will pass through, by day and by night; and it will be nothing but terror to understand the message." 28:20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap oneself in. 28:21 For Yahweh will rise up as on Mount Perazim. He will be angry as in the valley of Gibeon; that he may do his work, his unusual work, and bring to pass his act, his extraordinary act. 28:22 Now therefore don't be scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, on the whole earth.

28:1 Shame on the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim, and on the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which sits on the head of the lush valley of those overwhelmed by wine! 28:2 Look, the Lord has a powerful and strong one. Like a storm of hail, a destructive storm, and like a flood of mighty waters, he will bring them down to the earth with his hand. 28:3 The proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trampled underfoot. 28:4 The fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the lush valley, will be like the first ripe fig before summer; someone picks it and eats it as soon as they see it. 28:5 In that day, Yahweh of Armies will be a crown of glory and a beautiful diadem for the remnant of his people; 28:6 and a spirit of justice for those who sit in judgment, and strength for those who turn back the battle at the gate. 28:7 They also reel from wine and stagger from strong drink. The priest and the prophet reel from strong drink. They are consumed by wine. They stagger from strong drink. They make mistakes in vision. They stumble in judgment. 28:8 For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and disgusting mess. 28:9 Whom will he teach knowledge? To whom will he explain the message? Those who have been weaned from the milk and taken from the breasts? 28:10 For it's precept after precept, precept after precept; line after line, line after line; here a little, there a little. 28:11 But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language; 28:12 to whom he said, "This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary;" and "This is the refreshing;" yet they would not listen. 28:13 Therefore, the word of Yahweh will be to them precept after precept, precept after precept; line after line, line after line; here a little, there a little; so they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken. 28:14 Therefore, hear the word of Yahweh, you mockers who lead this people in Jerusalem: 28:15 "Because you have said, 'We have made a covenant with death, and we are in agreement with Sheol. When the flood of judgment comes through, it won't affect us; for we have made lies our refuge, and we have hidden ourselves under falsehood.'" 28:16 Therefore, thus says the Lord Yahweh, "Look, I lay in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation. He who believes will not act quickly. 28:17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line. The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. 28:18 Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the flood of judgment comes through, then you will be trampled down by it. 28:19 It will seize you every time it passes through; for morning by morning it will come, by day and by night; and it will be nothing but terror to understand the message." 28:20 For the bed is too short to lie down on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap around oneself. 28:21 For Yahweh will rise up like he did on Mount Perazim. He will be angry like he was in the valley of Gibeon; that he may do his work, his extraordinary work, and bring to pass his act, his unusual act. 28:22 Now therefore don't be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, on the whole earth.

28:23 Give ear, and hear my voice! Listen, and hear my speech! 28:24 Does he who plows to sow plow continually? Does he keep turning the soil and breaking the clods? 28:25 When he has leveled its surface, doesn't he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place? 28:26 For his God instructs him in right judgment, and teaches him. 28:27 For the dill are not threshed with a sharp instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned over the cumin; but the dill is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a rod. 28:28 Bread flour must be ground; so he will not always be threshing it. Although he drives the wheel of his threshing cart over it, his horses don't grind it. 28:29 This also comes forth from Yahweh of Armies, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.

28:23 Listen up and hear what I have to say! Pay attention and listen to my words! 28:24 Does the farmer who plows to plant keep plowing forever? Does he keep turning the soil and breaking up the lumps? 28:25 Once he has leveled the ground, doesn't he plant dill, scatter cumin seeds, and arrange the wheat in rows, with barley in its spot and spelt in its place? 28:26 For his God teaches him good judgment and instructs him. 28:27 Dill isn’t threshed with a sharp tool, and a cart wheel doesn’t crush cumin; instead, dill is thrashed with a stick and cumin with a rod. 28:28 Bread flour needs to be ground; he won’t always keep threshing it. Even though he drives his threshing cart over it, his horses don’t grind it. 28:29 This also comes from Yahweh of Armies, who is amazing in counsel and extraordinary in wisdom.

29:1 Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around; 29:2 then I will distress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. She shall be to me as an altar hearth. 29:3 I will encamp against you all around you, and will lay siege against you with posted troops. I will raise siege works against you. 29:4 You will be brought down, and will speak out of the ground. Your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will be as of one who has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech will whisper out of the dust. 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly. 29:6 She will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, with great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire. 29:7 The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. 29:8 It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that. 29:9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 29:10 For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers. 29:11 All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't, for it is sealed:" 29:12 and the book is delivered to one who is not educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't read." 29:13 The Lord said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught; 29:14 therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will be hidden."

29:1 Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David camped! Year after year, let the feasts come around; 29:2 then I will bring distress to Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. She will be to me like an altar hearth. 29:3 I will surround you and lay siege to you with troops stationed all around. I will build siege works against you. 29:4 You will be brought down, speaking from the ground. Your words will mumble from the dust. Your voice will sound like that of a ghost from the ground, and your speech will whisper from the dust. 29:5 But the multitude of your enemies will be like fine dust, and the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will happen in an instant, suddenly. 29:6 She will be visited by the Lord of Hosts with thunder, with an earthquake, with great noise, with a whirlwind and storm, and with the flames of a consuming fire. 29:7 The multitudes of all the nations fighting against Ariel, all who wage war against her stronghold and distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. 29:8 It will be like when a hungry man dreams of eating, but when he wakes up, his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams of drinking, but when he wakes, he's faint and still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations fighting against Mount Zion will be like that. 29:9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and remain blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 29:10 For the Lord has poured out on you a deep sleep, and has closed the eyes of the prophets, and covered the heads of the seers. 29:11 All vision has become like the words of a sealed book, which people give to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't, because it is sealed." 29:12 And the book is given to someone who isn't educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't read." 29:13 The Lord said, "Because this people honors me with their mouths and lips, but their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is just a commandment taught by men; 29:14 therefore, behold, I will perform a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will be hidden."

29:15 Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from Yahweh, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us?" and "Who knows us?" 29:16 You turn things upside down! Should the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say about him who made it, "He didn't make me;" or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding?"

29:15 Woe to those who keep their plans hidden from God, and whose actions are secret, and who say, "Who can see us?" and "Who knows us?" 29:16 You have it all backwards! Should the potter be considered the same as the clay; that the creation should say to its creator, "You didn't make me;" or the created thing say of its maker, "You have no clue?"

29:17 Isn't it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest? 29:18 In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness. 29:19 The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 29:20 For the ruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off-- 29:21 who cause a person to be indicted by a word, and lay a snare for the arbiter in the gate, and who deprive the innocent of justice with false testimony. 29:22 Therefore thus says Yahweh, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale. 29:23 But when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they will sanctify my name. Yes, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. 29:24 They also who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will receive instruction."

29:17 Isn’t it just a little while longer until Lebanon becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field is seen as a forest? 29:18 On that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the blind will see out of obscurity and darkness. 29:19 The humble will find even more joy in Yahweh, and the poor among people will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 29:20 For the ruthless will be brought to nothing, the scoffer will be silenced, and all those who are eager to do evil will be cut off— 29:21 those who accuse a person with a word, set a trap for the judge at the gate, and deny the innocent justice with false testimony. 29:22 Therefore, this is what Yahweh, who redeemed Abraham, says about the house of Jacob: "Jacob will no longer be ashamed, and his face won’t grow pale. 29:23 But when he sees his children, the work of my hands, among him, they will honor my name. Yes, they will honor the Holy One of Jacob and stand in awe of the God of Israel. 29:24 Those who have strayed in spirit will gain understanding, and those who complain will receive instruction."

30:1 "Woe to the rebellious children," says Yahweh, "who take counsel, but not from me; and who make an alliance, but not with my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin, 30:2 who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked my advice; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt! 30:3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. 30:4 For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors have come to Hanes. 30:5 They shall all be ashamed because of a people that can't profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach."

30:1 "How tragic for the rebellious kids," says Yahweh, "who seek advice, but not from me; and who form an alliance, but not with my Spirit, just to pile on more sin, 30:2 who decide to head down to Egypt, and haven't asked for my guidance; to find strength in Pharaoh’s power, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt! 30:3 So the strength of Pharaoh will turn into your shame, and seeking shelter in the shadow of Egypt will bring you confusion. 30:4 Their leaders are in Zoan, and their envoys have arrived in Hanes. 30:5 They will all be embarrassed because of a people that can't help them, offering neither aid nor benefit, but only shame and reproach."

30:6 The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people. 30:7 For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called her Rahab who sits still. 30:8 Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever. 30:9 For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of Yahweh; 30:10 who tell the seers, "Don't see!" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits. 30:11 Get out of the way. Turn aside from the path. Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us." 30:12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, "Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and rely on it; 30:13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly in an instant. 30:14 He will break it as a potter's vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing, so that there won't be found among the broken piece a piece good enough to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern." 30:15 For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, "You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence." You refused, 30:16 but you said, "No, for we will flee on horses;" therefore you will flee; and, "We will ride on the swift;" therefore those who pursue you will be swift. 30:17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill. 30:18 Therefore Yahweh will wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may have mercy on you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him. 30:19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you. 30:20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden anymore, but your eyes will see your teachers; 30:21 and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way. Walk in it." 30:22 You shall defile the overlaying of your engraved images of silver, and the plating of your molten images of gold. You shall cast them away as an unclean thing. You shall tell it, "Go away!" 30:23 He will give the rain for your seed, with which you will sow the ground; and bread of the increase of the ground will be rich and plentiful. In that day, your livestock will feed in large pastures. 30:24 The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork. 30:25 There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of his people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

30:6 The heavy load of the animals in the South. In a land filled with trouble and pain, where lions and snakes roam, they carry their riches on young donkeys and their treasures on camels' humps, toward a people that won't benefit from it. 30:7 Egypt is of no help; I've called her Rahab, the one who remains inactive. 30:8 Now go, write it down for them on a tablet and record it in a book, so it can be preserved for future generations. 30:9 For they are a rebellious people, deceitful children, unwilling to listen to the law of Yahweh; 30:10 they say to the seers, "Don’t see!" and to the prophets, "Don’t tell us what’s right. Give us pleasant stories. Prophecy falsehoods. 30:11 Get out of the way. Step off the path. Stop bringing up the Holy One of Israel." 30:12 Therefore, the Holy One of Israel says, "Because you disdain this message, trusting in oppression and corruption, relying on it; 30:13 this wrongdoing will be to you like a wall about to collapse, swelling up high, with its breaking coming suddenly and unexpectedly. 30:14 He will shatter it like a potter’s broken vessel, breaking it into pieces without mercy, so that among the shattered fragments, there won’t be one good enough to take a fire from the hearth or scoop up water from the cistern." 30:15 Because the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, says, "You will find salvation by returning and resting. Your strength will come from being quiet and confident." You refused, 30:16 and instead said, "No, we will run on horses;" so you will run; and, "We will ride on fast steeds;" therefore, those pursuing you will be swift. 30:17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one, and at the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a signal on top of a mountain and like a banner on a hill. 30:18 Therefore, Yahweh will wait to be gracious to you; and therefore, He will be exalted to show mercy to you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him. 30:19 The people will live in Zion in Jerusalem. You will no longer weep. He will surely be gracious to you when you cry out. When He hears you, He will answer. 30:20 Even if the Lord gives you only bread of hardship and water of suffering, your teachers will no longer be hidden; your eyes will directly see your teachers; 30:21 and whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way. Walk in it." 30:22 You shall destroy your silver idols and throw away your gold statues like filthy rags, saying, "Get out of here!" 30:23 He will send rain for your seeds so you can plant your fields; the abundance of the land will provide rich and plentiful bread. In that time, your livestock will graze in large pastures. 30:24 The oxen and young donkeys that work the ground will eat tasty feed, winnowed with a shovel and fork. 30:25 There will be brooks and streams of water on every high mountain and every elevated hill during the day of great slaughter when the towers fall. 30:26 Furthermore, the moon's light will be like the sun's light, and the sun's light will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day when Yahweh heals the wounds of His people and binds up their injuries.

30:27 Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire. 30:28 His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples. 30:29 You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock. 30:30 Yahweh will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and will show the descent of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones. 30:31 For through the voice of Yahweh the Assyrian will be dismayed. He will strike him with his rod. 30:32 Every stroke of the rod of punishment, which Yahweh will lay on him, will be with the sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons. 30:33 For his burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the king it is made ready. He has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.

30:27 Look, the name of Yahweh is coming from far away, blazing with anger and thick smoke rising. His lips are full of rage, and his words are like a consuming fire. 30:28 His breath is like a rushing stream that reaches to the neck, sifting the nations like a sieve of destruction; a bridle leading to ruin will be in the jaws of the people. 30:29 You will have a song, like at night during a holy feast; and a joyful heart, like when someone plays a flute going up to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock. 30:30 Yahweh will make his glorious voice heard, and will show the power of his arm, with his fierce anger, and the flame of a consuming fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones. 30:31 For through Yahweh's voice, the Assyrian will be terrified. He will strike him with his rod. 30:32 Every blow of the rod of punishment that Yahweh will bring upon him will sound like tambourines and harps. He will battle them, wielding weapons. 30:33 For his place of burning has long been prepared. Yes, it has been prepared for the king. He has made it deep and large, filled with fire and plenty of wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, ignites it.

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
and rely on horses,
and trust in chariots because they are many,
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but they don't look to the Holy One of Israel,
and they don't seek Yahweh!
31:2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster,
and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evil-doers,
and against the help of those who work iniquity.
31:3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God;
and their horses flesh, and not spirit.
When Yahweh stretches out his hand, both he who helps shall stumble,
and he who is helped shall fall,
and they all shall be consumed together.
31:4 For thus says Yahweh to me,
"As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey,
if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him,
will not be dismayed at their voice,
nor abase himself for the noise of them,
so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights.
31:5 As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem.
He will protect and deliver it.
He will pass over and preserve it."
31:6

Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel. 31:7 For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold--sin which your own hands have made for you.

Return to the one you have greatly turned away from, children of Israel. 31:7 For on that day, everyone will throw away their silver idols and their gold idols—sins that your own hands have created for you.

"The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of man;
and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour him.
He will flee from the sword,
and his young men will become subject to forced labor.
31:9 His rock will pass away by reason of terror,
and his princes will be afraid of the banner,"
says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion,
and his furnace in Jerusalem.
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness,
and princes shall rule in justice.
32:2 A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind,
and a covert from the storm,
as streams of water in a dry place,
as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.
32:3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
32:4 The heart of the rash will understand knowledge,
and the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly.
32:5 The fool will no longer be called noble,
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
32:6 For the fool will speak folly,
and his heart will work iniquity,
to practice profanity,
and to utter error against Yahweh,
To make empty the soul of the hungry,
and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
32:7 The ways of the scoundrel are evil.
He devises wicked devices to destroy the humble with lying words,
even when the needy speaks right.
32:8 But the noble devises noble things;
and he will continue in noble things.
32:9 Rise up, you women who are at ease! Hear my voice!
You careless daughters, give ear to my speech!
32:10 For days beyond a year you will be troubled, you careless women;
for the vintage shall fail.
The harvest won't come.
32:11 Tremble, you women who are at ease!
Be troubled, you careless ones!
Strip yourselves, make yourselves naked,
and put sackcloth on your waist.
32:12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,
for the fruitful vine.
32:13 Thorns and briars will come up on my people's land;
yes, on all the houses of joy in the joyous city.
32:14 For the palace will be forsaken.
The populous city will be deserted.
The hill and the watchtower will be for dens forever,
a delight for wild donkeys,
a pasture of flocks;
32:15 Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high,
and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
and the fruitful field is considered a forest.
32:16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness;
and righteousness will remain in the fruitful field.
32:17 The work of righteousness will be peace;
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.
32:18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in safe dwellings,
and in quiet resting places.
32:19 Though hail flattens the forest,
and the city is leveled completely.
32:20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters,
who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey.
33:1 Woe to you who destroy, but you weren't destroyed;
and who betray, but nobody betrayed you!
When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed;
and when you have made an end of betrayal, you will be betrayed.
33:2 Yahweh, be gracious to us. We have waited for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation also in the time of trouble.
33:3 At the noise of the thunder, the peoples have fled.
When you lift yourself up, the nations are scattered.
33:4 Your spoil will be gathered as the caterpillar gathers.
Men will leap on it as locusts leap.
33:5 Yahweh is exalted, for he dwells on high.
He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.
33:6 There will be stability in your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.
The fear of Yahweh is your treasure.
33:7 Behold, their valiant ones cry outside;
the ambassadors of peace weep bitterly.
33:8 The highways are desolate.
The traveling man ceases.
The covenant is broken.
He has despised the cities.
He doesn't regard man.
33:9 The land mourns and languishes.
Lebanon is confounded and withers away.
Sharon is like a desert, and Bashan and Carmel are stripped bare.
33:10 "Now I will arise," says Yahweh;
"Now I will lift myself up.
Now I will be exalted.
33:11 You will conceive chaff.
You will bring forth stubble.
Your breath is a fire that will devour you.
33:12 The peoples will be like the burning of lime,
like thorns that are cut down and burned in the fire.
33:13 Hear, you who are far off, what I have done;
and, you who are near, acknowledge my might."
33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid.
Trembling has seized the godless ones.
Who among us can live with the devouring fire?
Who among us can live with everlasting burning?
33:15 He who walks righteously,
and speaks blamelessly;
He who despises the gain of oppressions,
who gestures with his hands, refusing to take a bribe,
who stops his ears from hearing of blood,
and shuts his eyes from looking at evil--
33:16 he will dwell on high.
His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks.
His bread will be supplied.
His waters will be sure.
33:17 Your eyes will see the king in his beauty.
They will see a distant land.
33:18 Your heart will meditate on the terror.
Where is he who counted?
Where is he who weighed?
Where is he who counted the towers?
33:19 You will no longer see the fierce people,
a people of a deep speech that you can't comprehend,
with a strange language that you can't understand.
33:20 Look at Zion, the city of our appointed festivals.
Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation,
a tent that won't be removed.
Its stakes will never be plucked up,
nor will any of its cords be broken.
33:21 But there Yahweh will be with us in majesty,
a place of broad rivers and streams,
in which no galley with oars will go,
neither will any gallant ship pass by there.
33:22 For Yahweh is our judge.
Yahweh is our lawgiver.
Yahweh is our king.
He will save us.
33:23 Your rigging is untied.
They couldn't strengthen the foot of their mast.
They couldn't spread the sail.
Then the prey of a great spoil was divided.
The lame took the prey.
33:24 The inhabitant won't say, "I am sick."
The people who dwell therein will be forgiven their iniquity.
34:1 Come near, you nations, to hear!
Listen, you peoples.
Let the earth and all it contains hear;
the world, and everything that comes from it.
34:2 For Yahweh is enraged against all the nations,
and angry with all their armies.
He has utterly destroyed them.
He has given them over for slaughter.
34:3 Their slain will also be cast out,
and the stench of their dead bodies will come up;
and the mountains will melt in their blood.
34:4 All of the army of the sky will be dissolved.
The sky will be rolled up like a scroll,
and all its armies will fade away,
as a leaf fades from off a vine or a fig tree.
34:5 For my sword has drunk its fill in the sky.
Behold, it will come down on Edom,
and on the people of my curse, for judgment.
34:6 Yahweh's sword is filled with blood.
It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats,
with the fat of the kidneys of rams;
for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah,
And a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
34:7 The wild oxen will come down with them,
and the young bulls with the mighty bulls;
and their land will be drunken with blood,
and their dust made greasy with fat.
34:8 For Yahweh has a day of vengeance,
a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.
34:9 Its streams will be turned into pitch,
its dust into sulfur,
And its land will become burning pitch.
34:10 It won't be quenched night nor day.
Its smoke will go up forever.
From generation to generation, it will lie waste.
No one will pass through it forever and ever.
34:11 But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it.
The owl and the raven will dwell in it.
He will stretch the line of confusion over it,
and the plumb line of emptiness.
34:12 They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, but none shall be there;
and all its princes shall be nothing.
34:13 Thorns will come up in its palaces,
nettles and thistles in its fortresses;
and it will be a habitation of jackals,
a court for ostriches.
34:14 The wild animals of the desert will meet with the wolves,
and the wild goat will cry to his fellow.
Yes, the night creature shall settle there,
and shall find herself a place of rest.
34:15 The arrow snake will make her nest there,
and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade.
Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with her mate.
34:16 Search in the book of Yahweh, and read:
not one of these will be missing.
none will lack her mate.
For my mouth has commanded,
and his Spirit has gathered them.
34:17 He has cast the lot for them,
and his hand has divided it to them with a measuring line.
They shall possess it forever.
From generation to generation they will dwell in it.
35:1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad.
The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
35:2 It will blossom abundantly,
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
Lebanon's glory Lebanon will be given to it,
the excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see Yahweh's glory,
the excellence of our God.
35:3 Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
35:4 Tell those who have a fearful heart, "Be strong.
Don't be afraid.
Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God's retribution.
He will come and save you.
35:5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.
35:6 Then the lame man will leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute will sing;
for waters will break out in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert.
35:7 The burning sand will become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water.
Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.
35:8 A highway will be there, a road,
and it will be called The Holy Way.
The unclean shall not pass over it,
but it will be for those who walk in the Way.
Wicked fools will not go there.
35:9 No lion will be there,
nor will any ravenous animal go up on it.
They will not be found there;
but the redeemed will walk there.
35:10 The Yahweh's ransomed ones will return,
and come with singing to Zion;
and everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

36:1 Now it happened in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all of the fortified cities of Judah, and captured them. 36:2 The king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to king Hezekiah with a large army. He stood by the aqueduct from the upper pool in the fuller's field highway. 36:3 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder came out to him. 36:4 Rabshakeh said to them, "Now tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, "What confidence is this in which you trust? 36:5 I say that your counsel and strength for the war are only vain words. Now in whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? 36:6 Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 36:7 But if you tell me, 'We trust in Yahweh our God,' isn't that he whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, 'You shall worship before this altar?'" 36:8 Now therefore, please make a pledge to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 36:9 How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 36:10 Have I come up now without Yahweh against this land to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, "Go up against this land, and destroy it."'"

36:1 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, King Sennacherib of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 36:2 The king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to King Hezekiah with a large army. He stood by the aqueduct near the upper pool on the road to the fuller’s field. 36:3 Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the household, along with Shebna the scribe and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, went out to him. 36:4 Rabshakeh said to them, "Now tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: "What are you putting your confidence in? 36:5 Your advice and military strength are nothing but empty words. In whom are you trusting that you have rebelled against me? 36:6 Look, you’re relying on a broken reed, on Egypt, which only pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it. That’s what Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is to everyone who trusts in him. 36:7 But if you say, 'We trust in Yahweh our God,' isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, telling Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar?’" 36:8 So now, please make a deal with my master, the king of Assyria, and I’ll give you two thousand horses, if you can find riders for them. 36:9 How can you expect to fend off even one captain from my master’s least servants, while trusting in Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 36:10 Have I come against this land to destroy it without Yahweh? Yahweh told me, "Go up against this land and destroy it."'”

36:11 Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and don't speak to us in the Jews' language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall."

36:11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, as we understand it; and don't speak to us in the Jewish language in front of the people on the wall."

36:12 But Rabshakeh said, "Has my master sent me only to your master and to you, to speak these words, and not to the men who sit on the wall, who will eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?" 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and called out with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, "Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 36:14 Thus says the king, 'Don't let Hezekiah deceive you; for he will not be able to deliver you. 36:15 Don't let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, "Yahweh will surely deliver us. This city won't be given into the hand of the king of Assyria."' 36:16 Don't listen to Hezekiah, for thus says the king of Assyria, 'Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and each of you eat from his vine, and each one from his fig tree, and each one of you drink the waters of his own cistern; 36:17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 36:18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, "Yahweh will deliver us." Have any of the gods of the nations delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? 36:19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 36:20 Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?'"

36:12 But Rabshakeh said, "Did my master send me only to your master and you, to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall, who will eat their own waste and drink their own urine with you?" 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood and shouted in the Jews' language, "Listen to the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 36:14 This is what the king says: 'Don't let Hezekiah mislead you; he won’t be able to save you. 36:15 Don't let Hezekiah make you believe in Yahweh, saying, "Yahweh will definitely save us. This city won't be handed over to the king of Assyria."' 36:16 Don't listen to Hezekiah, because the king of Assyria says, 'Make peace with me and come out to me; then you can each eat from your own vine and fig tree, and drink the water from your own cistern; 36:17 until I come and take you away to a land just like your own, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 36:18 Be careful that Hezekiah doesn't convince you, saying, "Yahweh will save us." Have any of the gods of other nations rescued their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? 36:19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they saved Samaria from me? 36:20 Which of all the gods of these countries has delivered their country from my hand, that Yahweh should be able to save Jerusalem from my hand?'"

36:21 But they remained silent, and said nothing in reply, for the king's commandment was, "Don't answer him."

36:21 But they stayed quiet and didn’t say anything in response, because the king's order was, "Don’t answer him."

36:22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

36:22 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him the words of Rabshakeh.

37:1 It happened, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into Yahweh's house. 37:2 He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 37:3 They said to him, "Thus says Hezekiah, 'This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth. 37:4 It may be Yahweh your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.'" 37:5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.

37:1 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and went into the house of Yahweh. 37:2 He sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, all dressed in sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 37:3 They said to him, "Hezekiah says, 'Today is a day of trouble, disgrace, and rejection; for the children are ready to be born, but there is no strength to deliver them. 37:4 Perhaps Yahweh your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria has sent to insult the living God, and will address the words that Yahweh your God has heard. So please pray for the remnant that remains.'" 37:5 So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah.

37:6 Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Don't be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 37:7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him and he will hear news, and will return to his own land. I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land."'"

37:6 Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'This is what Yahweh says: "Don't be afraid of the words you've heard from the servants of the king of Assyria, who have insulted me. 37:7 Look, I will make him restless and he will hear a report, then go back to his own country. I will make him fall by the sword in his own country."'"

37:8 So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 37:9 He heard news concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, "He has come out to fight against you." When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 37:10 "Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, 'Don't let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, "Jerusalem won't be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." 37:11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly. Shall you be delivered? 37:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the children of Eden who were in Telassar? 37:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'"

37:8 So Rabshakeh went back and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah because he had heard that he had left Lachish. 37:9 He got news about Tirhakah, the king of Ethiopia: "He’s come out to fight against you." When he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 37:10 "You should tell Hezekiah, the king of Judah, 'Don’t let your God, whom you trust, deceive you by saying, "Jerusalem won’t be handed over to the king of Assyria." 37:11 Look, you’ve heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the lands, completely destroying them. Do you think you will be spared? 37:12 Have the gods of the nations saved them from my ancestors, like Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden in Telassar? 37:13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'"

37:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to Yahweh's house, and spread it before Yahweh. 37:15 Hezekiah prayed to Yahweh, saying, 37:16 "Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, who is enthroned among the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 37:17 Turn your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and behold. Hear all of the words of Sennacherib, who has sent to defy the living God. 37:18 Truly, Yahweh, the kings of Assyria have destroyed all the countries and their land, 37:19 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them. 37:20 Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are Yahweh, even you only."

37:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before Him. 37:15 Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying, 37:16 "Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, who is seated between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth. 37:17 Listen, Lord, and hear. Open your eyes, Lord, and see. Hear all the words of Sennacherib, who has sent to insult the living God. 37:18 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated all the nations and their lands, 37:19 and have thrown their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but made by human hands, wood and stone; so they have destroyed them. 37:20 Now, therefore, our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are the Lord, you alone."

37:21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Because you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, 37:22 this is the word which Yahweh has spoken concerning him. The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. 37:23 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel. 37:24 By your servants, have you defied the Lord, and have said, "With the multitude of my chariots I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon. I will cut down its tall cedars and its choice fir trees. I will enter into its farthest height, the forest of its fruitful field. 37:25 I have dug and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt." 37:26 Have you not heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it in ancient times? Now I have brought it to pass, that it should be yours to destroy fortified cities, turning them into ruinous heaps. 37:27 Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like a field before its crop has grown. 37:28 But I know your sitting down, your going out, your coming in, and your raging against me. 37:29 Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came. 37:30 This shall be the sign to you. You will eat this year that which grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs from the same; and in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 37:31 The remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah will again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. 37:32 For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go forth, and survivors will escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.' 37:33 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the king of Assyria, 'He will not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither will he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it. 37:34 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come to this city,' says Yahweh. 37:35 'For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake.'"

37:21 Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent a message to Hezekiah, saying, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'Because you prayed to me about Sennacherib, king of Assyria, 37:22 this is the message Yahweh has given regarding him. The virgin daughter of Zion has rejected you and laughed at you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. 37:23 Who are you challenging and insulting? Who have you raised your voice against and looked up at? It’s the Holy One of Israel. 37:24 Through your servants, you have challenged the Lord, claiming, "With my many chariots, I've climbed to the highest mountains, to the deepest parts of Lebanon. I will cut down its tall cedars and its finest fir trees. I will reach its farthest heights, the forest of its lush fields. 37:25 I have dug and drunk water, and with the soles of my feet, I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt." 37:26 Have you not heard how I accomplished this long ago and planned it in ancient times? Now I have brought it to pass, so you can destroy fortified cities and turn them into piles of ruins. 37:27 Therefore, their inhabitants had little strength. They were terrified and confused. They were like the grass of the field, the green herb, like the grass on rooftops, and like a field before the crops have grown. 37:28 But I know your sitting down, your going out, your coming in, and your anger towards me. 37:29 Because of your anger towards me and because your arrogance has reached my ears, I will put a hook in your nose and a bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back the way you came. 37:30 This will be the sign for you. You will eat what grows on its own this year, and in the next year, whatever springs up from that; and in the third year, you will sow, reap, plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 37:31 The survivors from the house of Judah will take root downward and bear fruit upward. 37:32 For out of Jerusalem, a remnant will go forth, and those who escape will come from Mount Zion. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will accomplish this.' 37:33 Therefore, Yahweh says concerning the king of Assyria, 'He will not enter this city, nor shoot an arrow here, nor come before it with a shield, nor build a ramp against it. 37:34 He will return the way he came; he will not enter this city,' says Yahweh. 37:35 'For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.'"

37:36 The angel of Yahweh went out and struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 37:37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, went away, returned to Nineveh, and stayed there. 37:38 It happened, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons struck him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon his son reigned in his place.

37:36 The angel of the Lord went out and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the men got up early in the morning, they found all the bodies dead. 37:37 So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, left, went back, and stayed in Nineveh. 37:38 While he was worshipping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with a sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. His son Esar Haddon became king in his place.

38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.'"

38:1 At that time, Hezekiah was seriously ill and close to death. Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz, came to him and said, "This is what Yahweh says: 'Put your house in order, because you are going to die and will not recover.'"

38:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Yahweh, 38:3 and said, "Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight." Hezekiah wept bitterly.

38:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 38:3 and said, "Please remember, Lord, how I have lived my life faithfully and with a sincere heart, and how I have done what is right in your eyes." Hezekiah cried heartbrokenly.

38:4 Then the word of Yahweh came to Isaiah, saying, 38:5 "Go, and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. 38:6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city. 38:7 This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do this thing that he has spoken. 38:8 Behold, I will cause the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the sundial on which it had gone down."'"

38:4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, 38:5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of David your ancestor, says: "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Look, I will add fifteen years to your life. 38:6 I will save you and this city from the king of Assyria, and I will protect this city. 38:7 This will be the sign for you from the Lord that He will do what He has promised. 38:8 Look, I will make the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on Ahaz's sundial, go back ten steps. So the sun went back ten steps on the sundial where it had gone down."'"

38:9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and had recovered of his sickness.

38:9 The writing of Hezekiah, king of Judah, when he was sick and had recovered from his illness.

I said, "In the middle of my life I go into the gates of Sheol.
I am deprived of the residue of my years."
38:11 I said, "I won't see Yah,
Yah in the land of the living.
I will see man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
38:12 My dwelling is removed,
and is carried away from me like a shepherd's tent.
I have rolled up, like a weaver, my life.
He will cut me off from the loom.
From day even to night you will make an end of me.
38:13 I waited patiently until morning.
He breaks all my bones like a lion.
From day even to night you will make an end of me.
38:14 I chattered like a swallow or a crane.
I moaned like a dove.
My eyes weaken looking upward.
Lord, I am oppressed.
Be my security."
38:15 What will I say?
He has both spoken to me, and himself has done it.
I will walk carefully all my years because of the anguish of my soul.
38:16 Lord, men live by these things;
and my spirit finds life in all of them:
you restore me, and cause me to live.
38:17 Behold, for peace I had great anguish,
but you have in love for my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption;
for you have cast all my sins behind your back.
38:18 For Sheol can't praise you.
Death can't celebrate you.
Those who go down into the pit can't hope for your truth.
38:19 The living, the living, he shall praise you, as I do this day.
The father shall make known your truth to the children.
38:20 Yahweh will save me.
Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of Yahweh.

38:21 Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover." 38:22 Hezekiah also had said, "What is the sign that I will go up to the house of Yahweh?"

38:21 Now Isaiah had said, "Have them take a cake of figs and place it on the boil as a treatment, and he will get better." 38:22 Hezekiah also asked, "What's the sign that I will go up to the house of Yahweh?"

39:1 At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered. 39:2 Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures. There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah didn't show them. 39:3 Then Isaiah the prophet came to king Hezekiah, and asked him, "What did these men say? Where did they come from to you?"

39:1 At that time, Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah because he heard that Hezekiah had been sick and had recovered. 39:2 Hezekiah was happy about this and showed them his treasures: the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, all the weapons he had, and everything he found in his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah didn’t show them. 39:3 Then Isaiah the prophet visited King Hezekiah and asked him, "What did these men say? Where did they come from?"

Hezekiah said, "They have come from a country far from me, even from Babylon."

Hezekiah said, "They have come from a country far away, even from Babylon."

39:4 Then he asked, "What have they seen in your house?"

39:4 Then he asked, "What have they seen in your house?"

Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them."

Hezekiah replied, "They have seen everything in my house. There’s nothing among my treasures that I haven't shown them."

39:5 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of Yahweh of Armies: 39:6 'Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says Yahweh. 39:7 'They will take away your sons who will issue from you, whom you shall father, and they will be eunuchs in the king of Babylon's palace.'"

39:5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Listen to the word of the Lord of Hosts: 39:6 'Look, the days are coming when everything in your house, along with what your ancestors have collected until now, will be taken to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says the Lord. 39:7 'They will take your sons, those born to you, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'"

39:8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "Yahweh's word which you have spoken is good." He said moreover, "For there will be peace and truth in my days."

39:8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The message from Yahweh that you delivered is great." He added, "Because there will be peace and truth during my time."

40:1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. 40:2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh's hand double for all her sins."

40:1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. 40:2 "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and tell her that her struggle is over, that her wrongdoing is forgiven, that she has received from Yahweh's hand double for all her sins."

The voice of one who calls out,
"Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness!
Make a level highway in the desert for our God.
40:4 Every valley shall be exalted,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The uneven shall be made level,
and the rough places a plain.
40:5 The glory of Yahweh shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together;
for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it." 40:6 The voice of one saying, "Cry!"
One said, "What shall I cry?"
"All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory is like the flower of the field.
40:7 The grass withers,
the flower fades,
because Yahweh's breath blows on it.
Surely the people are like grass.
40:8 The grass withers,
the flower fades;
but the word of our God stands forever."
40:9 You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength.
Lift it up. Don't be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold, your God!"
40:10 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will come as a mighty one,
and his arm will rule for him.
Behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
He will gently lead those who have their young.
40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
and marked off the sky with his span,
and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure,
and weighed the mountains in scales,
and the hills in a balance?
40:13 Who has directed the Spirit of Yahweh,
or has taught him as his counselor?
40:14 Who did he take counsel with,
and who instructed him,
and taught him in the path of justice,
and taught him knowledge,
and showed him the way of understanding?
40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket,
and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance.
Behold, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing.
40:16 Lebanon is not sufficient to burn,
nor its animals sufficient for a burnt offering.
40:17 All the nations are like nothing before him.
They are regarded by him as less than nothing, and vanity.
40:18 To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare to him?
40:19 A workman has cast an image,
and the goldsmith overlays it with gold,
and casts silver chains for it.
40:20 He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot.
He seeks a skillful workman to set up an engraved image for him that will not be moved.
40:21 Haven't you known?
Haven't you heard, yet?
Haven't you been told from the beginning?
Haven't you understood from the foundations of the earth?
40:22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in;
40:23 who brings princes to nothing;
who makes the judges of the earth like meaningless.
40:24 They are planted scarcely.
They are sown scarcely.
Their stock has scarcely taken root in the ground.
He merely blows on them, and they wither,
and the whirlwind takes them away as stubble.
40:25 "To whom then will you liken me?
Who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
40:26 Lift up your eyes on high,
and see who has created these,
who brings out their army by number.
He calls them all by name.
by the greatness of his might,
and because he is strong in power,
Not one is lacking.
40:27 Why do you say, Jacob,
and speak, Israel,
"My way is hidden from Yahweh,
and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?"
40:28 Haven't you known?
Haven't you heard?
The everlasting God, Yahweh,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint.
He isn't weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
40:29 He gives power to the weak.
He increases the strength of him who has no might.
40:30 Even the youths faint and get weary,
and the young men utterly fall;
40:31 But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run, and not be weary.
They will walk, and not faint.
41:1 "Keep silent before me, islands,
and let the peoples renew their strength.
Let them come near,
then let them speak.
Let's meet together for judgment.
41:2 Who has raised up one from the east?
Whom called him to his foot in righteousness?
He hands over nations to him,
and makes him rule over kings.
He gives them like the dust to his sword,
like the driven stubble to his bow.
41:3 He pursues them,
and passes by safely,
Even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.
41:4 Who has worked and done it,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he."
41:5 The islands have seen, and fear.
The ends of the earth tremble.
They approach, and come.
41:6 Everyone helps his neighbor.
They say to their brothers, "Be strong!"
41:7 So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith.
He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil,
saying of the soldering, "It is good;"
and he fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.
41:8 "But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
the seed of Abraham my friend,
41:9 You whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth,
and called from its corners,
and said to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you away;'
41:10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
Yes, I will help you.
Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
41:11 Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded.
Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and shall perish.
41:12 You will seek them, and won't find them,
even those who contend with you.
Those who war against you will be as nothing,
as a non-existent thing.
41:13 For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand,
saying to you, 'Don't be afraid.
I will help you.'
41:14 Don't be afraid, you worm Jacob,
and you men of Israel.
I will help you," says Yahweh,
"and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
41:15 Behold, I have made you into a new sharp threshing instrument with teeth.
You will thresh the mountains,
and beat them small,
and will make the hills like chaff.
41:16 You will winnow them,
and the wind will carry them away,
and the whirlwind will scatter them.
You will rejoice in Yahweh.
You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
41:17 The poor and needy seek water, and there is none.
Their tongue fails for thirst.
I, Yahweh, will answer them.
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
41:18 I will open rivers on the bare heights,
and springs in the midst of the valleys.
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
and the dry land springs of water.
41:19 I will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness.
I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;
41:20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together,
that the hand of Yahweh has done this,
and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
41:21 Produce your cause," says Yahweh.
"Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob.
41:22 "Let them announce, and declare to us what shall happen.
Declare the former things, what they are,
that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them;
or show us things to come.
41:23 Declare the things that are to come hereafter,
that we may know that you are gods.
Yes, do good, or do evil,
that we may be dismayed,
and see it together.
41:24 Behold, you are of nothing,
and your work is of nothing.
He who chooses you is an abomination.
41:25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he has come;
from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name;
and he shall come on rulers as on mortar,
and as the potter treads clay.
41:26 Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know?
And before, that we may say, 'He is right?'
Surely, there is no one who declares.
Surely, there is no one who shows.
Surely, there is no one who hears your words.
41:27 I am the first to say to Zion, 'Behold, look at them;'
and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.
41:28 When I look, there is no man;
even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
41:29 Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nothing.
Their molten images are wind and confusion.
42:1 "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold;
my chosen, in whom my soul delights--
I have put my Spirit on him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
42:2 He will not shout,
nor raise his voice,
nor cause it to be heard in the street.
42:3 He won't break a bruised reed.
He won't quench a dimly burning wick.
He will faithfully bring justice.
42:4 He will not fail nor be discouraged,
until he has set justice in the earth,
and the islands will wait for his law."
42:5 Thus says God Yahweh,
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it,
he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.
42:6 "I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness,
and will hold your hand,
and will keep you,
and make you a covenant for the people,
as a light for the nations;
42:7 to open the blind eyes,
to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
42:8 "I am Yahweh.
That is my name.
I will not give my glory to another,
nor my praise to engraved images.
42:9 Behold, the former things have happened,
and I declare new things.
I tell you about them before they come up."
42:10 Sing to Yahweh a new song,
and his praise from the end of the earth,
you who go down to the sea,
and all that is therein,
the islands and their inhabitants.
42:11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices,
with the villages that Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing.
Let them shout from the top of the mountains!
42:12 Let them give glory to Yahweh,
and declare his praise in the islands.
42:13 Yahweh will go out like a mighty man.
He will stir up zeal like a man of war.
He will raise a war cry.
Yes, he will shout aloud.
He will triumph over his enemies.
42:14 "I have been silent a long time.
I have been quiet and restrained myself.
Now I will cry out like a travailing woman. I will both gasp and pant.
42:15 I will destroy mountains and hills,
and dry up all their herbs.
I will make the rivers islands,
and will dry up the pools.
42:16 I will bring the blind by a way that they don't know.
I will lead them in paths that they don't know.
I will make darkness light before them,
and crooked places straight.
I will do these things,
and I will not forsake them.
42:17 "Those who trust in engraved images,
who tell molten images,
'You are our gods'
will be turned back.
They will be utterly disappointed.
42:18 "Hear, you deaf,
and look, you blind,
that you may see.
42:19 Who is blind, but my servant?
Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send?
Who is as blind as he who is at peace,
and as blind as Yahweh's servant?
42:20 You see many things, but don't observe.
His ears are open, but he doesn't listen.
42:21 It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law,
and make it honorable.
42:22 But this is a robbed and plundered people.
All of them are snared in holes,
and they are hidden in prisons.
They have become a prey, and no one delivers;
and a spoil, and no one says, 'Restore them!'
42:23 Who is there among you who will give ear to this?
Who will listen and hear for the time to come?
42:24 Who gave Jacob as plunder,
and Israel to the robbers?
Didn't Yahweh, he against whom we have sinned?
For they would not walk in his ways,
and they disobeyed his law.
42:25 Therefore he poured the fierceness of his anger on him,
and the strength of battle;
and it set him on fire all around, but he didn't know;
and it burned him, but he didn't take it to heart."
43:1 But now thus says Yahweh who created you, Jacob,
and he who formed you, Israel:
"Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name.
You are mine.
43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned,
and flame will not scorch you.
43:3 For I am Yahweh your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
your Savior.
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
43:4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight,
and I have loved you;
therefore I will give people in your place,
and nations instead of your life.
43:5 Don't be afraid; for I am with you.
I will bring your seed from the east,
and gather you from the west.
43:6 I will tell the north, 'Give them up!'
and tell the south, 'Don't hold them back!
Bring my sons from far,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth--
43:7 everyone who is called by my name,
and whom I have created for my glory,
whom I have formed,
yes, whom I have made.'"
43:8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes,
and the deaf who have ears.
43:9 Let all the nations be gathered together,
and let the peoples be assembled.
Who among them can declare this,
and show us former things?
Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified;
or let them hear, and say, "That is true."
43:10 "You are my witnesses," says Yahweh,
"With my servant whom I have chosen;
that you may know and believe me,
and understand that I am he.
Before me there was no God formed,
neither will there be after me.
43:11 I myself am Yahweh;
and besides me there is no savior.
43:12 I have declared, I have saved, and I have shown;
and there was no strange god among you.
Therefore you are my witnesses,"
says Yahweh, "and I am God.
43:13 Yes, since the day was I am he;
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I will work, and who can hinder it?"

43:14 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing. 43:15 I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King."

43:14 This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: "For your sake, I sent to Babylon, and I will make all of them come back as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in their joyful ships. 43:15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King."

Thus says Yahweh, who makes a way in the sea,
and a path in the mighty waters;
43:17 who brings forth the chariot and horse,
the army and the mighty man
(they lie down together, they shall not rise;
they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick):
43:18 "Don't remember the former things,
and don't consider the things of old.
43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing.
It springs forth now.
Don't you know it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.
43:20 The animals of the field shall honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
43:21 the people which I formed for myself,
that they might set forth my praise.
43:22 Yet you have not called on me, Jacob;
but you have been weary of me, Israel.
43:23 You have not brought me of your sheep for burnt offerings;
neither have you honored me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with offerings,
nor wearied you with frankincense.
43:24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money,
nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices;
but you have burdened me with your sins.
You have wearied me with your iniquities.
43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake;
and I will not remember your sins.
43:26 Put me in remembrance.
Let us plead together.
Set forth your case,
that you may be justified.
43:27 Your first father sinned,
and your teachers have transgressed against me.
43:28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary;
and I will make Jacob a curse,
and Israel a reviling."
44:1 Yet listen now, Jacob my servant,
and Israel, whom I have chosen.
44:2 This is what Yahweh who made you,
and formed you from the womb,
who will help you says:
"Don't be afraid, Jacob my servant;
and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
and streams on the dry ground.
I will pour my Spirit on your seed,
and my blessing on your offspring:
44:4 and they will spring up among the grass,
as willows by the watercourses.
44:5 One will say, 'I am Yahweh's;'
and another will be called by the name of Jacob;
and another will write with his hand 'to Yahweh,'
and honor the name of Israel."
44:6 This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says:
"I am the first, and I am the last;
and besides me there is no God.
44:7 Who is like me?
Who will call,
and will declare it,
and set it in order for me,
since I established the ancient people?
Let them declare the things that are coming,
and that will happen.
44:8 Don't fear,
neither be afraid.
Haven't I declared it to you long ago,
and shown it?
You are my witnesses.
Is there a God besides me?
Indeed, there is not.
I don't know any other Rock."
44:9 Everyone who makes an engraved image is vain.
The things that they delight in will not profit.
Their own witnesses don't see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.
44:10 Who has fashioned a god,
or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?
44:11 Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed;
and the workmen are mere men.
Let them all be gathered together.
Let them stand up.
They will fear.
They will be put to shame together.
44:12 The blacksmith takes an axe,
works in the coals,
fashions it with hammers,
and works it with his strong arm.
He is hungry,
and his strength fails;
he drinks no water,
and is faint.
44:13 The carpenter stretches out a line.
He marks it out with a pencil.
He shapes it with planes.
He marks it out with compasses,
and shapes it like the figure of a man,
with the beauty of a man,
to reside in a house.
44:14 He cuts down cedars for himself,
and takes the cypress and the oak,
and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest.
He plants a fir tree,
and the rain nourishes it.
44:15 Then it will be for a man to burn;
and he takes some of it, and warms himself.
Yes, he burns it, and bakes bread.
Yes, he makes a god, and worships it;
he makes it an engraved image, and falls down to it.
44:16 He burns part of it in the fire.
With part of it, he eats meat.
He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.
Yes, he warms himself,
and says, "Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire."
44:17 The rest of it he makes into a god,
even his engraved image.
He bows down to it and worships,
and prays to it, and says, "Deliver me; for you are my god!"
44:18 They don't know, neither do they consider:
for he has shut their eyes, that they can't see;
and their hearts, that they can't understand.
44:19 No one thinks,
neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,
"I have burned part of it in the fire.
Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals.
I have roasted meat and eaten it.
Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination?
Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?"
44:20 He feeds on ashes.
A deceived heart has turned him aside;
and he can't deliver his soul,
nor say, "Isn't there a lie in my right hand?"
44:21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel;
for you are my servant.
I have formed you.
You are my servant.
Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions,
and, as a cloud, your sins.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
44:23 Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it!
Shout, you lower parts of the earth!
Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees,
for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob,
and will glorify himself in Israel.
44:24 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer,
and he who formed you from the womb:
"I am Yahweh, who makes all things;
who alone stretches out the heavens;
who spreads out the earth by myself;
44:25 who frustrates the signs of the liars,
and makes diviners mad;
who turns wise men backward,
and makes their knowledge foolish;
44:26 who confirms the word of his servant,
and performs the counsel of his messengers;
who says of Jerusalem, 'She will be inhabited;'
and of the cities of Judah, 'They will be built,'
and I will raise up its waste places;'
44:27 who says to the deep, 'Be dry,'
and 'I will dry up your rivers;'
44:28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,'
even saying of Jerusalem, 'She will be built;'
and of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.'"

45:1 Thus says Yahweh to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him, and strip kings of their armor; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:

45:1 This is what the Lord says to his chosen one, to Cyrus, whom I have supported to conquer nations and remove kings from their thrones; to open doors for him, and the gates will not be closed:

45:2 "I will go before you,
and make the rough places smooth.
I will break the doors of brass in pieces,
and cut apart the bars of iron.
45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness,
and hidden riches of secret places,
that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, who call you by your name,
even the God of Israel.
45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake,
and Israel my chosen,
I have called you by your name.
I have surnamed you,
though you have not known me.
45:5 I am Yahweh, and there is none else.
Besides me, there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not known me;
45:6 that they may know from the rising of the sun,
and from the west,
that there is none besides me.
I am Yahweh, and there is no one else.
45:7 I form the light,
and create darkness.
I make peace,
and create calamity.
I am Yahweh,
who does all these things.
45:8 Distil, you heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation,
and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it.
I, Yahweh, have created it.
45:9 Woe to him who strives with his Maker--
a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth!
Shall the clay ask him who fashions it, 'What are you making?'
or your work, 'He has no hands?'
45:10 Woe to him who says to a father, 'What have you become the father of?'
or to a mother, 'To what have you given birth?'"
45:11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel,
and his Maker:
"You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my sons,
and you command me concerning the work of my hands!
45:12 I have made the earth, and created man on it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and all their army have I commanded. 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, says Yahweh of Armies. 45:14 Thus says Yahweh: "The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours. They shall go after you. In chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down to you. They shall make supplication to you: 'Surely God is in you; and there is none else, there is no other god. 45:15 Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself, God of Israel, the Savior.'"
45:16 They shall be disappointed, yes, confounded, all of them; they shall go into confusion together who are makers of idols. 45:17 But Israel shall be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation: you shall not be disappointed nor confounded world without end. 45:18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited: I am Yahweh; and there is no one else. 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I didn't say to the seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain: I, Yahweh, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations: they have no knowledge who carry the wood of their engraved image, and pray to a god that can't save. 45:21 Declare you, and bring it forth; yes, let them take counsel together: who has shown this from ancient time? who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. 45:22 Look to me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. 45:23 By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 45:24 Only in Yahweh, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all those who were incensed against him shall be disappointed. 45:25 In Yahweh shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
46:1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the livestock: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary animal. 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. 46:3 Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne by me from their birth, that have been carried from the womb; 46:4 and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver. 46:5 To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? 46:6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down--yes, they worship. 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 46:8 Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, you transgressors. 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; 46:11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it. 46:12 Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness: 46:13 I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
47:1 Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate. 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove your veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers. 47:3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man. 47:4 Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, the Holy One of Israel. 47:5 Sit you silent, and get you into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called The mistress of kingdoms. 47:6 I was angry with my people, I profaned my inheritance, and gave them into your hand: you did show them no mercy; on the aged have you very heavily laid your yoke. 47:7 You said, I shall be mistress forever; so that you did not lay these things to your heart, neither did remember the latter end of it. 47:8 Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children: 47:9 but these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come on you, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments. 47:10 For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, None sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me. 47:11 Therefore evil will come on you; you won't know when it dawns: and mischief wil fall on you; you will not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don't know. 47:12 Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail. 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you. 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before. 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter; there shall be none to save you.
48:1 Hear you this, house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Yahweh, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness 48:2 (for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; Yahweh of Armies is his name): 48:3 I have declared the former things from of old; yes, they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them: suddenly I did them, and they happened. 48:4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass; 48:5 therefore I have declared it to you from of old; before it came to pass I showed it to you; lest you should say, My idol has done them, and my engraved image, and my molten image, has commanded them. 48:6 You have heard it; see all this; and you, will you not declare it? I have shown you new things from this time, even hidden things, which you have not known. 48:7 They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day you didn't hear them; lest you should say, Behold, I knew them. 48:8 Yes, you didn't hear; yes, you didn't know; yes, from of old your ear was not opened: for I knew that you did deal very treacherously, and was called a transgressor from the womb. 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer my anger, and for my praise will I refrain for you, that I not cut you off. 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. 48:11 For my own sake, for my own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory I will not give to another. 48:12 Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. 48:13 Yes, my hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spread out the heavens: when I call to them, they stand up together. 48:14 Assemble yourselves, all you, and hear; who among them has declared these things? He whom Yahweh loves shall perform his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans. 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous. 48:16 Come you near to me, hear you this; from the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord Yahweh has sent me, and his Spirit. 48:17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go. 48:18 Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea: 48:19 your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your body like its grains: his name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me. 48:20 Go you forth from Babylon, flee you from the Chaldeans; with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say you, Yahweh has redeemed his servant Jacob. 48:21 They didn't thirst when he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he split the rock also, and the waters gushed out. 48:22 There is no peace, says Yahweh, to the wicked.
49:1 Listen, islands, to me; and listen, you peoples, from far: Yahweh has called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother has he made mention of my name: 49:2 and he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand has he hid me: and he has made me a polished shaft; in his quiver has he kept me close: 49:3 and he said to me, You are my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 49:4 But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Yahweh, and my recompense with my God. 49:5 Now says Yahweh who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered to him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Yahweh, and my God is become my strength); 49:6 yes, he says, It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth. 49:7 Thus says Yahweh, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Yahweh who is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. 49:8 Thus says Yahweh, In an acceptable time have I answered you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you; and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritage: 49:9 saying to those who are bound, Go forth; to those who are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture. 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them: for he who has mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water he will guide them. 49:11 I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. 49:12 Behold, these shall come from far; and behold, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim. 49:13 Sing, heavens; and be joyful, earth; and break forth into singing, mountains: for Yahweh has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. 49:14 But Zion said, Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me. 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. 49:17 Your children make haste; your destroyers and those who made you waste shall go forth from you. 49:18 Lift up your eyes all around, and see: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live, says Yahweh, you shall surely clothe you with them all as with an ornament, and gird yourself with them, like a bride. 49:19 For, as for your waste and your desolate places, and your land that has been destroyed, surely now you shall be too small for the inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up shall be far away. 49:20 The children of your bereavement shall yet say in your ears, The place is too small for me; give place to me that I may dwell. 49:21 Then you will say in your heart, Who has conceived these for me, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth? and who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they? 49:22 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my banner to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. 49:23 Kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers: they shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of your feet; and you shall know that I am Yahweh; and those who wait for me shall not be disappointed. 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered? 49:25 But thus says Yahweh, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children. 49:26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
50:1 Thus says Yahweh, Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away. 50:2 Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst. 50:3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. 50:4 The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 50:5 The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward. 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. 50:7 For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed. 50:8 He is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 50:9 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me; who is he who shall condemn me? Behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up. 50:10 Who is among you who fears Yahweh, who obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in the name of Yahweh, and rely on his God. 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. You shall have this of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.
51:1 Listen to me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek Yahweh: look to the rock whence you were cut, and to the hold of the pit whence you were dug. 51:2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for when he was but one I called him, and I blessed him, and made him many. 51:3 For Yahweh has comforted Zion; he has comforted all her waste places, and has made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Yahweh; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. 51:4 Attend to me, my people; and give ear to me, my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples. 51:5 My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the peoples; the islands shall wait for me, and on my arm shall they trust. 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and those who dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. 51:7 Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don't you fear the reproach of men, neither be you dismayed at their insults. 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation to all generations. 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of Yahweh; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Isn't it you who did cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the monster? 51:10 Isn't it you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over? 51:11 The ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 51:12 I, even I, am he who comforts you: who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who shall be made as grass; 51:13 and have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, who stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fear continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he makes ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? 51:14 The captive exile shall speedily be freed; and he shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall his bread fail. 51:15 For I am Yahweh your God, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar: Yahweh of Armies is his name. 51:16 I have put my words in your mouth, and have covered you in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and tell Zion, You are my people. 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, Jerusalem, that have drunk at the hand of Yahweh the cup of his wrath; you have drunken the bowl of the cup of staggering, and drained it. 51:18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she has brought forth; neither is there any who takes her by the hand among all the sons who she has brought up. 51:19 These two things have happened to you. Who will bemoan you? Desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword; how shall I comfort you? 51:20 Your sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as an antelope in a net; they are full of the wrath of Yahweh, the rebuke of your God. 51:21 Therefore hear now this, you afflicted, and drunken, but now with wine: 51:22 Thus says your Lord Yahweh, and your God who pleads the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of staggering, even the bowl of the cup of my wrath; you shall no more drink it again: 51:23 and I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to your soul, Bow down, that we may go over; and you have laid your back as the ground, and as the street, to those who go over.
52:1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, Zion; put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. 52:2 Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne, Jerusalem: loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion. 52:3 For thus says Yahweh, You were sold for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money. 52:4 For thus says the Lord Yahweh, My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there: and the Assyrian has oppressed them without cause. 52:5 Now therefore, what do I here, says Yahweh, seeing that my people is taken away for nothing? those who rule over them do howl, says Yahweh, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed. 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he who does speak; behold, it is I. 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns! 52:8 The voice of your watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion. 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for Yahweh has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 52:10 Yahweh has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 52:11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from there, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the midst of her; cleanse yourselves, you who bear the vessels of Yahweh. 52:12 For you shall not go out in haste, neither shall you go by flight: for Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward. 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 52:14 Like as many were astonished at you (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), 52:15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.
53:1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed?
53:2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form nor comeliness.
When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
53:3 He was despised,
and rejected by men;
a man of suffering,
and acquainted with disease.
He was despised as one from whom men hide their face;
and we didn't respect him.
53:4 Surely he has borne our sickness,
and carried our suffering;
yet we considered him plagued,
struck by God, and afflicted.
53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions.
He was crushed for our iniquities.
The punishment that brought our peace was on him;
and by his wounds we are healed.
53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray.
Everyone has turned to his own way;
and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
53:7 He was oppressed,
yet when he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth.
As a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute,
so he didn't open his mouth.
53:8 He was taken away by oppression and judgment;
and as for his generation,
who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living
and stricken for the disobedience of my people?
53:9 They made his grave with the wicked,
and with a rich man in his death;
although he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.
53:10 Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him.
He has caused him to suffer.
When you make his soul an offering for sin,
he shall see his seed.
He shall prolong his days,
and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand.
53:11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light and be satisfied.
My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself;
and he will bear their iniquities.
53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out his soul to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

54:1 Sing, barren, you who didn't bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, says Yahweh. 54:2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don't spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. 54:3 For you shall spread aboard on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 54:4 Don't be afraid; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be disappointed: for you shall forget the shame of your youth; and the reproach of your widowhood you shall remember no more. 54:5 For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Armies is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. 54:6 For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, says your God. 54:7 For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you. 54:8 In overflowing wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting loving kindness will I have mercy on you, says Yahweh your Redeemer. 54:9 For this is as the waters of Noah to me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. 54:10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you. 54:11 You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires. 54:12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies, and your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. 54:13 All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children. 54:14 In righteousness you shall be established: you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not be afraid; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. 54:15 Behold, they may gather together, but not by me: whoever shall gather together against you shall fall because of you. 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and brings forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness which is of me, says Yahweh.

54:1 Sing, you who are barren and didn't give birth; break into song and shout, you who never went into labor: for more are the children of the forsaken than the children of the married wife, says Yahweh. 54:2 Expand the area of your tent, and let the curtains of your dwelling place be stretched out; don't hold back: lengthen your ropes and strengthen your stakes. 54:3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; and your descendants will inherit the nations and make the deserted cities inhabited. 54:4 Don’t be afraid; you won’t be embarrassed. Don’t be confused; you won’t be disappointed: for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more. 54:5 For your Creator is your husband; Yahweh of Armies is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall be called. 54:6 For Yahweh has called you like a wife rejected and heartbroken, even a wife of youth, when she is cast aside, says your God. 54:7 For just a brief moment I abandoned you; but with great compassion I will gather you. 54:8 In an overwhelming fit of anger I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will show mercy on you, says Yahweh your Redeemer. 54:9 For this is as the waters of Noah to me; for just as I swore that the waters of Noah shall never again cover the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor will I reprimand you. 54:10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness will not depart from you, and my covenant of peace will not be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you. 54:11 You who are afflicted, tossed by storms, and not comforted, look, I will lay your stones in beautiful colors and lay your foundations with sapphires. 54:12 I will make your towers from rubies, your gates from sparkling jewels, and all your walls from precious stones. 54:13 All your children will be taught by Yahweh; and great will be the peace of your children. 54:14 You will be established in righteousness: you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror, for it will not come near you. 54:15 Look, they may gather together, but not by me: whoever gathers against you will fall because of you. 54:16 Look, I have created the craftsman who fans the embers and forges a weapon for his work; and I have created the destroyer to ruin. 54:17 No weapon formed against you will succeed; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the inheritance of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness is from me, says Yahweh.

55:1 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come you to the waters, and he who has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 55:2 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which doesn't satisfy? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 55:3 Turn your ear, and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples. 55:5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you don't know; and a nation that didn't know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you. 55:6 Seek you Yahweh while he may be found; call you on him while he is near: 55:7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 55:10 For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn't return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 55:11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do. 55:12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

55:1 Hey, everyone who's thirsty, come to the waters! And if you don’t have any money, come, buy, and eat! Yes, come get wine and milk without paying a thing. 55:2 Why are you spending money on stuff that isn’t bread? And why work hard for things that don’t satisfy? Listen closely to me, and eat what’s good; let your soul enjoy the richness. 55:3 Turn your ear and come to me; hear, and your soul will live. I’ll make an everlasting agreement with you, even the sure mercies of David. 55:4 Look, I have made him a witness for the people, a leader and commander for the nations. 55:5 Look, you will call a nation you don’t know; and a nation that doesn’t know you will run to you, because of Yahweh your God and the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. 55:6 Seek Yahweh while He can be found; call on Him while He is near: 55:7 let the wicked forsake their ways, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to Yahweh, and He will have mercy on them; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 55:8 For my thoughts aren’t your thoughts, and my ways aren’t your ways, says Yahweh. 55:9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 55:10 Just as the rain and snow come down from the sky and don’t return there, but water the earth, making it produce and flourish, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth: it won’t return to me empty, but will accomplish what I want and succeed in what I send it to do. 55:12 For you will go out with joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands. 55:13 Instead of thorns, a fir tree will grow; and instead of briers, a myrtle tree will grow; and it will be to Yahweh a name, an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.

56:1 Thus says Yahweh, Keep you justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 56:2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil. 56:3 Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to Yahweh, speak, saying, Yahweh will surely separate me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 56:4 For thus says Yahweh of the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant: 56:5 To them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 56:6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh, to minister to him, and to love the name of Yahweh, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; 56:7 even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. 56:8 The Lord Yahweh, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered. 56:9 All you animals of the field, come to devour, yes, all you animals in the forest. 56:10 His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can't bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. 56:11 Yes, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds who can't understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. 56:12 Come you, say they, I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, a day great beyond measure.

56:1 This is what the Lord says: Maintain justice and do what is right; for my salvation is on its way, and my righteousness will be revealed. 56:2 Blessed is the person who does this, and the one who holds onto it; who keeps the Sabbath without dishonoring it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil. 56:3 Let no foreigner who has joined themselves to the Lord say, "The Lord will surely separate me from His people"; nor let the eunuch say, "Look, I am just a dried-up tree." 56:4 For this is what the Lord says about the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, choose what pleases me, and hold tightly to my covenant: 56:5 I will give them a place in my house and within my walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that won't be cut off. 56:6 As for the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him and love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath without dishonoring it, and holds fast to my covenant; 56:7 I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. 56:8 The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, "I will gather others to Him, besides His own who are gathered." 56:9 All you animals of the field, come to devour, yes, all you animals in the forest. 56:10 His watchmen are blind, they lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can't bark; they are dreaming, lying down, and loving to sleep. 56:11 Yes, the dogs are greedy; they can never have enough. These are shepherds who don’t understand; they have all turned to their own way, each one seeking their own profit, from every direction. 56:12 "Come," they say, "I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like today, a day too great to measure."

57:1 The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 57:2 He enters into peace; they rest in their beds, each one who walks in his uprightness. 57:3 But draw near here, you sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the prostitute. 57:4 Against whom do you sport yourselves? against whom make you a wide mouth, and put out the tongue? Aren't you children of disobedience, a seed of falsehood, 57:5 you who inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; who kill the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? 57:6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they are your lot; even to them have you poured a drink offering, you have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things? 57:7 On a high and lofty mountain have you set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice. 57:8 Behind the doors and the posts have you set up your memorial: for you have uncovered yourself to another than me, and are gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them: you loved their bed where you saw it. 57:9 You went to the king with oil, and did increase your perfumes, and did send your ambassadors far off, and did debase yourself even to Sheol. 57:10 You were wearied with the length of your way; yet you didn't say, It is in vain: you found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren't faint. 57:11 Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven't I held my peace even of long time, and you don't fear me? 57:12 I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they shall not profit you. 57:13 When you cry, let those who you have gathered deliver you; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. 57:14 He will say, Cast up, cast up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people. 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 57:16 For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls who I have made. 57:17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I angry, and struck him; I hid my face and was angry; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. 57:18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near, says Yahweh; and I will heal him. 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can't rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. 57:21 There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked.

57:1 The righteous perish, and no one pays attention; merciful people are taken away, and no one realizes that the righteous are taken away from the evil to come. 57:2 They enter into peace; they rest in their beds, each one who walks in his integrity. 57:3 But come here, you sons of the sorceress, the offspring of the adulterer and the prostitute. 57:4 Against whom do you mock? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Aren't you children of disobedience, a generation of falsehood, 57:5 you who burn with desire among the oaks, under every green tree; who sacrifice children in the valleys, under the rocks? 57:6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your share; they, they are your lot; you have poured out a drink offering to them, you have made an offering. Will I be appeased by these things? 57:7 On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed; there you also went up to make a sacrifice. 57:8 Behind the doors and the posts you have set up your memorial: for you have exposed yourself to someone other than me, and you have gone up; you have expanded your bed and made a covenant with them: you loved their bed when you saw it. 57:9 You went to the king with oil, and increased your perfumes, you sent your ambassadors far off, and lowered yourself even to Sheol. 57:10 You were tired from your long journey; yet you didn't say, "It's useless": you found new strength; therefore you didn't faint. 57:11 Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, not remembering me nor considering it in your heart? Haven't I kept silent for a long time, and you don't fear me? 57:12 I will declare your righteousness; and your works won't benefit you. 57:13 When you cry, let those you’ve gathered save you; but the wind will take them away, a breath will carry them off: but he who takes refuge in me will possess the land, and inherit my holy mountain. 57:14 He will say, "Clear the way, clear the way, prepare the path, remove the obstacles from the way of my people." 57:15 For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 57:16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls I have made. 57:17 For the iniquity of his greed I was angry and struck him; I hid my face and was angry; and he went on straying in the way of his heart. 57:18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him and bring comfort to him and to his mourners. 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near, says Yahweh; and I will heal him. 57:20 But the wicked are like the restless sea; it can't rest, and its waters churn up mud and dirt. 57:21 There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.

58:1 Cry aloud, don't spare, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and declare to my people their disobedience, and to the house of Jacob their sins. 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and didn't forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 58:3 Why have we fasted, say they, and you don't see? why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast you find your own pleasure, and exact all your labors. 58:4 Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness: you don't fast this day so as to make your voice to be heard on high. 58:5 Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Yahweh? 58:6 Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 58:7 Isn't it to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? 58:8 Then your light shall break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily; and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of Yahweh shall be your rear guard. 58:9 Then you shall call, and Yahweh will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly; 58:10 and if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then your light shall rise in darkness, and your obscurity be as the noonday; 58:11 and Yahweh will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make strong your bones; and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters don't fail. 58:12 Those who shall be of you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. 58:13 If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of Yahweh honorable; and shall honor it, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words: 58:14 then you shall delight yourself in Yahweh; and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.

58:1 Shout loudly, don't hold back, raise your voice like a trumpet, and tell my people about their disobedience, and the house of Jacob about their sins. 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and enjoy learning my ways: like a nation that does what is right and hasn't abandoned the commands of their God, they ask me for fair judgments; they really want to draw closer to God. 58:3 Why have we fasted, they say, and you don't notice? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you don't acknowledge it? Look, on the day of your fast you pursue your own interests and exploit your workers. 58:4 Look, you fast for arguments and fighting, and to hit with a fist of wickedness: you don't fast today so that your voice can be heard on high. 58:5 Is this the fast I have chosen? A day for a person to humble themselves? Is it to bow their head like a reed, and spread sackcloth and ashes under them? Would you call this a fast, an acceptable day to Yahweh? 58:6 Isn't this the fast I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of oppression, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 58:7 Isn't it to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the poor who have no home into your house? When you see the naked, to cover them; and not to hide yourself from your own family? 58:8 Then your light will shine like the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of Yahweh will be your rear guard. 58:9 Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer; you will cry out, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness; 58:10 and if you share your food with the hungry, and satisfy the needy: then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom will be like the noon day; 58:11 and Yahweh will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in dry places, and strengthen your bones; you will be like a well-watered garden, and like a spring of water that never runs dry. 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations of many generations; and you will be called The repairer of broken walls, The restorer of streets to live in. 58:13 If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your own pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy day of Yahweh honorable; and honor it, not doing your own ways, nor seeking your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words: 58:14 then you will find joy in Yahweh; and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.

59:1 Behold, Yahweh's hand is not shortened, that it can't save; neither his ear heavy, that it can't hear: 59:2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness. 59:4 None sues in righteousness, and none pleads in truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. 59:5 They hatch adders' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he who eats of their eggs dies; and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper. 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths. 59:8 The way of peace they don't know; and there is no justice in their goings: they have made them crooked paths; whoever goes therein does not know peace. 59:9 Therefore is justice far from us, neither does righteousness overtake us: we look for light, but, behold, darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity. 59:10 We grope for the wall like the blind; yes, we grope as those who have no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the twilight; among those who are lusty we are as dead men. 59:11 We roar all like bears, and moan sore like doves: we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us. 59:12 For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them: 59:13 transgressing and denying Yahweh, and turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. 59:14 Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness can't enter. 59:15 Yes, truth is lacking; and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Yahweh saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. 59:16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it upheld him. 59:17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; and he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle. 59:18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, wrath to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. 59:19 So shall they fear the name of Yahweh from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which the breath of Yahweh drives. 59:20 A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob, says Yahweh. 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, says Yahweh: my Spirit who is on you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed's seed, says Yahweh, from henceforth and forever.

59:1 Look, the Lord's power isn't limited, that it can't save; nor is His ability to hear diminished. 59:2 But your wrongdoing has created a barrier between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He won’t hear. 59:3 For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with evil; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wickedness. 59:4 No one is suing for justice, and no one is pleading in truth: they trust in emptiness and speak falsehood; they plot evil and produce iniquity. 59:5 They hatch adders' eggs and weave webs like spiders; whoever eats their eggs dies, and what is crushed emerges as a viper. 59:6 Their webs won't become clothing, nor will they cover themselves with their deeds: their deeds are of iniquity, and violence is in their hands. 59:7 Their feet rush to do evil, and they hurry to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are filled with wickedness; ruin and destruction are in their paths. 59:8 They don’t know the way of peace, and there is no justice in their actions: they have made their paths crooked; whoever walks along them does not know peace. 59:9 Therefore, justice is far from us, nor does righteousness reach us: we look for light, but behold, darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. 59:10 We grope for the wall like the blind; yes, we feel around like those with no eyes: we stumble at noon as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like dead men. 59:11 We all roar like bears, and moan like doves: we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. 59:12 For our wrongs have multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; our wrongs are with us, and we know our iniquities: 59:13 defying and denying the Lord, and turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and rebellion, thinking and speaking words of falsehood from the heart. 59:14 Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands far off; for truth has fallen in the street, and honesty cannot enter. 59:15 Yes, truth is lacking; and anyone who turns away from evil makes themselves a target. The Lord saw this and was displeased that there was no justice. 59:16 He looked and found no one, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His own arm brought salvation to Him; and His righteousness sustained Him. 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He wore garments of vengeance as clothing, and was wrapped with zeal like a cloak. 59:18 According to their deeds, so He will repay, fury to His enemies and vengeance to His foes; He will repay to the coastlands. 59:19 So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising sun; for He will come like a rushing stream, which the breath of the Lord drives. 59:20 A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from rebellion in Jacob, says the Lord. 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord: my Spirit who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your children, nor from the mouth of your children's children, says the Lord, from now and forever.

60:1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of Yahweh is risen on you. 60:2 For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Yahweh will arise on you, and his glory shall be seen on you. 60:3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 60:4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see: they all gather themselves together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. 60:5 Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Yahweh. 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar; and I will glorify the house of my glory. 60:8 Who are these who fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? 60:9 Surely the islands shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you. 60:10 Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you: for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor have I had mercy on you. 60:11 Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. 60:12 For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted. 60:13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the fir tree, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 60:14 The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all those who despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The city of Yahweh, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 60:15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no man passed through you, I will make you an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. 60:16 You shall also suck the milk of the nations, and shall suck the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 60:17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. I will also make your officers peace, and righteousness your ruler. 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, desolation nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. 60:19 The sun shall be no more your light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light to you: but Yahweh will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. 60:20 Your sun shall no more go down, neither shall your moon withdraw itself; for Yahweh will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended. 60:21 Your people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. 60:22 The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Yahweh, will hasten it in its time.

60:1 Get up and shine; your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is shining on you. 60:2 Look, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness will cover the people; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will be seen on you. 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 60:4 Lift up your eyes all around and see: they all gather together, they come to you; your sons will come from far away, and your daughters will be carried in their arms. 60:5 Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and grow larger; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. 60:6 A multitude of camels will cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all who come from Sheba will bring gold and frankincense, and will proclaim the praises of the Lord. 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together for you, and the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will come up with acceptance on my altar; and I will glorify the house of my glory. 60:8 Who are these that fly like a cloud and like doves to their windows? 60:9 Surely the islands will wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far away, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because He has glorified you. 60:10 Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you: for in my anger I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. 60:11 Your gates will also be open continually; they will not be shut day or night; so that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led in captivity. 60:12 For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you will perish; indeed, those nations will be utterly wasted. 60:13 The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the fir tree, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 60:14 The descendants of those who oppressed you will come bowing to you; and all those who despised you will bow down at the soles of your feet; and they will call you The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 60:15 While you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one passed through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy for many generations. 60:16 You will also nurse the milk of the nations, and you will nurse at the breast of kings; and you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 60:17 Instead of bronze, I will bring gold, and instead of iron, I will bring silver, and instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, and righteousness your ruler. 60:18 Violence will no longer be heard in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. 60:19 The sun will no longer be your light by day; nor will the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God your glory. 60:20 Your sun will no longer go down, nor will your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will be over. 60:21 Your people will all be righteous; they will inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, so that I may be glorified. 60:22 The small will become a thousand, and the least will become a strong nation; I, the Lord, will make it happen at the right time.

61:1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 61:2 to proclaim the year of Yahweh's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 61:3 to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified. 61:4 They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 61:5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 61:6 But you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; men will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you will boast yourselves. 61:7 Instead of your shame you shall have double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be to them. 61:8 For I, Yahweh, love justice, I hate robbery with iniquity; and I will give them their recompense in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 61:9 Their seed shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh has blessed. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 61:11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

61:1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me because Yahweh has anointed me to share good news with the humble; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, and to open the prison for those who are bound; 61:2 to announce the year of Yahweh's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 61:3 to appoint for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a crown instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy spirit; so that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified. 61:4 They will rebuild the old ruins, raise up the former desolations, and repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. 61:5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 61:6 But you will be called the priests of Yahweh; people will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory, you will take pride. 61:7 Instead of your shame, you shall have double; and instead of dishonor, they will rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land, they will possess double; everlasting joy will be theirs. 61:8 For I, Yahweh, love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; and I will give them their rewards in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 61:9 Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them will acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh has blessed. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul will be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, like a bridegroom adorned with a crown, and like a bride who decorates herself with her jewels. 61:11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, and as the garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. 62:2 The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Yahweh shall name. 62:3 You shall also be a crown of beauty in the hand of Yahweh, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 62:4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall your land any more be termed Desolate: but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for Yahweh delights in you, and your land shall be married. 62:5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons shall marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you. 62:6 I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day nor night: you who call on Yahweh, take no rest, 62:7 and give him no rest, until he establishes, and until he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 62:8 Yahweh has sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give your grain to be food for your enemies; and foreigners shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored: 62:9 but those who have garnered it shall eat it, and praise Yahweh; and those who have gathered it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary. 62:10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a banner for the peoples. 62:11 Behold, Yahweh has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say you to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 62:12 They shall call them The holy people, The redeemed of Yahweh: and you shall be called Sought out, A city not forsaken.

62:1 I won't stay silent for Zion's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, I won't rest until her righteousness shines brightly and her salvation burns like a lamp. 62:2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings will witness your glory, and you will be given a new name, which Yahweh will choose. 62:3 You will be a crown of beauty in the hands of Yahweh and a royal diadem in the hands of your God. 62:4 You will no longer be called Forsaken, nor will your land be called Desolate; instead, you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for Yahweh delights in you, and your land will be married. 62:5 Just as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you; and just as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you. 62:6 I have appointed watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night: you who call on Yahweh, do not take a break, 62:7 and give him no rest until he establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise on the earth. 62:8 Yahweh has sworn by his right hand and by the strength of his arm, surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies, nor will foreigners drink your new wine, for which you have worked hard: 62:9 but those who have harvested it will eat it and praise Yahweh; and those who have gathered it will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary. 62:10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; clear the path; gather the stones; raise a banner for the nations. 62:11 Look, Yahweh has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, Look, your salvation is coming; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense is before him. 62:12 They will call them The holy people, The redeemed of Yahweh: and you will be called Sought out, A city not forsaken.

63:1 Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 63:2 Why are you red in your clothing, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat? 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yes, I trod them in my anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing. 63:4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. 63:5 I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my wrath, it upheld me. 63:6 I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. 63:7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he has bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses. 63:8 For he said, Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely: so he was their Savior. 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. 63:10 But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them. 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? where is he who put his holy Spirit in the midst of them? 63:12 who caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses? who divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name? 63:13 who led them through the depths, as a horse in the wilderness, so that they didn't stumble? 63:14 As the livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of Yahweh caused them to rest; so did you lead your people, to make yourself a glorious name. 63:15 Look down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory: where are your zeal and your mighty acts? the yearning of your heart and your compassion is restrained toward me. 63:16 For you are our Father, though Abraham doesn't know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us: you, Yahweh, are our Father; our Redeemer from everlasting is your name. 63:17 O Yahweh, why do you make us to err from your ways, and harden our heart from your fear? Return for your servants' sake, the tribes of your inheritance. 63:18 Your holy people possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down your sanctuary. 63:19 We are become as they over whom you never bear rule, as those who were not called by your name.

63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, with dyed clothes from Bozrah? Who is glorious in his attire, marching with great strength? It’s me, speaking with righteousness, mighty to save. 63:2 Why are your clothes red, and your garments look like someone who has been treading in a winepress? 63:3 I have trampled the winepress alone; and no one was with me among the nations: yes, I crushed them in my anger and trampled them in my fury; their blood has splattered on my garments, and I have stained all my clothes. 63:4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. 63:5 I looked, and there was no one to help; I wondered that there was no one to support me: so my own strength brought salvation to me; and my wrath helped me. 63:6 I crushed the nations in my anger, made them drunk in my wrath, and poured out their blood on the earth. 63:7 I will remember the kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises of Yahweh, for all that Yahweh has done for us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he has given them according to his mercy and the multitude of his loving kindness. 63:8 For he said, "Surely, they are my people, children who will not deceive": so he was their Savior. 63:9 In all their troubles, he was troubled, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and compassion, he redeemed them; he carried them all the days of old. 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he turned against them, and fought against them himself. 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, "Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put his holy Spirit among them? 63:12 Who led his glorious arm at the right hand of Moses? Who divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name? 63:13 Who led them through the depths, like a horse in the wilderness, so they didn’t stumble? 63:14 As the livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of Yahweh gave them rest; so you led your people, to have a glorious name. 63:15 Look down from heaven, and see from your holy and glorious home: where are your zeal and your mighty deeds? Your heart’s yearning and your compassion feels restrained toward me. 63:16 Because you are our Father, even though Abraham doesn’t know us, and Israel doesn’t acknowledge us: you, Yahweh, are our Father; your name is our eternal Redeemer. 63:17 O Yahweh, why do you cause us to stray from your ways, and harden our hearts so we don’t fear you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance. 63:18 Your holy people possessed it for only a little while: our enemies have trampled your sanctuary. 63:19 We have become like those over whom you never ruled, like those who were not called by your name.

64:1 Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence, 64:2 as when fire kindles the brushwood, and the fire causes the waters to boil; to make your name known to your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at your presence! 64:3 When you did terrible things which we didn't look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 64:4 For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides you, who works for him who waits for him. 64:5 You meet him who rejoices and works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways: behold, you were angry, and we sinned: in them have we been of long time; and shall we be saved? 64:6 For we have all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 64:7 There is none who calls on your name, who stirs up himself to take hold of you; for you have hid your face from us, and have consumed us by means of our iniquities. 64:8 But now, Yahweh, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand. 64:9 Don't be furious, Yahweh, neither remember iniquity forever: see, look, we beg you, we are all your people. 64:10 Your holy cities are become a wilderness, Zion is become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. 64:11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised you, is burned with fire; and all our pleasant places are laid waste. 64:12 Will you refrain yourself for these things, Yahweh? will you hold your peace, and afflict us very sore?

64:1 Oh, that you would rip open the heavens, that you would come down, so that the mountains might shake at your presence, 64:2 like when fire ignites the brush, and the fire makes the waters boil; to make your name known to your enemies, so that the nations may tremble at your presence! 64:3 When you did amazing things that we didn't expect, you came down, and the mountains shook at your presence. 64:4 For from ancient times, no one has heard, nor had their ears perceive, nor has the eye seen a God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. 64:5 You meet with those who rejoice and do what is right, with those who remember you in your ways: look, you were angry, and we sinned: we have been in sin for a long time; will we be saved? 64:6 For we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our good deeds are like a polluted rag: we all wither like leaves; and our wrongdoings, like the wind, carry us away. 64:7 There is no one who calls on your name, who stirs themselves to hold on to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have destroyed us because of our wrongdoings. 64:8 But now, Yahweh, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; and we are all the work of your hand. 64:9 Don’t be angry, Yahweh, and don’t remember our wrongdoings forever: look, we beg you, we are all your people. 64:10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness, Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. 64:11 Our holy and beautiful house, where our ancestors praised you, is burnt with fire; and all our pleasant places have been destroyed. 64:12 Will you hold back from these things, Yahweh? Will you remain silent and deeply afflict us?

65:1 I am inquired of by those who didn't ask; I am found by those who didn't seek me: I said, See me, see me, to a nation that was not called by my name. 65:2 I have spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts; 65:3 a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens, and burning incense on bricks; 65:4 who sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; who eat pig's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 65:5 who say, Stand by yourself, don't come near to me, for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. 65:6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, yes, I will recompense into their bosom, 65:7 your own iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, says Yahweh, who have burned incense on the mountains, and blasphemed me on the hills; therefore will I first measure their work into their bosom. 65:8 Thus says Yahweh, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Don't destroy it, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sake, that I may not destroy them all. 65:9 I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains; and my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. 65:10 Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down in, for my people who have sought me. 65:11 But you who forsake Yahweh, who forget my holy mountain, who prepare a table for Fortune, and who fill up mixed wine to Destiny; 65:12 I will destine you to the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear; but you did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn't delight. 65:13 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be disappointed; 65:14 behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall wail for anguish of spirit. 65:15 You shall leave your name for a curse to my chosen; and the Lord Yahweh will kill you; and he will call his servants by another name: 65:16 so that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from my eyes. 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 65:18 But be you glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 65:19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and there shall be heard in her no more the voice of weeping and the voice of crying. 65:20 There shall be no more there an infant of days, nor an old man who has not filled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, and the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. 65:21 They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 65:23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for calamity; for they are the seed of the blessed of Yahweh, and their offspring with them. 65:24 It shall happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says Yahweh.

65:1 I get asked by those who didn’t inquire; I get found by those who didn’t search for me: I said, Look at me, look at me, to a nation not called by my name. 65:2 I have stretched out my hands all day to a rebellious people who walk in a way that isn't good, following their own thoughts; 65:3 a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on bricks; 65:4 who sit among graves and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig's flesh, and have disgusting broth in their vessels; 65:5 who say, Stay away from me, don’t come close, for I’m holier than you. These are smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all day. 65:6 Look, it’s written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay, yes, I will repay into their bosom, 65:7 your own sins, and the sins of your fathers together, says Yahweh, who have burned incense on the mountains and blasphemed me on the hills; therefore, I will first measure their actions into their bosom. 65:8 Thus says Yahweh, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Don’t destroy it, for there’s a blessing in it: so will I do for my servants’ sake, so that I don’t destroy them all. 65:9 I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and from Judah, an inheritor of my mountains; and my chosen ones will inherit it, and my servants will live there. 65:10 Sharon will be a pasture for flocks, and the valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who have sought me. 65:11 But you who abandon Yahweh, who forget my holy mountain, who prepare a table for Fortune, and fill up mixed wine for Destiny; 65:12 I will destined you for the sword, and you will all bow down for slaughter; because when I called, you didn’t answer; when I spoke, you didn’t hear; but you did what was evil in my eyes, and chose what I didn’t delight in. 65:13 Therefore, thus says the Lord Yahweh, Look, my servants will eat, but you will be hungry; look, my servants will drink, but you will be thirsty; look, my servants will rejoice, but you will be disappointed; 65:14 look, my servants will sing for joy of heart, but you will cry out from sorrow of heart and wail from anguish of spirit. 65:15 You will leave your name as a curse for my chosen; and the Lord Yahweh will kill you; and he will give his servants another name: 65:16 so that he who blesses himself on earth will bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears on earth will swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from my eyes. 65:17 For, look, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered nor come to mind. 65:18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for, look, I create Jerusalem to be a source of joy, and her people a source of happiness. 65:19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people; and the sound of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. 65:20 There will no longer be an infant who lives only a few days, nor an old man who hasn’t lived out his days; for the child will die at a hundred years old, and the sinner at a hundred years old will be considered accursed. 65:21 They will build houses and live in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 65:22 They will not build and have others live in them; they will not plant and have others eat: for as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people, and my chosen will long enjoy the work of their hands. 65:23 They will not labor in vain, nor bear children for calamity; for they are the offspring of the blessed of Yahweh, and their descendants with them. 65:24 It will happen that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 65:25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says Yahweh.

66:1 Thus says Yahweh, heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will you build to me? and what place shall be my rest? 66:2 For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be, says Yahweh: but to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word. 66:3 He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog's neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig's blood; he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations: 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn't delight. 66:5 Hear the word of Yahweh, you who tremble at his word: Your brothers who hate you, who cast you out for my name's sake, have said, Let Yahweh be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is those who shall be disappointed. 66:6 A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Yahweh that renders recompense to his enemies. 66:7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a boy. 66:8 Who has heard such a thing? who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? shall a nation be brought forth at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. 66:9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? says Yahweh: shall I who cause to bring forth shut the womb? says your God. 66:10 Rejoice you with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her: rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her; 66:11 that you may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that you may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. 66:12 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream: and you shall suck of it; you shall be borne on the side, and shall be dandled on the knees. 66:13 As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 66:14 You shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Yahweh shall be known toward his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies. 66:15 For, behold, Yahweh will come with fire, and his chariots shall be like the whirlwind; to render his anger with fierceness, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 66:16 For by fire will Yahweh execute judgment, and by his sword, on all flesh; and the slain of Yahweh shall be many. 66:17 Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating pig's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together, says Yahweh. 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: the time comes, that I will gather all nations and languages; and they shall come, and shall see my glory. 66:19 I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the islands afar off, who have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations. 66:20 They shall bring all your brothers out of all the nations for an offering to Yahweh, on horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says Yahweh, as the children of Israel bring their offering in a clean vessel into the house of Yahweh. 66:21 Of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, says Yahweh. 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says Yahweh, so your seed and your name shall remain. 66:23 It shall happen, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says Yahweh. 66:24 They shall go forth, and look on the dead bodies of the men who have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh.

66:1 This is what the Lord says: heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? Where will my resting place be? 66:2 My hand made all these things, and so they all came to be, says the Lord. But I will look favorably on the one who is humble and has a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word. 66:3 He who kills an ox is just like he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb is like he who breaks a dog's neck; he who offers a grain offering is like he who offers pig’s blood; he who burns incense is like he who worships an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their detestable practices. 66:4 I too will choose their delusions, and I will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not listen. They did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in. 66:5 Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, "Let the Lord be glorified, so we can see your joy," but it is they who will be disappointed. 66:6 A voice of uproar from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that brings judgment on his enemies. 66:7 Before she went into labor, she gave birth; before her pains came, she delivered a boy. 66:8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has seen things like this? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? For as soon as Zion went into labor, she gave birth to her children. 66:9 Shall I bring to the point of birth and not deliver? says the Lord. Shall I, who causes birth, shut the womb? says your God. 66:10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn for her; 66:11 so that you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts; so that you may drink deeply and delight in the abundance of her glory. 66:12 For this is what the Lord says: Look, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream. You will nurse from it; you will be carried on her side and bounced on her knees. 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem. 66:14 You will see it, and your heart will rejoice, and your bones will flourish like tender grass; and the hand of the Lord will be known to his servants, and he will show his anger against his enemies. 66:15 For look, the Lord will come with fire, and his chariots will be like a whirlwind; he will bring his anger with fury and his rebuke with flames of fire. 66:16 For the Lord will execute judgment by fire, and by his sword, on all flesh; and those slain by the Lord will be many. 66:17 Those who separate themselves and cleanse themselves to go to the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh, and the detestable things, and the mouse, will all end together, says the Lord. 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: the time is coming when I will gather all nations and languages; and they will come and see my glory. 66:19 I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who escape to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the distant islands that haven’t heard my fame or seen my glory; and they will declare my glory among the nations. 66:20 They will bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. 66:21 I will take some of them for priests and for Levites, says the Lord. 66:22 For just as the new heavens and the new earth that I will create will last before me, says the Lord, so will your descendants and your name endure. 66:23 It will happen that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh will come to worship before me, says the Lord. 66:24 They will go out and look at the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me; for their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched; and they will be a horror to all flesh.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 5:10 literally, ten yokes, or the amount of land that ten yokes of oxen can plow in one day, which is about 10 acres or 4 hectares.

[1] back to 5:10 literally, ten yokes, or the area that ten yokes of oxen can plow in a single day, which is roughly 10 acres or 4 hectares.

[2] back to 5:10 1 bath is about 22 litres, 5.8 U. S. gallons, or 4.8 imperial gallons

[2] back to 5:10 1 bath is about 22 liters, 5.8 U.S. gallons, or 4.8 imperial gallons.

[3] back to 5:10 1 homer is about 220 litres or 6 bushels

[3] back to 5:10 1 homer is approximately 220 liters or 6 bushels

[4] back to 5:10 1 ephah is about 22 litres or 0.6 bushels or about 2 pecks)--only one tenth of what was sown.

[4] back to 5:10 1 ephah is about 22 liters or 0.6 bushels or about 2 pecks—just one tenth of what was planted.

[5] back to 5:14 Sheol is the place of the dead.

[5] back to 5:14 Sheol is the realm of the dead.

[6] back to 7:14 "Immanuel" means "God with us."

[6] back to 7:14 "Immanuel" means "God is with us."

[7] back to 8:1 "Maher Shalal Hash Baz" means "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil."

[7] back to 8:1 "Maher Shalal Hash Baz" means "quick to take what is not theirs, fast to grab the loot."

[8] back to 29:2 or, Ariel

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Ariel

[9] back to 34:14 literally, lilith, which could also be a night demon or night monster

[9] back to 34:14 literally, lilith, which could also be a nighttime demon or night creature

[10] back to 45:5 or, equip

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, equip

[11] back to 53:11 So read the Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint. Masoretic Text omits "the light".

[11] back to 53:11 So read the Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint. The Masoretic Text leaves out "the light."














Jeremiah

1:1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: 1:2 to whom the word of Yahweh came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. 1:4 Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 1:5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. 1:6 Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! behold, I don't know how to speak; for I am a child. 1:7 But Yahweh said to me, Don't say, I am a child; for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak. 1:8 Don't be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you, says Yahweh. 1:9 Then Yahweh put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth: 1:10 behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. 1:11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, Jeremiah, what see you? I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 1:12 Then said Yahweh to me, You have well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. 1:13 The word of Yahweh came to me the second time, saying, What see you? I said, I see a boiling caldron; and its face is from the north. 1:14 Then Yahweh said to me, Out of the north evil shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land. 1:15 For, behold, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, says Yahweh; and they shall come, and they shall set everyone his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls all around, and against all the cities of Judah. 1:16 I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. 1:17 You therefore gird up your waist, and arise, and speak to them all that I command you: don't be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them. 1:18 For, behold, I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 1:19 They shall fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you: for I am with you, says Yahweh, to deliver you.

1:1 The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, from the priests in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin: 1:2 the word of Yahweh came to him during the reign of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his rule. 1:3 It also came during the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, and continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, leading up to the capture of Jerusalem in the fifth month. 1:4 Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 1:5 Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I set you apart; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. 1:6 Then I said, Ah, Lord Yahweh! I don't know how to speak; I am just a kid. 1:7 But Yahweh said to me, Don't say, I am just a kid; for wherever I send you, you will go, and whatever I command you, you will say. 1:8 Don't be afraid of them; for I am with you to rescue you, says Yahweh. 1:9 Then Yahweh reached out His hand and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, Look, I have put my words in your mouth: 1:10 today I have set you over the nations and kingdoms, to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant. 1:11 Moreover, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, Jeremiah, what do you see? I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 1:12 Then Yahweh said to me, You have seen correctly, for I am watching over my word to fulfill it. 1:13 The word of Yahweh came to me a second time, saying, What do you see? I said, I see a boiling pot, and its face is toward the north. 1:14 Then Yahweh said to me, Out of the north, disaster will break forth on all the inhabitants of the land. 1:15 For look, I will summon all the families of the kingdoms of the north, says Yahweh; and they will come and set each of their thrones at the entrances of Jerusalem's gates, and against all its walls all around, and against all the cities of Judah. 1:16 I will pronounce my judgments against them concerning all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, burned incense to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. 1:17 Therefore, prepare yourself, arise, and speak to them all that I command you: don't be afraid of them, or I will make you afraid in front of them. 1:18 For look, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 1:19 They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you, says Yahweh, to rescue you.

2:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 2:2 Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings; how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. 2:3 Israel was holiness to Yahweh, the first fruits of his increase: all who devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come on them, says Yahweh. 2:4 Hear you the word of Yahweh, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: 2:5 thus says Yahweh, What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? 2:6 Neither said they, Where is Yahweh who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought and of the shadow of death, through a land that none passed through, and where no man lived? 2:7 I brought you into a plentiful land, to eat its fruit and its goodness; but when you entered, you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. 2:8 The priests didn't say, Where is Yahweh? and those who handle the law didn't know me: the rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. 2:9 Therefore I will yet contend with you, says Yahweh, and with your children's children will I contend. 2:10 For pass over to the islands of Kittim, and see; and send to Kedar, and consider diligently; and see if there has been such a thing. 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods, which yet are no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. 2:12 Be astonished, you heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be you very desolate, says Yahweh. 2:13 For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a native-born slave? why is he become a prey? 2:15 The young lions have roared on him, and yelled; and they have made his land waste: his cities are burned up, without inhabitant. 2:16 The children also of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head. 2:17 Haven't you procured this to yourself, in that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, when he led you by the way? 2:18 Now what have you to do in the way to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? or what have you to do in the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River? 2:19 Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backsliding shall reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, and that my fear is not in you, says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies. 2:20 For of old time I have broken your yoke, and burst your bonds; and you said, I will not serve; for on every high hill and under every green tree you did bow yourself, playing the prostitute. 2:21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate branches of a foreign vine to me? 2:22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me, says the Lord Yahweh. 2:23 How can you say, I am not defiled, I have not gone after the Baals? see your way in the valley, know what you have done: you are a swift dromedary traversing her ways; 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that snuffs up the wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away? all those who seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. 2:25 Withhold your foot from being unshod, and your throat from thirst: but you said, It is in vain; no, for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets; 2:27 who tell a stock, You are my father; and to a stone, You have brought me forth: for they have turned their back to me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 2:28 But where are your gods that you have made you? let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble: for according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah. 2:29 Why will you contend with me? you all have transgressed against me, says Yahweh. 2:30 In vain have I struck your children; they received no correction: your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 2:31 Generation, see the word of Yahweh. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? or a land of thick darkness? why say my people, We are broken loose; we will come no more to you? 2:32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. 2:33 How trimmest you your way to seek love! therefore even the wicked women have you taught your ways. 2:34 Also in your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent poor: you did not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things. 2:35 Yet you said, I am innocent; surely his anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with you, because you say, I have not sinned. 2:36 Why go you about so much to change your way? you shall be ashamed of Egypt also, as you were ashamed of Assyria. 2:37 From there also you shall go forth, with your hands on your head: for Yahweh has rejected those in whom you trust, and you shall not prosper with them.

2:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2:2 Go, and shout in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says the Lord, I remember the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings; how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land that was not planted. 2:3 Israel was sacred to the Lord, the first fruits of his increase: all who devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come upon them, says the Lord. 2:4 Listen to the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: 2:5 thus says the Lord, What wrong have your ancestors found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have followed emptiness, and have become empty? 2:6 They didn’t even ask, Where is the Lord who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, through a land of drought and the shadow of death, through a land where no one passed through, and where no man lived? 2:7 I brought you into a fruitful land, to eat its produce and goodness; but when you entered, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination. 2:8 The priests didn’t ask, Where is the Lord? and those who handle the law didn’t know me: the rulers also sinned against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and followed things that do not profit. 2:9 Therefore I will still contend with you, says the Lord, and with your children's children will I contend. 2:10 For go to the islands of Kittim, and see; and send to Kedar, and consider carefully; and see if there has been such a thing. 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. 2:12 Be astonished, you heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be very desolate, says the Lord. 2:13 For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and dug for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water. 2:14 Is Israel a servant? Is he a native-born slave? Why has he become prey? 2:15 The young lions have roared at him, and yelled; and they have laid waste his land: his cities are burned up, with no one living there. 2:16 The children of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head. 2:17 Haven't you brought this on yourself, by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you on the way? 2:18 Now what do you have to do on the road to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? Or what do you have to do on the road to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River? 2:19 Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backsliding will reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God, and that my fear is not in you, says the Lord, God of Armies. 2:20 For long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds; and you said, I will not serve; for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down, playing the prostitute. 2:21 Yet I had planted you as a noble vine, completely a right seed: how then have you turned into the degenerate branches of a foreign vine to me? 2:22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use a lot of soap, yet your wrongs are marked before me, says the Lord God. 2:23 How can you say, I am not defiled, I have not followed the Baals? See your way in the valley, know what you have done: you are a swift dromedary roaming her ways; 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that breathes in the wind in her desire; who can turn her away in her moment? All who seek her will not tire themselves; in her month they shall find her. 2:25 Keep your foot from being unshod, and your throat from thirst: but you said, It is in vain; no, for I have loved strangers, and after them I will go. 2:26 Just like a thief is ashamed when he is caught, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets; 2:27 who tell a piece of wood, You are my father; and to a stone, You have made me: for they have turned their back to me, and not their face; but in their time of trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 2:28 But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in your time of trouble: for according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah. 2:29 Why will you argue with me? You all have sinned against me, says the Lord. 2:30 In vain have I struck your children; they received no correction: your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 2:31 Generation, see the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? or a land of thick darkness? Why does my people say, We are free; we will not come to you anymore? 2:32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me for countless days. 2:33 How do you trim your way to seek love! Therefore even the wicked women have learned your ways. 2:34 Also in your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent poor: you did not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things. 2:35 Yet you said, I am innocent; surely his anger has turned away from me. Look, I will enter into judgment with you, because you say, I have not sinned. 2:36 Why do you go around so much to change your ways? You will be ashamed of Egypt too, as you were ashamed of Assyria. 2:37 From there also you shall go out, with your hands on your head: for the Lord has rejected those you trust, and you shall not prosper with them.

3:1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, will he return to her again? Won't that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the prostitute with many lovers; yet return again to me, says Yahweh. 3:2 Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see; where have you not been lain with? By the ways have you sat for them, as an Arabian in the wilderness; and you have polluted the land with your prostitution and with your wickedness. 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. 3:4 Will you not from this time cry to me, My Father, you are the guide of my youth? 3:5 Will he retain his anger forever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, you have spoken and have done evil things, and have had your way. 3:6 Moreover Yahweh said to me in the days of Josiah the king, Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? she is gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there has played the prostitute. 3:7 I said after she had done all these things, She will return to me; but she didn't return: and her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 3:8 I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce, yet treacherous Judah, her sister, didn't fear; but she also went and played the prostitute. 3:9 It happened through the lightness of her prostitution, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 3:10 Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not returned to me with her whole heart, but only in pretense, says Yahweh. 3:11 Yahweh said to me, Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah. 3:12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel, says Yahweh; I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful, says Yahweh, I will not keep anger forever. 3:13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against Yahweh your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice, says Yahweh. 3:14 Return, backsliding children, says Yahweh; for I am a husband to you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 3:15 and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. 3:16 It shall come to pass, when you are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says Yahweh, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Yahweh; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more. 3:17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Yahweh; and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of Yahweh, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. 3:18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I gave for an inheritance to your fathers. 3:19 But I said, How I will put you among the children, and give you a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the armies of the nations! and I said, You shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. 3:20 Surely as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with me, house of Israel, says Yahweh. 3:21 A voice is heard on the bare heights, the weeping and the petitions of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Yahweh their God. 3:22 Return, you backsliding children, I will heal your backsliding. Behold, we are come to you; for you are Yahweh our God. 3:23 Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel. 3:24 But the shameful thing has devoured the labor of our fathers from our youth, their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. 3:25 Let us lie down in our shame, and let our confusion cover us; for we have sinned against Yahweh our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day; and we have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God.

3:1 They say, "If a man divorces his wife, and she leaves him to be with another man, will he take her back? Wouldn't that land be severely polluted? Yet you have been unfaithful with many lovers; still, return to me," says Yahweh. 3:2 Lift up your eyes to the high places and see; where have you not been unfaithful? By the roadsides you've sat for them, like an Arab in the wilderness; you have polluted the land with your unfaithfulness and wickedness. 3:3 Therefore, the rains have been withheld, and there has been no fall rain; yet you have a shameless attitude, refusing to feel any shame. 3:4 Will you not now cry to me, "My Father, you are the guide of my youth?" 3:5 Will he stay angry forever? Will he keep it to the end? Look, you have spoken and done evil things, and you have chosen your own way. 3:6 Moreover, Yahweh said to me in the days of King Josiah, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up to every high mountain and under every green tree, and there she has been unfaithful. 3:7 I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to me; but she did not return: and her deceitful sister Judah saw it. 3:8 I saw that for the very reason that faithless Israel had committed adultery, I had divorced her and given her a certificate of divorce; yet treacherous Judah, her sister, did not fear, but she too went and played the harlot. 3:9 It was through her carefree unfaithfulness that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stone and wood. 3:10 Yet, despite all this, her deceitful sister Judah has not returned to me with her whole heart, but only in pretense," says Yahweh. 3:11 Yahweh said to me, "Faithless Israel has shown herself to be more righteous than treacherous Judah. 3:12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, 'Return, you faithless Israel,' says Yahweh; 'I will not look at you with anger, for I am merciful,' says Yahweh, 'I will not stay angry forever. 3:13 Just acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against Yahweh your God, and have scattered your ways to strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice,' says Yahweh. 3:14 "Return, faithless children," says Yahweh; "for I am like a husband to you: and I will take you one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. 3:15 And I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. 3:16 It shall come to pass, when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says Yahweh, they will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of Yahweh.' It will not come to mind; they will not remember it; they will not miss it; nor will it be made again. 3:17 At that time, they will call Jerusalem the throne of Yahweh; and all nations will gather to it, to the name of Yahweh, to Jerusalem: they will no longer walk after the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 3:18 In those days, the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave as an inheritance to your fathers. 3:19 But I said, 'How will I put you among the children and give you a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the nations!' and I said, 'You will call me "My Father," and you will not turn away from following me.' 3:20 Surely as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with me, house of Israel,' says Yahweh. 3:21 A voice is heard on the high places, weeping and praying of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Yahweh their God. 3:22 "Return, you faithless children, I will heal your unfaithfulness. Behold, we have come to you; for you are Yahweh our God. 3:23 Truly looking for help from the hills or the tumult from the mountains is in vain: truly, in Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel. 3:24 But the shameful thing has consumed the labor of our fathers from our youth, their flocks, their herds, their sons, and their daughters. 3:25 Let us lie down in our shame, and let our confusion cover us; for we have sinned against Yahweh our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day; and we have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God.

4:1 If you will return, Israel, says Yahweh, if you will return to me, and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight; then you shall not be removed; 4:2 and you shall swear, As Yahweh lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. 4:3 For thus says Yahweh to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and don't sow among thorns. 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 4:5 Declare you in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow you the trumpet in the land: cry aloud and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities. 4:6 Set up a standard toward Zion: flee for safety, don't stay; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. 4:7 A lion is gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations; he is on his way, he is gone forth from his place, to make your land desolate, that your cities be laid waste, without inhabitant. 4:8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and wail; for the fierce anger of Yahweh hasn't turned back from us. 4:9 It shall happen at that day, says Yahweh, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder. 4:10 Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! surely you have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; whereas the sword reaches to the life. 4:11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A hot wind from the bare heights in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow, nor to cleanse; 4:12 a full wind from these shall come for me: now will I also utter judgments against them. 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as the whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are ruined. 4:14 Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you? 4:15 For a voice declares from Dan, and publishes evil from the hills of Ephraim: 4:16 make you mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah. 4:17 As keepers of a field are they against her all around, because she has been rebellious against me, says Yahweh. 4:18 Your way and your doings have procured these things to you; this is your wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart. 4:19 My anguish, my anguish! I am pained at my very heart; my heart is disquieted in me; I can't hold my peace; because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 4:20 Destruction on destruction is cried; for the whole land is laid waste: suddenly are my tents destroyed, and my curtains in a moment. 4:21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? 4:22 For my people are foolish, they don't know me; they are foolish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. 4:23 I saw the earth, and, behold, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. 4:24 I saw the mountains, and behold, they trembled, and all the hills moved back and forth. 4:25 I saw, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the sky had fled. 4:26 I saw, and behold, the fruitful field was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of Yahweh, and before his fierce anger. 4:27 For thus says Yahweh, The whole land shall be a desolation; yet will I not make a full end. 4:28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and I have not repented, neither will I turn back from it. 4:29 Every city flees for the noise of the horsemen and archers; they go into the thickets, and climb up on the rocks: every city is forsaken, and not a man dwells therein. 4:30 You, when you are made desolate, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with scarlet, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain do you make yourself beautiful; your lovers despise you, they seek your life. 4:31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her who brings forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, who gasps for breath, who spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul faints before the murderers.

4:1 If you return, Israel, says Yahweh, if you turn back to me, and if you get rid of your detestable practices from my sight; then you will not be taken away; 4:2 and you will swear, As Yahweh lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations will bless themselves in him, and in him they will take pride. 4:3 For this is what Yahweh says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem, Break up your unplowed ground, and don’t sow among thorns. 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and remove the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my rage go forth like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your actions. 4:5 Declare this in Judah, and proclaim it in Jerusalem; and say, Blow the trumpet in the land: shout out and say, Gather yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities. 4:6 Set up a banner toward Zion: flee for safety, don’t hesitate; for I will bring disaster from the north, and a great destruction. 4:7 A lion has come up from his den, and a destroyer of nations; he is on the move, he has left his place, to make your land desolate, so that your cities will be laid waste, without an inhabitant. 4:8 For this, put on sackcloth, mourn and wail; for the fierce anger of Yahweh hasn't turned back from us. 4:9 It will happen on that day, says Yahweh, that the heart of the king will perish, and the hearts of the princes; and the priests will be shocked, and the prophets will be in awe. 4:10 Then I said, Ah, Lord Yahweh! surely you have greatly misled this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; while the sword reaches for their lives. 4:11 At that time, it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A hot wind from the bare heights in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or to cleanse; 4:12 a full wind from these shall come for me: now I will also pronounce judgments against them. 4:13 Behold, he will come up like clouds, and his chariots will be like the whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are doomed. 4:14 Jerusalem, cleanse your heart from wickedness, so you may be saved. How long will your evil thoughts cling to you? 4:15 For a voice declares from Dan, and proclaims evil from the hills of Ephraim: 4:16 make mention to the nations; behold, announce against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a distant country, and raise their voices against the cities of Judah. 4:17 They are like keepers of a field surrounding her, because she has been rebellious against me, says Yahweh. 4:18 Your ways and your actions have brought these things upon you; this is your wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart. 4:19 My anguish, my anguish! I am pained in my very heart; my heart is restless within me; I can't keep quiet; because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 4:20 Destruction upon destruction is cried out; for the whole land is laid waste: suddenly my tents are destroyed, and my curtains in an instant. 4:21 How long will I see the banner, and hear the sound of the trumpet? 4:22 For my people are foolish, they don’t know me; they are foolish children, and they have no understanding; they are skilled at doing evil, but they have no knowledge of doing good. 4:23 I looked at the earth, and, behold, it was waste and empty; and the heavens, and there was no light. 4:24 I looked at the mountains, and behold, they trembled, and all the hills swayed back and forth. 4:25 I looked, and behold, there was no person, and all the birds of the sky had fled. 4:26 I looked, and behold, the fruitful land had become a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of Yahweh, and before his fierce anger. 4:27 For thus says Yahweh, The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a complete end. 4:28 For this, the earth will mourn, and the heavens above will be dark; because I have spoken it, I have intended it, and I have not changed my mind, nor will I turn back from it. 4:29 Every city flees at the noise of the horsemen and archers; they go into the thickets, and climb up on the rocks: every city is forsaken, and not a person dwells there. 4:30 You, when you are made desolate, what will you do? Even if you dress in scarlet, even if you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, even if you enlarge your eyes with makeup, in vain do you try to make yourself beautiful; your lovers despise you, they seek your life. 4:31 For I have heard a voice like that of a woman in labor, the pain like that of her who gives birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, who gasps for breath, who spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul faints before the murderers.

5:1 Run you back and forth through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places of it, if you can find a man, if there are any who does justly, who seeks truth; and I will pardon her. 5:2 Though they say, As Yahweh lives; surely they swear falsely. 5:3 O Yahweh, don't your eyes look on truth? you have stricken them, but they were not grieved; you have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. 5:4 Then I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they don't know the way of Yahweh, nor the law of their God: 5:5 I will get me to the great men, and will speak to them; for they know the way of Yahweh, and the law of their God. But these with one accord have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. 5:6 Therefore a lion out of the forest shall kill them, a wolf of the evenings shall destroy them, a leopard shall watch against their cities; everyone who goes out there shall be torn in pieces; because their transgressions are many, and their backsliding is increased. 5:7 How can I pardon you? your children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they committed adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at the prostitutes' houses. 5:8 They were as fed horses roaming at large; everyone neighed after his neighbor's wife. 5:9 Shall I not visit for these things? says Yahweh; and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 5:10 Go up on her walls, and destroy; but don't make a full end: take away her branches; for they are not Yahweh's. 5:11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, says Yahweh. 5:12 They have denied Yahweh, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come on us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: 5:13 and the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done to them. 5:14 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, Because you speak this word, behold, I will make my words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. 5:15 Behold, I will bring a nation on you from far, house of Israel, says Yahweh: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you don't know, neither understand what they say. 5:16 Their quiver is an open tomb, they are all mighty men. 5:17 They shall eat up your harvest, and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat; they shall eat up your flocks and your herds; they shall eat up your vines and your fig trees; they shall beat down your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword. 5:18 But even in those days, says Yahweh, I will not make a full end with you. 5:19 It shall happen, when you shall say, Why has Yahweh our God done all these things to us? then you shall say to them, Like as you have forsaken me, and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve strangers in a land that is not yours. 5:20 Declare you this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, 5:21 Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don't see; who have ears, and don't hear: 5:22 Don't you fear me? says Yahweh: won't you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can't pass it? and though its waves toss themselves, yet they can't prevail; though they roar, yet they can't pass over it. 5:23 But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear Yahweh our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season; who preserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest. 5:25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good from you. 5:26 For among my people are found wicked men: they watch, as fowlers lie in wait; they set a trap, they catch men. 5:27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and grew rich. 5:28 They are grew fat, they shine: yes, they overpass in deeds of wickedness; they don't plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and the right of the needy they don't judge. 5:29 Shall I not visit for these things? says Yahweh; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 5:30 A wonderful and horrible thing is happen in the land: 5:31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end of it?

5:1 Run back and forth through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and search in its wide open spaces, if you can find a single person, someone who does what is right, who seeks truth; and I will forgive her. 5:2 Though they say, As Yahweh lives; they surely swear falsely. 5:3 O Yahweh, don’t your eyes see the truth? You have struck them, but they were not saddened; you have consumed them, but they refused to accept correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to come back. 5:4 Then I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they don't know the way of Yahweh, nor the law of their God: 5:5 I will go to the great leaders, and speak to them; for they know the way of Yahweh, and the law of their God. But these, all together, have broken the yoke and torn off the chains. 5:6 Therefore a lion out of the forest will kill them, a wolf of the evenings will destroy them, a leopard will watch against their cities; everyone who goes out will be torn to pieces; because their offenses are many, and their backsliding is great. 5:7 How can I forgive you? Your children have abandoned me and sworn by false gods: when I had fed them to their fill, they committed adultery and gathered in troops at the houses of prostitutes. 5:8 They were like well-fed horses roaming freely; everyone neighed after his neighbor’s wife. 5:9 Should I not punish for these things? says Yahweh; and will my soul not be avenged on such a nation as this? 5:10 Go up on her walls and destroy; but don’t completely destroy; take away her branches; for they are not Yahweh's. 5:11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have acted very treacherously against me, says Yahweh. 5:12 They have denied Yahweh, and said, It is not he; nor will any evil come upon us; we will not see sword or famine: 5:13 and the prophets will become wind, and the word is not in them: thus it will be done to them. 5:14 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, Because you speak this word, behold, I will make my words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it will consume them. 5:15 Behold, I will bring a nation upon you from far away, house of Israel, says Yahweh: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you don’t know, nor understand what they say. 5:16 Their quiver is an open grave; they are all mighty warriors. 5:17 They will eat your harvest and your bread, which your sons and daughters should eat; they will eat your flocks and herds; they will eat your vines and fig trees; they will smash your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword. 5:18 But even in those days, says Yahweh, I will not completely destroy you. 5:19 It will happen, when you ask, Why has Yahweh our God done all these things to us? then you will say to them, Just as you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your land, so you will serve strangers in a land that is not yours. 5:20 Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, 5:21 Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don’t see; who have ears, and don’t hear: 5:22 Don’t you fear me? says Yahweh: won’t you tremble at my presence, who has set the sand as the boundary of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it? and though its waves surge, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. 5:23 But this people has a rebellious and defiant heart; they have turned away and gone. 5:24 Nor do they say in their hearts, Let us now fear Yahweh our God, who gives rain, both the early and the late, in its season; who preserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest. 5:25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have kept good from you. 5:26 For among my people, wicked men are found: they watch, like fowlers lying in wait; they set traps, they catch men. 5:27 Like a cage is full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit: therefore they have become great and grown rich. 5:28 They have become fat, they shine: yes, they exceed in deeds of wickedness; they don’t plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and they don’t judge the right of the needy. 5:29 Should I not punish for these things? says Yahweh; will my soul not be avenged on such a nation as this? 5:30 A wonderful and terrible thing has happened in the land: 5:31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end?

6:1 Flee for safety, you children of Benjamin, out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise up a signal on Beth Haccherem; for evil looks forth from the north, and a great destruction. 6:2 The comely and delicate one, the daughter of Zion, will I cut off. 6:3 Shepherds with their flocks shall come to her; they shall pitch their tents against her all around; they shall feed everyone in his place. 6:4 Prepare you war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe to us! for the day declines, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out. 6:5 Arise, and let us go up by night, and let us destroy her palaces. 6:6 For thus has Yahweh of Armies said, Cut down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her. 6:7 As a well casts forth its waters, so she casts forth her wickedness: violence and destruction is heard in her; before me continually is sickness and wounds. 6:8 Be instructed, Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from you; lest I make you a desolation, a land not inhabited. 6:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets. 6:10 To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they can't listen: behold, the word of Yahweh is become to them a reproach; they have no delight in it. 6:11 Therefore I am full of the wrath of Yahweh; I am weary with holding in: pour it out on the children in the street, and on the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him who is full of days. 6:12 Their houses shall be turned to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out my hand on the inhabitants of the land, says Yahweh. 6:13 For from the least of them even to the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says Yahweh. 6:16 Thus says Yahweh, Stand you in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein. 6:17 I set watchmen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not listen. 6:18 Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them. 6:19 Hear, earth: behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. 6:20 To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me. 6:21 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people; and the fathers and the sons together shall stumble against them; the neighbor and his friend shall perish. 6:22 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, a people comes from the north country; and a great nation shall be stirred up from the uttermost parts of the earth. 6:23 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion. 6:24 We have heard its report; our hands wax feeble: anguish has taken hold of us, and pangs as of a woman in travail. 6:25 Don't go forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, and terror, are on every side. 6:26 Daughter of my people, gird you with sackcloth, and wallow yourself in ashes: make you mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; for the destroyer shall suddenly come on us. 6:27 I have made you a tester of metals and a fortress among my people; that you may know and try their way. 6:28 They are all grievous rebels, going about with slanders; they are brass and iron: they all of them deal corruptly. 6:29 The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed of the fire: in vain do they go on refining; for the wicked are not plucked away. 6:30 Refuse silver shall men them, because Yahweh has rejected them.

6:1 Run for safety, you people of Benjamin, out of Jerusalem, and sound the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal at Beth Haccherem; for disaster is coming from the north, and a great destruction. 6:2 I will cut off the beautiful and delicate one, the daughter of Zion. 6:3 Shepherds with their flocks will come to her; they will set up their tents all around her; they will feed everyone in their own space. 6:4 Get ready for war against her; rise up, and let’s go up at noon. Woe to us! For the day is fading, and the evening shadows are stretching out. 6:5 Rise up, and let’s go up by night, and let’s destroy her palaces. 6:6 For this is what the Lord of Hosts says: Cut down trees, and build a mound against Jerusalem; this city is to be punished; she is full of oppression in her midst. 6:7 Just as a well pours out its water, she pours out her wickedness: violence and destruction are heard in her; sickness and wounds are always before me. 6:8 Be warned, Jerusalem, lest my soul turn away from you; lest I make you a desolation, a land uninhabited. 6:9 Thus says the Lord of Hosts, they will thoroughly gather the remnant of Israel like a vine: return your hand like a grape gatherer into the baskets. 6:10 To whom shall I speak and testify, so they may hear? Look, their ears are closed, and they can’t listen: look, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they take no pleasure in it. 6:11 Therefore, I am filled with the wrath of the Lord; I am weary of holding it back: pour it out on the children in the streets and on the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with his wife will be taken, the aged with him who is full of years. 6:12 Their houses will be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out my hand against the inhabitants of the land, says the Lord. 6:13 From the least of them to the greatest, everyone is greedy; and from the prophet to the priest, everyone acts falsely. 6:14 They have also healed the wounds of my people superficially, saying, "Peace, peace;" when there is no peace. 6:15 Were they ashamed when they committed abominations? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they blush: therefore, they will fall among those who fall; when I visit them, they will be cast down, says the Lord. 6:16 Thus says the Lord, Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls: but they said, "We will not walk therein." 6:17 I set watchmen over you, saying," Listen for the sound of the trumpet;" but they said, "We will not listen." 6:18 Therefore, listen, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them. 6:19 Listen, earth: behold, I will bring disaster upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. 6:20 What good is frankincense from Sheba, and sweet cane from a far country to me? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me. 6:21 Therefore, thus says the Lord, Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people; and the fathers and sons together will stumble over them; the neighbor and his friend will perish. 6:22 Thus says the Lord, Behold, a people comes from the north country; and a great nation will be stirred from the farthest parts of the earth. 6:23 They take hold of bow and spear; they are cruel and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone in formation, like a man going to battle, against you, daughter of Zion. 6:24 We have heard its report; our hands grow weak: anguish has taken hold of us, and pangs like a woman in labor. 6:25 Don’t go out into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, and terror, are on every side. 6:26 Daughter of my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes: make mourning like for an only son, a most bitter lamentation; for the destroyer shall come upon us suddenly. 6:27 I have made you a tester of metals and a fortress among my people; so that you may know and test their ways. 6:28 They are all rebellious rebels, going about with slander; they are brass and iron: they all deal corruptly. 6:29 The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed by the fire: they go on refining in vain; for the wicked are not removed. 6:30 Rejected silver shall they be called, because the Lord has rejected them.

7:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 7:2 Stand in the gate of Yahweh's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of Yahweh, all you of Judah, who enter in at these gates to worship Yahweh. 7:3 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 7:4 Don't you trust in lying words, saying, The temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh, are these. 7:5 For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if you thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor; 7:6 if you don't oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, and don't shed innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt: 7:7 then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, from of old even forevermore. 7:8 Behold, you trust in lying words, that can't profit. 7:9 Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods that you have not known, 7:10 and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered; that you may do all these abominations? 7:11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, says Yahweh. 7:12 But go you now to my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. 7:13 Now, because you have done all these works, says Yahweh, and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you didn't hear; and I called you, but you didn't answer: 7:14 therefore will I do to the house which is called by my name, in which you trust, and to the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh. 7:15 I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, even the whole seed of Ephraim. 7:16 Therefore don't you pray for this people, neither lift up a cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear you. 7:17 Don't you see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 7:18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead the dough, to make cakes to the queen of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. 7:19 Do they provoke me to anger? says Yahweh; do they not provoke themselves, to the confusion of their own faces? 7:20 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, my anger and my wrath shall be poured out on this place, on man, and on animal, and on the trees of the field, and on the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched. 7:21 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat meat. 7:22 For I didn't speak to your fathers, nor command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: 7:23 but this thing I commanded them, saying, Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk you in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you. 7:24 But they didn't listen nor turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. 7:25 Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: 7:26 yet they didn't listen to me, nor inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff: they did worse than their fathers. 7:27 You shall speak all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you shall also call to them; but they will not answer you. 7:28 You shall tell them, This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of Yahweh their God, nor received instruction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. 7:29 Cut off your hair, Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on the bare heights; for Yahweh has rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. 7:30 For the children of Judah have done that which is evil in my sight, says Yahweh: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it. 7:31 They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I didn't command, nor did it come into my mind. 7:32 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that it shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter: for they shall bury in Topheth, until there be no place to bury. 7:33 The dead bodies of this people shall be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth; and none shall frighten them away. 7:34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; for the land shall become a waste.

7:1 The message that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh said, 7:2 "Stand at the gate of Yahweh's house and announce this message: 'Listen to the word of Yahweh, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship Yahweh. 7:3 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Change your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. 7:4 Don't trust in deceptive words that say, "The temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh" is here. 7:5 For if you truly change your ways and your actions; if you treat each other justly; 7:6 if you do not oppress the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or follow other gods to your own detriment: 7:7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave to your ancestors, forever. 7:8 Look, you trust in words that can’t help you. 7:9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods you don’t even know, 7:10 and then come and stand before me in this house that bears my name, and say, "We are safe," only to continue doing all these disgusting things? 7:11 Has this house, which bears my name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Look, I have seen it, says Yahweh. 7:12 But now go to my place at Shiloh, where I first let my name dwell, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. 7:13 Now, because you have done all these things, says Yahweh, and I spoke to you, rising early and speaking, but you didn’t listen; I called you, but you didn’t answer: 7:14 therefore, I will do to this house which bears my name, the one you trust in, and to the place I gave you and your ancestors, what I did to Shiloh. 7:15 I will throw you out of my sight, just like I have thrown out all your brothers, the entire family of Ephraim. 7:16 So don’t pray for this people, don’t lift up a cry or prayer for them, and don’t plead with me; I won’t listen to you. 7:17 Don’t you see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 7:18 The children gather wood, the fathers start the fire, and the women make dough to bake cakes for the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings to other gods, provoking me to anger. 7:19 Do they provoke me to anger? says Yahweh; do they not provoke themselves to their own shame? 7:20 Therefore, this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Look, my anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place, on man, on animal, on the trees of the field, and on the fruit of the ground; it will burn and not be quenched. 7:21 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat the meat. 7:22 For I didn’t speak to your ancestors, nor command them on the day I brought them out of Egypt, about burnt offerings or sacrifices: 7:23 but I did say this to them: 'Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you will be my people; walk in all the ways I command you so that it may go well with you.' 7:24 But they didn’t listen or pay attention; they followed their own plans and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and turned backward instead of forward. 7:25 From the day your ancestors came out of Egypt until now, I have continuously sent my servants the prophets to you, rising up early and sending them: 7:26 yet they didn’t listen to me or pay attention, but hardened their necks, doing worse than their ancestors. 7:27 You must say all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you will also call to them; but they will not answer you. 7:28 You will tell them, 'This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of Yahweh their God, nor accepted correction: truth has perished; it has been cut off from their lips.' 7:29 Cut off your hair, Jerusalem, and throw it away, and take up a lamentation on the bare heights; for Yahweh has rejected and abandoned the generation of his wrath. 7:30 For the people of Judah have done what is evil in my sight, says Yahweh: they have set up their detestable things in the house that bears my name, to defile it. 7:31 They have built the high places of Topheth, in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and daughters in the fire; something I did not command, nor did it ever enter my mind. 7:32 Therefore, look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when it will no longer be called Topheth or the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of Slaughter: for they will bury in Topheth until there is no more room to bury. 7:33 The dead bodies of this people will become food for the birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth; and no one will frighten them away. 7:34 Then I will put an end to the voices of joy and gladness, the voices of the bridegroom and the bride, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for the land will become a wasteland.

8:1 At that time, says Yahweh, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves; 8:2 and they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the army of the sky, which they have loved, and which they have served, and after which they have walked, and which they have sought, and which they have worshiped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried, they shall be for dung on the surface of the earth. 8:3 Death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places where I have driven them, says Yahweh of Armies. 8:4 Moreover you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Shall men fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return? 8:5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. 8:6 I listened and heard, but they didn't speak aright: no man repents him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? everyone turns to his course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle. 8:7 Yes, the stork in the sky knows her appointed times; and the turtledove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don't know Yahweh's law. 8:8 How do you say, We are wise, and the law of Yahweh is with us? But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has worked falsely. 8:9 The wise men are disappointed, they are dismayed and taken: behold, they have rejected the word of Yahweh; and what manner of wisdom is in them? 8:10 Therefore will I give their wives to others, and their fields to those who shall possess them: for everyone from the least even to the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even to the priest every one deals falsely. 8:11 They have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among those who fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, says Yahweh. 8:13 I will utterly consume them, says Yahweh: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them. 8:14 Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there; for Yahweh our God has put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against Yahweh. 8:15 We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay! 8:16 The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones the whole land trembles; for they are come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it; the city and those who dwell therein. 8:17 For, behold, I will send serpents, adders, among you, which will not be charmed; and they shall bite you, says Yahweh. 8:18 Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow! My heart is faint within me. 8:19 Behold, the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people from a land that is very far off: isn't Yahweh in Zion? Isn't her King in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their engraved images, and with foreign vanities? 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 8:21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt: I mourn; dismay has taken hold on me. 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then isn't the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

8:1 At that time, says the Lord, they will dig up the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of their princes, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem, from their graves; 8:2 and they will lay them out in front of the sun, the moon, and all the heavenly hosts that they have loved, served, pursued, sought, and worshiped: they will not be gathered or buried; they will be like dung on the ground. 8:3 Death will be chosen over life by all those who remain of this wicked family, who survive in all the places where I have driven them, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. 8:4 Furthermore, tell them this: says the Lord: Do people fall and not get back up? Does one turn away and not return? 8:5 Why then has this people of Jerusalem turned away with a constant turning away? They hold onto deceit; they refuse to return. 8:6 I listened and heard, but they didn’t speak correctly: no one repents of his wickedness, asking, What have I done? Everyone turns to his own way, like a horse charging into battle. 8:7 Yes, the stork in the sky knows her seasons; and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their arrival; but my people don’t know the law of the Lord. 8:8 How can you say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? But look, the false pen of the scribes has worked deceitfully. 8:9 The wise are put to shame, they are dismayed and trapped: look, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what kind of wisdom is in them? 8:10 Therefore, I will give their wives to others, and their fields to those who will take them: for everyone, from the least to the greatest, is driven by greed; from the prophet to the priest, everyone deals falsely. 8:11 They have slightly healed the hurt of the daughter of my people, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 8:12 Were they ashamed when they committed abominations? No, they were not at all ashamed; they couldn’t even blush: therefore, they will fall among those who fall; when their time of punishment comes, they will be brought down, says the Lord. 8:13 I will completely destroy them, says the Lord: there will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaves will wither; and what I have given them will be taken away from them. 8:14 Why do we sit still? Gather yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities and be silent there; for the Lord our God has put us to silence, and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the Lord. 8:15 We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay! 8:16 The sound of his horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones, the whole land trembles; for they have come and devoured the land and everything in it; the city and those who live there. 8:17 For, behold, I will send poisonous snakes among you, which cannot be charmed; and they will bite you, says the Lord. 8:18 Oh that I could find comfort against my sorrow! My heart is weak within me. 8:19 Behold, I can hear the cries of the daughter of my people from a land that is very far away: Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not with her? Why have they made me angry with their carved images and foreign idols? 8:20 The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, and we are not saved. 8:21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people, I am hurt: I mourn; dismay has taken hold of me. 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no doctor there? Why then is the health of the daughter of my people not restored?

9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a spring of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! 9:2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 9:3 They bend their tongue, as it were their bow, for falsehood; and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they don't know me, says Yahweh. 9:4 Take you heed everyone of his neighbor, and don't you trust in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go about with slanders. 9:5 They will deceive everyone his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity. 9:6 Your habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, says Yahweh. 9:7 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how else should I do, because of the daughter of my people? 9:8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceit: one speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he lays wait for him. 9:9 Shall I not visit them for these things? says Yahweh; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 9:10 For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the pastures of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none passes through; neither can men hear the voice of the livestock; both the birds of the sky and the animals are fled, they are gone. 9:11 I will make Jerusalem heaps, a dwelling place of jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant. 9:12 Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of Yahweh has spoken, that he may declare it? why is the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, so that none passes through? 9:13 Yahweh says, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein, 9:14 but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them; 9:15 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink. 9:16 I will scatter them also among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known; and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them. 9:17 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Consider you, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for the skillful women, that they may come: 9:18 and let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters. 9:19 For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we ruined! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because they have cast down our dwellings. 9:20 Yet hear the word of Yahweh, you women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth; and teach your daughters wailing, and everyone her neighbor lamentation. 9:21 For death is come up into our windows, it is entered into our palaces; to cut off the children from outside, and the young men from the streets. 9:22 Speak, Thus says Yahweh, The dead bodies of men shall fall as dung on the open field, and as the handful after the harvester; and none shall gather them. 9:23 Thus says Yahweh, Don't let the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, don't let the rich man glory in his riches; 9:24 but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says Yahweh. 9:25 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will punish all those who are circumcised in their uncircumcision: 9:26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that have the corners of their hair cut off, who dwell in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.

9:1 Oh, if only my head were filled with water, and my eyes a spring of tears, so I could weep day and night for the casualties of my people! 9:2 Oh, if I had a place to stay in the wilderness like a traveler, I would leave my people and escape from them! They are all unfaithful, a group of deceitful people. 9:3 They shape their words like a bow, aiming for falsehood; they have become strong in the land, but not for truth. They go from bad to worse, and they don’t know me, says Yahweh. 9:4 Everyone should be careful of their neighbor and not trust any brother, for every brother will betray, and every neighbor will spread rumors. 9:5 They will deceive their neighbors and won’t speak the truth; they have trained their tongues to lie and tire themselves out to commit wrongdoing. 9:6 Your home is surrounded by deceit; through deceit, they refuse to know me, says Yahweh. 9:7 Therefore, this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Look, I will refine and test them; what else can I do because of the casualties of my people? 9:8 Their words are like deadly arrows; they speak deceitfully: one speaks kindly to their neighbor with their mouth, but in their heart, they lie in wait for them. 9:9 Shouldn't I hold them accountable for these things? says Yahweh; should my soul not take vengeance on such a nation as this? 9:10 I will raise a lament for the mountains and a mournful cry for the pastures of the wilderness because they are burned, and no one passes through; neither can anyone hear the livestock; both the birds of the sky and the animals have fled, they are gone. 9:11 I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a home for jackals; and I will turn the cities of Judah into desolation, with no inhabitants. 9:12 Who is the wise person that can understand this? And who is the one to whom Yahweh has spoken, that can declare it? Why has the land been ruined and burned like a wilderness, so that no one passes through? 9:13 Yahweh says, Because they have abandoned my law that I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, nor walked in it, 9:14 but have followed the stubbornness of their own hearts, and the idols that their ancestors taught them; 9:15 therefore, this is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Look, I will feed these people with bitterness and give them poison to drink. 9:16 I will scatter them among the nations, which neither they nor their ancestors have known; and I will pursue them with the sword until I have consumed them. 9:17 This is what Yahweh of Armies says: Call for the mourning women, so they may come; and send for the skilled women, so they may come: 9:18 and let them hurry and raise a lament for us, so our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids gush with water. 9:19 For a voice of wailing is heard from Zion, “How are we destroyed! We are greatly ashamed because we have left the land; they have torn down our homes.” 9:20 Yet listen to the word of Yahweh, you women, and let your ears accept the words from his mouth; teach your daughters to mourn and each woman her neighbor to lament. 9:21 For death has climbed in through our windows, entering our palaces to cut off the children from the streets and the young men from the squares. 9:22 Speak, this is what Yahweh says: The dead bodies of men will fall like manure in an open field, and like the leftovers after the harvest, and no one will gather them. 9:23 This is what Yahweh says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, nor the strong boast in their strength, nor the rich boast in their riches; 9:24 but let the one who boasts boast in this: that they have understanding and know me, that I am Yahweh who practices kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for in these things I take delight, says Yahweh. 9:25 Look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when I will punish all those who are circumcised but still uncircumcised: 9:26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the children of Ammon, Moab, and all those who trim the corners of their hair who live in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.

10:1 Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, house of Israel! 10:2 Thus says Yahweh, "Don't learn the way of the nations, and don't be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them. 10:3 For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe. 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it not move. 10:5 They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don't speak: they must be carried, because they can't go. Don't be afraid of them; for they can't do evil, neither is it in them to do good." 10:6 There is none like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is great in might. 10:7 Who should not fear you, King of the nations? for to you does it appertain; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like you. 10:8 But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock. 10:9 There is silver beaten into plates, which is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the artificer and of the hands of the goldsmith; blue and purple for their clothing; they are all the work of skillful men. 10:10 But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation. 10:11 You shall say this to them: The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. 10:12 He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding has he stretched out the heavens: 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightnings for the rain, and brings forth the wind out of his treasuries. 10:14 Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 10:15 They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. 10:16 The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is his name. 10:17 Gather up your wares out of the land, you who abide in the siege. 10:18 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel it. 10:19 Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it. 10:20 My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are no more: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. 10:21 For the shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered. 10:22 The voice of news, behold, it comes, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling place of jackals. 10:23 Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 10:24 Yahweh, correct me, but in measure: not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. 10:25 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don't know you, and on the families that don't call on your name: for they have devoured Jacob, yes, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.

10:1 Listen to the message from Yahweh to you, people of Israel! 10:2 This is what Yahweh says: "Don’t follow the customs of other nations, and don’t be alarmed by signs in the sky; the nations are terrified by them. 10:3 The traditions of the people are pointless; someone cuts down a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the carpenter with the axe. 10:4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so it won’t move. 10:5 They are like a palm tree made by a craftsman, and they don’t speak: they have to be carried because they can’t walk. Don’t be afraid of them; they can’t do evil, nor is it in them to do good." 10:6 There is no one like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is powerful. 10:7 Who should not fear you, King of the nations? It is fitting to fear you; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal courts, there is no one like you. 10:8 But they are altogether stupid and foolish: the guidance of idols is nothing but a stick. 10:9 There is silver beaten into plates, brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, crafted by skilled artisans; blue and purple for their garments; they are all the work of talented craftsmen. 10:10 But Yahweh is the true God; He is the living God, and an everlasting King: at His wrath, the earth shakes, and the nations cannot withstand His anger. 10:11 You should tell them: The gods that did not create the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens. 10:12 He created the earth by His power, established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His understanding: 10:13 when He speaks, there is a storm of waters in the heavens, He makes the vapors rise from the ends of the earth; He creates lightning for the rain, and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. 10:14 Every person has become stupid and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed with his carved image; his molten image is a falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 10:15 They are empty, a work of delusion: during their time of reckoning, they will perish. 10:16 The portion of Jacob is not like these; for He is the creator of all things; and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance: Yahweh of Hosts is His name. 10:17 Collect your belongings from the land, you who are surrounded by siege. 10:18 For this is what Yahweh says: Look, I will throw out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them so they feel it. 10:19 Woe is me because of my pain! My wound is severe: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must endure it. 10:20 My tent is in ruins, and all my ropes are broken: my children have gone away from me, and they are no more: there is no one to put up my tent again, and to set up my curtains. 10:21 For the shepherds have become stupid, and have not sought Yahweh: therefore, they have not thrived, and all their flocks are scattered. 10:22 The sound of news comes, and there is a great disturbance from the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, a dwelling place for jackals. 10:23 Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not within him: it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 10:24 Yahweh, correct me, but in moderation: not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. 10:25 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, and on the families that do not call on Your name: for they have devoured Jacob, yes, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have made his homes desolate.

11:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 11:2 Hear you the words of this covenant, and speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem; 11:3 and say you to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man who doesn't hear the words of this covenant, 11:4 which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so you shall be my people, and I will be your God; 11:5 that I may establish the oath which I swore to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as at this day. Then answered I, and said, Amen, Yahweh. 11:6 Yahweh said to me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear you the words of this covenant, and do them. 11:7 For I earnestly protested to your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice. 11:8 Yet they didn't obey, nor turn their ear, but walked everyone in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they didn't do them. 11:9 Yahweh said to me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 11:10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words; and they are gone after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. 11:11 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on them, which they shall not be able to escape; and they shall cry to me, but I will not listen to them. 11:12 Then shall the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem go and cry to the gods to which they offer incense: but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. 11:13 For according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have you set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense to Baal. 11:14 Therefore don't you pray for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry to me because of their trouble. 11:15 What has my beloved to do in my house, seeing she has worked lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from you? when you do evil, then you rejoice. 11:16 Yahweh called your name, A green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he has kindled fire on it, and its branches are broken. 11:17 For Yahweh of Armies, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have worked for themselves in provoking me to anger by offering incense to Baal. 11:18 Yahweh gave me knowledge of it, and I knew it: then you showed me their doings. 11:19 But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I didn't know that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. 11:20 But, Yahweh of Armies, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, I shall see your vengeance on them; for to you have I revealed my cause. 11:21 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, saying, You shall not prophesy in the name of Yahweh, that you not die by our hand; 11:22 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine; 11:23 and there shall be no remnant to them: for I will bring evil on the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.

11:1 The message that came to Jeremiah from God, saying, 11:2 Listen to the words of this covenant, and tell the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem; 11:3 and say to them, This is what God, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the person who does not listen to the words of this covenant, 11:4 which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Listen to my voice, and do what I command you: then you will be my people, and I will be your God; 11:5 so that I may establish the promise I made to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, just like today. I then said, Amen, God. 11:6 God told me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Listen to the words of this covenant, and act on them. 11:7 For I earnestly warned your ancestors the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early and warning them, saying, Listen to my voice. 11:8 Yet they didn’t listen or pay attention, but each of them followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts: so I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to follow, but they didn't follow them. 11:9 God said to me, A conspiracy has been found among the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. 11:10 They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words; and they have gone after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their ancestors. 11:11 Therefore, God says, Look, I will bring disaster upon them, which they will not be able to escape; and they will cry out to me, but I will not listen to them. 11:12 The cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods they burn incense to: but they will not save them at all when trouble comes. 11:13 For as many as your cities are, so are your gods, Judah; and for each of the streets in Jerusalem, you have set up altars to shameful things, even altars to burn incense to Baal. 11:14 Therefore, do not pray for this people, nor raise up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them when they cry to me because of their trouble. 11:15 What does my beloved have to do in my house, since she has committed abominations with many, and has forsaken the holy offerings? When you do evil, then you rejoice. 11:16 God called you a green olive tree, beautiful and fruitful: with the sound of a great commotion, he has set it on fire, and its branches are broken. 11:17 For the God of Armies, who planted you, has declared judgment against you, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have brought upon themselves by provoking me to anger by offering incense to Baal. 11:18 God made me aware of it, and I understood: then you showed me their actions. 11:19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; and I didn’t realize they had planned against me, saying, Let’s destroy the tree with its fruit, and cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be no more remembered. 11:20 But, God of Armies, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, I will see your revenge on them; for I have revealed my concern to you. 11:21 Therefore, God says regarding the men of Anathoth, who threaten your life, saying, You must not prophesy in the name of God, or you will die by our hands; 11:22 therefore, God of Armies says, Look, I will punish them: the young men will die by the sword; their sons and daughters will die of famine; 11:23 and there will be no remnant left for them: for I will bring disaster upon the men of Anathoth, in the year of their judgment.

12:1 Righteous are you, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet would I reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they at ease who deal very treacherously? 12:2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; they grow, yes, they bring forth fruit: you are near in their mouth, and far from their heart. 12:3 But you, Yahweh, know me; you see me, and try my heart toward you: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. 12:4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of the whole country wither? for the wickedness of those who dwell therein, the animals are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our latter end. 12:5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan? 12:6 For even your brothers, and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; even they have cried aloud after you: don't believe them, though they speak beautiful words to you. 12:7 I have forsaken my house, I have cast off my heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. 12:8 My heritage is become to me as a lion in the forest: she has uttered her voice against me; therefore I have hated her. 12:9 Is my heritage to me as a speckled bird of prey? are the birds of prey against her all around? go you, assemble all the animals of the field, bring them to devour. 12:10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. 12:11 They have made it a desolation; it mourns to me, being desolate; the whole land is made desolate, because no man lays it to heart. 12:12 Destroyers are come on all the bare heights in the wilderness; for the sword of Yahweh devours from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh has peace. 12:13 They have sown wheat, and have reaped thorns; they have put themselves to pain, and profit nothing: and you shall be ashamed of your fruits, because of the fierce anger of Yahweh. 12:14 Thus says Yahweh against all my evil neighbors, who touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit: behold, I will pluck them up from off their land, and will pluck up the house of Judah from among them. 12:15 It shall happen, after that I have plucked them up, I will return and have compassion on them; and I will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. 12:16 It shall happen, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, As Yahweh lives; even as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built up in the midst of my people. 12:17 But if they will not hear, then will I pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it, says Yahweh.

12:1 You are just, Yahweh, when I argue with you; but I want to understand: why do the wicked thrive? Why are those who are treacherous so comfortable? 12:2 You’ve planted them, and they’ve taken root; they grow and produce fruit: they talk about you, yet their hearts are far from you. 12:3 But you, Yahweh, know me; you see me and test my heart toward you: take them away like sheep to be slaughtered, and prepare them for the slaughter day. 12:4 How long will the land mourn, and all the plants wither? Because of the wickedness of those who live there, the animals and birds are dying; they say, “He won’t see our end.” 12:5 If you’ve run with foot soldiers and they’ve exhausted you, how will you compete with horses? Even if you feel safe in a peaceful land, what will you do in the pride of the Jordan? 12:6 Even your family and the house of your father have betrayed you; they’ve called out to you: don’t trust them, even if they speak nicely to you. 12:7 I’ve abandoned my house, I’ve given up my inheritance; I’ve handed over the beloved of my soul to her enemies. 12:8 My inheritance feels like a lion in the forest: it has roared against me; that’s why I hate it. 12:9 Is my inheritance like a speckled bird of prey? Are all the birds of prey surrounding her? Gather all the animals of the field to come and eat. 12:10 Many shepherds have ruined my vineyard; they’ve trampled my portion, turning my pleasant land into a desolate wilderness. 12:11 They’ve turned it into a wasteland; it mourns to me because it’s desolate; the whole land is desolate because no one cares. 12:12 Destroyers have come to all the heights in the wilderness; the sword of Yahweh consumes from one end of the land to the other: no one has peace. 12:13 They’ve sown wheat, but reaped thorns; they’ve worked hard but gained nothing: you’ll be ashamed of your harvest because of Yahweh’s fierce anger. 12:14 Thus says Yahweh against all my evil neighbors who touch the inheritance I gave to my people Israel: look, I will uproot them from their land, and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them. 12:15 After I have uprooted them, I will have compassion on them; I will bring them back, each person to his inheritance, and each person to his land. 12:16 If they will earnestly learn the ways of my people to swear by my name, “As Yahweh lives,” just as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then they will be established among my people. 12:17 But if they refuse to listen, I will uproot that nation, destroying it, says Yahweh.

13:1 Thus says Yahweh to me, Go, and buy you a linen belt, and put it on your waist, and don't put it in water. 13:2 So I bought a belt according to the word of Yahweh, and put it on my waist. 13:3 The word of Yahweh came to me the second time, saying, 13:4 Take the belt that you have bought, which is on your waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a cleft of the rock. 13:5 So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as Yahweh commanded me. 13:6 It happened after many days, that Yahweh said to me, Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take the belt from there, which I commanded you to hide there. 13:7 Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and took the belt from the place where I had hid it; and behold, the belt was marred, it was profitable for nothing. 13:8 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 13:9 Thus says Yahweh, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. 13:10 This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who walk in the stubbornness of their heart, and are gone after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this belt, which is profitable for nothing. 13:11 For as the belt cleaves to the waist of a man, so have I caused to cleave to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, says Yahweh; that they may be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear. 13:12 Therefore you shall speak to them this word: Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall tell you, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine? 13:13 Then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings who sit on David's throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness. 13:14 I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, says Yahweh: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have compassion, that I should not destroy them. 13:15 Hear you, and give ear; don't be proud; for Yahweh has spoken. 13:16 Give glory to Yahweh your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and, while you look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. 13:17 But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and my eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because Yahweh's flock is taken captive. 13:18 Say you to the king and to the queen mother, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headdresses are come down, even the crown of your glory. 13:19 The cities of the South are shut up, and there is none to open them: Judah is carried away captive, all of it; it is wholly carried away captive. 13:20 Lift up your eyes, and see those who come from the north: where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful flock? 13:21 What will you say, when he shall set over you as head those whom you have yourself taught to be friends to you? shall not sorrows take hold of you, as of a woman in travail? 13:22 If you say in your heart, Why are these things come on me? for the greatness of your iniquity are your skirts uncovered, and your heels suffer violence. 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may you also do good, who are accustomed to do evil. 13:24 Therefore will I scatter them, as the stubble that passes away, by the wind of the wilderness. 13:25 This is your lot, the portion measured to you from me, says Yahweh; because you have forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood. 13:26 Therefore will I also uncover your skirts on your face, and your shame shall appear. 13:27 I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries, and your neighing, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, Jerusalem! you will not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?

13:1 This is what the Lord said to me: Go and buy a linen belt, put it around your waist, and don’t get it wet. 13:2 So I bought a belt as the Lord instructed and put it around my waist. 13:3 The Lord spoke to me again, saying, 13:4 Take the belt you bought, which is around your waist, and go to the Euphrates River; hide it there in a crack in the rock. 13:5 So I went and hid it by the Euphrates, just as the Lord commanded me. 13:6 After many days, the Lord said to me, Get up, go to the Euphrates, and retrieve the belt I commanded you to hide there. 13:7 I went to the Euphrates, dug it out, and took the belt from the spot where I had hidden it; and behold, the belt was damaged and useless. 13:8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 13:9 This is what the Lord says: In the same way, I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. 13:10 This evil people, who refuse to listen to my words, walk in the stubbornness of their hearts, and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt, which is useless. 13:11 Just as the belt clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to me, says the Lord; that they may be my people, my name, my praise, and my glory: yet they would not listen. 13:12 Therefore, you shall say to them this word: This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Every bottle will be filled with wine; and they will answer you, Don’t we already know that every bottle will be filled with wine? 13:13 Then you shall tell them, This is what the Lord says: Look, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, including the kings who sit on David's throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness. 13:14 I will cause them to collide against each other—father and son together, says the Lord; I will not show pity, nor spare, nor have compassion so as to not destroy them. 13:15 Listen and pay attention; don’t be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. 13:16 Give glory to the Lord your God before he causes darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and, while you look for light, he turns it into deep shadow and overcast darkness. 13:17 But if you do not listen, my soul will weep in secret because of your pride; and my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord's flock is taken captive. 13:18 Say to the king and to the queen mother, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your crowns have come down, even the crown of your glory. 13:19 The cities of the South are shut up, and no one can open them: Judah is completely carried away captive. 13:20 Lift up your eyes and see those who come from the north: where is the flock that was given to you, your beautiful flock? 13:21 What will you say when he sets over you as rulers those whom you have taught to be friends? Will not anguish take hold of you, like a woman in labor? 13:22 If you say in your heart, Why have these things come upon me? It is because of the greatness of your iniquity that your skirts are uncovered and your heels are exposed to violence. 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then you also may do good, who are accustomed to doing evil. 13:24 Therefore, I will scatter them like chaff that passes away in the wind of the wilderness. 13:25 This is your fate, the portion measured to you from me, says the Lord; because you have forgotten me and trusted in falsehood. 13:26 Therefore, I will also expose your skirts to your face, and your shame will be seen. 13:27 I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries, and your lust, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the fields. Woe to you, Jerusalem! You will not be made clean; how long will it be?

14:1 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought. 14:2 Judah mourns, and its gates languish, they sit in black on the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up. 14:3 Their nobles send their little ones to the waters: they come to the cisterns, and find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are disappointed and confounded, and cover their heads. 14:4 Because of the ground which is cracked, because no rain has been in the land, the plowmen are disappointed, they cover their heads. 14:5 Yes, the hind also in the field calves, and forsakes her young, because there is no grass. 14:6 The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail, because there is no herbage. 14:7 Though our iniquities testify against us, work you for your name's sake, Yahweh; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. 14:8 You hope of Israel, its Savior in the time of trouble, why should you be as a foreigner in the land, and as a wayfaring man who turns aside to stay for a night? 14:9 Why should you be like a scared man, as a mighty man who can't save? yet you, Yahweh, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; don't leave us. 14:10 Thus says Yahweh to this people, Even so have they loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet: therefore Yahweh does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. 14:11 Yahweh said to me, Don't pray for this people for their good. 14:12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and meal offering, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. 14:13 Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! behold, the prophets tell them, You shall not see the sword, neither shall you have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. 14:14 Then Yahweh said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I didn't send them, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke I to them: they prophesy to you a lying vision, and divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their own heart. 14:15 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name, and I didn't send them, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 14:16 The people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them--them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness on them. 14:17 You shall say this word to them, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous wound. 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then, behold, the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then, behold, those who are sick with famine! for both the prophet and the priest go about in the land, and have no knowledge. 14:19 Have you utterly rejected Judah? has your soul loathed Zion? why have you struck us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay! 14:20 We acknowledge, Yahweh, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers; for we have sinned against you. 14:21 Do not abhor us, for your name's sake; do not disgrace the throne of your glory: remember, don't break your covenant with us. 14:22 Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? or can the sky give showers? Aren't you he, Yahweh our God? therefore we will wait for you; for you have made all these things.

14:1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah about the drought. 14:2 Judah mourns, and its gates are in despair; they sit in black on the ground, and the cry of Jerusalem has gone up. 14:3 Their leaders send their children to the water: they go to the cisterns, but find no water; they return with their containers empty, disappointed and confused, and cover their heads. 14:4 Because the ground is cracked, because there has been no rain in the land, the farmers are disappointed; they cover their heads. 14:5 Yes, even the doe in the field gives birth and abandons her young because there is no grass. 14:6 The wild donkeys stand on the bare hills, panting like jackals; their eyes fail because there is no vegetation. 14:7 Even though our sins testify against us, act for your name's sake, Lord; for our waywardness is great; we have sinned against you. 14:8 You are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, and like a traveler who stops to stay for a night? 14:9 Why should you be like a scared man, like a mighty man who can't save? Yet you, Lord, are in our midst, and we are called by your name; don't leave us. 14:10 Thus says the Lord to this people, They love to wander; they won’t keep their feet still: therefore the Lord does not accept them; now he will remember their sins and punish them. 14:11 The Lord said to me, Don’t pray for this people for their good. 14:12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; but I will destroy them by sword, famine, and plague. 14:13 Then I said, Ah, Lord God! Look, the prophets tell them, You will not see the sword, nor will you suffer famine; I will give you lasting peace in this place. 14:14 Then the Lord said to me, The prophets are prophesying lies in my name; I didn’t send them, nor have I commanded them, nor did I speak to them: they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their own hearts. 14:15 Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name, and I didn’t send them, yet they say, Sword and famine will not be in this land: By sword and famine those prophets will be destroyed. 14:16 The people they prophesy to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and the sword; and they will have no one to bury them—their wives, their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour out their wickedness on them. 14:17 You shall say this to them, Let my eyes overflow with tears day and night, and let them not stop; for the virgin daughter of my people is shattered by a great breach, with a very severe wound. 14:18 If I go out into the field, look, the slain with the sword! and if I enter the city, look, those who are sick from famine! for both the prophet and the priest wander in the land, and have no knowledge. 14:19 Have you completely rejected Judah? Has your soul loathed Zion? Why have you struck us, and there is no healing for us? We hoped for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay! 14:20 We acknowledge, Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our ancestors; for we have sinned against you. 14:21 Do not abhor us for your name's sake; do not dishonor the throne of your glory: remember, don’t break your covenant with us. 14:22 Are there any among the worthless idols of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the sky give showers? Aren't you He, Lord our God? Therefore, we will wait for you; for you have made all these things.

15:1 Then said Yahweh to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. 15:2 It shall happen, when they tell you, Where shall we go forth? then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. 15:3 I will appoint over them four kinds, says Yahweh: the sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy. 15:4 I will cause them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem. 15:5 For who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? or who will bemoan you? or who will turn aside to ask of your welfare? 15:6 You have rejected me, says Yahweh, you are gone backward: therefore have I stretched out my hand against you, and destroyed you; I am weary with repenting. 15:7 I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land; I have bereaved them of children, I have destroyed my people; they didn't return from their ways. 15:8 Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas; I have brought on them against the mother of the young men a destroyer at noonday: I have caused anguish and terrors to fall on her suddenly. 15:9 She who has borne seven languishes; she has given up the spirit; her sun is gone down while it was yet day; she has been disappointed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, says Yahweh. 15:10 Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have not lent, neither have men lent to me; yet everyone of them does curse me. 15:11 Yahweh said, Most certainly I will strengthen you for good; most certainly I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. 15:12 Can one break iron, even iron from the north, and brass? 15:13 Your substance and your treasures will I give for a spoil without price, and that for all your sins, even in all your borders. 15:14 I will make them to pass with your enemies into a land which you don't know; for a fire is kindled in my anger, which shall burn on you. 15:15 Yahweh, you know; remember me, and visit me, and avenge me of my persecutors; don't take me away in your longsuffering: know that for your sake I have suffered reproach. 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, Yahweh, God of Armies. 15:17 I didn't sit in the assembly of those who make merry, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of your hand; for you have filled me with indignation. 15:18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? will you indeed be to me as a deceitful brook, as waters that fail? 15:19 Therefore thus says Yahweh, If you return, then will I bring you again, that you may stand before me; and if you take forth the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth: they shall return to you, but you shall not return to them. 15:20 I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and to deliver you, says Yahweh. 15:21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.

15:1 Then the Lord said to me, Even if Moses and Samuel stood before me, my mind would not be focused on this people: get them out of my sight and let them go. 15:2 When they ask you, "Where should we go?" you will tell them, This is what the Lord says: Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity. 15:3 I will appoint four kinds of destroyers against them, says the Lord: the sword to kill, and dogs to tear, and birds of the sky, and animals of the earth, to devour and destroy. 15:4 I will make them wander among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem. 15:5 For who will take pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will turn to ask how you are doing? 15:6 You have rejected me, says the Lord, you have turned away from me: therefore I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you; I am tired of holding back my anger. 15:7 I have winnowed them like grain at the gates of the land; I have deprived my people of children; they did not turn back from their ways. 15:8 The number of widows has increased more than the sand of the seas; I have brought a destroyer against the mother of young men at noon: I have caused anguish and terror to come upon her suddenly. 15:9 She who has borne seven children is weak; she has given up; her sun has set while it was still day; she has been disappointed and confused; and the rest of them I will deliver to the sword before their enemies, says the Lord. 15:10 Woe is me, my mother, that you have given birth to a man of strife and contention throughout the earth! I have not borrowed, nor have I lent to anyone; yet all of them curse me. 15:11 The Lord said, I will surely strengthen you for good; I will make the enemy plead with you during times of trouble and affliction. 15:12 Can anyone break iron, even iron from the north, or brass? 15:13 I will give your wealth and treasures as plunder without payment, for all your sins, even throughout your territory. 15:14 I will make them pass with your enemies into a land you do not know; for a fire is kindled in my anger, which will burn against you. 15:15 Lord, you know; remember me, and visit me, and take vengeance on my persecutors; do not take me away in your patience: know that for your sake I have endured shame. 15:16 Your words were found, and I consumed them; and your words were a joy and the delight of my heart: for I am called by your name, Lord God of Hosts. 15:17 I didn't sit in the company of those who celebrate, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of your hand; for you have filled me with anger. 15:18 Why is my pain endless, and my wound incurable, which refuses to heal? Will you truly be to me like a deceptive stream, like waters that fail? 15:19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: If you return, I will bring you back, that you may stand before me; and if you separate the precious from the worthless, you will be my spokesperson: they will return to you, but you shall not return to them. 15:20 I will make you a fortified bronze wall for this people; they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. 15:21 I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

16:1 The word of Yahweh came also to me, saying, 16:2 You shall not take a wife, neither shall you have sons or daughters, in this place. 16:3 For thus says Yahweh concerning the sons and concerning the daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and concerning their fathers who became the father of them in this land: 16:4 They shall die grievous deaths: they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried; they shall be as dung on the surface of the ground; and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth. 16:5 For thus says Yahweh, Don't enter into the house of mourning, neither go to lament, neither bemoan them; for I have taken away my peace from this people, says Yahweh, even loving kindness and tender mercies. 16:6 Both great and small shall die in this land; they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them; 16:7 neither shall men break bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother. 16:8 You shall not go into the house of feasting to sit with them, to eat and to drink. 16:9 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place, before your eyes and in your days, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. 16:10 It shall happen, when you shall show this people all these words, and they shall tell you, Why has Yahweh pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against Yahweh our God? 16:11 Then you shall tell them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, says Yahweh, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshiped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; 16:12 and you have done evil more than your fathers; for, behold, you walk every one after the stubbornness of his evil heart, so that you don't listen to me: 16:13 therefore will I cast you forth out of this land into the land that you have not known, neither you nor your fathers; and there you shall serve other gods day and night; for I will show you no favor. 16:14 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that it shall no more be said, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 16:15 but, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries where he had driven them. I will bring them again into their land that I gave to their fathers. 16:16 Behold, I will send for many fishermen, says Yahweh, and they shall fish them up; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks. 16:17 For my eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from my face, neither is their iniquity concealed from my eyes. 16:18 First I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations. 16:19 Yahweh, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, even vanity and things in which there is no profit. 16:20 Shall a man make to himself gods, which yet are no gods? 16:21 Therefore, behold, I will cause them to know, this once will I cause them to know my hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is Yahweh.

16:1 The word of the Lord also came to me, saying, 16:2 You must not take a wife, nor have sons or daughters in this place. 16:3 For this is what the Lord says about the sons and daughters born in this place, their mothers who gave birth to them, and their fathers who fathered them in this land: 16:4 They will die horrible deaths; they will not be mourned or buried; they will be like dung on the ground; and they will be killed by the sword and famine; their dead bodies will be food for the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth. 16:5 For this is what the Lord says, Don't go into the house of mourning, don’t go to grieve or lament for them; for I have taken away my peace from this people, says the Lord, along with love and compassion. 16:6 Both young and old will die in this land; they will not be buried, and no one will mourn for them, cut themselves, or shave their heads for them; 16:7 nor will anyone break bread with them in mourning to comfort them for the dead; no one will offer them a cup of consolation to drink for their father or mother. 16:8 You must not go into the house of feasting to sit with them, to eat and drink. 16:9 For this is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel says: Behold, I will make the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, cease from this place before your eyes and in your days. 16:10 It will happen when you show this people all these words, and they ask you, Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our wrongdoing? or what sin have we committed against the Lord our God? 16:11 Then you shall tell them, Because your ancestors have forsaken me, says the Lord, and have followed other gods, served them, and worshipped them; they have forsaken me and have not kept my law; 16:12 and you have done worse than your ancestors; for behold, you each follow the stubbornness of your evil hearts, so you don’t listen to me: 16:13 therefore I will cast you out of this land into a land you do not know, neither you nor your ancestors; and there you will serve other gods day and night; for I will show you no favor. 16:14 Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when it will no longer be said, As the Lord lives, who brought the children of Israel up out of the land of Egypt; 16:15 but, As the Lord lives, who brought the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries where he had driven them. I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their ancestors. 16:16 Behold, I will send for many fishermen, says the Lord, and they will fish them up; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain, every hill, and from the clefts of the rocks. 16:17 For my eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from my sight, and their wrongdoing is not concealed from my eyes. 16:18 First, I will repay them for their wrongdoing and their sin doubly, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations. 16:19 Lord, my strength, my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth, and they will say, Our ancestors inherited nothing but lies, even emptiness and things that have no profit. 16:20 Can a man make gods for himself, which are not gods? 16:21 Therefore, behold, I will let them know; this time I will let them know my power and my strength; and they will know that my name is the Lord.

17:1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars; 17:2 while their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees on the high hills. 17:3 My mountain in the field, I will give your substance and all your treasures for a spoil, and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders. 17:4 You, even of yourself, shall discontinue from your heritage that I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don't know: for you have kindled a fire in my anger which shall burn forever. 17:5 Thus says Yahweh: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh. 17:6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited. 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose trust Yahweh is. 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? 17:10 I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. 17:11 As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool. 17:12 A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. 17:13 Yahweh, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be disappointed. Those who depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Yahweh, the spring of living waters. 17:14 Heal me, O Yahweh, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise. 17:15 Behold, they tell me, Where is the word of Yahweh? let it come now. 17:16 As for me, I have not hurried from being a shepherd after you; neither have I desired the woeful day; you know: that which came out of my lips was before your face. 17:17 Don't be a terror to me: you are my refuge in the day of evil. 17:18 Let them be disappointed who persecute me, but let not me be disappointed; let them be dismayed, but don't let me be dismayed; bring on them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. 17:19 Thus said Yahweh to me: Go, and stand in the gate of the children of the people, through which the kings of Judah come in, and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; 17:20 and tell them, Hear you the word of Yahweh, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: 17:21 Thus says Yahweh, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; 17:22 neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day holy, neither do any work: but make the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. 17:23 But they didn't listen, neither turn their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction. 17:24 It shall happen, if you diligently listen to me, says Yahweh, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to make the Sabbath day holy, to do no work therein; 17:25 then shall there enter in by the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city shall remain forever. 17:26 They shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places around Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowland, and from the hill country, and from the South, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meal offerings, and frankincense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving, to the house of Yahweh. 17:27 But if you will not listen to me to make the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden and enter in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

17:1 The sin of Judah is written with an iron pen, and with a diamond point: it is carved on the tablet of their hearts, and on the horns of your altars; 17:2 while their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees on the high hills. 17:3 My mountain in the field, I will give your property and all your treasures for a spoils, and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders. 17:4 You, even by your own choice, will lose the inheritance that I gave you; and I will make you serve your enemies in a land you don't know: for you have ignited a fire in my anger that will burn forever. 17:5 Thus says Yahweh: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes mere flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from Yahweh. 17:6 For he will be like a shrub in the desert, and will not see when good comes, but will dwell in dry places in the wilderness, a salt land and uninhabited. 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose trust is Yahweh. 17:8 For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, spreading out its roots by the river, and will not fear when the heat comes, but its leaves will be green; and will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to bear fruit. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is incredibly corrupt: who can understand it? 17:10 I, Yahweh, search the mind, I test the heart, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his actions. 17:11 Like a partridge that sits on eggs she hasn't laid, so is he who gains riches unjustly; in the middle of his days, they will leave him, and at his end, he will be a fool. 17:12 A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. 17:13 Yahweh, the hope of Israel, all who abandon you will be disappointed. Those who turn away from me will be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Yahweh, the spring of living waters. 17:14 Heal me, O Yahweh, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved: for you are my praise. 17:15 Look, they say to me, Where is the word of Yahweh? let it come now. 17:16 As for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd after you; nor have I desired the day of doom; you know: that which came out of my lips was before your face. 17:17 Don’t be a terror to me: you are my refuge in the day of trouble. 17:18 Let them be disappointed who pursue me, but let me not be disappointed; let them be dismayed, but don’t let me be dismayed; bring upon them the day of trouble, and destroy them with double destruction. 17:19 Thus said Yahweh to me: Go, and stand in the gate of the people’s children, through which the kings of Judah come in, and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; 17:20 and tell them, Listen to the word of Yahweh, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter through these gates: 17:21 Thus says Yahweh, Be careful for yourselves, and do not carry a load on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in through the gates of Jerusalem; 17:22 neither carry out a burden from your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work: but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your ancestors. 17:23 But they didn’t listen, nor turn their ear, but made their neck stiff, so that they wouldn’t hear, and wouldn’t receive instruction. 17:24 It will happen, if you listen carefully to me, says Yahweh, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to keep the Sabbath day holy, doing no work therein; 17:25 then kings and princes will enter through the gates of this city, sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city will remain forever. 17:26 They will come from the cities of Judah, and from the places around Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowland, and from the hill country, and from the South, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meal offerings, and frankincense, and bringing thanksgiving sacrifices to the house of Yahweh. 17:27 But if you will not listen to me to keep the Sabbath day holy, and not to carry a burden and enter through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; then I will set a fire in its gates, and it will consume the palaces of Jerusalem, and it will not be extinguished.

18:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 18:2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear my words. 18:3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was making a work on the wheels. 18:4 When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 18:5 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 18:6 House of Israel, can't I do with you as this potter? says Yahweh. Behold, as the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it; 18:8 if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them. 18:9 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 18:10 if they do that which is evil in my sight, that they not obey my voice, then I will repent of the good, with which I said I would benefit them. 18:11 Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return you now everyone from his evil way, and amend your ways and your doings. 18:12 But they say, It is in vain; for we will walk after our own devices, and we will do everyone after the stubbornness of his evil heart. 18:13 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Ask you now among the nations, who has heard such things; the virgin of Israel has done a very horrible thing. 18:14 Shall the snow of Lebanon fail from the rock of the field? or shall the cold waters that flow down from afar be dried up? 18:15 For my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to false gods; and they have been made to stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths, to walk in byways, in a way not built up; 18:16 to make their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing; everyone who passes thereby shall be astonished, and shake his head. 18:17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. 18:18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. 18:19 Give heed to me, Yahweh, and listen to the voice of those who contend with me. 18:20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them. 18:21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and give them over to the power of the sword; and let their wives become childless, and widows; and let their men be slain of death, and their young men struck of the sword in battle. 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when you shall bring a troop suddenly on them; for they have dug a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet. 18:23 Yet, Yahweh, you know all their counsel against me to kill me; don't forgive their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from your sight; but let them be overthrown before you; deal you with them in the time of your anger.

18:1 The message that came to Jeremiah from God was this: 18:2 "Get up and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." 18:3 So, I went down to the potter's house, and look, he was working on the wheel. 18:4 When the clay vessel he was making got messed up in his hands, he shaped it into another vessel, as it seemed right to the potter to make. 18:5 Then the word of God came to me, saying, 18:6 "House of Israel, can’t I do with you what this potter does?" says God. "Look, as the clay in the potter's hands, so are you in my hands, house of Israel." 18:7 At any moment I may speak about a nation, or a kingdom, to uproot, tear down, and destroy it; 18:8 but if that nation, which I spoke about, turns from its evil ways, I will change my mind about the harm I planned to do to them. 18:9 At any moment I may speak about a nation, or a kingdom, to build and plant it; 18:10 but if it does what is evil in my sight and does not listen to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good I intended to do for them. 18:11 So, now speak to the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, saying, "This is what God says: Look, I am planning disaster against you, and devising punishment against you; everyone should turn from their evil ways and change their actions." 18:12 But they said, "It's useless; we will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of our evil hearts." 18:13 Therefore, this is what God says: "Ask among the nations, who has heard such things? The virgin of Israel has done a shocking thing." 18:14 Is the snow from Lebanon gone from the rocky hillside? Or can the cold waters that flow down from afar be dried up? 18:15 For my people have forgotten me; they have burned incense to false gods; and they have stumbled in their paths, in the ancient ways, walking in byways that are not built up; 18:16 making their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing; everyone who passes by will be astonished and shake his head. 18:17 I will scatter them like the east wind before the enemy; I will show them my back, not my face, on the day of their disaster. 18:18 Then they said, "Come, let’s come up with plans against Jeremiah; for the law will not be lost from the priests, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us attack him with our words, and pay no attention to any of his words." 18:19 "Listen to me, God, and hear the voice of those who argue with me. 18:20 Should evil be repaid with good? They have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your anger from them. 18:21 Therefore, hand their children over to famine, and deliver them to the power of the sword; and let their wives become childless and widows; and let their men die from disease, and let their young men be killed by the sword in battle. 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their homes when you bring an army suddenly against them; for they have dug a pit to trap me and hidden snares for my feet. 18:23 Yet, God, you know all their plans against me to take my life; don’t forgive their sin, nor erase their wrongdoing from your sight; but let them be overthrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger.

19:1 Thus said Yahweh, Go, and buy a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests; 19:2 and go forth to the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the gate Harsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you; 19:3 and say, Hear you the word of Yahweh, kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, which whoever hears, his ears shall tingle. 19:4 Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it to other gods, that they didn't know, they and their fathers and the kings of Judah; and have filled this place with the blood of innocents, 19:5 and have built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons in the fire for burnt offerings to Baal; which I didn't command, nor spoke it, neither came it into my mind: 19:6 therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that this place shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter. 19:7 I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hand of those who seek their life: and their dead bodies will I give to be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth. 19:8 I will make this city an astonishment, and a hissing; everyone who passes thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all its plagues. 19:9 I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters; and they shall eat everyone the flesh of his friend, in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies, and those who seek their life, shall distress them. 19:10 Then you shall break the bottle in the sight of the men who go with you, 19:11 and shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, that can't be made whole again; and they shall bury in Topheth, until there be no place to bury. 19:12 Thus will I do to this place, says Yahweh, and to its inhabitants, even making this city as Topheth: 19:13 and the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are defiled, shall be as the place of Topheth, even all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the army of the sky, and have poured out drink offerings to other gods. 19:14 Then came Jeremiah from Topheth, where Yahweh had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of Yahweh's house, and said to all the people: 19:15 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring on this city and on all its towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it; because they have made their neck stiff, that they may not hear my words.

19:1 Then the Lord said, Go and buy a clay pot, and take some of the elders of the people and the priests; 19:2 and go to the valley of the son of Hinnom, near the entrance of the Harsith gate, and there proclaim the words I will tell you; 19:3 and say, Listen to the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look, I am going to bring disaster on this place, and anyone who hears about it, their ears will tingle. 19:4 Because they have abandoned me, made this place unrecognizable, and burned incense to other gods that they and their ancestors and the kings of Judah never knew about; they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent, 19:5 and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal; something I never commanded, nor did I ever think of it: 19:6 therefore, look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of Slaughter. 19:7 I will invalidate the plans of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will let them fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hand of those who seek their life: and I will give their dead bodies to be food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. 19:8 I will make this city a horror and a hissing sound; everyone who passes by will be horrified and hiss because of all its disasters. 19:9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters; they will eat one another's flesh during the siege and in the distress they experience from their enemies, those who seek their lives. 19:10 Then you will break the pot in front of the men who go with you, 19:11 and tell them, This is what the Lord Almighty says: Just like this, I will shatter this people and this city, in the same way one breaks a potter's vessel that can't be put back together again; and they will bury in Topheth until there’s no more room to bury. 19:12 This is what I will do to this place, says the Lord, and to its inhabitants, making this city like Topheth: 19:13 and the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are defiled, will become like Topheth, all the houses where they have burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods. 19:14 Then Jeremiah came back from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the Lord's house and said to all the people: 19:15 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look, I will bring on this city and all its towns all the evil I have pronounced against it, because they have become obstinate and refuse to hear my words.

20:1 Now Pashhur, the son of Immer the priest, who was chief officer in the house of Yahweh, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things. 20:2 Then Pashhur struck Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the upper gate of Benjamin, which was in the house of Yahweh. 20:3 It happened on the next day, that Pashhur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah to him, Yahweh has not called your name Pashhur, but Magormissabib. 20:4 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself, and to all your friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it; and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall kill them with the sword. 20:5 Moreover I will give all the riches of this city, and all its gains, and all the precious things of it, yes, all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies; and they shall make them a prey, and take them, and carry them to Babylon. 20:6 You, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house shall go into captivity; and you shall come to Babylon, and there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you, and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely. 20:7 Yahweh, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded; you are stronger than I, and have prevailed: I am become a laughing-stock all the day, every one mocks me. 20:8 For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, Violence and destruction! because the word of Yahweh is made a reproach to me, and a derision, all the day. 20:9 If I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I can't contain. 20:10 For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. 20:11 But Yahweh is with me as an awesome mighty one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly disappointed, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten. 20:12 But, Yahweh of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them; for to you have I revealed my cause. 20:13 Sing to Yahweh, praise you Yahweh; for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil-doers. 20:14 Cursed be the day in which I was born: don't let the day in which my mother bore me be blessed. 20:15 Cursed be the man who brought news to my father, saying, A boy is born to you; making him very glad. 20:16 Let that man be as the cities which Yahweh overthrew, and didn't repent: and let him hear a cry in the morning, and shouting at noontime; 20:17 because he didn't kill me from the womb; and so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb always great. 20:18 Why came I forth out of the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

20:1 Now Pashhur, son of Immer the priest, who was the chief officer in the house of Yahweh, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things. 20:2 Then Pashhur struck Jeremiah the prophet and placed him in the stocks at the upper gate of Benjamin, which was in the house of Yahweh. 20:3 The next day, Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks. Jeremiah then said to him, "Yahweh has not called you Pashhur, but Magormissabib." 20:4 For this is what Yahweh says: "Look, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; they will fall by the sword of their enemies, and you will see it with your own eyes. I will hand all of Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will take them captive to Babylon and kill them with the sword." 20:5 Moreover, I will give all the riches of this city, its profits, and all its valuable things; yes, all the treasures of the kings of Judah will be given into the hands of their enemies, and they will plunder them and take them to Babylon. 20:6 You, Pashhur, and everyone living in your house will go into captivity; you will come to Babylon, where you will die and be buried, you and all your friends who have falsely prophesied. 20:7 Yahweh, you have convinced me, and I was convinced; you are stronger than I, and you have won: I have become a joke all day long, and everyone mocks me. 20:8 For whenever I speak, I cry out; I shout, "Violence and destruction!" because the word of Yahweh has become a reproach to me and a ridicule all day long. 20:9 If I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," then there is in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in, and I can't contain. 20:10 For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side. "Denounce him!" say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall; perhaps he will be persuaded, and we will overcome him, and we will take our revenge on him. 20:11 But Yahweh is with me like a mighty warrior: therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail; they will be utterly disappointed, for they have not acted wisely, receiving an everlasting dishonor that will never be forgotten. 20:12 But, Yahweh of Armies, who tests the righteous and sees the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them; for I have revealed my cause to you. 20:13 Sing to Yahweh, praise Yahweh; for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil-doers. 20:14 Cursed be the day I was born: do not let the day my mother bore me be blessed. 20:15 Cursed be the man who brought news to my father, saying, "A boy is born to you," making him very happy. 20:16 Let that man be like the cities that Yahweh overthrew and did not repent: let him hear a cry in the morning and shouting at noon; 20:17 because he did not kill me in the womb; then my mother would have been my grave, and her womb always full. 20:18 Why did I even come out of the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

21:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when king Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying, 21:2 Please inquire of Yahweh for us; for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us: peradventure Yahweh will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us. 21:3 Then said Jeremiah to them, You shall tell Zedekiah: 21:4 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans who besiege you, without the walls; and I will gather them into the midst of this city. 21:5 I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation. 21:6 I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both man and animal: they shall die of a great pestilence. 21:7 Afterward, says Yahweh, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, even such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life: and he shall strike them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy. 21:8 To this people you shall say, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. 21:9 He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he who goes out, and passes over to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be to him for a prey. 21:10 For I have set my face on this city for evil, and not for good, says Yahweh: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. 21:11 Touching the house of the king of Judah, hear you the word of Yahweh: 21:12 House of David, thus says Yahweh, Execute justice in the morning, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 21:13 Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, and of the rock of the plain, says Yahweh; you that say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? 21:14 I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, says Yahweh; and I will kindle a fire in her forest, and it shall devour all that is around her.

21:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, when king Zedekiah sent Pashhur son of Malchijah and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest to him, saying, 21:2 Please ask the Lord for us; for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us: perhaps the Lord will act towards us according to all his marvelous deeds, so that he may depart from us. 21:3 Then Jeremiah said to them, You shall tell Zedekiah: 21:4 Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans who besiege you, outside the walls; and I will gather them into the midst of this city. 21:5 I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a strong arm, in anger, and wrath, and great indignation. 21:6 I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both human and animal: they shall die of a great plague. 21:7 Afterward, says the Lord, I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, and his officials, and the people, even those who are left in this city from the plague, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hands of their enemies, and into the hands of those who seek their life: and he shall strike them down with the sword; he shall not spare them, nor show pity, or mercy. 21:8 To this people you shall say, Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the choice of life and the choice of death. 21:9 Whoever remains in this city shall die by the sword, and by famine, and by plague; but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be like a prize. 21:10 For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, says the Lord: it will be handed over to the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. 21:11 Concerning the house of the king of Judah, hear the word of the Lord: 21:12 House of David, thus says the Lord, Administer justice in the morning, and rescue the one who has been robbed from the hand of the oppressor, lest my anger burn like fire, and consume so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your actions. 21:13 Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, and of the rocky plain, says the Lord; you who say, Who will come down against us? or who will enter our homes? 21:14 I will punish you according to the consequences of your actions, says the Lord; and I will ignite a fire in her forest, and it will consume all that is around her.

22:1 Thus said Yahweh: Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word, 22:2 Say, Hear the word of Yahweh, king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people who enter in by these gates. 22:3 Thus says Yahweh: Execute you justice and righteousness, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence, to the foreigner, the fatherless, nor the widow; neither shed innocent blood in this place. 22:4 For if you do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people. 22:5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by myself, says Yahweh, that this house shall become a desolation. 22:6 For thus says Yahweh concerning the house of the king of Judah: You are Gilead to me, and the head of Lebanon; yet surely I will make you a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited. 22:7 I will prepare destroyers against you, everyone with his weapons; and they shall cut down your choice cedars, and cast them into the fire. 22:8 Many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbor, Why has Yahweh done thus to this great city? 22:9 Then they shall answer, Because they forsook the covenant of Yahweh their God, and worshiped other gods, and served them. 22:10 Don't you weep for the dead, neither bemoan him; but weep sore for him who goes away; for he shall return no more, nor see his native country. 22:11 For thus says Yahweh touching Shallum the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who reigned instead of Josiah his father, and who went forth out of this place: He shall not return there any more. 22:12 But in the place where they have led him captive, there shall he die, and he shall see this land no more. 22:13 Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by injustice; who uses his neighbor's service without wages, and doesn't give him his hire; 22:14 who says, I will build me a wide house and spacious chambers, and cuts him out windows; and it is ceiling with cedar, and painted with vermilion. 22:15 Shall you reign, because you strive to excel in cedar? Didn't your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him. 22:16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Wasn't this to know me? says Yahweh. 22:17 But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for shedding innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. 22:18 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! They shall not lament for him, saying Ah lord! or, Ah his glory! 22:19 He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. 22:20 Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up your voice in Bashan, and cry from Abarim; for all your lovers are destroyed. 22:21 I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear. This has been your manner from your youth, that you didn't obey my voice. 22:22 The wind shall feed all your shepherds, and your lovers shall go into captivity: surely then you will be ashamed and confounded for all your wickedness. 22:23 Inhabitant of Lebanon, who makes your nest in the cedars, how greatly to be pitied you will be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a woman in travail! 22:24 As I live, says Yahweh, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet on my right hand, yet would I pluck you there; 22:25 and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of them of whom you are afraid, even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. 22:26 I will cast you out, and your mother who bore you, into another country, where you were not born; and there you will die. 22:27 But to the land whereunto their soul longs to return, there shall they not return. 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken vessel? is he a vessel in which none delights? why are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into the land which they don't know? 22:29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of Yahweh. 22:30 Thus says Yahweh, Write you this man childless, a man who shall not prosper in his days; for no more shall a man of his seed prosper, sitting on the throne of David, and ruling in Judah.

22:1 This is what the Lord says: Go to the house of the king of Judah and deliver this message there, 22:2 Say, Listen to the word of the Lord, king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, your servants, and your people who enter through these gates. 22:3 This is what the Lord says: Administer justice and righteousness, and rescue those who are being robbed from the hands of their oppressors. Do not mistreat or be violent toward the foreigner, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 22:4 For if you truly do this, then kings will enter through the gates of this house, sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, along with their servants and people. 22:5 But if you do not listen to these words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, that this house will become a wasteland. 22:6 For this is what the Lord says about the house of the king of Judah: You are like Gilead to me, and the summit of Lebanon; yet I will make you a desert, and cities that are uninhabited. 22:7 I will prepare destroyers against you, each with their weapons; and they will cut down your choice cedars and throw them into the fire. 22:8 Many nations will pass by this city, and they will ask one another, Why has the Lord done this to such a great city? 22:9 They will answer, Because they abandoned the covenant of the Lord their God and worshiped other gods, serving them. 22:10 Do not weep for the dead, nor mourn for him; weep instead for him who goes away, for he will not return, nor see his native land again. 22:11 For this is what the Lord says about Shallum the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who reigned in place of his father Josiah, and who went out of this place: He will not return there again. 22:12 He will die in the place where they have taken him captive, and he will never see this land again. 22:13 Woe to him who builds his house through unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbor work for nothing and does not pay him his wages; 22:14 who says, I will build myself a large house with spacious upper rooms, and cuts windows for it, paneled with cedar and painted red. 22:15 Will you reign because you have a strong desire for cedar? Didn't your father eat and drink and do what is right and just? Then it went well for him. 22:16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Wasn't this knowing me? says the Lord. 22:17 But your eyes and your heart are only focused on your greed, shedding innocent blood, and oppression, and violence, to do it. 22:18 Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah: They will not mourn for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! They will not lament for him, saying Ah Lord! or, Ah his glory! 22:19 He will be buried like a donkey, dragged and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. 22:20 Go up to Lebanon and cry; lift up your voice in Bashan, and cry from Abarim; for all your allies are destroyed. 22:21 I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not listen. This has been your pattern from your youth; you have not obeyed my voice. 22:22 The wind will feed all your shepherds, and your allies will go into captivity; then you will be ashamed and embarrassed for all your wickedness. 22:23 Inhabitant of Lebanon, who nests in the cedars, how greatly you will be pitied when anguish comes upon you, the pain of a woman in labor! 22:24 As I live, says the Lord, even if Coniah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were my signet ring on my right hand, I would still pull you off; 22:25 and I will hand you over to those who seek your life, and to those you fear, even to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans. 22:26 I will throw you and your mother who bore you into another country where you were not born, and there you will die. 22:27 But to the land they long to return to, they will not return. 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken pot, a vessel in which no one delights? Why are he and his descendants thrown out into a land they do not know? 22:29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. 22:30 This is what the Lord says: Write this man down as childless, a man who will not succeed in his lifetime; for no man from his offspring will prosper, sitting on the throne of David and ruling in Judah.

23:1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says Yahweh. 23:2 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who feed my people: You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings, says Yahweh. 23:3 I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 23:4 I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, says Yahweh. 23:5 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name by which he shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness. 23:7 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that they shall no more say, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 23:8 but, As Yahweh lives, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all the countries where I had driven them. They shall dwell in their own land. 23:9 Concerning the prophets. My heart within me is broken, all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine has overcome, because of Yahweh, and because of his holy words. 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right; 23:11 for both prophet and priest are profane; yes, in my house have I found their wickedness, says Yahweh. 23:12 Therefore their way shall be to them as slippery places in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring evil on them, even the year of their visitation, says Yahweh. 23:13 I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. 23:14 In the prophets of Jerusalem also I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies; and they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, so that none does return from his wickedness: they are all of them become to me as Sodom, and its inhabitants as Gomorrah. 23:15 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem is ungodliness gone forth into all the land. 23:16 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Don't listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Yahweh. 23:17 They say continually to those who despise me, Yahweh has said, You shall have peace; and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart they say, No evil shall come on you. 23:18 For who has stood in the council of Yahweh, that he should perceive and hear his word? who has marked my word, and heard it? 23:19 Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is gone forth, yes, a whirling storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked. 23:20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall understand it perfectly. 23:21 I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I didn't speak to them, yet they prophesied. 23:22 But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. 23:23 Am I a God at hand, says Yahweh, and not a God afar off? 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places so that I shall not see him? says Yahweh. Don't I fill heaven and earth? says Yahweh. 23:25 I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 23:26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart? 23:27 who think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers forgot my name for Baal. 23:28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? says Yahweh. 23:29 Isn't my word like fire? says Yahweh; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? 23:30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who steal my words everyone from his neighbor. 23:31 Behold, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who use their tongues, and say, He says. 23:32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says Yahweh, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I didn't send them, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, says Yahweh. 23:33 When this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask you, saying, What is the burden of Yahweh? then you shall tell them, What burden! I will cast you off, says Yahweh. 23:34 As for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, who shall say, The burden of Yahweh, I will even punish that man and his house. 23:35 You shall say everyone to his neighbor, and everyone to his brother, What has Yahweh answered? and, What has Yahweh spoken? 23:36 You shall mention the burden of Yahweh no more: for every man's own word shall be his burden; for you have perverted the words of the living God, of Yahweh of Armies our God. 23:37 You shall say to the prophet, What has Yahweh answered you? and, What has Yahweh spoken? 23:38 But if you say, The burden of Yahweh; therefore thus says Yahweh: Because you say this word, The burden of Yahweh, and I have sent to you, saying, You shall not say, The burden of Yahweh; 23:39 therefore, behold, I will utterly forget you, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave to you and to your fathers, away from my presence: 23:40 and I will bring an everlasting reproach on you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

23:1 How terrible it is for the leaders who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says Yahweh. 23:2 So, this is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says about the leaders who take care of my people: You have scattered my flock, pushed them away, and have not cared for them; look, I will bring the consequences of your actions upon you, says Yahweh. 23:3 I will gather the remnant of my flock from all the countries where I have scattered them, and I will bring them back to their pastures; they will be fruitful and multiply. 23:4 I will appoint leaders over them who will feed them; and they will no longer fear or be troubled, and none shall be missing, says Yahweh. 23:5 Look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when I will raise up a righteous Branch for David, and he will rule as king and act wisely, and he will bring justice and righteousness to the land. 23:6 In his days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will live securely; and this is the name by which he will be called: Yahweh our righteousness. 23:7 Therefore, look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when they will no longer say, As Yahweh lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 23:8 but, As Yahweh lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the northern country and from all the countries where I had scattered them. They will dwell in their own land. 23:9 About the prophets: My heart is broken within me, all my bones tremble; I am like a drunk man, like someone overpowered by wine, because of Yahweh, and because of his holy words. 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; the land mourns due to swearing; the pastures in the wilderness are dried up. Their path is evil, and their strength is not right; 23:11 for both prophet and priest are profane; indeed, I have found their wickedness in my house, says Yahweh. 23:12 Therefore, their path shall be like slippery places in darkness: they shall be driven and fall therein; for I will bring disaster upon them, even the year of their reckoning, says Yahweh. 23:13 I have seen foolishness in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray. 23:14 In the prophets of Jerusalem, I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns back from their wickedness: they have all become to me like Sodom, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah. 23:15 Therefore, this is what Yahweh of Hosts says about the prophets: Look, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the poison of gall; for ungodliness has spread from the prophets of Jerusalem into all the land. 23:16 This is what Yahweh of Hosts says: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you: they are teaching you worthless things; they speak from the visions of their own hearts, not from the mouth of Yahweh. 23:17 They continually say to those who despise me, Yahweh has said, You will have peace; and to everyone who follows the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, No harm will come to you. 23:18 For who has been in the council of Yahweh, that he should perceive and hear his word? Who has marked my word and heard it? 23:19 Look, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is coming, yes, a swirling storm: it will fall upon the head of the wicked. 23:20 The anger of Yahweh will not return until he has accomplished and fulfilled the purposes of his heart: in the last days, you will understand it completely. 23:21 I did not send these prophets, yet they ran; I didn’t speak to them, yet they prophesied. 23:22 But if they had stood in my council, they would have caused my people to hear my words and turned them from their evil ways and from the evil of their actions. 23:23 Am I a God who is near, says Yahweh, and not a God who is far away? 23:24 Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? says Yahweh. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says Yahweh. 23:25 I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 23:26 How long will this be in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own hearts? 23:27 Who think they can make my people forget my name through their dreams which they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. 23:28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; and whoever has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is straw compared to wheat? says Yahweh. 23:29 Isn't my word like fire? says Yahweh; and like a hammer that breaks rocks to pieces? 23:30 Therefore, look, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who steal my words from every neighbor. 23:31 Look, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who use their tongues and claim, He says. 23:32 Look, I am against those who prophesy false dreams, says Yahweh, and tell them, leading my people astray through their lies and empty boasting: yet I didn’t send them, nor did I command them; they do not benefit this people at all, says Yahweh. 23:33 When this people, or the prophet, or a priest, asks you, saying, What is Yahweh’s burden? then you shall tell them, What burden! I will cast you away, says Yahweh. 23:34 As for the prophet, the priest, or the people who say, The burden of Yahweh, I will punish that man and his household. 23:35 You shall speak to each other, and to your brothers, What has Yahweh answered? and, What has Yahweh said? 23:36 You shall mention the burden of Yahweh no more: for every person's own word shall be his burden; for you have distorted the words of the living God, of Yahweh of Hosts our God. 23:37 You shall ask the prophet, What has Yahweh answered you? and, What has Yahweh said? 23:38 But if you say, The burden of Yahweh; therefore, this is what Yahweh says: Because you say this word, The burden of Yahweh, and I have sent to you, saying, You shall not say, The burden of Yahweh; 23:39 therefore, look, I will completely forget you, and I will cast you away, and the city I gave to you and your ancestors, from my presence: 23:40 and I will bring everlasting disgrace upon you, and perpetual shame that will not be forgotten.

24:1 Yahweh showed me, and behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of Yahweh, after that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. 24:2 One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first-ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad. 24:3 Then said Yahweh to me, What see you, Jeremiah? I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, that can't be eaten, they are so bad. 24:4 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:5 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so will I regard the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for good. 24:6 For I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. 24:7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Yahweh: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return to me with their whole heart. 24:8 As the bad figs, which can't be eaten, they are so bad, surely thus says Yahweh, So will I give up Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, who remain in this land, and those who dwell in the land of Egypt, 24:9 I will even give them up to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth for evil; to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them. 24:10 I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, until they be consumed from off the land that I gave to them and to their fathers.

24:1 The Lord showed me two baskets of figs set in front of the Lord's temple, after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken captive Jeconiah, the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, along with the princes of Judah, the craftsmen, and the metalworkers from Jerusalem to Babylon. 24:2 One basket had very good figs, like the first ripe figs; the other basket had very bad figs that couldn't be eaten because they were so rotten. 24:3 Then the Lord asked me, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I answered, "Figs; the good figs are very good, and the bad figs are very bad; they can't be eaten because they are so rotten." 24:4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24:5 "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Just as these good figs are, so I will look after the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for good. 24:6 I will pay attention to them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. 24:7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord; they will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with their whole heart. 24:8 As for the bad figs that can't be eaten because they are so rotten, this is what the Lord says: I will give up Zedekiah, king of Judah, his princes, and the remnant of Jerusalem who remain in this land, as well as those who dwell in the land of Egypt. 24:9 I will even hand them over to be tossed around among all the kingdoms of the earth for their harm; they will become a disgrace, a proverb, a taunt, and a curse in all the places where I will drive them. 24:10 I will send the sword, famine, and pestilence among them until they are completely wiped out from the land that I gave to them and their ancestors.

25:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), 25:2 which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying: 25:3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years, the word of Yahweh has come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; but you have not listened. 25:4 Yahweh has sent to you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but you have not listened, nor inclined your ear to hear), 25:5 saying, Return you now everyone from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that Yahweh has given to you and to your fathers, from of old and even forevermore; 25:6 and don't go after other gods to serve them or worship them, and don't provoke me to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no harm. 25:7 Yet you have not listened to me, says Yahweh; that you may provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own hurt. 25:8 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies: Because you have not heard my words, 25:9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, says Yahweh, and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against its inhabitants, and against all these nations around; and I will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 25:10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. 25:11 This whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 25:12 It shall happen, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, says Yahweh, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it desolate forever. 25:13 I will bring on that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. 25:14 For many nations and great kings shall make bondservants of them, even of them; and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the work of their hands. 25:15 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to me: take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it. 25:16 They shall drink, and reel back and forth, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them. 25:17 Then took I the cup at Yahweh's hand, and made all the nations to drink, to whom Yahweh had sent me: 25:18 to wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and its kings, and its princes, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, a hissing, and a curse, as it is this day; 25:19 Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people; 25:20 and all the mixed people, and all the kings of the land of the Uz, and all the kings of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Gaza, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod; 25:21 Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon; 25:22 and all the kings of Tyre, and all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the isle which is beyond the sea; 25:23 Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all who have the corners of their hair cut off; 25:24 and all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed people who dwell in the wilderness; 25:25 and all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes; 25:26 and all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another; and all the kingdoms of the world, which are on the surface of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them. 25:27 You shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Drink you, and be drunken, and spew, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you. 25:28 It shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at your hand to drink, then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: You shall surely drink. 25:29 For, behold, I begin to work evil at the city which is called by my name; and should you be utterly unpunished? You shall not be unpunished; for I will call for a sword on all the inhabitants of the earth, says Yahweh of Armies. 25:30 Therefore prophesy you against them all these words, and tell them, Yahweh will roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he will mightily roar against his fold; he will give a shout, as those who tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 25:31 A noise shall come even to the end of the earth; for Yahweh has a controversy with the nations; he will enter into judgment with all flesh: as for the wicked, he will give them to the sword, says Yahweh. 25:32 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great storm shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. 25:33 The slain of Yahweh shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung on the surface of the ground. 25:34 Wail, you shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, you principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and you shall fall like a goodly vessel. 25:35 The shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. 25:36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the principal of the flock! for Yahweh lays waste their pasture. 25:37 The peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce anger of Yahweh. 25:38 He has left his covert, as the lion; for their land is become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing sword, and because of his fierce anger.

25:1 The message that came to Jeremiah regarding all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah (this was also the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), 25:2 which Jeremiah the prophet proclaimed to all the people of Judah and to all the residents of Jerusalem, saying: 25:3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah, up until this day, for these twenty-three years, the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken to you, getting up early to speak; but you have not listened. 25:4 The Lord has sent all his servants, the prophets, to you, getting up early and sending them, (but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear), 25:5 saying, “Return, everyone from your evil ways and from your evil actions, and live in the land that the Lord gave to you and your ancestors, long ago and forever; 25:6 and don’t pursue other gods to serve or worship them, and don’t provoke me to anger with what you do; then I won’t bring harm upon you.” 25:7 Yet you have not listened to me, says the Lord; you have provoked me to anger with what you do, to your own detriment. 25:8 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Hosts says: Because you have not listened to my words, 25:9 behold, I will send and gather all the families of the north, says the Lord, and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, its inhabitants, and all these surrounding nations; and I will completely destroy them, turning them into a horror, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 25:10 Moreover, I will take away from them the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voices of the bridegroom and bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. 25:11 This entire land will be a desolation and a horror; these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. 25:12 It will happen that when seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, says the Lord, for their wrongdoing, and for the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it desolate forever. 25:13 I will bring upon that land all my words that I have spoken against it, everything that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. 25:14 For many nations and great kings will enslave them; and I will repay them according to their deeds, and according to the work of their hands. 25:15 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: take this cup of the wine of wrath from my hand, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 25:16 They will drink, stagger back and forth, and be crazed, because of the sword that I will send among them. 25:17 Then I took the cup from the Lord’s hand and made all the nations drink it, to whom the Lord had sent me: 25:18 namely, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and its kings, and its princes, to make them a desolation, a horror, a hissing, and a curse, as it is today; 25:19 Pharaoh, king of Egypt, his servants, his princes, and all his people; 25:20 and all the mixed people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the Philistines, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnants of Ashdod; 25:21 Edom, Moab, and the children of Ammon; 25:22 and all the kings of Tyre, and all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the island that is beyond the sea; 25:23 Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; 25:24 and all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed peoples who live in the wilderness; 25:25 and all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes; 25:26 and all the kings of the north, far and near, one after another; and all the kingdoms of the world that are on the surface of the earth: and the king of Sheshach will drink after them. 25:27 You shall tell them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel: Drink, be drunk, vomit, fall, and rise no more, because of the sword that I will send among you. 25:28 It will be, if they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts: You will definitely drink. 25:29 For behold, I begin to work evil at the city which is called by my name; and should you be completely unpunished? You shall not be unpunished; for I will call for a sword on all the inhabitants of the earth, says the Lord of Hosts. 25:30 Therefore, prophesy all these words against them, and tell them, The Lord will roar from on high, and make his voice heard from his holy dwelling; he will roar mightily against his pasture; he will shout, like those who tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 25:31 A noise will come even to the end of the earth; for the Lord has a legal case against the nations; he will enter into judgment with all flesh: as for the wicked, he will hand them over to the sword, says the Lord. 25:32 Thus says the Lord of Hosts, Behold, evil will go forth from nation to nation, and a great storm will rise from the farthest parts of the earth. 25:33 The slain of the Lord will be on that day from one end of the earth to the other: they will not be lamented, nor gathered, nor buried; they will be like dung on the surface of the ground. 25:34 Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; and roll in ashes, you leaders of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and dispersions have fully come, and you will fall like a precious vessel. 25:35 The shepherds will have no way to escape, nor will the leaders of the flock find refuge. 25:36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the leaders of the flock! for the Lord is desolating their pasture. 25:37 The peaceful folds have been silenced because of the fierce anger of the Lord. 25:38 He has left his hiding place like a lion; for their land has become a horror because of the threat of the oppressive sword, and because of his fierce anger.

26:1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, came this word from Yahweh, saying, 26:2 Thus says Yahweh: Stand in the court of Yahweh's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in Yahweh's house, all the words that I command you to speak to them; don't diminish a word. 26:3 It may be they will listen, and turn every man from his evil way; that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do to them because of the evil of their doings. 26:4 You shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you, 26:5 to listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send to you, even rising up early and sending them, but you have not listened; 26:6 then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth. 26:7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of Yahweh. 26:8 It happened, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that Yahweh had commanded him to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold on him, saying, You shall surely die. 26:9 Why have you prophesied in the name of Yahweh, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant? All the people were gathered to Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh. 26:10 When the princes of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of Yahweh; and they sat in the entry of the new gate of Yahweh's house. 26:11 Then spoke the priests and the prophets to the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy of death; for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your ears. 26:12 Then spoke Jeremiah to all the princes and to all the people, saying, Yahweh sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. 26:13 Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Yahweh your God; and Yahweh will repent him of the evil that he has pronounced against you. 26:14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as is good and right in your eyes. 26:15 Only know for certain that, if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city, and on its inhabitants; for of a truth Yahweh has sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears. 26:16 Then said the princes and all the people to the priests and to the prophets: This man is not worthy of death; for he has spoken to us in the name of Yahweh our God. 26:17 Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spoke to all the assembly of the people, saying, 26:18 Micah the Morashtite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. 26:19 Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him to death? Didn't he fear Yahweh, and entreat the favor of Yahweh, and Yahweh relented of the disaster which he had pronounced against them? Thus should we commit great evil against our own souls. 26:20 There was also a man who prophesied in the name of Yahweh, Uriah the son of Shemaiah of Kiriath Jearim; and he prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah: 26:21 and when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Uriah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt: 26:22 and Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him, into Egypt; 26:23 and they fetched forth Uriah out of Egypt, and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. 26:24 But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

26:1 At the start of King Jehoiakim's reign, son of Josiah, king of Judah, this message from Yahweh came, saying, 26:2 "This is what Yahweh says: Stand in the court of Yahweh's house and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in Yahweh's house, all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not leave out a single word. 26:3 Perhaps they will listen and turn back from their evil ways, so that I may change my mind about the disaster I intend to bring on them because of the evil they have done. 26:4 You are to tell them, 'This is what Yahweh says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law that I have set before you, 26:5 and do not pay attention to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send to you, rising up early and sending them, but you have not listened; 26:6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.' 26:7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of Yahweh. 26:8 When Jeremiah finished speaking all that Yahweh had commanded him to say to all the people, the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him, saying, "You must die." 26:9 "Why have you prophesied in the name of Yahweh, saying, 'This house will be like Shiloh, and this city will be desolate, without inhabitants'?" All the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh. 26:10 When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's palace to the house of Yahweh and sat at the entrance of the new gate of Yahweh's house. 26:11 Then the priests and the prophets spoke to the officials and all the people, saying, "This man deserves to die because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears." 26:12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, "Yahweh sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words you have heard. 26:13 Now therefore, change your ways and your actions, and obey the voice of Yahweh your God; and Yahweh will change his mind about the disaster he has pronounced against you. 26:14 But as for me, here I am in your hands: do with me what is good and right in your eyes. 26:15 Just know for sure that if you kill me, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, this city, and its inhabitants; for truly, Yahweh has sent me to speak all these words to you." 26:16 Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, "This man is not worthy of death; for he has spoken to us in the name of Yahweh our God." 26:17 Then some of the elders of the land stood up and spoke to all the assembly of the people, saying, 26:18 "Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah; he told all the people of Judah, saying, 'This is what Yahweh of Armies says: Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house like the high places of a forest.' 26:19 Did King Hezekiah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear Yahweh and seek favor from Yahweh, and Yahweh relented from the disaster he had pronounced against them? Thus, we should not commit great evil against our own souls. 26:20 There was also a man who prophesied in the name of Yahweh, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath Jearim; and he prophesied against this city and this land all the words of Jeremiah. 26:21 When King Jehoiakim, with all his mighty men and all the officials, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Uriah heard this, he was afraid and fled to Egypt. 26:22 Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt, specifically Elnathan son of Achbor, and certain men with him, to Egypt; 26:23 and they brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who killed him with a sword and threw his dead body into the graves of the common people. 26:24 But the hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so they did not give him over to the people to be put to death.

27:1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, came this word to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 27:2 Thus says Yahweh to me: Make bonds and bars, and put them on your neck; 27:3 and send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the children of Ammon, and to the king of Tyre, and to the king of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah; 27:4 and give them a command to their masters, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, You shall tell your masters: 27:5 I have made the earth, the men and the animals that are on the surface of the earth, by my great power and by my outstretched arm; and I give it to whom it seems right to me. 27:6 Now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the animals of the field also have I given him to serve him. 27:7 All the nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his own land come: and then many nations and great kings shall make him their bondservant. 27:8 It shall happen, that the nation and the kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, says Yahweh, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand. 27:9 But as for you, don't you listen to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreams, nor to your soothsayers, nor to your sorcerers, who speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the king of Babylon: 27:10 for they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land, and that I should drive you out, and you should perish. 27:11 But the nation that shall bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, that nation will I let remain in their own land, says Yahweh; and they shall till it, and dwell therein. 27:12 I spoke to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live. 27:13 Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 27:14 Don't listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the king of Babylon; for they prophesy a lie to you. 27:15 For I have not sent them, says Yahweh, but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that you may perish, you, and the prophets who prophesy to you. 27:16 Also I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Don't listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, Behold, the vessels of Yahweh's house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon; for they prophesy a lie to you. 27:17 Don't listen to them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: why should this city become a desolation? 27:18 But if they be prophets, and if the word of Yahweh be with them, let them now make intercession to Yahweh of Armies, that the vessels which are left in the house of Yahweh, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, don't go to Babylon. 27:19 For thus says Yahweh of Armies concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that are left in this city, 27:20 which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon didn't take, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem; 27:21 yes, thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of Yahweh, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem: 27:22 They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be, until the day that I visit them, says Yahweh; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

27:1 At the start of Jehoiakim's reign, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this message came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 27:2 "This is what Yahweh says to me: Make bonds and chains, and put them on your neck; 27:3 and send them to the king of Edom, the king of Moab, the king of the Ammonites, the king of Tyre, and the king of Sidon, through the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah, king of Judah; 27:4 and give them a message for their masters, saying, 'This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: You will tell your masters: 27:5 I made the earth and the people and the animals that are on it with my great power and my outstretched arm; I give it to whomever I choose. 27:6 Now I have handed all these lands over to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, my servant; even the wild animals are his to serve him. 27:7 All the nations will serve him, his son, and his grandson, until the time of his own land comes: then many nations and mighty kings will serve him as their bondservant. 27:8 It will happen that any nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and does not put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish, says Yahweh, with the sword, famine, and pestilence, until I have completely destroyed them by his hand. 27:9 But you, do not listen to your prophets, diviners, dreamers, soothsayers, or sorcerers, who say to you, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon.' 27:10 For they prophesy lies to you, trying to remove you far from your land; they want to drive you out, and you will perish. 27:11 But the nation that submits to the yoke of the king of Babylon and serves him, that nation I will allow to stay in their own land, says Yahweh; they will cultivate it and dwell there. 27:12 I spoke to Zedekiah, king of Judah, all these words, saying, "Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, serve him and his people, and live. 27:13 Why would you want to die, you and your people, by the sword, famine, and pestilence, as Yahweh has said about the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 27:14 Don't listen to the words of the prophets who tell you, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon,' for they prophesy lies to you. 27:15 I have not sent them, says Yahweh, but they are prophesying falsely in my name; their purpose is to drive you out, and you will perish, along with the prophets who are prophesying to you. 27:16 I also spoke to the priests and all this people, saying, "Thus says Yahweh: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who are saying to you, 'Look, the vessels of Yahweh's house will soon be brought back from Babylon,' for they are prophesying lies to you. 27:17 Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon, and live. Why should this city become a desolation? 27:18 But if they are true prophets and if the word of Yahweh is with them, let them now intercede with Yahweh of Armies that the vessels remaining in the house of Yahweh, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, are not taken to Babylon. 27:19 For this is what Yahweh of Armies says about the pillars, the sea, the stands, and the rest of the vessels that are left in this city, 27:20 which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, did not take when he carried away Jeconiah, son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem; 27:21 yes, this is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says about the vessels left in the house of Yahweh, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem: 27:22 They will be taken to Babylon, and there they will remain until the day I visit them, says Yahweh; then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.

28:1 It happened the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet, who was of Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of Yahweh, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, 28:2 Thus speaks Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 28:3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of Yahweh's house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried to Babylon: 28:4 and I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, who went to Babylon, says Yahweh; for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. 28:5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people who stood in the house of Yahweh, 28:6 even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: Yahweh do so; Yahweh perform your words which you have prophesied, to bring again the vessels of Yahweh's house, and all them of the captivity, from Babylon to this place. 28:7 Nevertheless hear you now this word that I speak in your ears, and in the ears of all the people: 28:8 The prophets who have been before me and before you of old prophesied against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. 28:9 The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet shall happen, then shall the prophet be known, that Yahweh has truly sent him. 28:10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the bar from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and broke it. 28:11 Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon within two full years from off the neck of all the nations. The prophet Jeremiah went his way. 28:12 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the bar from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 28:13 Go, and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus says Yahweh: You have broken the bars of wood; but you have made in their place bars of iron. 28:14 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the animals of the field also. 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah to Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah: Yahweh has not sent you; but you make this people to trust in a lie. 28:16 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will send you away from off the surface of the earth: this year you shall die, because you have spoken rebellion against Yahweh. 28:17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

28:1 It happened in the same year, at the start of Zedekiah’s reign as king of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, that Hananiah son of Azzur, a prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of Yahweh, in front of the priests and all the people, saying, 28:2 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 28:3 Within two full years, I will bring back to this place all the items from Yahweh’s house that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took from here and carried to Babylon: 28:4 and I will bring back Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, along with all the captives of Judah who went to Babylon, says Yahweh; for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. 28:5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, in the presence of the priests and all the people standing in the house of Yahweh, 28:6 even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: Yahweh do so; may Yahweh fulfill your words that you have prophesied, bringing back the items of Yahweh's house and all the captives from Babylon to this place. 28:7 But listen to this word that I’m speaking to you and to all the people: 28:8 The prophets before me and you prophesied against many countries and great kingdoms, of war, disaster, and pestilence. 28:9 The prophet who claims to prophesy peace, when what he says comes true, then it will be known that Yahweh has truly sent him. 28:10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke bar off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it. 28:11 Hananiah spoke to all the people, saying, This is what Yahweh says: Just like this, I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, off the neck of all the nations within two full years. The prophet Jeremiah went on his way. 28:12 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke bar off his neck, saying, 28:13 Go, and tell Hananiah: This is what Yahweh says: You have broken wooden yokes, but you have made iron yokes in their place. 28:14 For this is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: I have put an iron yoke on the neck of all these nations, so they may serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon; and they will serve him. I have also given him the animals of the field. 28:15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, Listen now, Hananiah: Yahweh has not sent you, but you are causing these people to trust in a lie. 28:16 Therefore, this is what Yahweh says: Look, I will send you away from the surface of the earth; this year you will die, because you have spoken rebellion against Yahweh. 28:17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

29:1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the residue of the elders of the captivity, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon, 29:2 (after that Jeconiah the king, and the queen mother, and the eunuchs, and the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the craftsmen, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem), 29:3 by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), saying, 29:4 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, to all the captivity, whom I have caused to be carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon: 29:5 Build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 29:6 Take wives, and father sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply you there, and don't be diminished. 29:7 Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you shall have peace. 29:8 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Don't let your prophets who are in the midst of you, and your diviners, deceive you; neither listen you to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 29:9 For they prophesy falsely to you in my name: I have not sent them, says Yahweh. 29:10 For thus says Yahweh, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. 29:12 You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 29:13 You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. 29:14 I will be found by you, says Yahweh, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places where I have driven you, says Yahweh; and I will bring you again to the place from where I caused you to be carried away captive. 29:15 Because you have said, Yahweh has raised us up prophets in Babylon; 29:16 thus says Yahweh concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your brothers who haven't gone forth with you into captivity; 29:17 thus says Yahweh of Armies; Behold, I will send on them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that can't be eaten, they are so bad. 29:18 I will pursue after them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, to be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations where I have driven them; 29:19 because they have not listened to my words, says Yahweh, with which I sent to them my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but you would not hear, says Yahweh. 29:20 Hear you therefore the word of Yahweh, all you of the captivity, whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon. 29:21 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall kill them before your eyes; 29:22 and of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captives of Judah who are in Babylon, saying, Yahweh make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire; 29:23 because they have worked folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I didn't command them; and I am he who knows, and am witness, says Yahweh. 29:24 Concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite you shall speak, saying, 29:25 Thus speaks Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people who are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, and to all the priests, saying, 29:26 Yahweh has made you priest in the place of Jehoiada the priest, that there may be officers in the house of Yahweh, for every man who is mad, and makes himself a prophet, that you should put him in the stocks and in shackles. 29:27 Now therefore, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who makes himself a prophet to you, 29:28 because he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, The captivity is long: build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them? 29:29 Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet. 29:30 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah, saying, 29:31 Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus says Yahweh concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, and I didn't send him, and he has caused you to trust in a lie; 29:32 therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed; he shall not have a man to dwell among this people, neither shall he see the good that I will do to my people, says Yahweh, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh.

29:1 Here are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders of the exile, to the priests, to the prophets, and to all the people who Nebuchadnezzar had taken away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon, 29:2 (after Jeconiah the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs, and the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the craftsmen and smiths, had left Jerusalem), 29:3 through Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), saying, 29:4 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I have carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 29:5 Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 29:6 Marry, have children, and find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage so that they too may have children. Increase in number there; do not dwindle away. 29:7 Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile, and pray to Yahweh for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. 29:8 For this is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 29:9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name; I have not sent them, says Yahweh. 29:10 For this is what Yahweh says: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says Yahweh, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 29:14 I will be found by you, says Yahweh, and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, says Yahweh, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile. 29:15 Because you have said, Yahweh has raised up prophets for us in Babylon; 29:16 this is what Yahweh says concerning the king who sits on David's throne and concerning all the people still living in this city, your fellow citizens who did not go with you into exile; 29:17 this is what Yahweh of Armies says: I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them and will make them like poor figs that cannot be eaten because they are so bad. 29:18 I will pursue them with the sword, famine, and plague and will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse and an object of scorn, a ridicule and a reproach among all the nations where I drive them; 29:19 for they have not listened to my words, says Yahweh, that I sent to them by my servants the prophets, who I sent early and often. But you did not listen, says Yahweh. 29:20 Therefore, hear the word of Yahweh, all you exiles whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon. 29:21 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says concerning Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying lies to you in my name: I will hand them over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will put them to death before your very eyes. 29:22 Because of them, all the exiles from Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: May Yahweh treat you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon burned in the fire; 29:23 for they have done outrageous things in Israel; they have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and have spoken lies in my name, which I did not command. I am the one who knows, and I am a witness, says Yahweh. 29:24 Concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite, say this: 29:25 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people in Jerusalem, to Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying, 29:26 Yahweh has made you priest in place of Jehoiada the priest, so that there may be officers in the house of Yahweh for every madman who thinks he's a prophet, you should imprison him in the stocks and in chains. 29:27 Now why have you not rebuked Jeremiah from Anathoth, who has been sending messages to you, 29:28 saying, The exile is long: build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce? 29:29 Zephaniah the priest read this letter to Jeremiah the prophet. 29:30 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah: 29:31 Send this message to all the exiles: This is what Yahweh says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Since Shemaiah has prophesied to you, even though I did not send him, and has caused you to trust in a lie; 29:32 therefore, this is what Yahweh says: I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. He will not have anyone among this people to live, nor will he see the good things I will do for my people, says Yahweh, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh.

30:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 30:2 Thus speaks Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, Write you all the words that I have spoken to you in a book. 30:3 For, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will turn again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, says Yahweh; and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. 30:4 These are the words that Yahweh spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. 30:5 For thus says Yahweh: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 30:6 Ask now, and see whether a man does travail with child: why do I see every man with his hands on his waist, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. 30:8 It shall come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondservant; 30:9 but they shall serve Yahweh their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up to them. 30:10 Therefore don't you be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says Yahweh; neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 30:11 For I am with you, says Yahweh, to save you: for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a full end of you; but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished. 30:12 For thus says Yahweh, Your hurt is incurable, and your wound grievous. 30:13 There is none to plead your cause, that you may be bound up: you have no healing medicines. 30:14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they don't seek you: for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased. 30:15 Why cry you for your hurt? your pain is incurable: for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased, I have done these things to you. 30:16 Therefore all those who devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, everyone of them, shall go into captivity; and those who despoil you shall be a spoil, and all who prey on you will I give for a prey. 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says Yahweh; because they have called you an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no man seeks after. 30:18 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have compassion on his dwelling places; and the city shall be built on its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner. 30:19 Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. 30:20 Their children also shall be as before, and their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them. 30:21 Their prince shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach to me: for who is he who has had boldness to approach to me? says Yahweh. 30:22 You shall be my people, and I will be your God. 30:23 Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is gone forth, a sweeping storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked. 30:24 The fierce anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall understand it.

30:1 The message came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 30:2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Write down all the words I have spoken to you in a book. 30:3 For look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when I will bring back the captives of my people Israel and Judah, says Yahweh; and I will return them to the land I gave to their ancestors, and they will possess it. 30:4 These are the words that Yahweh spoke about Israel and Judah. 30:5 For thus says Yahweh: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 30:6 Ask now, and see if a man is giving birth: why do I see every man with his hands on his hips, like a woman in labor, and all faces turned pale? 30:7 Alas! That day is great, none like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he will be saved out of it. 30:8 It will come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break his yoke from your neck, and will burst your bonds; and foreigners will no longer enslave him; 30:9 but they will serve Yahweh their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. 30:10 Therefore don't be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says Yahweh; don't be dismayed, Israel: for look, I will save you from afar, and your descendants from the land of their captivity; and Jacob will return, and will be at peace and secure, and no one will make him afraid. 30:11 For I am with you, says Yahweh, to save you: I will completely destroy all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you; I will discipline you in due measure, and will not leave you unpunished. 30:12 For thus says Yahweh, your injury is incurable, and your wound is severe. 30:13 There is no one to plead your case, to bind you up: you have no healing medicine. 30:14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they do not seek you: for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the punishment of a cruel one, because of the greatness of your sin; your iniquities have increased. 30:15 Why do you cry for your injury? Your pain is incurable: because of the greatness of your iniquity, your sins have increased, I have done these things to you. 30:16 Therefore all who devour you will be devoured; and all your enemies, every one of them, will go into captivity; and those who plunder you will be plundered, and all who prey on you I will give over to prey. 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says Yahweh; because they have called you an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no one seeks. 30:18 Thus says Yahweh: Look, I will bring back the captives of Jacob's tents, and have compassion on his dwellings; and the city will be rebuilt on its own hill, and the palace will be inhabited as before. 30:19 From them will come thanksgiving and the sound of those who celebrate: and I will increase them, and they will not be few; I will also glorify them, and they will not be small. 30:20 Their children will be like before, and their community will be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them. 30:21 Their ruler will come from among themselves, and their leader will arise from their own midst; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach me: for who has had the boldness to approach me? says Yahweh. 30:22 You will be my people, and I will be your God. 30:23 Look, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, has gone forth, a sweeping storm: it will burst on the head of the wicked. 30:24 The fierce anger of Yahweh will not return until he has executed, and until he has fulfilled the intentions of his heart: in the latter days you will understand it.

31:1 At that time, says Yahweh, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. 31:2 Thus says Yahweh, The people who were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. 31:3 Yahweh appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you. 31:4 Again will I build you, and you shall be built, O virgin of Israel: again you shall be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who make merry. 31:5 Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy its fruit. 31:6 For there shall be a day, that the watchmen on the hills of Ephraim shall cry, Arise you, and let us go up to Zion to Yahweh our God. 31:7 For thus says Yahweh, Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations: publish you, praise you, and say, Yahweh, save your people, the remnant of Israel. 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her who travails with child together: a great company shall they return here. 31:9 They shall come with weeping; and with petitions will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 31:10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you nations, and declare it in the islands afar off; and say, He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as shepherd does his flock. 31:11 For Yahweh has ransomed Jacob, and redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he. 31:12 They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow to the goodness of Yahweh, to the grain, and to the new wine, and to the oil, and to the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. 31:14 I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, says Yahweh. 31:15 Thus says Yahweh: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. 31:16 Thus says Yahweh: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says Yahweh; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. 31:17 There is hope for your latter end, says Yahweh; and your children shall come again to their own border. 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed to the yoke: turn you me, and I shall be turned; for you are Yahweh my God. 31:19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I struck on my thigh: I was ashamed, yes, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 31:20 Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a darling child? for as often as I speak against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, says Yahweh. 31:21 Set up road signs, make guideposts; set your heart toward the highway, even the way by which you went: turn again, virgin of Israel, turn again to these your cities. 31:22 How long will you go here and there, you backsliding daughter? for Yahweh has created a new thing in the earth: a woman shall encompass a man. 31:23 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they use this speech in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I shall bring again their captivity: Yahweh bless you, habitation of righteousness, mountain of holiness. 31:24 Judah and all its cities shall dwell therein together, the farmers, and those who go about with flocks. 31:25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and every sorrowful soul have I replenished. 31:26 On this I awakened, and saw; and my sleep was sweet to me. 31:27 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of animal. 31:28 It shall happen that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says Yahweh. 31:29 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. 31:30 But everyone shall die for his own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. 31:31 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 31:32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yahweh. 31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people: 31:34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. 31:35 Thus says Yahweh, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar; Yahweh of Armies is his name: 31:36 If these ordinances depart from before me, says Yahweh, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever. 31:37 Thus says Yahweh: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says Yahweh. 31:38 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that the city shall be built to Yahweh from the tower of Hananel to the gate of the corner. 31:39 The measuring line shall go out further straight onward to the hill Gareb, and shall turn about to Goah. 31:40 The whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields to the brook Kidron, to the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy to Yahweh; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more forever.

31:1 At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people. 31:2 Thus says the Lord, The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to give him rest. 31:3 The Lord appeared to me long ago, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you. 31:4 I will rebuild you, and you will be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel: once more you will be adorned with your tambourines, and will go out dancing with joy. 31:5 Again you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters will plant and will enjoy its fruits. 31:6 For there will come a day when the watchmen on the hills of Ephraim will shout, Get up, and let us go to Zion to the Lord our God. 31:7 For thus says the Lord, Sing with joy for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations: declare, praise, and say, Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel. 31:8 Look, I will bring them from the northern country, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, and among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and those in labor together: a great company will return here. 31:9 They will come with weeping, and with prayers I will lead them: I will guide them by streams of water, in a straight path where they won’t stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, you nations, and declare it in distant islands; and say, He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him, just like a shepherd does his flock. 31:11 For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and saved him from the hand of a stronger enemy. 31:12 They will come and sing on the heights of Zion, and will flow to the goodness of the Lord, to the grain, to the new wine, to the oil, and to the young of the flock and herds: their souls will be like a well-watered garden; they will grieve no more. 31:13 Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, along with the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. 31:14 I will satisfy the souls of the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my goodness, says the Lord. 31:15 Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. 31:16 Thus says the Lord: Stop your weeping and your eyes from shedding tears; for your work will be rewarded, says the Lord; and they will return from the land of the enemy. 31:17 There is hope for your future, says the Lord; and your children will return to their own borders. 31:18 I have indeed heard Ephraim lamenting thus, You have punished me, and I have been punished, like a calf unaccustomed to the yoke: bring me back, and I will be brought back; for you are the Lord my God. 31:19 After I was brought back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in shame: I was ashamed, yes, even embarrassed, because I bore the disgrace of my youth. 31:20 Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a lovely child? for every time I speak against him, I do remember him with love: therefore my heart yearns for him; I will surely have compassion on him, says the Lord. 31:21 Set up road signs, make guideposts; set your heart toward the highway, the way you used to go: turn back, virgin of Israel, turn back to your cities. 31:22 How long will you stray here and there, you rebellious daughter? for the Lord has created something new in the earth: a woman will protect a man. 31:23 Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Again they will use this saying in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I restore their fortunes: The Lord bless you, O habitation of righteousness, mountain of holiness. 31:24 Judah and all its cities will dwell there together, the farmers and those who tend their flocks. 31:25 For I have filled the weary soul, and every sorrowful soul I have replenished. 31:26 At this I awoke, and saw; my sleep was sweet to me. 31:27 Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 31:28 It will happen that, just as I have watched over them to uproot, tear down, overthrow, destroy, and afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. 31:29 In those days they will no longer say, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. 31:30 But every person will die for their own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge. 31:31 Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah: 31:32 not like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 31:33 But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be my people: 31:34 and they will no longer teach each other, saying, Know the Lord; for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, says the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquities, and their sins I will remember no more. 31:35 Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day, and the laws of the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar; the Lord of Hosts is his name: 31:36 If these laws ever disappear from my sight, says the Lord, then the descendants of Israel will also cease to be a nation before me forever. 31:37 Thus says the Lord: If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out, then I will also reject all the descendants of Israel for everything they have done, says the Lord. 31:38 Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when the city will be rebuilt for the Lord from the tower of Hananel to the corner gate. 31:39 The measuring line will go out further straight toward the hill Gareb, and will turn around to Goah. 31:40 The entire valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields to the Kidron Brook, toward the horse gate in the east, will be holy to the Lord; it will not be uprooted or thrown down anymore forever.

32:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 32:2 Now at that time the king of Babylon's army was besieging Jerusalem; and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard, which was in the king of Judah's house. 32:3 For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Why do you prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it; 32:4 and Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall see his eyes; 32:5 and he shall bring Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, says Yahweh: though you fight with the Chaldeans, you shall not prosper? 32:6 Jeremiah said, The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying, Buy you my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours to buy it. 32:8 So Hanamel my uncle's son came to me in the court of the guard according to the word of Yahweh, and said to me, Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself. Then I knew that this was the word of Yahweh. 32:9 I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel my uncle's son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. 32:10 I subscribed the deed, and sealed it, and called witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. 32:11 So I took the deed of the purchase, both that which was sealed, containing the terms and conditions, and that which was open; 32:12 and I delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel my uncle's son, and in the presence of the witnesses who subscribed the deed of the purchase, before all the Jews who sat in the court of the guard. 32:13 I commanded Baruch before them, saying, 32:14 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, this deed of the purchase which is sealed, and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel; that they may continue many days. 32:15 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land. 32:16 Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to Yahweh, saying, 32:17 Ah Lord Yahweh! behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for you, 32:18 who show loving kindness to thousands, and recompense the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Yahweh of Armies is his name; 32:19 great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open on all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: 32:20 who performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, both in Israel and among other men; and made you a name, as in this day; 32:21 and brought forth your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror; 32:22 and gave them this land, which you did swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; 32:23 and they came in, and possessed it, but they didn't obey your voice, neither walked in your law; they have done nothing of all that you commanded them to do: therefore you have caused all this evil to come on them. 32:24 Behold, the mounds, they are come to the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence; and what you have spoken has happened; and behold, you see it. 32:25 You have said to me, Lord Yahweh, Buy you the field for money, and call witnesses; whereas the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. 32:26 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah, saying, 32:27 Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? 32:28 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it: 32:29 and the Chaldeans, who fight against this city, shall come and set this city on fire, and burn it, with the houses, on whose roofs they have offered incense to Baal, and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger. 32:30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have done only that which was evil in my sight from their youth; for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, says Yahweh. 32:31 For this city has been to me a provocation of my anger and of my wrath from the day that they built it even to this day; that I should remove it from before my face, 32:32 because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 32:33 They have turned to me the back, and not the face: and though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction. 32:34 But they set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it. 32:35 They built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech; which I didn't command them, neither did it come into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. 32:36 Now therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning this city, about which you say, It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: 32:37 Behold, I will gather them out of all the countries, where I have driven them in my anger, and in my wrath, and in great indignation; and I will bring them again to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: 32:38 and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: 32:39 and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: 32:40 and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me. 32:41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. 32:42 For thus says Yahweh: Like as I have brought all this great evil on this people, so will I bring on them all the good that I have promised them. 32:43 Fields shall be bought in this land, about which you say, It is desolate, without man or animal; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. 32:44 Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe the deeds, and seal them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the hill country, and in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South: for I will cause their captivity to return, says Yahweh.

32:1 The message that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh in the tenth year of Zedekiah, king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 32:2 At that time, the Babylonian army was surrounding Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was confined in the court of the guard, located in the house of the king of Judah. 32:3 For Zedekiah, king of Judah, had imprisoned him, saying, “Why are you prophesying and saying, 'Thus says Yahweh, Look, I will hand this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will capture it; 32:4 and Zedekiah, king of Judah, will not escape from the Chaldeans, but will certainly be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will speak to him face to face, and his eyes will see his eyes; 32:5 and he will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will remain until I visit him, says Yahweh: even if you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed?’ 32:6 Jeremiah said, “The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:7 ‘Look, Hanamel, the son of Shallum your uncle, will come to you and say, “Buy my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to purchase it.”’ 32:8 So Hanamel, my uncle's son, came to me in the court of the guard, following the word of Yahweh, and said to me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth, which is in the territory of Benjamin; for you have the right of inheritance and the right of redemption; buy it for yourself.’ Then I realized this was the word of Yahweh. 32:9 I bought the field in Anathoth from Hanamel, my uncle's son, and weighed out the money for him, seventeen shekels of silver. 32:10 I signed the deed, sealed it, called witnesses, and weighed the money in the balances. 32:11 So I took the purchase deed, both the sealed one with the terms and conditions and the unsealed one; 32:12 and I gave the purchase deed to Baruch, the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in front of Hanamel, my uncle's son, and the witnesses who signed the purchase deed, before all the Jews who were sitting in the court of the guard. 32:13 I instructed Baruch before them, saying, 32:14 “Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, this sealed purchase deed, and this open one, and put them in a clay jar, so they may last a long time. 32:15 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Houses, fields, and vineyards will once again be bought in this land.” 32:16 After I had handed the purchase deed to Baruch, the son of Neriah, I prayed to Yahweh, saying, 32:17 “Ah Lord Yahweh! Look, you made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too hard for you, 32:18 who shows lovingkindness to thousands and repays the sins of the fathers to their children after them; the great, mighty God, Yahweh of Armies is your name; 32:19 great in counsel and mighty in deed; whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of men, to give everyone according to their ways and the consequences of their actions. 32:20 You have performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt to this day, both in Israel and among others; and you have made a name for yourself, as is the case today; 32:21 and brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, wonders, a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and great terror; 32:22 and gave them this land, which you promised to their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey; 32:23 and they entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey your voice or walk in your law; they didn't do anything you commanded them to do; so you have brought all this disaster upon them. 32:24 Behold, the mounds have come to the city to take it; and the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it because of the sword, famine, and pestilence; and what you have spoken has happened, and behold, you see it. 32:25 You said to me, ‘Lord Yahweh, buy the field for money and call witnesses,’ while the city is being handed over to the Chaldeans.” 32:26 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, 32:27 “Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh: is anything too hard for me? 32:28 Therefore, thus says Yahweh: Look, I will give this city into the hands of the Chaldeans, and the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and he will capture it; 32:29 and the Chaldeans fighting against this city will come and set it on fire, burning it down, along with the houses where they have made offerings to Baal and poured out drink offerings to other gods, provoking me to anger. 32:30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have done only evil in my sight from their youth; the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with what their hands have made, says Yahweh. 32:31 For this city has been a source of my anger and wrath from the day it was built until now; I will remove it from before me 32:32 because of all the evil done by the children of Israel and the children of Judah, which they have committed to provoke me to anger, including their kings, their leaders, their priests, and their prophets, the people of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 32:33 They have turned their backs to me, not their faces; and although I taught them, rising early and instructing them, they have not listened to receive instruction. 32:34 Instead, they placed their detestable idols in the house that is called by my name, defiling it. 32:35 They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom, to make their sons and daughters pass through fire to Molech; a practice I did not command them, nor did it ever enter my mind that they would do this abomination, causing Judah to sin. 32:36 Therefore, thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning this city, about which you say, ‘It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, famine, and pestilence: 32:37 Look, I will gather them from all the lands where I have driven them in my anger, wrath, and great indignation; and I will bring them back to this place and cause them to dwell here safely. 32:38 They will be my people, and I will be their God: 32:39 and I will give them one heart and one way, so they may fear me forever, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. 32:40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will never turn away from doing good to them; and I will put my fear in their hearts, so they will never turn away from me. 32:41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will securely plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. 32:42 For thus says Yahweh: Just as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good I have promised them. 32:43 Fields will be bought in this land, about which you say, ‘It is desolate, without man or animal; it is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.’ 32:44 Men will buy fields for money, sign the deeds, seal them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, in the areas around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will restore their fortunes, says Yahweh.

33:1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 33:2 Thus says Yahweh who does it, Yahweh who forms it to establish it; Yahweh is his name: 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know. 33:4 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are broken down to make a defense against the mounds and against the sword; 33:5 while men come to fight with the Chaldeans, and to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have killed in my anger and in my wrath, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city: 33:6 Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth. 33:7 I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. 33:8 I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, by which they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, by which they have sinned against me, and by which they have transgressed against me. 33:9 This city shall be to me for a name of joy, for a praise and for a glory, before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do to them, and shall fear and tremble for all the good and for all the peace that I procure to it. 33:10 Thus says Yahweh: Yet again there shall be heard in this place, about which you say, It is waste, without man and without animal, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without animal, 33:11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, Give thanks to Yahweh of Armies, for Yahweh is good, for his loving kindness endures forever; and of them who bring sacrifices of thanksgiving into the house of Yahweh. For I will cause the captivity of the land to return as at the first, says Yahweh. 33:12 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Yet again shall there be in this place, which is waste, without man and without animal, and in all its cities, a habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down. 33:13 In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks again pass under the hands of him who numbers them, says Yahweh. 33:14 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. 33:15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name by which she shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness. 33:17 For thus says Yahweh: David shall never want a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 33:18 neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to burn meal offerings, and to do sacrifice continually. 33:19 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, 33:20 Thus says Yahweh: If you can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, so that there shall not be day and night in their season; 33:21 then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. 33:22 As the army of the sky can't be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites who minister to me. 33:23 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, 33:24 Don't you consider what this people has spoken, saying, The two families which Yahweh did choose, he has cast them off? thus do they despise my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. 33:25 Thus says Yahweh: If my covenant of day and night fails, if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; 33:26 then will I also cast away the seed of Jacob, and of David my servant, so that I will not take of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and will have mercy on them.

33:1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time while he was still confined in the guard's courtyard, saying, 33:2 This is what the Lord says, the one who makes it happen, the Lord who forms it to establish it; the Lord is his name: 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will show you great and difficult things that you do not know. 33:4 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says about the houses of this city and about the houses of the kings of Judah, which are torn down to defend against the mounds and the sword; 33:5 while people come to fight with the Chaldeans and fill them with the corpses of men whom I have killed in my anger and my wrath, and for all whose wickedness I have hidden my face from this city: 33:6 Look, I will bring health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. 33:7 I will restore the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel, and I will rebuild them as they were at first. 33:8 I will cleanse them from all their wrongdoing against me, and I will forgive all their sins against me, by which they have rebelled against me. 33:9 This city will be to me a name of joy, for praise and for glory, before all the nations of the earth, which will hear of all the good I do for them, and will fear and tremble for all the good and all the peace I provide for it. 33:10 This is what the Lord says: Once again, there will be heard in this place, of which you say, It is desolate, without man and without animal, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without animal, 33:11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, Give thanks to the Lord of Hosts, for the Lord is good, for his loving kindness endures forever; and of those who bring thanksgiving sacrifices into the house of the Lord. For I will bring back the captives of the land as at first, says the Lord. 33:12 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Once again, there will be in this place, which is desolate, without man and without animal, and in all its cities, a habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down. 33:13 In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places around Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the Lord. 33:14 Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. 33:15 In those days, and at that time, I will raise up a righteous Branch for David; and he will execute justice and righteousness in the land. 33:16 In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely; and this is the name by which she will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness. 33:17 For this is what the Lord says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 33:18 nor will the priests, the Levites, lack a man before me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to do sacrifices continually. 33:19 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 33:20 This is what the Lord says: If you can break my covenant of the day and my covenant of the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season; 33:21 then my covenant may also be broken with David my servant, so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne; and with the Levites, the priests, my ministers. 33:22 Just as the army of heaven cannot be counted, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister to me. 33:23 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 33:24 Do you not consider what this people has spoken, saying, The two families which the Lord chose, he has cast them off? Thus do they despise my people so that they should no longer be a nation before them. 33:25 This is what the Lord says: If my covenant of day and night fails, if I have not appointed the regulations of heaven and earth; 33:26 then I will also cast away the descendants of Jacob and David my servant, so that I will not take from his descendants to be rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; for I will bring back their captives, and will have mercy on them.

34:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth that were under his dominion, and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of it, saying: 34:2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Go, and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire: 34:3 and you shall not escape out of his hand, but shall surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and your eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with you mouth to mouth, and you shall go to Babylon. 34:4 Yet hear the word of Yahweh, O Zedekiah king of Judah: thus says Yahweh concerning you, You shall not die by the sword; 34:5 you shall die in peace; and with the burnings of your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so shall they make a burning for you; and they shall lament you, saying, Ah Lord! for I have spoken the word, says Yahweh. 34:6 Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem, 34:7 when the king of Babylon's army was fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and against Azekah; for these alone remained of the cities of Judah as fortified cities. 34:8 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them; 34:9 that every man should let his male servant, and every man his female servant, who is a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, go free; that none should make bondservants of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother. 34:10 All the princes and all the people obeyed, who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should let his male servant, and everyone his female servant, go free, that none should make bondservants of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go: 34:11 but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids. 34:12 Therefore the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 34:13 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, saying, 34:14 At the end of seven years you shall let go every man his brother who is a Hebrew, who has been sold to you, and has served you six years, you shall let him go free from you: but your fathers didn't listen to me, neither inclined their ear. 34:15 You were now turned, and had done that which is right in my eyes, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and you had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: 34:16 but you turned and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom you had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and you brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids. 34:17 Therefore thus says Yahweh: you have not listened to me, to proclaim liberty, every man to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim to you a liberty, says Yahweh, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth. 34:18 I will give the men who have transgressed my covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between its parts; 34:19 the princes of Judah, and the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, and the priests, and all the people of the land, who passed between the parts of the calf; 34:20 I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life; and their dead bodies shall be for food to the birds of the sky, and to the animals of the earth. 34:21 Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, who have gone away from you. 34:22 Behold, I will command, says Yahweh, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.

34:1 The message that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth under his control, along with all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem and its cities, was this: 34:2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Go and speak to Zedekiah, king of Judah, and tell him, Thus says Yahweh, Look, I will hand this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will set it on fire: 34:3 and you will not escape from his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his power; and your eyes will see the king of Babylon, and he will speak to you face to face, and you shall go to Babylon. 34:4 Nevertheless, listen to the word of Yahweh, O Zedekiah king of Judah: thus says Yahweh concerning you, You will not die by the sword; 34:5 you will die in peace; and just like the burnings for your ancestors, the former kings who were before you, so they will make a burning for you; and they shall mourn for you, saying, Ah Lord! for I have spoken the word, says Yahweh. 34:6 Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem, 34:7 at a time when the Babylonian army was fighting against Jerusalem and all the remaining cities of Judah, including Lachish and Azekah; for these alone remained of the fortified cities of Judah. 34:8 The message that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them; 34:9 that every man should allow his male servant and every man his female servant, who is a Hebrew, to go free; that no one should make bondservants of them, that is, a Jew from his brother. 34:10 All the leaders and the people who had entered into the covenant complied and let their male and female servants go free, ensuring that nobody would make bondservants of them anymore; they obeyed and released them: 34:11 but later they changed their minds and forced the servants and maids they had freed to return, bringing them back into servitude. 34:12 Therefore, the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, 34:13 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: I made a covenant with your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, saying, 34:14 At the end of seven years, every man shall release his Hebrew brother who has been sold to you and who has served you for six years; you shall let him go free from you: but your ancestors did not listen to me or pay attention. 34:15 You have now turned and done what is right in my eyes, by proclaiming liberty to each man for his neighbor; and you have made a covenant before me in the house that is called by my name: 34:16 but you turned around and dishonored my name, by causing every man his servant and every man his maid whom you had allowed to go free to return; and you made them serve you again as servants and maids. 34:17 Therefore, thus says Yahweh: you have not listened to me in proclaiming liberty, every man to his brother and every man to his neighbor: behold, I now proclaim liberty to you, says Yahweh, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will cause you to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth. 34:18 I will hand over the men who transgressed my covenant, who have not obeyed the words of the covenant they made before me, when they cut the calf in two and walked between its parts; 34:19 the leaders of Judah, the leaders of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf; 34:20 I will hand them over to their enemies and to those who seek their lives; and their dead bodies will be food for the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth. 34:21 Zedekiah king of Judah and his leaders will I deliver into the hands of their enemies, and into the hands of those who seek their lives, and into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, who have gone away from you. 34:22 Behold, I will command, says Yahweh, and cause them to return to this city; and they will fight against it, capture it, and set it on fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, uninhabited.

35:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 35:2 Go to the house of the Rechabites, and speak to them, and bring them into the house of Yahweh, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink. 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites; 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the threshold. 35:5 I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, Drink you wine. 35:6 But they said, We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons, forever: 35:7 neither shall you build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any; but all your days you shall dwell in tents; that you may live many days in the land in which you sojourn. 35:8 We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters; 35:9 nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: 35:10 but we have lived in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us. 35:11 But it happened, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we dwell at Jerusalem. 35:12 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah, saying, 35:13 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Go, and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction to listen to my words? says Yahweh. 35:14 The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; and to this day they drink none, for they obey their father's commandment: but I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; and you have not listened to me. 35:15 I have sent also to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return you now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and don't go after other gods to serve them, and you shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but you have not inclined your ear, nor listened to me. 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me; 35:17 therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken to them, but they have not heard; and I have called to them, but they have not answered. 35:18 Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according to all that he commanded you; 35:19 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me forever.

35:1 The message from Yahweh came to Jeremiah during the reign of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 35:2 Go to the house of the Rechabites, invite them, and bring them into the house of Yahweh, into one of the rooms, and give them wine to drink. 35:3 So, I took Jaazaniah, son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah, along with his brothers, all his sons, and the entire house of the Rechabites; 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the room of the sons of Hanan, son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was next to the room of the princes, above the room of Maaseiah, son of Shallum, the keeper of the threshold. 35:5 I set bowls of wine and cups before the sons of the house of the Rechabites and said to them, Drink this wine. 35:6 But they replied, We won’t drink wine; Jonadab, son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, You and your sons shall never drink wine: 35:7 nor shall you build houses, sow seeds, plant vineyards, or have any; you must live in tents all your days so that you may live long in the land where you reside. 35:8 We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab, son of Rechab, our father, in everything he commanded us, to drink no wine throughout our lives, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters; 35:9 nor have we built houses to live in; we don’t have vineyards, fields, or seeds: 35:10 we have lived in tents and have obeyed, doing everything that Jonadab, our father, commanded us. 35:11 However, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came into the land, we said, Let’s go to Jerusalem because of the Chaldean army and the Syrian army; so we live in Jerusalem. 35:12 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, 35:13 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not accept instruction to listen to my words? declares Yahweh. 35:14 The commands of Jonadab, son of Rechab, not to drink wine, have been followed; to this day, they drink none because they obey their father’s command. But I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, yet you have not listened to me. 35:15 I have also sent all my servants, the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Each of you should turn from your evil ways, change your actions, and don’t follow other gods to serve them; then you will live in the land I have given you and your ancestors. But you have not listened or paid attention to me. 35:16 The sons of Jonadab, son of Rechab, have kept their father’s command, but this people has not listened to me; 35:17 therefore, thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: Look, I will bring on Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster I have pronounced against them because I have spoken to them, but they have not listened; I have called to them, but they have not answered. 35:18 Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab, your father, and followed all his instructions, doing everything he commanded you; 35:19 therefore, thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Jonadab, son of Rechab, will always have a man to stand before me.

36:1 It happened in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, that this word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 36:2 Take a scroll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day. 36:3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do to them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. 36:4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of Yahweh, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book. 36:5 Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I can't go into the house of Yahweh: 36:6 therefore go you, and read in the scroll, which you have written from my mouth, the words of Yahweh in the ears of the people in Yahweh's house on the fast day; and also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities. 36:7 It may be they will present their supplication before Yahweh, and will return everyone from his evil way; for great is the anger and the wrath that Yahweh has pronounced against this people. 36:8 Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of Yahweh in Yahweh's house. 36:9 Now it happened in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that all the people in Jerusalem, and all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem, proclaimed a fast before Yahweh. 36:10 Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan, the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Yahweh's house, in the ears of all the people. 36:11 When Micaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of Yahweh, 36:12 he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and behold, all the princes were sitting there, to wit, Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. 36:13 Then Micaiah declared to them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people. 36:14 Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, Take in your hand the scroll in which you have read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand, and came to them. 36:15 They said to him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. 36:16 Now it happened, when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said to Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words. 36:17 They asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How did you write all these words at his mouth? 36:18 Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book. 36:19 Then said the princes to Baruch, Go, hide you, you and Jeremiah; and let no man know where you are. 36:20 They went in to the king into the court; but they had laid up the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words in the ears of the king. 36:21 So the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll; and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes who stood beside the king. 36:22 Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month: and there was a fire in the brazier burning before him. 36:23 It happened, when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, that the king cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. 36:24 They were not afraid, nor tore their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants who heard all these words. 36:25 Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the scroll; but he would not hear them. 36:26 The king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet; but Yahweh hid them. 36:27 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the scroll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying, 36:28 Take again another scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. 36:29 Concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, Thus says Yahweh: You have burned this scroll, saying, Why have you written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from there man and animal? 36:30 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit on the throne of David; and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost. 36:31 I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring on them, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they didn't listen. 36:32 Then took Jeremiah another scroll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and there were added besides to them many like words.

36:1 It happened in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, that this message came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, 36:2 "Get a scroll and write down all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the days of Josiah up to this day. 36:3 Perhaps the house of Judah will hear about all the bad things I plan to do to them so that they may turn back from their evil ways, and I can forgive their wrongdoing and their sin." 36:4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote down all the words of Yahweh that Jeremiah had spoken to him on a scroll. 36:5 Jeremiah told Baruch, “I am confined; I can't go into the house of Yahweh. 36:6 So you go and read the scroll, which you wrote from my mouth, to the people in Yahweh’s house on the fast day; and also read it to all the people of Judah who come from their cities.” 36:7 "Maybe they will plead with Yahweh and turn back from their evil ways, for Yahweh's anger and wrath against this people are great." 36:8 Baruch the son of Neriah did exactly as Jeremiah the prophet instructed him, reading the words of Yahweh in Yahweh’s house. 36:9 Now it happened in the fifth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that all the people in Jerusalem and all those who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem proclaimed a fast before Yahweh. 36:10 Then Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in Yahweh's house, in the chamber of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Yahweh's house, in the hearing of all the people. 36:11 When Micaiah, the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of Yahweh from the scroll, 36:12 he went down to the king's house, into the scribe's chamber; and there were all the princes sitting, that is, Elishama the scribe, Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, Elnathan the son of Achbor, Gemariah the son of Shaphan, Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. 36:13 Then Micaiah told them all the words he had heard when Baruch read from the scroll to the people. 36:14 So all the princes sent Jehudi, the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, “Take the scroll you read to the people and come.” Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and went to them. 36:15 They said to him, “Sit down now and read it to us.” So Baruch read it to them. 36:16 When they heard all the words, they looked at each other in fear and said to Baruch, “We will surely tell the king all these words.” 36:17 They asked Baruch, “Tell us now, how did you write all these words?” 36:18 Baruch answered, “He spoke all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink in the scroll.” 36:19 Then the princes said to Baruch, “Go hide, you and Jeremiah; and let no one know where you are.” 36:20 They went into the king's court, but they had put the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words to the king. 36:21 So the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi read it to the king and all the princes who stood beside him. 36:22 Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, and there was a fire burning in the brazier before him. 36:23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king cut it with a penknife and threw it into the fire in the brazier until the whole scroll was consumed in the fire. 36:24 They were not afraid, nor did they tear their garments, neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words. 36:25 Furthermore, Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah had urged the king not to burn the scroll, but he would not listen to them. 36:26 The king commanded Jerahmeel, the king’s son, Seraiah, the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah, the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet; but Yahweh hid them. 36:27 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah after the king had burned the scroll and the words written by Baruch, saying, 36:28 “Get another scroll and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim, king of Judah, has burned. 36:29 Concerning Jehoiakim, king of Judah, say this: 'Yahweh says: You have burned this scroll, saying, “Why have you written in it that the king of Babylon will surely come and destroy this land and eliminate both man and animal?” 36:30 Therefore, Yahweh says concerning Jehoiakim, king of Judah: He will have no descendant to sit on the throne of David; and his body will be thrown out in the heat of the day and in the frost of the night. 36:31 I will punish him, his descendants, and his servants for their iniquity, and I will bring upon them, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; but they did not listen.” 36:32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book that Jehoiakim, king of Judah, had burned in the fire; and there were many similar words added to them.

37:1 Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned as king, instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah. 37:2 But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did listen to the words of Yahweh, which he spoke by the prophet Jeremiah. 37:3 Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now to Yahweh our God for us. 37:4 Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people; for they had not put him into prison. 37:5 Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard news of them, they broke up from Jerusalem. 37:6 Then came the word of Yahweh to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 37:7 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, You shall tell the king of Judah, who sent you to me to inquire of me: Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land. 37:8 The Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city; and they shall take it, and burn it with fire. 37:9 Thus says Yahweh, Don't deceive yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us; for they shall not depart. 37:10 For though you had struck the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yes would they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire. 37:11 It happened that, when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army, 37:12 then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to receive his portion there, in the midst of the people. 37:13 When he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he laid hold on Jeremiah the prophet, saying, You are falling away to the Chaldeans. 37:14 Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I am not falling away to the Chaldeans. But he didn't listen to him; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. 37:15 The princes were angry with Jeremiah, and struck him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe; for they had made that the prison. 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeon house, and into the cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; 37:17 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and fetched him: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from Yahweh? Jeremiah said, There is. He said also, You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. 37:18 Moreover Jeremiah said to king Zedekiah, Wherein have I sinned against you, or against your servants, or against this people, that you have put me in prison? 37:19 Where now are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land? 37:20 Now please hear, my lord the king: please let my supplication be presented before you, that you not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there. 37:21 Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard; and they gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city was spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.

37:1 Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, ruled as king, replacing Coniah, the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had made king over Judah. 37:2 But neither he, nor his officials, nor the people of the land listened to the words of Yahweh, which he spoke through the prophet Jeremiah. 37:3 King Zedekiah sent Jehucal, the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah, the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, asking, "Pray now to Yahweh our God for us." 37:4 Jeremiah was still able to move around among the people since they hadn’t thrown him into prison. 37:5 Pharaoh's army had come out of Egypt, and when the Chaldeans besieging Jerusalem heard about it, they withdrew from Jerusalem. 37:6 Then the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 37:7 "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: You shall tell the king of Judah, who sent you to me to inquire of me: Look, Pharaoh's army, which has come to help you, will return to Egypt to their own land. 37:8 The Chaldeans will come back and fight against this city; they will capture it and set it on fire. 37:9 Thus says Yahweh, do not fool yourselves, saying, ‘The Chaldeans will surely leave us,’ for they will not leave. 37:10 Even if you had defeated the entire Chaldean army that fights against you, and only the wounded remained, they would still rise up, each from their tent, and burn this city with fire. 37:11 It happened that when the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem because of fear of Pharaoh's army, 37:12 Jeremiah went out of Jerusalem to head into the land of Benjamin to claim his share there, among the people. 37:13 When he reached the Benjamin gate, a captain of the guard was there named Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "You are defecting to the Chaldeans." 37:14 Jeremiah responded, "That's not true; I'm not defecting to the Chaldeans." But Irijah didn’t listen to him, so he arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 37:15 The officials were angry with Jeremiah, beat him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for they had made that the prison. 37:16 When Jeremiah had entered the dungeon and the cells, he remained there for many days. 37:17 Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where the king secretly asked him, "Is there any word from Yahweh?" Jeremiah replied, "There is." He also said, "You will be handed over to the king of Babylon." 37:18 Furthermore, Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, "What have I done to you, or to your officials, or to this people, that you have put me in prison? 37:19 Where are your prophets who told you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you, nor against this land?’ 37:20 Now I beg you, my lord the king: please let my plea be presented before you, and do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there." 37:21 Then King Zedekiah commanded that Jeremiah be taken to the court of the guard, and they provided him daily with a loaf of bread from the bakers' street until all the bread in the city was gone. Thus, Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.

38:1 Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah, heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying, 38:2 Thus says Yahweh, He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he who goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and his life shall be to him for a prey, and he shall live. 38:3 Thus says Yahweh, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it. 38:4 Then the princes said to the king, Let this man, we pray you, be put to death; because he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man doesn't seek the welfare of this people, but the hurt. 38:5 Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand; for the king is not he who can do anything against you. 38:6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchijah the king's son, that was in the court of the guard: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. In the dungeon there was no water, but mire; and Jeremiah sank in the mire. 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin), 38:8 Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spoke to the king, saying, 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is likely to die in the place where he is, because of the famine; for there is no more bread in the city. 38:10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dies. 38:11 So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took there rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these rags and worn-out garments under your armholes under the cords. Jeremiah did so. 38:13 So they drew up Jeremiah with the cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard. 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet to him into the third entry that is in the house of Yahweh: and the king said to Jeremiah, I will ask you a thing; hide nothing from me. 38:15 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? and if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me. 38:16 So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, As Yahweh lives, who made us this soul, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life. 38:17 Then said Jeremiah to Zedekiah, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: If you will go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then your soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and you shall live, and your house. 38:18 But if you will not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hand. 38:19 Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews who are fallen away to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me. 38:20 But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver you. Obey, I beg you, the voice of Yahweh, in that which I speak to you: so it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live. 38:21 But if you refuse to go forth, this is the word that Yahweh has shown me: 38:22 behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Your familiar friends have set you on, and have prevailed over you: now that your feet are sunk in the mire, they are turned away back. 38:23 They shall bring out all your wives and your children to the Chaldeans; and you shall not escape out of their hand, but shall be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and you shall cause this city to be burned with fire. 38:24 Then said Zedekiah to Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and you shall not die. 38:25 But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you, and tell you, Declare to us now what you have said to the king; don't hide it from us, and we will not put you to death; also what the king said to you: 38:26 then you shall tell them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there. 38:27 Then came all the princes to Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived. 38:28 So Jeremiah abode in the court of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was taken.

38:1 Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying, 38:2 Thus says Yahweh, those who stay in this city will die by the sword, by famine, and by disease; but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live, and their life will be like a prize, and they will survive. 38:3 Thus says Yahweh, this city will definitely be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it. 38:4 Then the officials said to the king, we request that this man be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in this city and all the people by speaking such words to them. This man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their ruin. 38:5 King Zedekiah said, Look, he’s in your hands; the king can’t do anything to stop you. 38:6 So they took Jeremiah and threw him into the dungeon of Malchijah son of the king, which was in the guard's courtyard; and they lowered Jeremiah with ropes. There was no water in the dungeon, only mud; and Jeremiah sank into the mud. 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king was sitting at the Benjamin Gate), 38:8 Ebedmelech went out from the king's house and spoke to the king, saying, 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done wrong in what they’ve done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have thrown into the dungeon; he is likely to die there because of the famine, as there is no more bread in the city. 38:10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take thirty men with you and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon before he dies. 38:11 So Ebedmelech took the men with him and went to the king's house under the treasury and took some rags and worn-out garments, which he let down by ropes into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits and the ropes. Jeremiah did so. 38:13 So they pulled Jeremiah up with the ropes and took him out of the dungeon; and Jeremiah remained in the guard's courtyard. 38:14 Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and brought him to the third entry of the house of Yahweh; and the king said to Jeremiah, I’m going to ask you something; don’t hide anything from me. 38:15 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me. 38:16 So King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, As Yahweh lives, who gave us this life, I will not put you to death, nor will I hand you over to these men who seek your life. 38:17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: If you go out to the princes of the king of Babylon, then your soul will live, and this city will not be burned with fire; you and your house will survive. 38:18 But if you don’t go out to the princes of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape from their hands. 38:19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, I’m afraid of the Jews who have defected to the Chaldeans lest they hand me over to them and they mock me. 38:20 But Jeremiah said, They won’t hand you over. Please obey the voice of Yahweh in what I’m telling you; it will go well for you, and your soul will live. 38:21 But if you refuse to go out, this is the message that Yahweh has shown me: 38:22 behold, all the women who are left in the house of the king of Judah will be brought out to the princes of the king of Babylon, and those women will say, Your close friends have cheated you and have prevailed against you: now that your feet are stuck in the mud, they have turned back. 38:23 They will bring out all your wives and children to the Chaldeans; and you will not escape from their hands, but will be captured by the king of Babylon, and this city will be set on fire. 38:24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, Don’t let anyone know about these words, or you will die. 38:25 But if the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come to you and say, Tell us what you said to the king; don’t hide it from us, and we won’t put you to death; also let us know what the king said to you: 38:26 then you shall tell them, I made my petition before the king not to send me back to Jonathan’s house to die there. 38:27 Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and asked him; and he told them everything the king had commanded. So they stopped speaking with him; for the matter wasn’t known. 38:28 So Jeremiah stayed in the guard's courtyard until the day that Jerusalem was captured.

39:1 It happened when Jerusalem was taken, (in the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and besieged it; 39:2 in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city), 39:3 that all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, to wit, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon. 39:4 It happened that, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, through the gate between the two walls; and he went out toward the Arabah. 39:5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment on him. 39:6 Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon killed all the nobles of Judah. 39:7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. 39:8 The Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 39:9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people who remained in the city, the deserters also who fell away to him, and the residue of the people who remained. 39:10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, who had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. 39:11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon commanded Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard concerning Jeremiah, saying, 39:12 Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do to him even as he shall tell you. 39:13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon; 39:14 they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he lived among the people. 39:15 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 39:16 Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before you in that day. 39:17 But I will deliver you in that day, says Yahweh; and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. 39:18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be for a prey to you; because you have put your trust in me, says Yahweh.

39:1 It happened when Jerusalem was captured, (in the ninth year of Zedekiah, king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, with his entire army came against Jerusalem and laid siege to it; 39:2 in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city), 39:3 that all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat at the middle gate, namely, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, along with all the other officials of the king of Babylon. 39:4 When Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and all the warriors saw them, they fled at night, going out of the city through the king's garden, via the gate between the two walls; and he headed toward the Arabah. 39:5 But the Chaldean army pursued them and caught up with Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and after they captured him, they brought him to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment against him. 39:6 Then the king of Babylon executed Zedekiah's sons in Riblah before his eyes, and he also executed all the nobles of Judah. 39:7 He blinded Zedekiah and bound him with chains to carry him off to Babylon. 39:8 The Chaldeans set the king's palace and the houses of the people on fire and tore down the walls of Jerusalem. 39:9 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took the remaining people who were left in the city captive to Babylon, along with the defectors who had joined him, and the remaining people who stayed behind. 39:10 But Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, left behind some of the poor people of the land of Judah, who had nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at that time. 39:11 Now Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, instructed Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, regarding Jeremiah, saying, 39:12 "Take him and be sure to take care of him; do him no harm; but do whatever he tells you." 39:13 So Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, sent and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard and assigned him to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, so he could take him home: and he lived among the people. 39:14 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah while he was still confined in the court of the guard, saying, 39:16 "Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing my words against this city for harm, not for good; and they will be fulfilled in your presence on that day. 39:17 But I will rescue you on that day,' says Yahweh; 'and you will not be handed over to the men whose presence you dread. 39:18 For I will certainly save you, and you will not fall by the sword, but your life will be safe for you; because you have placed your trust in me,' says Yahweh.

40:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon. 40:2 The captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said to him, Yahweh your God pronounced this evil on this place; 40:3 and Yahweh has brought it, and done according as he spoke: because you have sinned against Yahweh, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come on you. 40:4 Now, behold, I loose you this day from the chains which are on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will take care of you; but if it seems bad to you to come with me into Babylon, don't: behold, all the land is before you; where it seems good and right to you to go, there go. 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him food and a present, and let him go. 40:6 Then went Jeremiah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land. 40:7 Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men, and women, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of those who were not carried away captive to Babylon; 40:8 then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, to wit, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men. 40:9 Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, Don't be afraid to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. 40:10 As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to stand before the Chaldeans who shall come to us: but you, gather you wine and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken. 40:11 Likewise when all the Jews who were in Moab, and among the children of Ammon, and in Edom, and who were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan; 40:12 then all the Jews returned out of all places where they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, to Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much. 40:13 Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, 40:14 and said to him, Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam didn't believe them. 40:15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish? 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, You shall not do this thing; for you speak falsely of Ishmael.

40:1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, had released him from Ramah, where he had been taken in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah to Babylon. 40:2 The captain of the guard told Jeremiah, Yahweh your God has declared this disaster over this place; 40:3 and Yahweh has brought it, fulfilling what He said: because you have sinned against Yahweh and have not obeyed His voice, this has happened to you. 40:4 Now, look, I’m freeing you today from the chains on your hands. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you can, and I will take care of you; but if you don’t want to come to Babylon, don’t: see, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think is good and right. 40:5 While he was still not decided, he said, Go back then, he said, to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and live with him among the people; or go wherever you think is right. So the captain of the guard provided him with food and a gift and let him go. 40:6 Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, in Mizpah and lived with him among the people who were left in the land. 40:7 Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had put him in charge of men, women, children, and the poorest people in the land, who were not taken to Babylon; 40:8 they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah, including Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, along with their men. 40:9 Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore to them and their men, saying, Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans: live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well for you. 40:10 As for me, look, I will stay at Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who will come to us; but you, gather wine and summer fruits and oil, and store them in your containers, and live in the cities you have taken. 40:11 Likewise, when all the Jews who were in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and throughout all the regions heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah and that he had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over them; 40:12 all the Jews returned from the places where they had been scattered, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and gathered plenty of wine and summer fruits. 40:13 Moreover, Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces in the fields came to Gedaliah at Mizpah, 40:14 and said to him, Do you know that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, to take your life? But Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, did not believe them. 40:15 Then Johanan, the son of Kareah, spoke to Gedaliah privately in Mizpah, saying, Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know: why should he take your life and cause all the Jews who have gathered to you to scatter, and the remnant of Judah to perish? 40:16 But Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, said to Johanan, the son of Kareah, You must not do this, for you are speaking falsely about Ishmael.

41:1 Now it happened in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal and one of the chief officers of the king, and ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they ate bread together in Mizpah. 41:2 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men who were with him, and struck Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and killed him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. 41:3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with him, to wit, with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. 41:4 It happened the second day after he had killed Gedaliah, and no man knew it, 41:5 that there came men from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even eighty men, having their beards shaved and their clothes torn, and having cut themselves, with meal offerings and frankincense in their hand, to bring them to the house of Yahweh. 41:6 Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it happened, as he met them, he said to them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. 41:7 It was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah killed them, and cast them into the midst of the pit, he, and the men who were with him. 41:8 But ten men were found among those who said to Ishmael, Don't kill us; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he stopped, and didn't kill them among their brothers. 41:9 Now the pit in which Ishmael cast all the dead bodies of the men whom he had killed, by the side of Gedaliah (the same was who which Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel), Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with those who were killed. 41:10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all the residue of the people who were in Mizpah, even the king's daughters, and all the people who remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam; Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the children of Ammon. 41:11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, 41:12 then they took all the men, and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and found him by the great waters that are in Gibeon. 41:13 Now it happened that, when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, then they were glad. 41:14 So all the people who Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned about and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. 41:15 But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the children of Ammon. 41:16 Then took Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after that he had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, to wit, the men of war, and the women, and the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon: 41:17 and they departed, and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt, 41:18 because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

41:1 In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, a royal descendant and one of the king’s chief officers, came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah with ten men. They ate bread together there. 41:2 Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men with him rose up, drew their swords, and killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land. 41:3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, including the Chaldean soldiers found there. 41:4 It was the day after he had killed Gedaliah, and no one knew about it, 41:5 when men came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria—eighty men with shaved beards, torn clothes, and cuts on their bodies, offering meal offerings and frankincense to bring to the house of Yahweh. 41:6 Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. As he met them, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” 41:7 When they entered the city, Ishmael son of Nethaniah killed them and threw their bodies into the pit, along with the men who were with him. 41:8 But ten men among them pleaded with Ishmael, saying, “Don’t kill us; we have hidden supplies in the fields—wheat, barley, oil, and honey.” So he stopped and didn’t kill them along with their fellow countrymen. 41:9 The pit where Ishmael threw all the bodies of the men he had killed next to Gedaliah was the same one that King Asa had made out of fear of Baasha king of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the dead. 41:10 Then Ishmael took captive all the remaining people in Mizpah, including the king’s daughters and all the people Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had entrusted to Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah carried them away and left to go to the Ammonites. 41:11 When Johanan son of Kareah and all the military leaders with him heard about the atrocities Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed, 41:12 they gathered their men and went to confront Ishmael son of Nethaniah, finding him by the large waters at Gibeon. 41:13 When all the people with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and the military leaders with him, they were glad. 41:14 So all the captives Ishmael had taken from Mizpah turned around and returned to Johanan son of Kareah. 41:15 But Ishmael son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men and went to the Ammonites. 41:16 Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the military leaders with him took the rest of the people they had recovered from Ishmael son of Nethaniah after he had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, including the soldiers, women, children, and eunuchs he had brought back from Gibeon. 41:17 They departed and settled in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt, 41:18 because of the Chaldeans; they were afraid of them, since Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, came near, 42:2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we pray you, our supplication be presented before you, and pray for us to Yahweh your God, even for all this remnant; for we are left but a few of many, as your eyes do see us: 42:3 that Yahweh your God may show us the way in which we should walk, and the thing that we should do. 42:4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray to Yahweh your God according to your words; and it shall happen that whatever thing Yahweh shall answer you, I will declare it to you; I will keep nothing back from you. 42:5 Then they said to Jeremiah, Yahweh be a true and faithful witness among us, if we don't do according to all the word with which Yahweh your God shall send you to us. 42:6 Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of Yahweh our God, to whom we send you; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of Yahweh our God. 42:7 It happened after ten days, that the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah. 42:8 Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, 42:9 and said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your supplication before him: 42:10 If you will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I grieve over the distress that I have brought on you. 42:11 Don't be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; don't be afraid of him, says Yahweh: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. 42:12 I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you, and cause you to return to your own land. 42:13 But if you say, We will not dwell in this land; so that you don't obey the voice of Yahweh your God, 42:14 saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell: 42:15 now therefore hear you the word of Yahweh, O remnant of Judah: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, If you indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there; 42:16 then it shall happen, that the sword, which you fear, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are afraid, shall follow hard after you there in Egypt; and there you shall die. 42:17 So shall it be with all the men who set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there: they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring on them. 42:18 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath has been poured forth on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so shall my wrath be poured forth on you, when you shall enter into Egypt; and you shall be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and you shall see this place no more. 42:19 Yahweh has spoken concerning you, remnant of Judah, Don't you go into Egypt: know certainly that I have testified to you this day. 42:20 For you have dealt deceitfully against your own souls; for you sent me to Yahweh your God, saying, Pray for us to Yahweh our God; and according to all that Yahweh our God shall say, so declare to us, and we will do it: 42:21 and I have this day declared it to you; but you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh your God in anything for which he has sent me to you. 42:22 Now therefore know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place where you desire to go to sojourn there.

42:1 Then all the leaders of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, gathered around, 42:2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, Please let our request be presented before you, and pray for us to Yahweh your God, for all this remnant; because we are just a few left among many, as your eyes see us: 42:3 that Yahweh your God may show us the way we should go, and what we should do. 42:4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, I have heard you; look, I will pray to Yahweh your God as you requested; and it will happen that whatever Yahweh answers you, I will share with you; I won't hold anything back from you. 42:5 Then they said to Jeremiah, May Yahweh be a true and faithful witness among us, if we do not follow all the words that Yahweh your God sends you to us. 42:6 Whether good or bad, we will obey the voice of Yahweh our God, to whom we send you; so that it may go well with us when we obey the voice of Yahweh our God. 42:7 After ten days, the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah. 42:8 Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the leaders of the forces with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest, 42:9 and said to them, This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your request before him, says: 42:10 If you remain in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down, and I will plant you and not uproot you; for I am sorry for the trouble I have brought upon you. 42:11 Don't be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you fear; don't be afraid of him, says Yahweh: for I am with you to save you and to rescue you from his hand. 42:12 I will show you mercy, so that he may have mercy on you and allow you to return to your own land. 42:13 But if you say, We will not stay in this land; disobeying the voice of Yahweh your God, 42:14 saying, No; we will go to the land of Egypt, where we won't see war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor suffer hunger for bread; and there we will live: 42:15 now therefore hear the word of Yahweh, O remnant of Judah: This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: If you truly set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there; 42:16 then it will happen that the sword you fear will catch up to you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine you fear will follow close behind you there in Egypt; and there you will die. 42:17 So it will be with all the men who set their faces to go into Egypt to live there: they will die by the sword, by famine, and by plague; and none of them will remain or escape from the disaster I will bring upon them. 42:18 For this is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel says: Just as my anger and my wrath have been poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you enter Egypt; and you will be an object of horror, astonishment, curse, and reproach; and you will see this place no more. 42:19 Yahweh has spoken about you, remnant of Judah, Do not go into Egypt: know for sure that I have warned you today. 42:20 For you have acted deceitfully against your own lives; you sent me to Yahweh your God, saying, Pray for us to Yahweh our God; and whatever Yahweh our God says, declare it to us, and we will do it: 42:21 and I have declared it to you today; but you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh your God in anything he has sent me to tell you. 42:22 Now know for sure that you will die by the sword, by famine, and by plague, in the place you wish to go to live.

43:1 It happened that, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking to all the people all the words of Yahweh their God, with which Yahweh their God had sent him to them, even all these words, 43:2 then spoke Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying to Jeremiah, You speak falsely: Yahweh our God has not sent you to say, You shall not go into Egypt to sojourn there; 43:3 but Baruch the son of Neriah sets you on against us, to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they may put us to death, and carry us away captive to Babylon. 43:4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, to dwell in the land of Judah. 43:5 But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, who were returned from all the nations where they had been driven, to sojourn in the land of Judah; 43:6 the men, and the women, and the children, and the king's daughters, and every person who Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan; and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah; 43:7 and they came into the land of Egypt; for they didn't obey the voice of Yahweh: and they came to Tahpanhes. 43:8 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, 43:9 Take great stones in your hand, and hide them in mortar in the brick work, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah; 43:10 and tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne on these stones that I have hidden; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them. 43:11 He shall come, and shall strike the land of Egypt; such as are for death shall be given to death, and such as are for captivity to captivity, and such as are for the sword to the sword. 43:12 I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captive: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd puts on his garment; and he shall go forth from there in peace. 43:13 He shall also break the pillars of Beth Shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of Egypt shall he burn with fire.

43:1 After Jeremiah finished delivering all the words from Yahweh their God that He had sent him with, 43:2 Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men confronted Jeremiah, saying, "You are lying: Yahweh our God hasn’t sent you to tell us not to go to Egypt to live there. 43:3 Instead, Baruch son of Neriah is persuading you to turn us over to the Chaldeans, so they can kill us and take us away as captives to Babylon." 43:4 So Johanan son of Kareah, along with all the leaders and the people, didn't listen to Yahweh's command to stay in the land of Judah. 43:5 Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the leaders gathered the remaining people of Judah who had returned from all the nations where they had been taken, to live in the land of Judah; 43:6 including the men, women, children, and the king's daughters, along with everyone Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan; and Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah; 43:7 and they went to Egypt, because they didn't obey Yahweh’s command: and they arrived at Tahpanhes. 43:8 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, 43:9 "Take some large stones in your hand, and bury them in the mortar of the brickwork at the entrance of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in front of the men of Judah; 43:10 and tell them, 'This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Look, I will send for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant, and set his throne on these stones I have hidden; he will pitch his royal tent over them. 43:11 He will come and strike the land of Egypt; those destined for death shall be given to death, those destined for captivity to captivity, and those destined for the sword to the sword. 43:12 I will set fire to the houses of the gods of Egypt; he will burn them and take them away captive: he will dress himself with the land of Egypt, like a shepherd puts on his garment; and he will leave there in peace. 43:13 He will also smash the pillars of Beth Shemesh in the land of Egypt; and he will burn the houses of the gods of Egypt with fire."

44:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews who lived in the land of Egypt, who lived at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Memphis, and in the country of Pathros, saying, 44:2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: You have seen all the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, and on all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are a desolation, and no man dwells therein, 44:3 because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, that they didn't know, neither they, nor you, nor your fathers. 44:4 However I sent to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Oh, don't do this abominable thing that I hate. 44:5 But they didn't listen, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods. 44:6 Therefore my wrath and my anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as it is this day. 44:7 Therefore now thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: Why commit you this great evil against your own souls, to cut off from you man and woman, infant and suckling, out of the midst of Judah, to leave you none remaining; 44:8 in that you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you are gone to sojourn; that you may be cut off, and that you may be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? 44:9 Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives which they committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem? 44:10 They are not humbled even to this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers. 44:11 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, even to cut off all Judah. 44:12 I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed; in the land of Egypt shall they fall; they shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine; they shall die, from the least even to the greatest, by the sword and by the famine; and they shall be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach. 44:13 For I will punish those who dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; 44:14 so that none of the remnant of Judah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or be left, to return into the land of Judah, to which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return save such as shall escape. 44:15 Then all the men who knew that their wives burned incense to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great assembly, even all the people who lived in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying, 44:16 As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of Yahweh, we will not listen to you. 44:17 But we will certainly perform every word that is gone forth out of our mouth, to burn incense to the queen of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to her, as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then had we plenty of food, and were well, and saw no evil. 44:18 But since we left off burning incense to the queen of the sky, and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. 44:19 When we burned incense to the queen of the sky, and poured out drink offerings to her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings to her, without our husbands? 44:20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men, and to the women, even to all the people who had given him an answer, saying, 44:21 The incense that you burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your fathers, your kings and your princes, and the people of the land, didn't Yahweh remember them, and didn't it come into his mind? 44:22 so that Yahweh could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which you have committed; therefore is your land become a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day. 44:23 Because you have burned incense, and because you have sinned against Yahweh, and have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened to you, as it is this day. 44:24 Moreover Jeremiah said to all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of Yahweh, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt: 44:25 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, You and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and with your hands have fulfilled it, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to her: establish then your vows, and perform your vows. 44:26 Therefore hear the word of Yahweh, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by my great name, says Yahweh, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, As the Lord Yahweh lives. 44:27 Behold, I watch over them for evil, and not for good; and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them. 44:28 Those who escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose word shall stand, mine, or theirs. 44:29 This shall be the sign to you, says Yahweh, that I will punish you in this place, that you may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil: 44:30 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of those who seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy, and sought his life.

44:1 A message came to Jeremiah regarding all the Jews living in Egypt, specifically in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and the region of Pathros. 44:2 This is what Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: You have seen the devastation I brought upon Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah. Today, they are in ruins, and no one lives there 44:3 because of the evil they did to provoke me, burning incense and serving other gods they didn’t know—gods that neither you nor your ancestors knew. 44:4 I sent all my servants, the prophets, to you early and often, telling you, "Please don’t commit this detestable act that I hate." 44:5 But they didn’t listen or turn their ears away from their wickedness to stop burning incense to other gods. 44:6 Therefore, my wrath and anger were poured out and ignited in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; they are now desolate, just like today. 44:7 So now, Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Why are you committing this great evil against your own souls, cutting off both men and women, infants and nursing babies, from Judah, leaving no survivors? 44:8 You provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in Egypt, where you’ve gone to live temporarily, so you can be cut off and become a curse and reproach among all the nations on earth? 44:9 Have you forgotten the evil your ancestors did, the evil of the kings of Judah, their wives, and your own wickedness, and that of your wives, committed in Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 44:10 They have not humbled themselves to this day; they do not fear me or follow my law or my statutes that I set before you and your ancestors. 44:11 Therefore, Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will turn my face against you for disaster, cutting off all Judah. 44:12 I will remove the remnant of Judah who have set their sights on living in Egypt, and they will all be destroyed; in Egypt, they will perish—they will die by sword and famine; from the least to the greatest, they will die by sword and famine and become a horror, an astonishment, a curse, and a disgrace. 44:13 I will punish those living in Egypt as I punished Jerusalem, with sword, famine, and disease; 44:14 so that none of the remnant of Judah who’ve gone to Egypt will escape or return to Judah, the land they long to return to, for none will return except those who escape. 44:15 Then all the men who knew their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women gathered together, a large crowd, even all the people living in Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying, 44:16 Regarding the message you spoke to us in Yahweh's name, we will not listen to you. 44:17 Instead, we will definitely carry out every word we’ve promised, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her, as we have done, we and our fathers and our kings and our officials in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food, were well off, and saw no harm. 44:18 But since we stopped burning incense to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been destroyed by sword and famine. 44:19 When we burned incense to the queen of heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, did we make her cakes to worship her and pour out drink offerings to her without our husbands? 44:20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men and to the women, even to all the people who answered him, saying, 44:21 The incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your ancestors, your kings, and your officials—didn't Yahweh remember them, and didn't they come to his mind? 44:22 So Yahweh could no longer bear it due to the evil of your actions and the disgusting things you have done; therefore, your land has become a desolation, an astonishment, a curse, without inhabitants, just as it is today. 44:23 Because you have burned incense and sinned against Yahweh and have not obeyed his voice, nor walked in his law, statutes, or testimonies; therefore, this disaster has come upon you, as it is today. 44:24 Furthermore, Jeremiah said to all the people and all the women, Listen to the word of Yahweh, all Judah who are in Egypt: 44:25 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: You and your wives have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled it with your hands, saying, "We will surely keep our vows to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her." So, establish and fulfill your vows. 44:26 Therefore, listen to the word of Yahweh, all Judah living in Egypt: Look, I have sworn by my great name, says Yahweh, that my name will no longer be used in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, "As the Lord Yahweh lives." 44:27 Look, I watch over them for harm, not for good; and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will be consumed by sword and famine until they are completely gone. 44:28 Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, but they will be few in number; and all the remnant of Judah who have gone to Egypt to live there will know whose word will prevail, mine or theirs. 44:29 This will be the sign for you, says Yahweh, that I will punish you in this place, so you may know that my words will surely stand against you for evil: 44:30 Thus says Yahweh, Look, I will hand Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, over to his enemies and to those who seek his life, just as I handed Zedekiah, king of Judah, over to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, his enemy who sought his life.

45:1 The message that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 45:2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch: 45:3 You did say, Woe is me now! for Yahweh has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest. 45:4 You shall tell him, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up; and this in the whole land. 45:5 Seek you great things for yourself? Don't seek them; for, behold, I will bring evil on all flesh, says Yahweh; but your life will I give to you for a prey in all places where you go.

45:1 The message that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch, the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at Jeremiah's command, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 45:2 This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: 45:3 You said, "I'm so sorry now! Yahweh has added to my pain; I'm exhausted from my groaning, and I can't find any rest." 45:4 You are to tell him, This is what Yahweh says: Look, everything I have built I will tear down, and everything I have planted I will uproot; and this includes the whole land. 45:5 Are you looking for great things for yourself? Don't seek them; because, look, I will bring disaster on all people, says Yahweh; but I will spare your life wherever you go.

46:1 The word of Yahweh which came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. 46:2 Of Egypt: concerning the army of Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah. 46:3 Prepare you the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle. 46:4 Harness the horses, and get up, you horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, put on the coats of mail. 46:5 Why have I seen it? they are dismayed and are turned backward; and their mighty ones are beaten down, and have fled apace, and don't look back: terror is on every side, says Yahweh. 46:6 Don't let the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; in the north by the river Euphrates have they stumbled and fallen. 46:7 Who is this who rises up like the Nile, whose waters toss themselves like the rivers? 46:8 Egypt rises up like the Nile, and his waters toss themselves like the rivers: and he says, I will rise up, I will cover the earth; I will destroy cities and its inhabitants. 46:9 Go up, you horses; and rage, you chariots; and let the mighty men go forth: Cush and Put, who handle the shield; and the Ludim, who handle and bend the bow. 46:10 For that day is a day of the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour and be satiate, and shall drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates. 46:11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain do you use many medicines; there is no healing for you. 46:12 The nations have heard of your shame, and the earth is full of your cry; for the mighty man has stumbled against the mighty, they are fallen both of them together. 46:13 The word that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon should come and strike the land of Egypt. 46:14 Declare you in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Memphis and in Tahpanhes: say you, Stand forth, and prepare you; for the sword has devoured around you. 46:15 Why are your strong ones swept away? they didn't stand, because Yahweh did drive them. 46:16 He made many to stumble, yes, they fell one on another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our birth, from the oppressing sword. 46:17 They cried there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he has let the appointed time pass by. 46:18 As I live, says the King, whose name is Yahweh of Armies, surely like Tabor among the mountains, and like Carmel by the sea, so shall he come. 46:19 You daughter who dwell in Egypt, furnish yourself to go into captivity; for Memphis shall become a desolation, and shall be burnt up, without inhabitant. 46:20 Egypt is a very beautiful heifer; but destruction out of the north is come, it is come. 46:21 Also her hired men in the midst of her are like calves of the stall; for they also are turned back, they are fled away together, they didn't stand: for the day of their calamity is come on them, the time of their visitation. 46:22 The sound of it shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as wood cutters. 46:23 They shall cut down her forest, says Yahweh, though it can't be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable. 46:24 The daughter of Egypt shall be disappointed; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north. 46:25 Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with her gods, and her kings; even Pharaoh, and those who trust in him: 46:26 and I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants; and afterwards it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, says Yahweh. 46:27 But don't be afraid you, Jacob my servant, neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 46:28 Don't be afraid you, O Jacob my servant, says Yahweh; for I am with you: for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you; but I will not make a full end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.

46:1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet regarding the nations. 46:2 About Egypt: concerning Pharaoh Necoh, king of Egypt, whose army was by the Euphrates River in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah. 46:3 Get the shields and armor ready, and prepare for battle. 46:4 Bring out the horses, and get the horsemen ready, and put on your helmets; sharpen the spears, put on the armor. 46:5 Why have I seen this? They are dismayed and turning back; their warriors are beaten down and have fled quickly, and they don't look back: terror is on every side, says the Lord. 46:6 Don't let the swift escape, nor the strongman get away; in the north by the Euphrates River they have stumbled and fallen. 46:7 Who is this rising up like the Nile, whose waters swirl like the rivers? 46:8 Egypt rises up like the Nile, and its waters swirl like the rivers: and it says, I will rise up, I will cover the land; I will destroy cities and their inhabitants. 46:9 Go forth, you horses; and charge, you chariots; and let the strongmen go out: Cush and Put, who handle shields; and the Ludim, who carry and bend the bows. 46:10 For that day is a day of the Lord, the God of Hosts, a day of vengeance, to take vengeance on His enemies: and the sword will devour and be satisfied, and will drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, the God of Hosts, has a sacrifice in the north country by the Euphrates River. 46:11 Go up to Gilead, and get balm, virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain do you use many medicines; there is no healing for you. 46:12 The nations have heard of your shame, and the earth is full of your cries; for the strong has stumbled against the strong, they have both fallen together. 46:13 The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would come and strike the land of Egypt. 46:14 Declare in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Memphis and in Tahpanhes: say, Stand firm, and prepare yourselves; for the sword has devoured around you. 46:15 Why are your strong ones swept away? They didn't stand, because the Lord drove them away. 46:16 He caused many to stumble; yes, they fell one on another: and they said, Arise, and let us return to our own people, and to the land of our birth, from the oppressing sword. 46:17 They cried out there, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is just a noise; he has allowed the appointed time to pass. 46:18 As I live, says the King, whose name is the Lord of Hosts, surely like Tabor among the mountains, and like Carmel by the sea, so shall he come. 46:19 You, daughter who dwell in Egypt, prepare yourself to go into captivity; for Memphis will become a desolation, and will be burnt up, without inhabitants. 46:20 Egypt is a beautiful heifer; but destruction from the north has come, it has arrived. 46:21 Also her hired men in the midst of her are like calves of the stall; for they too have turned back, they have fled together, they didn't stand: for the day of their calamity has come upon them, the time of their visitation. 46:22 The sound of it will be like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, like woodcutters. 46:23 They will cut down her forest, says the Lord, though it can't be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are countless. 46:24 The daughter of Egypt will be disappointed; she will be delivered into the hands of the people from the north. 46:25 The Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with her gods and her kings; even Pharaoh, and all who trust in him: 46:26 and I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives, and into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and into the hands of his servants; and afterwards it will be inhabited, as it was in the days of old, says the Lord. 46:27 But don't be afraid, you Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, Israel: for behold, I will save you from afar, and your descendants from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and will be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 46:28 Don't be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says the Lord; for I am with you: for I will make a complete end of all the nations where I have driven you; but I will not make a complete end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.

47:1 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before that Pharaoh struck Gaza. 47:2 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall become an overflowing stream, and shall overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein; and the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall wail. 47:3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong ones, at the rushing of his chariots, at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers don't look back to their children for feebleness of hands; 47:4 because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains: for Yahweh will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor. 47:5 Baldness is come on Gaza; Ashkelon is brought to nothing, the remnant of their valley: how long will you cut yourself? 47:6 You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you be quiet? put up yourself into your scabbard; rest, and be still. 47:7 How can you be quiet, seeing Yahweh has given you a command? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there has he appointed it.

47:1 The message from Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet regarding the Philistines, before Pharaoh attacked Gaza. 47:2 Thus says Yahweh: Look, waters are rising from the north and will become an overflowing river, flooding the land and everything in it, the city and those living there; people will cry out, and all the inhabitants of the land will mourn. 47:3 At the sound of the pounding of his strong ones' hooves, the rush of his chariots, the rumble of his wheels, fathers won't look back at their children because their hands are weak; 47:4 because of the day that will destroy all the Philistines, cutting off every remaining helper from Tyre and Sidon: for Yahweh will destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the island of Caphtor. 47:5 Baldness has come to Gaza; Ashkelon has been laid waste, the remnant of their valley: how long will you keep hurting yourself? 47:6 O sword of Yahweh, how long before you rest? Get back in your sheath; rest and be still. 47:7 How can you be still, since Yahweh has given you a command? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the seashore.

48:1 Of Moab. Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Woe to Nebo! for it is laid waste; Kiriathaim is disappointed, it is taken; Misgab is put to shame and broken down. 48:2 The praise of Moab is no more; in Heshbon they have devised evil against her: Come, and let us cut her off from being a nation. You also, Madmen, shall be brought to silence: the sword shall pursue you. 48:3 The sound of a cry from Horonaim, desolation and great destruction! 48:4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard. 48:5 For by the ascent of Luhith with continual weeping shall they go up; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the distress of the cry of destruction. 48:6 Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness. 48:7 For, because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you also shall be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, his priests and his princes together. 48:8 The destroyer shall come on every city, and no city shall escape; the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed; as Yahweh has spoken. 48:9 Give wings to Moab, that she may fly and get her away: and her cities shall become a desolation, without any to dwell therein. 48:10 Cursed be he who does the work of Yahweh negligently; and cursed be he who keeps back his sword from blood. 48:11 Moab has been at ease from his youth, and he has settled on his lees, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither has he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remains in him, and his scent is not changed. 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will send to him those who pour off, and they shall pour him off; and they shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles in pieces. 48:13 Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence. 48:14 How say you, We are mighty men, and valiant men for the war? 48:15 Moab is laid waste, and they are gone up into his cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, says the King, whose name is Yahweh of Armies. 48:16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hurries fast. 48:17 All you who are around him, bemoan him, and all you who know his name; say, How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod! 48:18 You daughter who dwells in Dibon, come down from your glory, and sit in thirst; for the destroyer of Moab is come up against you, he has destroyed your strongholds. 48:19 Inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and watch: ask him who flees, and her who escapes; say, What has been done? 48:20 Moab is disappointed; for it is broken down: wail and cry; tell you it by the Arnon, that Moab is laid waste. 48:21 Judgment is come on the plain country, on Holon, and on Jahzah, and on Mephaath, 48:22 and on Dibon, and on Nebo, and on Beth Diblathaim, 48:23 and on Kiriathaim, and on Beth Gamul, and on Beth Meon, 48:24 and on Kerioth, and on Bozrah, and on all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near. 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, says Yahweh. 48:26 Make you him drunken; for he magnified himself against Yahweh: and Moab shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision. 48:27 For wasn't Israel a derision to you? was he found among thieves? for as often as you speak of him, you wag the head. 48:28 You inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock; and be like the dove that makes her nest over the mouth of the abyss. 48:29 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; his loftiness, and his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart. 48:30 I know his wrath, says Yahweh, that it is nothing; his boastings have worked nothing. 48:31 Therefore will I wail for Moab; yes, I will cry out for all Moab: for the men of Kir Heres shall they mourn. 48:32 With more than the weeping of Jazer will I weep for you, vine of Sibmah: your branches passed over the sea, they reached even to the sea of Jazer: on your summer fruits and on your vintage the destroyer is fallen. 48:33 Gladness and joy is taken away from the fruitful field and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to cease from the wine presses: none shall tread with shouting; the shouting shall be no shouting. 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim, to Eglath Shelishiyah: for the waters of Nimrim also shall become desolate. 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, says Yahweh, him who offers in the high place, and him who burns incense to his gods. 48:36 Therefore my heart sounds for Moab like pipes, and my heart sounds like pipes for the men of Kir Heres: therefore the abundance that he has gotten is perished. 48:37 For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: on all the hands are cuttings, and on the waist sackcloth. 48:38 On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which none delights, says Yahweh. 48:39 How is it broken down! how do they wail! how has Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all who are around him. 48:40 For thus says Yahweh: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out his wings against Moab. 48:41 Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 48:42 Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he has magnified himself against Yahweh. 48:43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are on you, inhabitant of Moab, says Yahweh. 48:44 He who flees from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he who gets up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring on him, even on Moab, the year of their visitation, says Yahweh. 48:45 Those who fled stand without strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire is gone forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and has devoured the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. 48:46 Woe to you, O Moab! the people of Chemosh is undone; for your sons are taken away captive, and your daughters into captivity. 48:47 Yet will I bring back the captivity of Moab in the latter days, says Yahweh. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

48:1 About Moab. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Woe to Nebo! It is ruined; Kiriathaim is disappointed; it is captured; Misgab is shamed and destroyed. 48:2 The glory of Moab is gone; they have plotted evil against her in Heshbon: “Come, let’s cut her off from being a nation.” You, too, Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will chase you down. 48:3 There’s a cry from Horonaim—devastation and great destruction! 48:4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones are raising a cry. 48:5 Because they will ascend Luhith with constant weeping; at the descent of Horonaim, they’ve heard the distress from the cry of destruction. 48:6 Flee, save your lives, be like the broom bush in the desert. 48:7 For because you have put your trust in your works and in your treasures, you too will be taken captive; Chemosh will go into exile, along with his priests and princes. 48:8 The destroyer will come upon every city, and no city will escape; the valley will perish, and the plain will be destroyed, as the LORD has declared. 48:9 Give wings to Moab so she can fly away; her cities will become a wasteland, with no one to live in them. 48:10 Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD carelessly; and cursed is he who keeps his sword from bloodshed. 48:11 Moab has been at ease since his youth, settled on his dregs, and hasn’t been poured from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity; so his taste remains in him, and his fragrance has not changed. 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, that I will send those who will pour him out, and they will empty his vessels and shatter his jars. 48:13 Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence. 48:14 How can you say, “We are mighty men, valiant men for war”? 48:15 Moab is laid waste; they have gone up into his cities, and his chosen young men have gone down to the slaughter, says the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts. 48:16 The calamity of Moab is near, and his affliction is fast approaching. 48:17 All of you around him, weep for him; all of you who know his name, say, “How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod!” 48:18 You daughter who lives in Dibon, come down from your glory and sit in thirst; for the destroyer of Moab has come against you, he has destroyed your strongholds. 48:19 Inhabitants of Aroer, stand by the road and watch; ask those who flee, and those who escape; say, “What has happened?” 48:20 Moab is disappointed, for it is shattered; wail and cry; inform them by the Arnon that Moab is laid waste. 48:21 Judgment has come upon the plain, on Holon, on Jahzah, and on Mephaath, 48:22 and on Dibon, on Nebo, and on Beth Diblathaim, 48:23 and on Kiriathaim, on Beth Gamul, and on Beth Meon, 48:24 and on Kerioth, on Bozrah, and on all the cities of the land of Moab, both far and near. 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, says the LORD. 48:26 Make him drunk, for he has magnified himself against the LORD; and Moab will wallow in his vomit, and he will be in derision. 48:27 For wasn’t Israel a derision to you? Was he found among thieves? For every time you speak of him, you shake your head. 48:28 You inhabitants of Moab, leave your cities and dwell in the rocks; be like the dove that makes her nest at the mouth of the abyss. 48:29 We have heard about the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; his loftiness, pride, arrogance, and haughtiness of heart. 48:30 I know his wrath, says the LORD, that it is worthless; his boastful words have done nothing. 48:31 Therefore, I will cry for Moab; yes, I will weep for all Moab; for the men of Kir Heres will mourn. 48:32 I will weep for you, vine of Sibmah, more than the weeping of Jazer: your branches crossed over the sea and reached even to the sea of Jazer; the destroyer has fallen on your summer fruits and your harvest. 48:33 Gladness and joy have been taken away from the fruitful field and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to cease from the wine presses; no one will tread them with shouts; the joyful shouting will be no more. 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon to Elealeh, even to Jahaz, they have raised their voices, from Zoar to Horonaim, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for the waters of Nimrim will also become desolate. 48:35 Moreover, I will put an end to Moab, says the LORD, to the one who offers in the high places and to the one who burns incense to his gods. 48:36 Therefore, my heart moans for Moab like the sound of flutes, and my heart sounds like flutes for the men of Kir Heres; therefore, the abundance he amassed has perished. 48:37 For every head is bald, and every beard is trimmed; on all the hands are cuts, and on the waist is sackcloth. 48:38 On all the rooftops of Moab and in its streets, there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like a vessel no one desires, says the LORD. 48:39 How is it shattered! How they wail! How has Moab turned away with shame! Moab will become a derision and a terror to all who surround him. 48:40 For this is what the LORD says: Behold, he will fly as an eagle and spread out his wings against Moab. 48:41 Kerioth is captured, and the strongholds are seized; and the heart of the mighty men of Moab that day will be like the heart of a woman in labor. 48:42 Moab will be destroyed from being a people, because he has magnified himself against the LORD. 48:43 Fear, the pit, and the snare are upon you, inhabitant of Moab, says the LORD. 48:44 He who flees from fear will fall into the pit, and he who gets out of the pit will be caught in the snare; for I will bring upon him, even upon Moab, the year of their punishment, says the LORD. 48:45 Those who fled will find no strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire has gone out from Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and it has devoured the corners of Moab and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. 48:46 Woe to you, Moab! The people of Chemosh is undone; for your sons have been taken captive, and your daughters into captivity. 48:47 Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days, says the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

49:1 Of the children of Ammon. Thus says Yahweh: Has Israel no sons? has he no heir? why then does Malcam possess Gad, and his people well in its cities? 49:2 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard against Rabbah of the children of Ammon; and it shall become a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel possess those who did possess him, says Yahweh. 49:3 Wail, Heshbon, for Ai is laid waste; cry, you daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth: lament, and run back and forth among the fences; for Malcam shall go into captivity, his priests and his princes together. 49:4 Why glory you in the valleys, your flowing valley, backsliding daughter? who trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come to me? 49:5 Behold, I will bring a fear on you, says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, from all who are around you; and you shall be driven out every man right forth, and there shall be none to gather together the fugitives. 49:6 But afterward I will bring back the captivity of the children of Ammon, says Yahweh. 49:7 Of Edom. Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished? 49:8 Flee you, turn back, dwell in the depths, inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau on him, the time that I shall visit him. 49:9 If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, wouldn't they destroy until they had enough? 49:10 But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is destroyed, and his brothers, and his neighbors; and he is no more. 49:11 Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in me. 49:12 For thus says Yahweh: Behold, they to whom it didn't pertain to drink of the cup shall certainly drink; and are you he who shall altogether go unpunished? you shall not go unpunished, but you shall surely drink. 49:13 For I have sworn by myself, says Yahweh, that Bozrah shall become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all its cities shall be perpetual wastes. 49:14 I have heard news from Yahweh, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, Gather yourselves together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle. 49:15 For, behold, I have made you small among the nations, and despised among men. 49:16 As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill: though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, says Yahweh. 49:17 Edom shall become an astonishment: everyone who passes by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all its plagues. 49:18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities of it, says Yahweh, no man shall dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein. 49:19 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who will stand before me? 49:20 Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh, that he has taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely they shall drag them away, even the little ones of the flock; surely he shall make their habitation desolate over them. 49:21 The earth trembles at the noise of their fall; there is a cry, the noise which is heard in the Red Sea. 49:22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread out his wings against Bozrah: and the heart of the mighty men of Edom at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 49:23 Of Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil news, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it can't be quiet. 49:24 Damascus has grown feeble, she turns herself to flee, and trembling has seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken hold of her, as of a woman in travail. 49:25 How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy? 49:26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, says Yahweh of Armies. 49:27 I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben Hadad. 49:28 Of Kedar, and of the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck. Thus says Yahweh: Arise you, go up to Kedar, and destroy the children of the east. 49:29 Their tents and their flocks shall they take; they shall carry away for themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry to them, Terror on every side! 49:30 Flee you, wander far off, dwell in the depths, you inhabitants of Hazor, says Yahweh; for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has taken counsel against you, and has conceived a purpose against you. 49:31 Arise, go up to a nation that is at ease, that dwells without care, says Yahweh; that have neither gates nor bars, that dwell alone. 49:32 Their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their livestock a spoil: and I will scatter to all winds those who have the corners of their hair cut off; and I will bring their calamity from every side of them, says Yahweh. 49:33 Hazor shall be a dwelling place of jackals, a desolation forever: no man shall dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein. 49:34 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, 49:35 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. 49:36 On Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of the sky, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come. 49:37 I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before those who seek their life; and I will bring evil on them, even my fierce anger, says Yahweh; and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them; 49:38 and I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from there king and princes, says Yahweh. 49:39 But it shall happen in the latter days, that I will bring back the captivity of Elam, says Yahweh.

49:1 Concerning the children of Ammon. This is what Yahweh says: Does Israel have no sons? Does he have no heir? Why then does Malcam possess Gad, and his people dwell comfortably in its cities? 49:2 Therefore, look, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when I will make a war alarm be heard against Rabbah of the children of Ammon; it will become a desolate heap, and its daughters will be burned with fire: then Israel will take possession of those who formerly dominated him, says Yahweh. 49:3 Wail, Heshbon, for Ai is destroyed; cry, you daughters of Rabbah, put on sackcloth: mourn, and run back and forth among the fences; for Malcam will go into captivity, his priests and his leaders together. 49:4 Why do you boast in the valleys, you unfaithful daughter? Who relied on her treasures, saying, Who will come to me? 49:5 Behold, I will bring fear upon you, says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, from all those around you; and each man will be driven out, and there will be no one to gather the fugitives. 49:6 But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the children of Ammon, says Yahweh. 49:7 Concerning Edom. This is what Yahweh of Armies says: Is there no wisdom left in Teman? Has counsel perished from the wise? Is their wisdom gone? 49:8 Flee, turn back, dwell in the depths, you inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the disaster of Esau upon him, the time of my visitation. 49:9 If grape harvesters came to you, would they not leave some grapes behind? If thieves came by night, wouldn’t they destroy only as much as they needed? 49:10 But I have stripped Esau bare, I have uncovered his hiding places, and he will not be able to hide; his offspring are destroyed, along with his brothers and neighbors; he is no longer there. 49:11 Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in me. 49:12 For this is what Yahweh says: Look, those who were not supposed to drink from the cup will surely drink; and are you the one who will go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, but you will surely drink. 49:13 For I have sworn by myself, says Yahweh, that Bozrah will become appalling, a disgrace, a wasteland, and a curse; all its cities will become permanent ruins. 49:14 I have heard a message from Yahweh, and a messenger is sent among the nations, saying, Assemble together and come against her, and prepare for battle. 49:15 For, look, I have made you small among the nations, and despised among people. 49:16 As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the cliffs of the rock, who occupy the hilltop: even if you make your nest as high as the eagle’s, I will bring you down from there, says Yahweh. 49:17 Edom will become a horror: everyone who passes by will be appalled and will hiss at all its plagues. 49:18 Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring cities, says Yahweh, no one will dwell there, nor will any human being sojourn there. 49:19 Look, he will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan against the stronghold: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? And who can command me a time? And who is the shepherd who can stand before me? 49:20 Therefore hear the plan of Yahweh that he has devised against Edom; and his thoughts that he has thought against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely they shall be dragged away, even the little ones of the flock; surely he shall make their habitation desolate. 49:21 The earth trembles at the sound of their fall; there is a cry, the noise which is heard in the Red Sea. 49:22 Look, he shall come up and fly like the eagle, and spread out his wings against Bozrah: and the hearts of the mighty men of Edom on that day shall be like the heart of a woman in labor. 49:23 Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard bad news, they are melting away: there is sorrow on the sea; it can't be still. 49:24 Damascus has grown weak, she turns to flee, and trembling has seized her: anguish and sorrows have caught her, like a woman in childbirth. 49:25 How has the city of praise not been forsaken, the city of my joy? 49:26 Therefore her young men will fall in her streets, and all the warriors will be silenced on that day, says Yahweh of Armies. 49:27 I will set fire to the wall of Damascus, and it will consume the palaces of Ben Hadad. 49:28 Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated. This is what Yahweh says: Rise up, go to Kedar, and destroy the children of the east. 49:29 Their tents and their flocks they shall take; they will carry away their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they will shout to them, Terror on every side! 49:30 Flee, wander far away, dwell in the depths, you inhabitants of Hazor, says Yahweh; for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has made plans against you and has devised a strategy against you. 49:31 Rise up, go to a nation that is at ease, that dwells without care, says Yahweh; that has no gates or bars, that dwells alone. 49:32 Their camels will be plunder, and the multitude of their livestock a spoil: and I will scatter to all winds those who have the corners of their hair cut off; and I will bring their calamity from every side, says Yahweh. 49:33 Hazor will become a dwelling place for jackals, a desolation forever: no one will dwell there, nor will any human being sojourn there. 49:34 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, 49:35 This is what Yahweh of Armies says: Look, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. 49:36 On Elam I will bring the four winds from the four corners of the sky, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there will be no nation where the outcasts of Elam will not go. 49:37 I will make Elam afraid before their enemies and before those who seek their life; and I will bring disaster upon them, even my fierce anger, says Yahweh; and I will pursue them with the sword until I have destroyed them; 49:38 and I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from there king and princes, says Yahweh. 49:39 But it will come to pass in the latter days that I will restore the fortunes of Elam, says Yahweh.

50:1 The word that Yahweh spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet. 50:2 Declare you among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and don't conceal: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is disappointed, Merodach is dismayed; her images are disappointed, her idols are dismayed. 50:3 For out of the north there comes up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they are fled, they are gone, both man and animal. 50:4 In those days, and in that time, says Yahweh, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Yahweh their God. 50:5 They shall inquire concerning Zion with their faces turned toward it, saying, Come you, and join yourselves to Yahweh in an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten. 50:6 My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. 50:7 All who found them have devoured them; and their adversaries said, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against Yahweh, the habitation of righteousness, even Yahweh, the hope of their fathers. 50:8 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the male goats before the flocks. 50:9 For, behold, I will stir up and cause to come up against Babylon a company of great nations from the north country; and they shall set themselves in array against her; from there she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of an expert mighty man; none shall return in vain. 50:10 Chaldea shall be a prey: all who prey on her shall be satisfied, says Yahweh. 50:11 Because you are glad, because you rejoice, O you who plunder my heritage, because you are wanton as a heifer that treads out the grain, and neigh as strong horses; 50:12 your mother shall be utterly disappointed; she who bore you shall be confounded: behold, she shall be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. 50:13 Because of the wrath of Yahweh she shall not be inhabited, but she shall be wholly desolate: everyone who goes by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues. 50:14 Set yourselves in array against Babylon all around, all you who bend the bow; shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she has sinned against Yahweh. 50:15 Shout against her all around: she has submitted herself; her bulwarks are fallen, her walls are thrown down; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh: take vengeance on her; as she has done, do to her. 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him who handles the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn everyone to his people, and they shall flee everyone to his own land. 50:17 Israel is a hunted sheep; the lions have driven him away: first, the king of Assyria devoured him; and now at last Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones. 50:18 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. 50:19 I will bring Israel again to his pasture, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead. 50:20 In those days, and in that time, says Yahweh, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I leave as a remnant. 50:21 Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: kill and utterly destroy after them, says Yahweh, and do according to all that I have commanded you. 50:22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. 50:23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut apart and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! 50:24 I have laid a snare for you, and you are also taken, Babylon, and you weren't aware: you are found, and also caught, because you have striven against Yahweh. 50:25 Yahweh has opened his armory, and has brought forth the weapons of his indignation; for the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, has a work to do in the land of the Chaldeans. 50:26 Come against her from the utmost border; open her storehouses; cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly; let nothing of her be left. 50:27 Kill all her bulls; let them go down to the slaughter: woe to them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation. 50:28 The voice of those who flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of Yahweh our God, the vengeance of his temple. 50:29 Call together the archers against Babylon, all those who bend the bow; encamp against her all around; let none of it escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she has done, do to her; for she has been proud against Yahweh, against the Holy One of Israel. 50:30 Therefore shall her young men fall in her streets, and all her men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, says Yahweh. 50:31 Behold, I am against you, you proud one, says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies; for your day is come, the time that I will visit you. 50:32 The proud one shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up; and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all who are around him. 50:33 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together; and all who took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go. 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; Yahweh of Armies is his name: he will thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. 50:35 A sword is on the Chaldeans, says Yahweh, and on the inhabitants of Babylon, and on her princes, and on her wise men. 50:36 A sword is on the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is on her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed. 50:37 A sword is on their horses, and on their chariots, and on all the mixed people who are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is on her treasures, and they shall be robbed. 50:38 A drought is on her waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is a land of engraved images, and they are mad over idols. 50:39 Therefore the wild animals of the desert with the wolves shall dwell there, and the ostriches shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited forever; neither shall it be lived in from generation to generation. 50:40 As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities of it, says Yahweh, so shall no man dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein. 50:41 Behold, a people comes from the north; and a great nation and many kings shall be stirred up from the uttermost parts of the earth. 50:42 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea; and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Babylon. 50:43 The king of Babylon has heard the news of them, and his hands wax feeble: anguish has taken hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail. 50:44 Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who can stand before me? 50:45 Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh, that he has taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely they shall drag them away, even the little ones of the flock; surely he shall make their habitation desolate over them. 50:46 At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth trembles, and the cry is heard among the nations.

50:1 The message that Yahweh gave about Babylon, about the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet. 50:2 Announce it among the nations and make it known, raise a banner; declare it, and don’t hold back: say, Babylon has been captured, Bel is humiliated, Merodach is terrified; her idols are dismayed, her images are disheartened. 50:3 A nation is coming from the north against her, which will make her land desolate, and no one will live there: they have fled, they are gone, both people and animals. 50:4 In those days, and at that time, says Yahweh, the children of Israel will return, along with the children of Judah; they will walk weeping, and will seek Yahweh their God. 50:5 They will ask about Zion with their faces turned toward it, saying, Come, let’s join ourselves to Yahweh in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. 50:6 My people are like lost sheep: their shepherds have led them astray; they have wandered over the mountains; they have gone from hill to hill; they have forgotten their place of rest. 50:7 All who found them have devoured them; and their enemies say, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against Yahweh, the dwelling place of righteousness, even Yahweh, the hope of their ancestors. 50:8 Escape from Babylon, and leave the land of the Chaldeans, and be like male goats leading the flocks. 50:9 For, behold, I will raise up and bring against Babylon a host of great nations from the north; they will surround her; from there she will be captured: their arrows will be like those of a skilled warrior; none will come back empty. 50:10 Chaldea will be a spoils of war: all who prey on her will be satisfied, says Yahweh. 50:11 Because you rejoice, because you are glad, O you who plunder my heritage, because you are reckless like a heifer treading out the grain, and neigh like strong horses; 50:12 your mother will be utterly ashamed; she who gave you birth will be confounded: behold, she will be the least of the nations, a wasteland, a dry land, and a desert. 50:13 Because of Yahweh’s wrath she will not be inhabited, but will be completely desolate: everyone who passes by Babylon will be astonished and hiss at all her plagues. 50:14 Surround Babylon all around, all you who draw the bow; shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she has sinned against Yahweh. 50:15 Shout against her all around: she has surrendered; her defenses have fallen, her walls are torn down; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh: take vengeance on her; as she has done, do to her. 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and everyone who wields the sickle at harvest time: for fear of the oppressing sword they will each turn to their people, and everyone will flee to their own land. 50:17 Israel is like a hunted sheep; lions have chased him away: first, the king of Assyria devoured him; and now at last, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, has broken his bones. 50:18 Therefore, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. 50:19 I will bring Israel back to his pasture, and he will feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead. 50:20 In those days, and at that time, says Yahweh, the iniquity of Israel will be sought, and there will be none; and the sins of Judah, and they will not be found: for I will pardon those I leave as a remnant. 50:21 Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: kill and destroy after them completely, says Yahweh, and do according to all that I have commanded you. 50:22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. 50:23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut down and broken! How has Babylon become a desolation among the nations! 50:24 I have laid a trap for you, and you are also caught, Babylon, and you didn’t see it: you are discovered, and also caught, because you have fought against Yahweh. 50:25 Yahweh has opened his armory and brought out the weapons of his wrath; for the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, has a work to do in the land of the Chaldeans. 50:26 Come against her from every side; open her storehouses; pile her up like heaps, and utterly destroy her; let nothing of her be left. 50:27 Kill all her bulls; let them go down to the slaughter: woe to them! for their day has come, the time of their judgment. 50:28 The voice of those who flee and escape from the land of Babylon, to announce in Zion the vengeance of Yahweh our God, the vengeance of his temple. 50:29 Gather the archers against Babylon, all those who draw the bow; camp against her all around; let none escape: repay her according to her works; as she has done, do to her; for she has been arrogant against Yahweh, against the Holy One of Israel. 50:30 Therefore her young men will fall in her streets, and all her warriors will be silenced in that day, says Yahweh. 50:31 Behold, I am against you, you proud one, says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies; for your day has come, the time when I will visit you. 50:32 The proud will stumble and fall, and no one will lift him up; I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will consume all who are around him. 50:33 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together; and all who took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go. 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; Yahweh of Armies is his name: he will strongly advocate for them, so that he may give rest to the earth and disturb the inhabitants of Babylon. 50:35 A sword is against the Chaldeans, says Yahweh, and against the inhabitants of Babylon, and against her princes, and against her wise men. 50:36 A sword is against the boastful, and they will become foolish; a sword is against her mighty men, and they will be terrified. 50:37 A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mixed people in her midst; and they will become like women: a sword is against her treasures, and they will be plundered. 50:38 A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up; for it is a land full of carved images, and they are crazy about idols. 50:39 Therefore, wild animals of the desert with hyenas will live there, and ostriches will dwell there: it will never be inhabited again; it will not be lived in from generation to generation. 50:40 Just as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring cities, says Yahweh, so no one will live there, nor will any son of man sojourn there. 50:41 Behold, a people comes from the north; a great nation and many kings will rise up from the farthest parts of the earth. 50:42 They grab hold of bows and spears; they are cruel and merciless; their voices roar like the sea; and they ride on horses, everyone prepared for battle, against you, daughter of Babylon. 50:43 The king of Babylon has heard their news, and his hands grow weak: anguish has seized him, and pain like a woman in labor. 50:44 Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan against a stronghold: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whomever I choose, I will appoint over it: for who is like me? and who can set a time for me? and who is the shepherd who can stand before me? 50:45 Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh, that he has taken against Babylon; and his plans that he has determined against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely they shall be dragged away, even the little ones of the flock; surely he shall make their habitation desolate over them. 50:46 At the sound of Babylon's capture the earth trembles, and the cry is heard among the nations.

51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. 51:2 I will send to Babylon strangers, who shall winnow her; and they shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her around. 51:3 Against him who bends let the archer bend his bow, and against him who lifts himself up in his coat of mail: and don't you spare her young men; destroy you utterly all her army. 51:4 They shall fall down slain in the land of the Chaldeans, and thrust through in her streets. 51:5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, of his God, of Yahweh of Armies; though their land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel. 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and save every man his life; don't be cut off in her iniquity: for it is the time of Yahweh's vengeance; he will render to her a recompense. 51:7 Babylon has been a golden cup in Yahweh's hand, who made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunk of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. 51:9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go everyone into his own country; for her judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. 51:10 Yahweh has brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of Yahweh our God. 51:11 Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Yahweh has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Yahweh, the vengeance of his temple. 51:12 Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for Yahweh has both purposed and done that which he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon. 51:13 You who dwell on many waters, abundant in treasures, your end is come, the measure of your covetousness. 51:14 Yahweh of Armies has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill you with men, as with the canker worm; and they shall lift up a shout against you. 51:15 He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding has he stretched out the heavens: 51:16 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightning for the rain, and brings forth the wind out of his treasuries. 51:17 Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 51:18 They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. 51:19 The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is his name. 51:20 You are my battle axe and weapons of war: and with you will I break in pieces the nations; and with you will I destroy kingdoms; 51:21 and with you will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; 51:22 and with you will I break in pieces the chariot and him who rides therein; and with you will I break in pieces man and woman; and with you will I break in pieces the old man and the youth; and with you will I break in pieces the young man and the virgin; 51:23 and with you will I break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; and with you will I break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen; and with you will I break in pieces governors and deputies. 51:24 I will render to Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, says Yahweh. 51:25 Behold, I am against you, destroying mountain, says Yahweh, which destroys all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand on you, and roll you down from the rocks, and will make you a burnt mountain. 51:26 They shall not take of you a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but you shall be desolate for ever, says Yahweh. 51:27 Set up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a marshal against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough canker worm. 51:28 Prepare against her the nations, the kings of the Medes, its governors, and all its deputies, and all the land of their dominion. 51:29 The land trembles and is in pain; for the purposes of Yahweh against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her dwelling places are set on fire; her bars are broken. 51:31 One runner will run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken on every quarter: 51:32 and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are frightened. 51:33 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time when it is trodden; yet a little while, and the time of harvest shall come for her. 51:34 Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon has devoured me, he has crushed me, he has made me an empty vessel, he has, like a monster, swallowed me up, he has filled his maw with my delicacies; he has cast me out. 51:35 The violence done to me and to my flesh be on Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and, My blood be on the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say. 51:36 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will plead your cause, and take vengeance for you; and I will dry up her sea, and make her fountain dry. 51:37 Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for jackals, an astonishment, and a hissing, without inhabitant. 51:38 They shall roar together like young lions; they shall growl as lions' cubs. 51:39 When they are heated, I will make their feast, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, says Yahweh. 51:40 I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with male goats. 51:41 How is Sheshach taken! and the praise of the whole earth seized! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! 51:42 The sea is come up on Babylon; she is covered with the multitude of its waves. 51:43 Her cities are become a desolation, a dry land, and a desert, a land in which no man dwells, neither does any son of man pass thereby. 51:44 I will execute judgment on Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he has swallowed up; and the nations shall not flow any more to him: yes, the wall of Babylon shall fall. 51:45 My people, go you out of the midst of her, and save yourselves every man from the fierce anger of Yahweh. 51:46 Don't let your heart faint, neither fear for the news that shall be heard in the land; for news shall come one year, and after that in another year shall come news, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler. 51:47 Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will execute judgment on the engraved images of Babylon; and her whole land shall be confounded; and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her. 51:48 Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for joy over Babylon; for the destroyers shall come to her from the north, says Yahweh. 51:49 As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the land. 51:50 You who have escaped the sword, go you, don't stand still; remember Yahweh from afar, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. 51:51 We are confounded, because we have heard reproach; confusion has covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of Yahweh's house. 51:52 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will execute judgment on her engraved images; and through all her land the wounded shall groan. 51:53 Though Babylon should mount up to the sky, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall destroyers come to her, says Yahweh. 51:54 The sound of a cry from Babylon, and of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans! 51:55 For Yahweh lays Babylon waste, and destroys out of her the great voice; and their waves roar like many waters; the noise of their voice is uttered: 51:56 for the destroyer is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, he will surely requite. 51:57 I will make drunk her princes and her wise men, her governors and her deputies, and her mighty men; and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake up, says the King, whose name is Yahweh of Armies. 51:58 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the peoples shall labor for vanity, and the nations for the fire; and they shall be weary. 51:59 The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah was chief quartermaster. 51:60 Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come on Babylon, even all these words that are written concerning Babylon. 51:61 Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When you come to Babylon, then see that you read all these words, 51:62 and say, Yahweh, you have spoken concerning this place, to cut it off, that none shall dwell therein, neither man nor animal, but that it shall be desolate forever. 51:63 It shall be, when you have made an end of reading this book, that you shall bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates: 51:64 and you shall say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise again because of the evil that I will bring on her; and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

51:1 This is what the Lord says: Look, I will raise up a destructive wind against Babylon and those who live in Lebkamai. 51:2 I will send strangers to Babylon to winnow her; they will empty her land, for on the day of trouble they will surround her. 51:3 Let the archer draw his bow against him who bends low, and against him who wears armor; do not spare her young men; completely destroy all her army. 51:4 They will fall slain in the land of the Chaldeans, and be pierced through in her streets. 51:5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor is Judah abandoned by his God, the Lord of Armies; even though their land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel. 51:6 Escape from the midst of Babylon, and save your lives; do not be cut off in her punishment, for it is the time of the Lord's vengeance; he will repay her for what she has done. 51:7 Babylon has been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, making all the earth drunk; the nations have drunk her wine; therefore they have gone mad. 51:8 Babylon has suddenly fallen and is destroyed; weep for her; take balm for her wound, perhaps she can be healed. 51:9 We tried to heal Babylon, but she is not healed; abandon her, and let us go, each to his own country, for her judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up to the skies. 51:10 The Lord has revealed our righteousness: come, let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God. 51:11 Sharpen the arrows; hold firm the shields: the Lord has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his plan is against Babylon, to destroy it; for it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple. 51:12 Set up a banner against the walls of Babylon, strengthen the watch, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for the Lord has both purposed and accomplished what he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon. 51:13 You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the measure of your greed is full. 51:14 The Lord of Armies has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill you with people, like a swarm of locusts; and they will shout against you. 51:15 He made the earth by his power, he established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding he stretched out the heavens; 51:16 when he speaks, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the mists to rise from the ends of the earth; he makes lightning for the rain and brings forth the wind from his treasuries. 51:17 Every person has become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 51:18 They are worthless, a work of delusion: at the time of their punishment they will perish. 51:19 The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the maker of all things; Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: the Lord of Armies is his name. 51:20 You are my battle axe and weapons of war: I will break the nations in pieces with you; I will destroy kingdoms with you; 51:21 I will break in pieces the horse and its rider with you; 51:22 I will break in pieces the chariot and the one who rides in it; I will break in pieces man and woman; I will break in pieces the old man and the youth; I will break in pieces the young man and the virgin; 51:23 I will break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; I will break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen; I will break in pieces governors and deputies with you. 51:24 I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion in your sight, says the Lord. 51:25 Look, I am against you, destroying mountain, says the Lord, which destroys the whole earth; I will stretch out my hand against you, and roll you down from the cliffs, and make you a burnt-out mountain. 51:26 People will not take from you a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but you will be desolate forever, says the Lord. 51:27 Set up a banner in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, summon the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a commander against her; let the horses come up like swarming locusts. 51:28 Prepare the nations against her, the kings of the Medes, their governors, and all their deputies, and all the land under their control. 51:29 The land trembles and is in pain; for the plans of the Lord against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have given up the fight; they remain in their strongholds; their strength has failed; they have become like women: her dwelling places are set on fire; her bars are broken. 51:31 One runner will meet another, and one messenger will meet another, to tell the king of Babylon that his city is captured from all sides: 51:32 and the passages are seized, the reeds are burned with fire, and the soldiers are terrified. 51:33 For thus says the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel: The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trodden; yet a little while, and the time of harvest will come for her. 51:34 Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, has devoured me, he has crushed me, he has made me an empty vessel; he has swallowed me up like a monster and filled his belly with my delicacies; he has cast me out. 51:35 The violence done to me and to my body will be on Babylon, says the inhabitant of Zion; and, My blood will be on the inhabitants of Chaldea, says Jerusalem. 51:36 Therefore thus says the Lord: Look, I will plead your case, and take vengeance for you; I will dry up her sea, and make her fountain dry. 51:37 Babylon will become heaps of ruins, a dwelling place for jackals, an astonishment, and a hissing, without any inhabitants. 51:38 They will roar together like young lions; they will growl like lions' cubs. 51:39 When they are heated, I will prepare their feast, and make them drunk, so they may rejoice, and sleep a deep sleep, and not wake up, says the Lord. 51:40 I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with male goats. 51:41 How is Sheshach captured! and the praise of the whole earth taken! how has Babylon become a desolation among the nations! 51:42 The sea has come up against Babylon; she is covered with the multitude of its waves. 51:43 Her cities have become desolate, a dry land, and a desert, a land where no person dwells, and where no human passes by. 51:44 I will execute judgment on Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth from his mouth what he has swallowed; and the nations will no longer flow to him: yes, the wall of Babylon will fall. 51:45 My people, go out from the midst of her, and save yourselves, each from the fierce anger of the Lord. 51:46 Don’t let your heart give in, and don’t fear the news that will be heard in the land; for news will come one year, and after that another year will bring news, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler. 51:47 Therefore, look, the days are coming when I will execute judgment on the engraved images of Babylon; and her whole land will be confounded; and all her slain will fall in the midst of her. 51:48 Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, will sing for joy over Babylon; for the destroyers will come to her from the north, says the Lord. 51:49 As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon will fall the slain of all the land. 51:50 You who have escaped the sword, go, don’t stand still; remember the Lord from afar, and let Jerusalem be in your thoughts. 51:51 We are ashamed, because we have heard reproach; confusion has covered our faces: for strangers have entered the sanctuaries of the Lord's house. 51:52 Therefore, look, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will execute judgment on her engraved images; and throughout all her land the wounded will groan. 51:53 Even if Babylon should rise to the heavens, and fortify the height of her strength, from me will come destroyers against her, says the Lord. 51:54 The sound of a cry from Babylon, and of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans! 51:55 For the Lord lays Babylon waste, and removes from her the great voice; and their waves roar like many waters; their voices are lifted up: 51:56 for the destroyer has come upon her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are captured, their bows are broken in pieces; for the Lord is a God of recompense, he will certainly repay. 51:57 I will make her princes and her wise men, her governors and her deputies, and her mighty men drunk; and they will sleep a deep sleep, and not wake up, says the King, whose name is the Lord of Armies. 51:58 Thus says the Lord of Armies: The great walls of Babylon will be utterly overthrown, and her high gates will be burned with fire; the peoples will labor for nothing, and the nations for the fire; and they will tire themselves out. 51:59 The word which the prophet Jeremiah commanded Seraiah, the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, when he went with King Zedekiah of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah was the chief quartermaster. 51:60 Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that would come upon Babylon, all these words that are written about Babylon. 51:61 Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When you get to Babylon, make sure you read all these words, 51:62 and say, Lord, you have spoken concerning this place, to cut it off, that no one will dwell there, neither man nor animal, but that it will be desolate forever. 51:63 It shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you should bind a stone to it, and throw it into the Euphrates: 51:64 and you should say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise again because of the evil that I will bring upon her; and they will tire themselves out. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

52:1 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 52:2 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 52:3 For through the anger of Yahweh did it happen in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 52:4 It happened in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about. 52:5 So the city was besieged to the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 52:6 In the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. 52:7 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were against the city all around;) and they went toward the Arabah. 52:8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him. 52:9 Then they took the king, and carried him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment on him. 52:10 The king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he killed also all the princes of Judah in Riblah. 52:11 He put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in fetters, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison until the day of his death. 52:12 Now in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, who stood before the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem: 52:13 and he burned the house of Yahweh, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, even every great house, burned he with fire. 52:14 All the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down all the walls of Jerusalem all around. 52:15 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the poorest of the people, and the residue of the people who were left in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude. 52:16 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poorest of the land to be vineyard keepers and farmers. 52:17 The pillars of brass that were in the house of Yahweh, and the bases and the bronze sea that were in the house of Yahweh, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon. 52:18 The pots also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered, took they away. 52:19 The cups, and the fire pans, and the basins, and the pots, and the lampstands, and the spoons, and the bowls--that which was of gold, in gold, and that which was of silver, in silver,--the captain of the guard took away. 52:20 The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made for the house of Yahweh. The brass of all these vessels was without weight. 52:21 As for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits did compass it; and its thickness was four fingers: it was hollow. 52:22 A capital of brass was on it; and the height of the one capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates on the capital all around, all of brass: and the second pillar also had like these, and pomegranates. 52:23 There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides; all the pomegranates were one hundred on the network all around. 52:24 The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold: 52:25 and out of the city he took an officer who was set over the men of war; and seven men of those who saw the king's face, who were found in the city; and the scribe of the captain of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty men of the people of the land, who were found in the midst of the city. 52:26 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah. 52:27 The king of Babylon struck them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of his land. 52:28 This is the people whom Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand twenty-three Jews; 52:29 in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty-two persons; 52:30 in the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty-five persons: all the persons were four thousand and six hundred. 52:31 It happened in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison; 52:32 and he spoke kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings who were with him in Babylon, 52:33 and changed his prison garments. Jehoiachin ate bread before him continually all the days of his life: 52:34 and for his allowance, there was a continual allowance given him by the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

52:1 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he started ruling, and he ruled for eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah. 52:2 He did what was wrong in the eyes of Yahweh, just like Jehoiakim had done. 52:3 It was because of Yahweh's anger that this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He had removed them from His presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 52:4 In the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth month and the tenth day, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came with his whole army against Jerusalem and camped around it; they built siege works against it. 52:5 So, the city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 52:6 In the fourth month, on the ninth day, the famine was severe in the city, leaving the people with no food. 52:7 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the soldiers fled out of the city at night through the gate between the two walls by the king's garden; (the Chaldeans were surrounding the city at that time); and they went toward the Arabah. 52:8 But the Chaldean army pursued the king and caught up with Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; all his soldiers scattered from him. 52:9 They captured the king and brought him to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he was judged there. 52:10 The king of Babylon killed Zedekiah's sons in front of him, and he also executed all the princes of Judah at Riblah. 52:11 He had Zedekiah's eyes gouged out, bound him in chains, and took him to Babylon, where he was imprisoned until the day he died. 52:12 Now, in the fifth month, on the tenth day, in the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, who stood before the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem: 52:13 and he burned down the house of Yahweh, the king's palace, and all the houses in Jerusalem, even every great house he burned to the ground. 52:14 The whole Chaldean army with the captain of the guard tore down all the walls of Jerusalem all around. 52:15 Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took away captives from the poorest of the people, the rest of the people left in the city, those who had defected to the king of Babylon, and the remnants of the crowd. 52:16 But Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, left some of the poorest people behind to be vineyard keepers and farmers. 52:17 The bronze pillars in the house of Yahweh, the bases, and the bronze sea there, the Chaldeans broke into pieces and took all the bronze to Babylon. 52:18 They also took the pots, shovels, snuffers, bowls, spoons, and all the vessels made of bronze used in their service. 52:19 The cups, fire pans, basins, pots, lampstands, spoons, and bowls—those made of gold and silver—were also taken away by the captain of the guard. 52:20 The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls under the bases, which King Solomon had made for the house of Yahweh, had unmeasured bronze. 52:21 Concerning the pillars, one was eighteen cubits high; it was twelve cubits in circumference, and its thickness was four fingers; it was hollow. 52:22 A bronze capital was on it; the height of that capital was five cubits, adorned with a network and pomegranates all around, all of bronze. The second pillar had similar features, with pomegranates as well. 52:23 There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides; all the pomegranates added up to one hundred around the network. 52:24 The captain of the guard seized Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the second priest, and three doorkeepers: 52:25 and he took an officer from the city who was in charge of the troops, along with seven men who had been in the king's presence, found in the city; and the scribe of the captain of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty citizens found in the city. 52:26 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 52:27 The king of Babylon executed them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was exiled from its land. 52:28 This is the number of people Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year, three thousand twenty-three Jews; 52:29 in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, he exiled eight hundred thirty-two people from Jerusalem; 52:30 in the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard exiled seven hundred forty-five persons: the total number of exiled people was four thousand six hundred. 52:31 It happened in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, that Evilmerodach, king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted the head of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, and brought him out of prison; 52:32 he spoke kindly to him, set his throne above the thrones of the kings with him in Babylon, 52:33 and changed his prison clothes. Jehoiachin ate bread before him continually for the rest of his life: 52:34 and for his allowance, he was given a daily provision by the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day he died, all the days of his life.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 49:21 or, Sea of Reeds

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Sea of Reeds














Lamentations

1:1 How the city sits solitary, that was full of people!

1:1 How the city stands alone, once packed with people!

She has become as a widow, who was great among the nations!
She who was a princess among the provinces is become tributary!
1:2 She weeps sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks;
among all her lovers she has none to comfort her:
All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they are become her enemies.
1:3 Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude;
she dwells among the nations, she finds no rest:
all her persecutors overtook her within the straits.
1:4 The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn assembly;
all her gates are desolate, her priests do sigh:
her virgins are afflicted, and she herself is in bitterness.
1:5 Her adversaries are become the head, her enemies prosper;
for Yahweh has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions:
her young children are gone into captivity before the adversary.
1:6 From the daughter of Zion all her majesty is departed:
her princes are become like harts that find no pasture,
they are gone without strength before the pursuer.
1:7 Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that were from the days of old:
when her people fell into the hand of the adversary, and none did help her,
The adversaries saw her, they did mock at her desolations.
1:8 Jerusalem has grievously sinned; therefore she is become as an unclean thing;
all who honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness:
yes, she sighs, and turns backward.
1:9 Her filthiness was in her skirts; she didn't remember her latter end;
therefore is she come down wonderfully; she has no comforter:
see, Yahweh, my affliction; for the enemy has magnified himself.
1:10 The adversary has spread out his hand on all her pleasant things:
for she has seen that the nations are entered into her sanctuary,
concerning whom you did command that they should not enter into your assembly.
1:11 All her people sigh, they seek bread;
they have given their pleasant things for food to refresh the soul:
look, Yahweh, and see; for I am become abject.
1:12 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look, and see if there be any sorrow like my sorrow, which is brought on me,
With which Yahweh has afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.
1:13 From on high has he sent fire into my bones, and it prevails against them;
He has spread a net for my feet, he has turned me back:
He has made me desolate and faint all the day.
1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand;
They are knit together, they are come up on my neck; he has made my strength to fail:
The Lord has delivered me into their hands, against whom I am not able to stand.
1:15 The Lord has set at nothing all my mighty men in the midst of me;
He has called a solemn assembly against me to crush my young men:
The Lord has trodden as in a winepress the virgin daughter of Judah.
1:16 For these things I weep; my eye, my eye runs down with water;
Because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me:
My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.
1:17 Zion spreads forth her hands; there is none to comfort her;
Yahweh has commanded concerning Jacob, that those who are around him should be his adversaries:
Jerusalem is among them as an unclean thing.
1:18 Yahweh is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment:
Please hear all you peoples, and see my sorrow:
My virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.
1:19 I called for my lovers, but they deceived me:
My priests and my elders gave up the spirit in the city,
While they sought them food to refresh their souls.
1:20 See, Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled;
My heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled:
Abroad the sword bereaves, at home there is as death.
1:21 They have heard that I sigh; there is none to comfort me;
All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that you have done it:
You will bring the day that you have proclaimed, and they shall be like me.
1:22 Let all their wickedness come before you;
Do to them, as you have done to me for all my transgressions:
For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.
2:1 How has the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger!
He has cast down from heaven to the earth the beauty of Israel,
And hasn't remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.
2:2 The Lord has swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and has not pitied:
He has thrown down in his wrath the strongholds of the daughter of Judah;
He has brought them down to the ground; he has profaned the kingdom and its princes.
2:3 He has cut off in fierce anger all the horn of Israel;
He has drawn back his right hand from before the enemy:
He has burned up Jacob like a flaming fire, which devours all around.
2:4 He has bent his bow like an enemy, he has stood with his right hand as an adversary,
Has killed all that were pleasant to the eye:
In the tent of the daughter of Zion he has poured out his wrath like fire.
2:5 The Lord is become as an enemy, he has swallowed up Israel;
He has swallowed up all her palaces, he has destroyed his strongholds;
He has multiplied in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.
2:6 He has violently taken away his tent, as if it were of a garden; he has destroyed his place of assembly:
Yahweh has caused solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion,
Has despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest.
2:7 The Lord has cast off his altar, he has abhorred his sanctuary;
He has given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces:
They have made a noise in the house of Yahweh, as in the day of a solemn assembly.
2:8 Yahweh has purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion;
He has stretched out the line, he has not withdrawn his hand from destroying;
He has made the rampart and wall to lament; they languish together.
2:9 Her gates are sunk into the ground; he has destroyed and broken her bars:
Her king and her princes are among the nations where the law is not;
Yes, her prophets find no vision from Yahweh.
2:10 The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground, they keep silence;
They have cast up dust on their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth:
The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.
2:11 My eyes do fail with tears, my heart is troubled;
My liver is poured on the earth, because of the destruction of the daughter of my people,
Because the young children and the infants swoon in the streets of the city.
2:12 They tell their mothers, Where is grain and wine?
When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city,
When their soul is poured out into their mothers' bosom.
2:13 What shall I testify to you? what shall I liken to you, daughter of Jerusalem?
What shall I compare to you, that I may comfort you, virgin daughter of Zion?
For your breach is great like the sea: who can heal you?
2:14 Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions;
They have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captivity,
But have seen for you false oracles and causes of banishment.
2:15 All that pass by clap their hands at you;
They hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying,
Is this the city that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?
2:16 All your enemies have opened their mouth wide against you;
They hiss and gnash the teeth; they say, We have swallowed her up;
Certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.
2:17 Yahweh has done that which he purposed; he has fulfilled his word that he commanded in the days of old;
He has thrown down, and has not pitied:
He has caused the enemy to rejoice over you; he has exalted the horn of your adversaries.
2:18 Their heart cried to the Lord:
wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night;
Give yourself no respite; don't let the apple of your eye cease.
2:19 Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches;
Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord:
Lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children, that faint for hunger at the head of every street.
2:20 Look, Yahweh, and see to whom you have done thus!
Shall the women eat their fruit, the children that are dandled in the hands?
Shall the priest and the prophet be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord?
2:21 The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets;
My virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword:
You have killed them in the day of your anger; you have slaughtered, and not pitied.
2:22 You have called, as in the day of a solemn assembly, my terrors on every side;
There was none that escaped or remained in the day of Yahweh's anger:
Those that I have dandled and brought up has my enemy consumed.
3:1 I am the man that has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
3:2 He has led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light.
3:3 Surely against me he turns his hand again and again all the day.
3:4 My flesh and my skin has he made old; he has broken my bones.
3:5 He has built against me, and surrounded me with gall and travail.
3:6 He has made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead.
3:7 He has walled me about, that I can't go forth; he has made my chain heavy.
3:8 Yes, when I cry, and call for help, he shuts out my prayer.
3:9 He has walled up my ways with cut stone; he has made my paths crooked.
3:10 He is to me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.
3:11 He has turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; he has made me desolate.
3:12 He has bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
3:13 He has caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my kidneys.
3:14 I am become a derision to all my people, and their song all the day.
3:15 He has filled me with bitterness, he has sated me with wormwood.
3:16 He has also broken my teeth with gravel stones; he has covered me with ashes.
3:17 You have removed my soul far off from peace; I forgot prosperity.
3:18 I said, My strength is perished, and my expectation from Yahweh.
3:19 Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
3:20 My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me.
3:21 This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.
3:22 It is of Yahweh's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn't fail.
3:23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
3:24 Yahweh is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
3:25 Yahweh is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
3:26 It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahweh.
3:27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
3:28 Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he has laid it on him.
3:29 Let him put his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.
3:30 Let him give his cheek to him who strikes him; let him be filled full with reproach.
3:31 For the Lord will not cast off forever.
3:32 For though he cause grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
3:33 For he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
3:34 To crush under foot all the prisoners of the earth,
3:35 To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the Most High,
3:36 To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord doesn't approve.
3:37 Who is he who says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord doesn't command it?
3:38 Doesn't evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?
3:39 Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Yahweh.
3:41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the heavens.
3:42 We have transgressed and have rebelled; you have not pardoned.
3:43 You have covered with anger and pursued us; you have killed, you have not pitied.
3:44 You have covered yourself with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through.
3:45 You have made us an off-scouring and refuse in the midst of the peoples.
3:46 All our enemies have opened their mouth wide against us.
3:47 Fear and the pit are come on us, devastation and destruction.
3:48 My eye runs down with streams of water, for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
3:49 My eye pours down, and doesn't cease, without any intermission,
3:50 Until Yahweh look down, and see from heaven.
3:51 My eye affects my soul, because of all the daughters of my city.
3:52 They have chased me sore like a bird, those who are my enemies without cause.
3:53 They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and have cast a stone on me.
3:54 Waters flowed over my head; I said, I am cut off.
3:55 I called on your name, Yahweh, out of the lowest dungeon.
3:56 You heard my voice; don't hide your ear at my breathing, at my cry.
3:57 You drew near in the day that I called on you; you said, Don't be afraid.
3:58 Lord, you have pleaded the causes of my soul; you have redeemed my life.
3:59 Yahweh, you have seen my wrong; judge you my cause.
3:60 You have seen all their vengeance and all their devices against me.
3:61 You have heard their reproach, Yahweh, and all their devices against me,
3:62 The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.
3:63 See you their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their song.
3:64 You will render to them a recompense, Yahweh, according to the work of their hands.
3:65 You will give them hardness of heart, your curse to them.
3:66 You will pursue them in anger, and destroy them from under the heavens of Yahweh.
4:1 How is the gold become dim! how is the most pure gold changed!
The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
4:2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold,
How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
4:3 Even the jackals draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones:
The daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.
4:4 The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst:
The young children ask bread, and no man breaks it to them.
4:5 Those who did feed delicately are desolate in the streets:
Those who were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
4:6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom,
That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid on her.
4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk;
They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.
4:8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets:
Their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
4:9 Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger;
For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.
4:10 The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children;
They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
4:11 Yahweh has accomplished his wrath, he has poured out his fierce anger;
He has kindled a fire in Zion, which has devoured its foundations.
4:12 The kings of the earth didn't believe, neither all the inhabitants of the world,
That the adversary and the enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem.
4:13 It is because of the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests,
That have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her.
4:14 They wander as blind men in the streets, they are polluted with blood,
So that men can't touch their garments.
4:15 Depart you, they cried to them, Unclean! depart, depart, don't touch!
When they fled away and wandered, men said among the nations, They shall no more sojourn here.
4:16 The anger of Yahweh has scattered them; he will no more regard them:
They didn't respect the persons of the priests, they didn't favor the elders.
4:17 Our eyes do yet fail in looking for our vain help:
In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.
4:18 They hunt our steps, so that we can't go in our streets:
Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.
4:19 Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky:
They chased us on the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
4:20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Yahweh, was taken in their pits;
Of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.
4:21 Rejoice and be glad, daughter of Edom, that dwell in the land of Uz:
The cup shall pass through to you also; you shall be drunken, and shall make yourself naked.
4:22 The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, daughter of Zion; he will no more carry you away into captivity:
He will visit your iniquity, daughter of Edom; he will uncover your sins.
5:1 Remember, Yahweh, what has come on us:
Look, and see our reproach.
5:2 Our inheritance is turned to strangers,
Our houses to aliens.
5:3 We are orphans and fatherless;
Our mothers are as widows.
5:4 We have drunken our water for money;
Our wood is sold to us.
5:5 Our pursuers are on our necks:
We are weary, and have no rest.
5:6 We have given the hand to the Egyptians,
To the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
5:7 Our fathers sinned, and are no more;
We have borne their iniquities.
5:8 Servants rule over us:
There is none to deliver us out of their hand.
5:9 We get our bread at the peril of our lives,
Because of the sword of the wilderness.
5:10 Our skin is black like an oven,
Because of the burning heat of famine.
5:11 They ravished the women in Zion,
The virgins in the cities of Judah.
5:12 Princes were hanged up by their hand:
The faces of elders were not honored.
5:13 The young men bare the mill;
The children stumbled under the wood.
5:14 The elders have ceased from the gate,
The young men from their music.
5:15 The joy of our heart is ceased;
Our dance is turned into mourning.
5:16 The crown is fallen from our head:
Woe to us! for we have sinned.
5:17 For this our heart is faint;
For these things our eyes are dim;
5:18 For the mountain of Zion, which is desolate:
The foxes walk on it.
5:19 You, Yahweh, abide forever;
Your throne is from generation to generation.
5:20 Why do you forget us forever,
And forsake us so long time?
5:21 Turn you us to you, Yahweh, and we shall be turned;
Renew our days as of old.
5:22 But you have utterly rejected us;
You are very angry against us.














Ezekiel

1:1 Now it happened in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 1:2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, 1:3 the word of Yahweh came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Yahweh was there on him. 1:4 I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness around it, and out of its midst as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire. 1:5 Out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. 1:6 Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings. 1:7 Their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass. 1:8 They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings thus: 1:9 their wings were joined one to another; they didn't turn when they went; each one went straight forward. 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle. 1:11 Their faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of each one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. 1:12 Each one went straight forward: where the spirit was to go, they went; they didn't turn when they went. 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 1:14 The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. 1:15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it. 1:16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl: and they four had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel. 1:17 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn when they went. 1:18 As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes all around. 1:19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 1:20 Wherever the spirit was to go, they went; there was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 1:21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 1:22 Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched forth over their heads above. 1:23 Under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: each one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies. 1:24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army: when they stood, they let down their wings. 1:25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings. 1:26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above. 1:27 I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it all around, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.

1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fourth month, and the fifth day of that month, while I was among the captives by the Chebar River, the heavens opened up, and I saw visions of God. 1:2 On that same fifth day, which marked the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, 1:3 the word of Yahweh came clearly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar River; and the hand of Yahweh was upon him there. 1:4 I looked, and a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud with flashing lightning and brightness surrounding it, and from the middle of it, there appeared something like glowing metal, out of the fire. 1:5 From its center came the likeness of four living creatures. This is what they looked like: each had the appearance of a man. 1:6 Each of them had four faces, and they each had four wings. 1:7 Their feet were straight and the soles of their feet were like the soles of a calf's foot; they shone like burnished bronze. 1:8 Under their wings, on all four sides, they had the hands of a man; and the four of them had their faces and their wings this way: 1:9 their wings were connected to one another; they didn’t turn when they moved; each went straight ahead. 1:10 As for their faces, each had a man's face; on the right side, they all had the face of a lion; on the left side, they all had the face of an ox; and they all had the face of an eagle. 1:11 Their faces and wings were distinct on top; two wings of each were connected, and two covered their bodies. 1:12 Each one moved straight ahead: wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went; they didn’t turn when they moved. 1:13 The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire moved up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and from the fire came flashes of lightning. 1:14 The living creatures ran and returned like the appearance of a flash of lightning. 1:15 As I watched the living creatures, I saw one wheel on the ground beside each living creature, corresponding to their four faces. 1:16 The appearance of the wheels and their structure looked like beryl; and they all had one shape; and their appearance and structure was like a wheel within a wheel. 1:17 When they moved, they all moved in their four directions; they didn’t turn when they moved. 1:18 Their rims were high and terrifying, and their rims were full of eyes all around. 1:19 When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 1:20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went; the spirit was in the wheels alongside them. 1:21 When those went, these went; when those stood still, these stood still; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 1:22 Above the heads of the living creatures was an expanse, like awesome crystal, stretched out above them. 1:23 Under the expanse, their wings were straight, one toward the other: each had two wings covering on this side, and each had two wings covering on that side, their bodies. 1:24 When they moved, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the noise of an army: when they stood still, they lowered their wings. 1:25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood still, they lowered their wings. 1:26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, like the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness like the appearance of a man above it. 1:27 I saw what looked like glowing metal, like the appearance of fire all around, from the appearance of his waist upward; and from the appearance of his waist downward, it looked like the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. 1:28 The appearance of the brightness all around was like a rainbow in the cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. When I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

2:1 He said to me, Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you. 2:2 The Spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard him who spoke to me. 2:3 He said to me, Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to nations that are rebellious, which have rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me even to this very day. 2:4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted: I am sending you to them; and you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh. 2:5 They, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there has been a prophet among them. 2:6 You, son of man, don't be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: don't be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 2:7 You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious. 2:8 But you, son of man, hear what I tell you; don't be you rebellious like that rebellious house: open your mouth, and eat that which I give you. 2:9 When I looked, behold, a hand was put forth to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was therein; 2:10 He spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

2:1 He said to me, "Son of man, get up on your feet, and I will talk to you." 2:2 The Spirit entered me when he spoke, and I stood up; then I heard him speaking to me. 2:3 He said to me, "Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has turned against me: they and their ancestors have disobeyed me up to this day. 2:4 The children are stubborn and hard-hearted: I am sending you to them, and you will say to them, 'This is what the Lord Yahweh says.' 2:5 They will know, whether they listen or not (for they are a rebellious people), that a prophet has been among them. 2:6 You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them or their words, even though thorns and briars are around you, and you live among scorpions: do not be afraid of their words or disheartened by their looks, even though they are a rebellious nation. 2:7 You will speak my words to them, whether they listen or refuse; for they are very rebellious. 2:8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say: don’t be rebellious like that rebellious nation; open your mouth and consume what I give you. 2:9 When I looked, I saw a hand reaching out to me, and there was a scroll in it; 2:10 He opened it before me: it was written on both sides, and contained lamentations, mourning, and woe.

3:1 He said to me, Son of man, eat that which you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. 3:2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat the scroll. 3:3 He said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. 3:4 He said to me, Son of man, go, get you to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them. 3:5 For you are not sent to a people of a strange speech and of a hard language, but to the house of Israel; 3:6 not to many peoples of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words you can not understand. Surely, if I sent you to them, they would listen to you. 3:7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you; for they will not listen to me: for all the house of Israel are of hard forehead and of a stiff heart. 3:8 Behold, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads. 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: don't be afraid of them, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 3:10 Moreover he said to me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears. 3:11 Go, get you to them of the captivity, to the children of your people, and speak to them, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. 3:12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from his place. 3:13 I heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, even the noise of a great rushing. 3:14 So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Yahweh was strong on me. 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel Aviv, that lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. 3:16 It happened at the end of seven days, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 3:17 Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 3:18 When I tell the wicked, You shall surely die; and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand. 3:19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and he doesn't turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. 3:20 Again, when a righteous man does turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because you have not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at your hand. 3:21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man, that the righteous not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning; and you have delivered your soul. 3:22 The hand of Yahweh was there on me; and he said to me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with you. 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and behold, the glory of Yahweh stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face. 3:24 Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me on my feet; and he spoke with me, and said to me, Go, shut yourself within your house. 3:25 But you, son of man, behold, they shall lay bands on you, and shall bind you with them, and you shall not go out among them: 3:26 and I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, that you shall be mute, and shall not be to them a reprover; for they are a rebellious house. 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: He who hears, let him hear; and he who forbears, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

3:1 He said to me, "Human, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and then go speak to the people of Israel." 3:2 So I opened my mouth, and he helped me eat the scroll. 3:3 He told me, "Human, make your stomach eat, and fill yourself with this scroll that I give you." I ate it, and it was sweet in my mouth like honey. 3:4 He said to me, "Human, go to the people of Israel and speak my words to them." 3:5 For you are not sent to a people who speak a strange language, but to the house of Israel; 3:6 not to many peoples who speak a strange language that you can't understand. Surely, if I sent you to them, they would listen to you. 3:7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to me: for all the house of Israel are hard-headed and stubborn. 3:8 Look, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads. 3:9 I have made your forehead harder than flint; don't be afraid of them, and don't be discouraged by their looks, even though they are a rebellious house. 3:10 Furthermore, he said to me, "Human, receive all my words that I will speak to you in your heart, and listen with your ears." 3:11 Go to those in captivity, to the children of your people, and speak to them, saying, "This is what the Lord Yahweh says," whether they listen or not. 3:12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, "Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from His place." 3:13 I heard the sound of the wings of the living creatures as they touched each other, and the sound of the wheels beside them, even the sound of a great rushing. 3:14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Yahweh was strong on me. 3:15 Then I came to those in captivity at Tel Aviv, who lived by the river Chebar, and where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them for seven days. 3:16 At the end of seven days, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 3:17 "Human, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel: so listen to the word from my mouth, and give them warning from me." 3:18 When I tell the wicked, "You will surely die," and you don't warn them or speak to warn the wicked from their wicked ways to save their lives; that wicked person will die in their sin, but I will hold you accountable for their blood. 3:19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and they don't turn from their wickedness or their wicked ways, they will die in their iniquity; but you have saved yourself. 3:20 Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die: because you have not warned them, they will die in their sin, and their good deeds will not be remembered; but I will hold you accountable for their blood. 3:21 Nevertheless, if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took your warning; and you have saved yourself. 3:22 The hand of Yahweh was on me, and he said to me, "Stand up, go out into the plain, and I will talk to you there." 3:23 Then I stood up and went out into the plain; and look, the glory of Yahweh was there, like the glory I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face. 3:24 Then the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and he spoke with me, saying, "Go, shut yourself inside your house." 3:25 But you, human, look, they will put cords on you and bind you with them, and you will not go out among them: 3:26 and I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, so you will be mute and not be a reprover to them, for they are a rebellious house. 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you will tell them, "This is what the Lord Yahweh says: let whoever hears listen, and let whoever refuses refuse," for they are a rebellious house.

4:1 You also, son of man, take a tile, and lay it before you, and portray on it a city, even Jerusalem: 4:2 and lay siege against it, and build forts against it, and cast up a mound against it; set camps also against it, and plant battering rams against it all around. 4:3 Take for yourself an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between you and the city: and set your face toward it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. 4:4 Moreover lie you on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; according to the number of the days that you shall lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity. 4:5 For I have appointed the years of their iniquity to be to you a number of days, even three hundred ninety days: so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 4:6 Again, when you have accomplished these, you shall lie on your right side, and shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah: forty days, each day for a year, have I appointed it to you. 4:7 You shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with your arm uncovered; and you shall prophesy against it. 4:8 Behold, I lay bands on you, and you shall not turn you from one side to the other, until you have accomplished the days of your siege. 4:9 Take for yourself also wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make you bread of it; according to the number of the days that you shall lie on your side, even three hundred ninety days, you shall eat of it. 4:10 Your food which you shall eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time you shall eat it. 4:11 You shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time you shall drink. 4:12 You shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it in their sight with dung that comes out of man. 4:13 Yahweh said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them. 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord Yahweh! behold, my soul has not been polluted; for from my youth up even until now have I not eaten of that which dies of itself, or is torn of animals; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth. 4:15 Then he said to me, Behold, I have given you cow's dung for man's dung, and you shall prepare your bread thereon. 4:16 Moreover he said to me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with fearfulness; and they shall drink water by measure, and in dismay: 4:17 that they may want bread and water, and be dismayed one with another, and pine away in their iniquity.

4:1 You, son of man, take a clay tile and lay it in front of you, drawing a picture of a city, specifically Jerusalem: 4:2 and build a siege against it, erect forts around it, and construct a ramp against it; set up camps around it and place battering rams against it on all sides. 4:3 Get yourself a pan made of iron and place it as a wall of iron between you and the city: face it, and it will be besieged, and you will lay siege to it. This will be a sign for the people of Israel. 4:4 Additionally, lie down on your left side, and place the sins of the house of Israel on it; according to the number of days you lie there, you will bear their sins. 4:5 For I have designated the years of their sins as a number of days for you, specifically three hundred ninety days: you will bear the sins of the house of Israel. 4:6 After that, when you have finished this, you will lie on your right side and bear the sins of the house of Judah: forty days, with each day representing a year, I have mandated for you. 4:7 You will direct your attention to the siege of Jerusalem, with your arm uncovered; you will prophesy against it. 4:8 Look, I will bind you, and you will not turn from one side to the other until you complete the days of your siege. 4:9 Also, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt, and put them all in one container to make bread; according to the number of days you will lie on your side, which is three hundred ninety days, you will eat from it. 4:10 Your food will be measured out to you, twenty shekels a day: you will eat it from time to time. 4:11 You will drink water by measure, a sixth of a hin; you will drink it occasionally. 4:12 You will eat it as barley cakes, baking it in their sight using human dung as fuel. 4:13 Yahweh said, This is how the children of Israel will eat their bread in an unclean manner among the nations where I will send them. 4:14 Then I said, Ah Lord Yahweh! Look, my soul hasn’t been made unclean; for from my youth up to now, I have not eaten any animal that died naturally or was torn by beasts; no unclean food has ever entered my mouth. 4:15 Then he answered me, Look, I have given you cow dung instead of human dung, and you will bake your bread on it. 4:16 Furthermore, he said to me, Son of man, look, I will cut off the supply of bread in Jerusalem: they will eat their bread by weight and in fear, and they will drink their water by measure and in distress: 4:17 so they may lack bread and water, and be disheartened with each other, and waste away because of their sins.

5:1 You, son of man, take a sharp sword; You shall take it as a barber's razor to you, and shall cause it to pass on your head and on your beard: then take balances to weigh, and divide the hair. 5:2 A third part you shall burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and you shall take a third part, and strike with the sword around it; and a third part you shall scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them. 5:3 You shall take of it a few in number, and bind them in your skirts. 5:4 Of these again you shall take, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; from it shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel. 5:5 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations, and countries are around her. 5:6 She has rebelled against my ordinances in doing wickedness more than the nations, and against my statutes more than the countries that are around her; for they have rejected my ordinances, and as for my statutes, they have not walked in them. 5:7 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you are turbulent more than the nations that are around you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my ordinances, neither have done after the ordinances of the nations that are around you; 5:8 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I, even I, am against you; and I will execute judgments in the midst of you in the sight of the nations. 5:9 I will do in you that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all your abominations. 5:10 Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of you, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments on you; and the whole remnant of you will I scatter to all the winds. 5:11 Therefore, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things, and with all your abominations, therefore will I also diminish you; neither shall my eye spare, and I also will have no pity. 5:12 A third part of you shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of you; and a third part shall fall by the sword around you; and a third part I will scatter to all the winds, and will draw out a sword after them. 5:13 Thus shall my anger be accomplished, and I will cause my wrath toward them to rest, and I shall be comforted; and they shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my zeal, when I have accomplished my wrath on them. 5:14 Moreover I will make you a desolation and a reproach among the nations that are around you, in the sight of all that pass by. 5:15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment, to the nations that are around you, when I shall execute judgments on you in anger and in wrath, and in wrathful rebukes; (I, Yahweh, have spoken it;) 5:16 when I shall send on them the evil arrows of famine, that are for destruction, which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine on you, and will break your staff of bread; 5:17 and I will send on you famine and evil animals, and they shall bereave you; and pestilence and blood shall pass through you; and I will bring the sword on you: I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

5:1 You, human, grab a sharp sword; you shall use it like a barber's razor to shave your head and beard. Then, take a scale to weigh and divide the hair. 5:2 A third of it you shall burn in the fire in the middle of the city when the siege days are complete; and you shall take another third and strike it with a sword around it; and you shall scatter a third to the wind, and I will pursue them with a sword. 5:3 Take a small number of it and tie them into your clothes. 5:4 Of those, you will take some again and throw them into the fire, burning them; fire will spread to all of Israel. 5:5 This is what the Lord God says: This is Jerusalem; I have placed her among the nations, and the surrounding countries are around her. 5:6 She has rebelled against my laws, committing more wickedness than the nations, and against my decrees more than the surrounding countries; they have rejected my laws and have not followed my decrees. 5:7 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Because you are more rebellious than the nations around you, and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws, nor walked in the regulations of the surrounding nations; 5:8 therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Behold, I am against you; and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. 5:9 I will do things to you that I have not done before, and I will not do anything like it again because of all your horrible acts. 5:10 Therefore, parents will eat their children in your midst, and children will eat their parents; I will execute judgments on you; and I will scatter the entire remnant of you to the winds. 5:11 As I live, says the Lord God, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and abominations, I will also diminish you; I will not spare you, and I will have no pity. 5:12 A third of you will die from pestilence, and famine will consume another third within you; a third will fall by the sword around you; and I will scatter a third to the winds and will pursue them with a sword. 5:13 Thus my anger will be fulfilled, and I will cause my wrath to rest, and I will feel comforted; and they will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my zeal when I have accomplished my wrath on them. 5:14 Furthermore, I will make you desolate and a reproach among the nations surrounding you, in the sight of all who pass by. 5:15 It will be a reproach and a taunt, an object lesson and a shock to the nations around you when I execute judgments on you in anger, wrath, and fierce rebuke; (I, Yahweh, have spoken it;) 5:16 when I send against them the harmful arrows of famine, meant for destruction, which I will send to destroy you: I will increase the famine on you, and break your bread supply; 5:17 I will bring famine and wild animals upon you, and they will take away your children; pestilence and blood will go through you; and I will bring the sword upon you: I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

6:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 6:2 Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy to them, 6:3 and say, You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys: Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword on you, and I will destroy your high places. 6:4 Your altars shall become desolate, and your incense altars shall be broken; and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. 6:5 I will lay the dead bodies of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones around your altars. 6:6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. 6:7 The slain shall fall in the midst of you, and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 6:8 Yet will I leave a remnant, in that you shall have some that escape the sword among the nations, when you shall be scattered through the countries. 6:9 Those of you that escape shall remember me among the nations where they shall be carried captive, how that I have been broken with their lewd heart, which has departed from me, and with their eyes, which play the prostitute after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations. 6:10 They shall know that I am Yahweh: I have not said in vain that I would do this evil to them. 6:11 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Smite with your hand, and stamp with your foot, and say, Alas! because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel; for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. 6:12 He who is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he who is near shall fall by the sword; and he who remains and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my wrath on them. 6:13 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when their slain men shall be among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places where they offered pleasant aroma to all their idols. 6:14 I will stretch out my hand on them, and make the land desolate and waste, from the wilderness toward Diblah, throughout all their habitations: and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

6:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6:2 Son of man, direct your attention to the mountains of Israel, and prophesy to them, 6:3 and say, You mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord God: This is what the Lord God says to the mountains and hills, the rivers and valleys: Look, I, even I, will bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. 6:4 Your altars will be left in ruins, and your incense altars will be broken; and I will throw down your slain before your idols. 6:5 I will lay the dead bodies of the people of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones around your altars. 6:6 In all your dwelling places, the cities will be in ruins, and the high places will be desolate; so that your altars may be in ruins and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be destroyed. 6:7 The slain will fall in your midst, and you will know that I am the Lord. 6:8 Yet I will leave a remnant, so that some of you will escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries. 6:9 Those of you who escape will remember me among the nations where you are taken captive, how I have been grieved by their unfaithful hearts, which have turned away from me, and with their eyes, which lust after their idols: and they will loathe themselves for the sins they have committed in all their abominations. 6:10 They will know that I am the Lord: I have not said without reason that I would do this evil to them. 6:11 Thus says the Lord God: Strike with your hand, and stamp with your foot, and say, Oh no! because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel; for they will fall by the sword, by famine, and by disease. 6:12 Those who are far away will die from the disease; and those who are near will fall by the sword; and those who remain and are besieged will die from famine: thus will I carry out my wrath on them. 6:13 You will know that I am the Lord when their slain are among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountain tops, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places where they offered pleasing aromas to all their idols. 6:14 I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land desolate and empty, from the wilderness to Diblah, throughout all their settlements: and they will know that I am the Lord.

7:1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 7:2 You, son of man, thus says the Lord Yahweh to the land of Israel, An end: the end is come on the four corners of the land. 7:3 Now is the end on you, and I will send my anger on you, and will judge you according to your ways; and I will bring on you all your abominations. 7:4 My eye shall not spare you, neither will I have pity; but I will bring your ways on you, and your abominations shall be in the midst of you: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 7:5 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: An evil, an only evil; behold, it comes. 7:6 An end is come, the end is come; it awakes against you; behold, it comes. 7:7 Your doom is come to you, inhabitant of the land: the time is come, the day is near, a day of tumult, and not of joyful shouting, on the mountains. 7:8 Now will I shortly pour out my wrath on you, and accomplish my anger against you, and will judge you according to your ways; and I will bring on you all your abominations. 7:9 My eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will bring on you according to your ways; and your abominations shall be in the midst of you; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, do strike. 7:10 Behold, the day, behold, it comes: your doom is gone forth; the rod has blossomed, pride has budded. 7:11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness; none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of their wealth: neither shall there be eminency among them. 7:12 The time is come, the day draws near: don't let the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is on all its multitude. 7:13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they be yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude of it, none shall return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, and have made all ready; but none goes to the battle; for my wrath is on all its multitude. 7:15 The sword is outside, and the pestilence and the famine within: he who is in the field shall die with the sword: and he who is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. 7:16 But those of those who escape shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, every one in his iniquity. 7:17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. 7:18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be on all faces, and baldness on all their heads. 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Yahweh: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it has been the stumbling block of their iniquity. 7:20 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty; but they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things therein: therefore have I made it to them as an unclean thing. 7:21 I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall profane it. 7:22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall profane my secret place; and robbers shall enter into it, and profane it. 7:23 Make the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. 7:24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the nations, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pride of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be profaned. 7:25 Destruction comes; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. 7:26 Mischief shall come on mischief, and rumor shall be on rumor; and they shall seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the elders. 7:27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do to them after their way, and according to their own judgments will I judge them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

7:1 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 7:2 “You, son of man, the Lord God says to the land of Israel: The end has come; it’s here at the four corners of the land. 7:3 The end has come for you, and I will unleash my anger on you, and I will judge you based on your actions; and I will bring upon you all your detestable practices. 7:4 My eyes will not spare you, nor will I show mercy; I will bring your ways upon you, and your abominations will be among you: and you will know that I am the Lord. 7:5 This is what the Lord God says: An evil, a terrible evil; look, it’s coming. 7:6 The end has arrived, it’s here; it’s waking up against you; look, it’s coming. 7:7 Your destruction has come, you who live in the land: the time has come, the day is near, a day of turmoil, not of joyful shouting, on the mountains. 7:8 Now I will soon pour out my wrath on you, and fulfill my anger against you, and will judge you according to your actions; and I will bring upon you all your detestable practices. 7:9 My eyes will not spare, nor will I show mercy: I will act according to your ways; and your abominations will be among you; and you will know that I, the Lord, strike. 7:10 Look, the day is here: your destruction is coming; the rod has blossomed, pride has budded. 7:11 Violence has risen to become a rod of wickedness; none of them shall remain, no one from their multitude, nor their wealth: there will be no distinction among them. 7:12 The time has come, the day is drawing near: don’t let the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; because wrath is upon all its multitude. 7:13 For the seller will not go back to what was sold, even if they are still alive: for the vision concerns the whole multitude; none shall return; neither will anyone strengthen themselves in the iniquity of their life. 7:14 They have blown the trumpet and made all preparations; yet no one goes to battle; for my wrath is on all its multitude. 7:15 The sword is outside, and pestilence and famine are within: those in the field will die by the sword; and those in the city will be consumed by famine and pestilence. 7:16 But those who escape will flee to the mountains like doves from the valleys, all mourning, each one in their iniquity. 7:17 All hands will be weak, and all knees will be weak as water. 7:18 They will also dress in sackcloth, and terror will cover them; and shame will be on every face, and baldness on all their heads. 7:19 They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be considered unclean; their silver and gold will not be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath: they will not satisfy their souls, nor fill their stomachs; because it has been a stumbling block of their iniquity. 7:20 Regarding the beauty of his ornaments, he set them in majesty; but they made images of their detestable practices and their abominations within it: therefore I have made it to them as an unclean thing. 7:21 I will give it into the hands of strangers as prey, and to the wicked of the earth as spoil; and they will desecrate it. 7:22 I will also turn my face away from them, and they will desecrate my secret place; and robbers will enter it and desecrate it. 7:23 Create the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. 7:24 Therefore I will bring the worst of nations, and they will take over their houses: I will also end the pride of the strong; and their holy places will be desecrated. 7:25 Destruction is coming; and they will seek peace, but there will be none. 7:26 Disaster will come upon disaster, and rumor will come upon rumor; and they will seek a vision from the prophet; but the law will perish from the priest and counsel from the elders. 7:27 The king will mourn, and the prince will be dressed in desolation, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble: I will act with them according to their ways, and according to their own judgments I will judge them; and they will know that I am the Lord.

8:1 It happened in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord Yahweh fell there on me. 8:2 Then I saw, and behold, a likeness as the appearance of fire; from the appearance of his waist and downward, fire; and from his waist and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were glowing metal. 8:3 He put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and the sky, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looks toward the north; where there was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. 8:4 Behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the appearance that I saw in the plain. 8:5 Then said he to me, Son of man, lift up your eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up my eyes the way toward the north, and see, northward of the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. 8:6 He said to me, Son of man, see you what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel do commit here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but you shall again see yet other great abominations. 8:7 He brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. 8:8 Then said he to me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had dug in the wall, behold, a door. 8:9 He said to me, Go in, and see the wicked abominations that they do here. 8:10 So I went in and saw; and see, every form of creeping things, and abominable animals, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed around on the wall. 8:11 There stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel; and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, every man with his censer in his hand; and the odor of the cloud of incense went up. 8:12 Then said he to me, Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in his chambers of imagery? for they say, Yahweh doesn't see us; Yahweh has forsaken the land. 8:13 He said also to me, You shall again see yet other great abominations which they do. 8:14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of Yahweh's house which was toward the north; and see, there sat the women weeping for Tammuz. 8:15 Then said he to me, Have you seen this, son of man? you shall again see yet greater abominations than these. 8:16 He brought me into the inner court of Yahweh's house; and see, at the door of the temple of Yahweh, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men, with their backs toward the temple of Yahweh, and their faces toward the east; and they were worshipping the sun toward the east. 8:17 Then he said to me, Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have turned again to provoke me to anger: and behold, they put the branch to their nose. 8:18 Therefore will I also deal in wrath; my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.

8:1 It happened in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord Yahweh came upon me. 8:2 Then I looked and saw something that looked like fire; from the appearance of his waist down, it was fire, and from his waist up, it looked like brightness, like glowing metal. 8:3 He reached out what looked like a hand and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and sky and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gate of the inner court that faces north, where there was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. 8:4 Look, the glory of the God of Israel was there, just like the appearance I saw in the plain. 8:5 Then he said to me, Son of man, lift your eyes now toward the north. So I lifted my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the gate of the altar was this image of jealousy at the entrance. 8:6 He said to me, Son of man, do you see what they are doing? Even the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, that I should go far away from my sanctuary? But you will see other great abominations. 8:7 He brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. 8:8 Then he said to me, Son of man, dig into the wall now: and when I had dug in the wall, behold, a door. 8:9 He said to me, Go in and see the wicked abominations they are doing here. 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold, every kind of creeping thing, and abominable animals, and all the idols of the house of Israel were depicted all around the wall. 8:11 There stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel; and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, each man with his censer in his hand; and the sweet aroma of the cloud of incense went up. 8:12 Then he said to me, Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in his chambers of imagery? For they say, Yahweh doesn’t see us; Yahweh has forsaken the land. 8:13 He said also to me, You will see yet other great abominations they do. 8:14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of Yahweh's house that faces north; and behold, there sat the women weeping for Tammuz. 8:15 Then he said to me, Have you seen this, son of man? You will see even greater abominations than these. 8:16 He brought me into the inner court of Yahweh's house; and behold, at the door of the temple of Yahweh, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men, with their backs toward the temple of Yahweh and their faces toward the east; and they were worshipping the sun toward the east. 8:17 Then he said to me, Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trivial thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence and turned back to provoke me to anger: and behold, they put the branch to their nose. 8:18 Therefore I will also deal in wrath; my eye will not spare, and I will have no pity; and even if they cry out in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.

9:1 Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause those who are in charge of the city to draw near, every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 9:2 Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward the north, every man with his slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man in the midst of them clothed in linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. They went in, and stood beside the bronze altar. 9:3 The glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon it was, to the threshold of the house: and he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writer's inkhorn by his side. 9:4 Yahweh said to him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in its midst. 9:5 To the others he said in my hearing, Go you through the city after him, and strike: don't let your eye spare, neither have you pity; 9:6 kill utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but don't come near any man on whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house. 9:7 He said to them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go you forth. They went forth, and struck in the city. 9:8 It happened, while they were smiting, and I was left, that I fell on my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord Yahweh! will you destroy all the residue of Israel in your pouring out of your wrath on Jerusalem? 9:9 Then said he to me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perversion: for they say, Yahweh has forsaken the land, and Yahweh doesn't see. 9:10 As for me also, my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will bring their way on their head. 9:11 Behold, the man clothed in linen, who had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as you have commanded me.

9:1 Then he shouted in my ears with a loud voice, saying, "Call the men in charge of the city to come closer, each one with their weapon of destruction in hand." 9:2 Look, six men came from the direction of the upper gate that faces north, each with their weapon of slaughter in hand; and one man among them was dressed in linen, with a writer's ink container at his side. They entered and stood beside the bronze altar. 9:3 The glory of the God of Israel had moved up from the cherub it had been on to the threshold of the temple: and he called to the man dressed in linen who had the writer's ink container by his side. 9:4 Yahweh said to him, "Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and place a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the disgusting things done in its midst." 9:5 To the others, he said in my hearing, "Follow him through the city and strike: don’t let your eyes spare or have pity; 9:6 completely kill the old men, the young men, the young women, the little children, and the women; but don’t touch anyone with the mark: and begin at my sanctuary." So they started with the old men who were in front of the temple. 9:7 He said to them, "Defile the temple, and fill the courts with the slain: go out." They went out and struck in the city. 9:8 While they were killing, and I was left, I fell on my face and cried out, "Ah Lord Yahweh! Will you destroy all the remaining people of Israel while pouring out your wrath on Jerusalem?" 9:9 Then he said to me, "The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is extremely great, and the land is full of blood, and the city is full of perversion: for they say, 'Yahweh has abandoned the land, and Yahweh doesn’t see.' 9:10 As for me, my eyes will not spare, nor will I have pity, but I will bring their ways upon their own heads." 9:11 Look, the man clothed in linen who had the ink container at his side reported the matter, saying, "I have done as you commanded me."

10:1 Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. 10:2 He spoke to the man clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the whirling wheels, even under the cherub, and fill both your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. He went in as I watched. 10:3 Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. 10:4 The glory of Yahweh mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Yahweh's glory. 10:5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of God Almighty when he speaks. 10:6 It came to pass, when he commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood beside a wheel. 10:7 The cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took of it, and put it into the hands of him who was clothed in linen, who took it and went out. 10:8 There appeared in the cherubim the form of a man's hand under their wings. 10:9 I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone. 10:10 As for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel have been within a wheel. 10:11 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn't turn as they went. 10:12 Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes all around, even the wheels that they four had. 10:13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. 10:14 Every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third face the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 10:15 The cherubim mounted up: this is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar. 10:16 When the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also didn't turn from beside them. 10:17 When they stood, these stood; and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. 10:18 The glory of Yahweh went forth from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. 10:19 The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went forth, and the wheels beside them: and they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 10:20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim. 10:21 Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. 10:22 As for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward.

10:1 Then I looked, and saw, in the sky above the cherubim, what appeared to be a sapphire stone, resembling a throne. 10:2 He spoke to the man dressed in linen and said, "Go between the whirling wheels, right under the cherub, and fill both your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city." He went in as I watched. 10:3 The cherubim stood on the right side of the house when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner courtyard. 10:4 The glory of Yahweh rose up from the cherub, and stood over the entrance of the house; the house was filled with the cloud, and the courtyard was filled with the brightness of Yahweh's glory. 10:5 The sound of the cherubim's wings was heard even in the outer courtyard, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks. 10:6 It happened when He commanded the man dressed in linen, saying, "Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim," that he went in and stood beside a wheel. 10:7 The cherub reached out his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between them, took some, and put it into the hands of the man in linen, who took it and went out. 10:8 I saw in the cherubim a form that looked like a human hand under their wings. 10:9 I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone. 10:10 When I looked at them, they all had the same appearance, as if a wheel was within a wheel. 10:11 When they moved, they moved in all four directions; they didn't turn as they moved, but followed the direction their head faced. 10:12 Their entire body, backs, hands, wings, and the wheels were covered with eyes all around, including the wheels they had. 10:13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. 10:14 Each had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second was the face of a man, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 10:15 The cherubim rose up; this is the living creature I saw by the river Chebar. 10:16 When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved beside them; when the cherubim lifted their wings to rise from the earth, the wheels also did not turn away from them. 10:17 When they stood still, the wheels stood still; and when they rose up, the wheels rose up with them because the spirit of the living creature was in them. 10:18 The glory of Yahweh moved away from the entrance of the house and stood over the cherubim. 10:19 The cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them. They stood at the entrance of the east gate of Yahweh's house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 10:20 This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew they were cherubim. 10:21 Each had four faces, and each had four wings; and the likeness of human hands was under their wings. 10:22 The likeness of their faces was the same as what I saw by the river Chebar; they went straight forward in their appearance and movement.

11:1 Moreover the Spirit lifted me up, and brought me to the east gate of Yahweh's house, which looks eastward: and see, at the door of the gate twenty-five men; and I saw in the midst of them Jaazaniah the son of Azzur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people. 11:2 He said to me, Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity, and who give wicked counsel in this city; 11:3 who say, The time is not near to build houses: this city is the caldron, and we are the flesh. 11:4 Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, son of man. 11:5 The Spirit of Yahweh fell on me, and he said to me, Speak, Thus says Yahweh: Thus have you said, house of Israel; for I know the things that come into your mind. 11:6 You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled its streets with the slain. 11:7 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Your slain whom you have laid in its midst, they are the flesh, and this city is the caldron; but you shall be brought forth out of its midst. 11:8 You have feared the sword; and I will bring the sword on you, says the Lord Yahweh. 11:9 I will bring you forth out of its midst, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you. 11:10 You shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 11:11 This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall you be the flesh in its midst; I will judge you in the border of Israel; 11:12 and you shall know that I am Yahweh: for you have not walked in my statutes, neither have you executed my ordinances, but have done after the ordinances of the nations that are around you. 11:13 It happened, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down on my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord Yahweh! will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel? 11:14 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 11:15 Son of man, your brothers, even your brothers, the men of your relatives, and all the house of Israel, all of them, are they to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from Yahweh; to us is this land given for a possession. 11:16 Therefore say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come. 11:17 Therefore say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. 11:18 They shall come there, and they shall take away all the detestable things of it and all its abominations from there. 11:19 I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh; 11:20 that they may walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 11:21 But as for them whose heart walks after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way on their own heads, says the Lord Yahweh. 11:22 Then did the cherubim lift up their wings, and the wheels were beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 11:23 The glory of Yahweh went up from the midst of the city, and stood on the mountain which is on the east side of the city. 11:24 The Spirit lifted me up, and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me. 11:25 Then I spoke to them of the captivity all the things that Yahweh had shown me.

11:1 Then the Spirit lifted me up and took me to the east gate of the Lord’s house, which faces east. I noticed twenty-five men at the entrance of the gate, and in the middle of them were Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people. 11:2 He said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plan wickedness and give evil advice in this city; 11:3 they say, The time isn’t near to build houses; this city is the pot, and we are the meat. 11:4 So prophesy against them; prophesy, son of man.” 11:5 The Spirit of the Lord came on me, and He said to me, “Speak, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have said, house of Israel; I know what’s in your minds. 11:6 You have increased the number of people you’ve killed in this city, and you have filled its streets with the dead. 11:7 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: The dead you’ve laid in its midst are the meat, and this city is the pot, but you will be taken out of it. 11:8 You have feared the sword, and I will bring the sword against you, says the Lord God. 11:9 I will take you out of its midst and hand you over to strangers, and I will execute judgments among you. 11:10 You will fall by the sword; I will judge you at the borders of Israel, and you will know that I am the Lord. 11:11 This city will no longer be your pot, nor will you be the meat in its midst; I will judge you at the borders of Israel. 11:12 You will know that I am the Lord, for you have not followed my statutes or kept my ordinances, but have acted according to the customs of the surrounding nations.” 11:13 While I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. I fell face down and cried out loudly, “Oh Lord God! Will you completely destroy what’s left of Israel?” 11:14 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 11:15 “Son of man, your brothers, your own relatives, and the entire house of Israel—these are the people the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Stay away from the Lord; this land has been given to us as our possession.’ 11:16 Therefore, say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Although I have removed them far off among the nations and scattered them among the countries, I will be a sanctuary for them for a little while in the countries where they have gone.’ 11:17 So say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will gather you from the nations and assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’ 11:18 They will come there and remove all its detestable things and all its abominations. 11:19 I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 11:20 so that they may walk in my statutes, keep my ordinances, and follow them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 11:21 But as for those whose hearts follow their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their actions upon their own heads, says the Lord God.” 11:22 Then the cherubim lifted their wings, and the wheels were beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 11:23 The glory of the Lord rose up from the city and stood on the mountain east of the city. 11:24 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God to Chaldea, to the captives. So the vision I had seen went up from me. 11:25 Then I spoke to the captives about everything the Lord had shown me.

12:1 The word of Yahweh also came to me, saying, 12:2 Son of man, you dwell in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see, and don't see, who have ears to hear, and don't hear; for they are a rebellious house. 12:3 Therefore, you son of man, prepare you stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and you shall remove from your place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they are a rebellious house. 12:4 You shall bring forth your stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing; and you shall go forth yourself at even in their sight, as when men go forth into exile. 12:5 Dig you through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. 12:6 In their sight you shall bear it on your shoulder, and carry it forth in the dark; you shall cover your face, that you don't see the land: for I have set you for a sign to the house of Israel. 12:7 I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for removing, and in the even I dug through the wall with my hand; I brought it forth in the dark, and bore it on my shoulder in their sight. 12:8 In the morning came the word of Yahweh to me, saying, 12:9 Son of man, has not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, What do you? 12:10 Say you to them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel among whom they are. 12:11 Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done to them; they shall go into exile, into captivity. 12:12 The prince who is among them shall bear on his shoulder in the dark, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, because he shall not see the land with his eyes. 12:13 My net also will I spread on him, and he shall be taken in my snare; and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there. 12:14 I will scatter toward every wind all who are around him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them. 12:15 They shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall disperse them among the nations, and scatter them through the countries. 12:16 But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 12:17 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 12:18 Son of man, eat your bread with quaking, and drink your water with trembling and with fearfulness; 12:19 and tell the people of the land, Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel: They shall eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay, that her land may be desolate, and despoiled of all that is therein, because of the violence of all those who dwell therein. 12:20 The cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be a desolation; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 12:21 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 12:22 Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails? 12:23 Tell them therefore, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but tell them, The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision. 12:24 For there shall be no more any false vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. 12:25 For I am Yahweh; I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall be performed; it shall be no more deferred: for in your days, rebellious house, will I speak the word, and will perform it, says the Lord Yahweh. 12:26 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 12:27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he sees is for many day to come, and he prophesies of times that are far off. 12:28 Therefore tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: There shall none of my words be deferred any more, but the word which I shall speak shall be performed, says the Lord Yahweh.

12:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12:2 Son of man, you live among a rebellious people, who have eyes to see but don't see, who have ears to hear but don't hear; for they are a rebellious house. 12:3 So, you son of man, pack your belongings for exile, and do it during the day in their sight; you will move from one place to another in their view: perhaps they will see and understand, even though they are a rebellious house. 12:4 You will pack your belongings during the day in their sight, as if you're preparing for exile; and you will leave at night in their sight, like people going into captivity. 12:5 Dig through the wall in their sight, and carry your belongings out through that way. 12:6 In their sight, you will carry it on your shoulder and take it out in the dark; you will cover your face so you won't see the land, for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel. 12:7 I did as I was commanded: I packed my belongings during the day, as if preparing for exile, and at night I dug through the wall with my hand; I carried it out in the dark and bore it on my shoulder in their sight. 12:8 In the morning, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12:9 Son of man, hasn’t the house of Israel, this rebellious house, asked you, What are you doing? 12:10 Tell them, Thus says the Lord God: This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel among whom they are. 12:11 Say, I am your sign: just as I have done, so it will be done to them; they will go into exile and captivity. 12:12 The prince among them will carry his belongings on his shoulder in the dark and will go out; they will dig through the wall to carry their things out; he will cover his face because he cannot see the land with his eyes. 12:13 I will also spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my snare; I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, though he will die there. 12:14 I will scatter everyone around him to help him, along with all his troops; and I will draw out the sword after them. 12:15 They will know that I am the Lord when I scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries. 12:16 But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine, and pestilence; so they can tell about all their detestable practices among the nations where they go, and they will know that I am the Lord. 12:17 Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12:18 Son of man, eat your bread with shaking, and drink your water with trembling and fear; 12:19 and tell the people of the land, Thus says the Lord God concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the land of Israel: They will eat their bread with fear and drink their water with dismay, because their land will be desolate and stripped of everything in it, due to the violence of all who live there. 12:20 The inhabited cities will be laid waste, and the land will become a desolation; and you will know that I am the Lord. 12:21 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12:22 Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails? 12:23 Therefore, tell them, Thus says the Lord God: I will put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer use it as a proverb in Israel; but tell them, The days are near, and the fulfillment of every vision is at hand. 12:24 There will be no more false visions or flattering divination among the house of Israel. 12:25 For I am the Lord; I will speak, and the word that I speak will be fulfilled; it will no longer be delayed: for in your days, rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, says the Lord God. 12:26 Again, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12:27 Son of man, look, the house of Israel says, The vision he sees is for many days to come, and he prophesies about times that are far off. 12:28 Therefore, tell them, Thus says the Lord God: None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word which I will speak will be fulfilled, says the Lord God.

13:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say you to those who prophesy out of their own heart, Hear you the word of Yahweh: 13:3 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 13:4 Israel, your prophets have been like foxes in the waste places. 13:5 You have not gone up into the gaps, neither built up the wall for the house of Israel, to stand in the battle in the day of Yahweh. 13:6 They have seen falsehood and lying divination, who say, Yahweh says; but Yahweh has not sent them: and they have made men to hope that the word would be confirmed. 13:7 Haven't you seen a false vision, and haven't you spoken a lying divination, in that you say, Yahweh says; but I have not spoken? 13:8 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have spoken falsehood, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, says the Lord Yahweh. 13:9 My hand shall be against the prophets who see false visions, and who divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and you shall know that I am the Lord Yahweh. 13:10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one builds up a wall, behold, they daub it with whitewash: 13:11 tell those who daub it with whitewash, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and you, great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it. 13:12 Behold, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said to you, Where is the daubing with which you have daubed it? 13:13 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will even tear it with a stormy wind in my wrath; and there shall be an overflowing shower in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to consume it. 13:14 So will I break down the wall that you have daubed with whitewash, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and you shall be consumed in its midst: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 13:15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath on the wall, and on those who have daubed it with whitewash; and I will tell you, The wall is no more, neither those who daubed it; 13:16 to wit, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, says the Lord Yahweh. 13:17 You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy you against them, 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sew pillows on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves? 13:19 You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die, and to save the souls alive who should not live, by your lying to my people who listen to lies. 13:20 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against your pillows, with which you there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let the souls go, even the souls who you hunt to make them fly. 13:21 Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 13:22 Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive: 13:23 Therefore you shall no more see false visions, nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

13:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are prophesying, and say to those who prophesy from their own hearts, Hear the word of the Lord: 13:3 Thus says the Lord: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 13:4 Israel, your prophets have been like foxes in the ruins. 13:5 You have not gone into the gaps, nor built up the wall for the house of Israel, to stand firm in battle on the day of the Lord. 13:6 They have seen falsehood and lying divination, saying, The Lord says; but the Lord has not sent them: and they have made people hope that the word would come true. 13:7 Haven't you seen a false vision, and haven't you spoken a lying divination by saying, The Lord says; but I have not spoken? 13:8 Therefore thus says the Lord: Because you have spoken falsehood and seen lies, behold, I am against you, says the Lord. 13:9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and practice lies: they will not be in the council of my people, nor will they be included in the records of the house of Israel; nor will they enter the land of Israel; and you will know that I am the Lord. 13:10 Because they have misled my people by saying, Peace; when there is no peace; and when someone builds a wall, look, they cover it with whitewash: 13:11 tell those who cover it with whitewash that it will fall: there will be a pouring rain; and you, great hailstones, will fall; and a stormy wind will smash it. 13:12 Behold, when the wall falls, will it not be said to you, Where is the whitewash you used? 13:13 Therefore thus says the Lord: I will tear it down with a stormy wind in my wrath; and there will be a pouring rain in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to destroy it. 13:14 So will I break down the wall that you covered with whitewash and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; and it will fall, and you will be consumed in its midst: and you will know that I am the Lord. 13:15 Thus will I execute my wrath on the wall and on those who covered it with whitewash; and I will say to you, The wall is no more, nor those who covered it; 13:16 namely, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for her, when there is no peace, says the Lord. 13:17 You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy from their own hearts; and prophesy against them, 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord: Woe to the women who sew pillows on all elbows and make kerchiefs for the heads of all kinds of people to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people and keep souls alive for yourselves? 13:19 You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die, and to keep the souls alive who should not live, by your lies to my people who listen to lies. 13:20 Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, I am against your pillows, with which you hunt souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let the souls go, even the souls who you hunt to make them fly. 13:21 Your kerchiefs I will also tear, and I will rescue my people out of your hands, and they will be no longer in your hands to be hunted; and you will know that I am the Lord. 13:22 Because with lies you have hurt the hearts of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he should not turn from his wicked way and be saved: 13:23 Therefore you will no longer see false visions, nor practice divination. I will rescue my people out of your hands; and you will know that I am the Lord.

14:1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel to me, and sat before me. 14:2 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 14:3 Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? 14:4 Therefore speak to them, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet; I Yahweh will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols; 14:5 that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. 14:6 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Return you, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. 14:7 For everyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who separates himself from me, and takes his idols into his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Yahweh will answer him by myself: 14:8 and I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 14:9 If the prophet be deceived and speak a word, I, Yahweh, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand on him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. 14:10 They shall bear their iniquity: the iniquity of the prophet shall be even as the iniquity of him who seeks to him; 14:11 that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, says the Lord Yahweh. 14:12 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 14:13 Son of man, when a land sins against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand on it, and break the staff of its bread, and send famine on it, and cut off from it man and animal; 14:14 though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, says the Lord Yahweh. 14:15 If I cause evil animals to pass through the land, and they ravage it, and it be made desolate, so that no man may pass through because of the animals; 14:16 though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate. 14:17 Or if I bring a sword on that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off from it man and animal; 14:18 though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only should be delivered themselves. 14:19 Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my wrath on it in blood, to cut off from it man and animal; 14:20 though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, they should deliver neither son nor daughter; they should but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. 14:21 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: How much more when I send my four sore judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the evil animals, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and animal! 14:22 Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be carried forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth to you, and you shall see their way and their doings; and you shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it. 14:23 They shall comfort you, when you see their way and their doings; and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, says the Lord Yahweh.

14:1 Then some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat in front of me. 14:2 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 14:3 Son of man, these men have taken their idols to heart and put the stumbling block of their wrongdoing before their faces: should I really be consulted by them? 14:4 Therefore, speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Lord God says: Every person in the house of Israel who takes his idols to heart and puts the stumbling block of his wrongdoing before his face and comes to the prophet; I, the Lord, will respond to him based on his numerous idols; 14:5 so that I may take the house of Israel in their own hearts, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.' 14:6 Therefore, tell the house of Israel, 'This is what the Lord God says: Turn back and turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your detestable things.' 14:7 For every person in the house of Israel, or any foreigners living in Israel, who separates himself from me, takes his idols to heart, puts the stumbling block of his wrongdoing before his face, and comes to the prophet to inquire of me; I, the Lord, will respond to him personally: 14:8 and I will turn my face against that man, making him a shock and a sign, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; then you will know that I am the Lord. 14:9 If the prophet is deceived and speaks a word, I, the Lord, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. 14:10 They will bear their wrongdoing: the wrongdoing of the prophet will be the same as the wrongdoing of the one who seeks to him; 14:11 so that the house of Israel doesn’t stray from me anymore, nor defile themselves with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God. 14:12 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 14:13 Son of man, when a land sins against me by committing wrongdoing, and I stretch out my hand against it, break its food supply, send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and animal; 14:14 even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would only save their own lives by their righteousness, says the Lord God. 14:15 If I send wild animals through the land and they ravage it so that it becomes desolate, preventing anyone from passing through because of the animals; 14:16 even if these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they would save neither sons nor daughters; they alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate. 14:17 Or if I bring a sword upon that land and say, 'Sword, go through the land;' cutting off from it man and animal; 14:18 even if these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they would save neither sons nor daughters, but only themselves. 14:19 Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath upon it in blood, cutting off from it man and animal; 14:20 even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they would save neither son nor daughter; they would save only their own lives by their righteousness. 14:21 For this is what the Lord God says: How much more when I send my four terrible judgments upon Jerusalem—the sword, famine, wild animals, and plague—to cut off from it man and animal! 14:22 Yet, behold, there will be a remnant left that will be brought out, both sons and daughters: behold, they will come to you, and you will see their ways and their actions; and you will be comforted concerning the evil I have brought upon Jerusalem, and concerning all that I have done to it. 14:23 They will comfort you when you see their ways and their actions, and you will know that I have not done without reason all that I have done in it, says the Lord God.

15:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 15:2 Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest? 15:3 Shall wood be taken of it to make any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? 15:4 Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire has devoured both its ends, and its midst is burned: is it profitable for any work? 15:5 Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less, when the fire has devoured it, and it is burned, shall it yet be meet for any work! 15:6 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15:7 I will set my face against them; they shall go forth from the fire, but the fire shall devour them; and you shall know that I am Yahweh, when I set my face against them. 15:8 I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, says the Lord Yahweh.

15:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 15:2 Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any other tree, or the vine branch among the trees of the forest? 15:3 Can wood be taken from it to make any work? Or will people take a pin from it to hang something on? 15:4 Look, it is thrown into the fire for fuel; the fire has burned both its ends, and its middle is charred: is it useful for any work? 15:5 Notice, when it was whole, it wasn’t good for any work: how much less, when the fire has consumed it, and it is burned, will it be useful for any work! 15:6 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: Just like the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the people of Jerusalem. 15:7 I will turn against them; they will come out of the fire, but the fire will consume them; and you will know that I am the Lord when I turn against them. 15:8 I will make the land desolate because they have acted treacherously, says the Lord.

16:1 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 16:2 Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations; 16:3 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh to Jerusalem: Your birth and your birth is of the land of the Canaanite; the Amorite was your father, and your mother was a Hittite. 16:4 As for your birth, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to cleanse you; you weren't salted at all, nor swaddled at all. 16:5 No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you, to have compassion on you; but you were cast out in the open field, for that your person was abhorred, in the day that you were born. 16:6 When I passed by you, and saw you weltering in your blood, I said to you, Though you are in your blood, live; yes, I said to you, Though you are in your blood, live. 16:7 I caused you to multiply as that which grows in the field, and you increased and grew great, and you attained to excellent ornament; your breasts were fashioned, and your hair was grown; yet you were naked and bare. 16:8 Now when I passed by you, and looked at you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: yes, I swore to you, and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord Yahweh, and you became mine. 16:9 Then washed I you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil. 16:10 I clothed you also with embroidered work, and shod you with sealskin, and I girded you about with fine linen, and covered you with silk. 16:11 I decked you with ornaments, and I put bracelets on your hands, and a chain on your neck. 16:12 I put a ring on your nose, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 16:13 Thus you were decked with gold and silver; and your clothing was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; you ate fine flour, and honey, and oil; and you were exceeding beautiful, and you prospered to royal estate. 16:14 Your renown went forth among the nations for your beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty which I had put on you, says the Lord Yahweh. 16:15 But you did trust in your beauty, and played the prostitute because of your renown, and poured out your prostitution on everyone who passed by; his it was. 16:16 You took of your garments, and made for yourselves high places decked with various colors, and played the prostitute on them: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so. 16:17 You also took your beautiful jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of men, and played the prostitute with them; 16:18 and you took your embroidered garments, and covered them, and did set my oil and my incense before them. 16:19 My bread also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you did even set it before them for a pleasant aroma; and thus it was, says the Lord Yahweh. 16:20 Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have borne to me, and these have you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Were your prostitution a small matter, 16:21 that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them? 16:22 In all your abominations and your prostitution you have not remembered the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, and was weltering in your blood. 16:23 It is happen after all your wickedness, (woe, woe to you! says the Lord Yahweh), 16:24 that you have built to you a vaulted place, and have made you a lofty place in every street. 16:25 You have built your lofty place at the head of every way, and have made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to everyone who passed by, and multiplied your prostitution. 16:26 You have also committed sexual immorality with the Egyptians, your neighbors, great of flesh; and have multiplied your prostitution, to provoke me to anger. 16:27 See therefore, I have stretched out my hand over you, and have diminished your ordinary food, and delivered you to the will of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd way. 16:28 You have played the prostitute also with the Assyrians, because you were insatiable; yes, you have played the prostitute with them, and yet you weren't satisfied. 16:29 You have moreover multiplied your prostitution to the land of merchants, to Chaldea; and yet you weren't satisfied with this. 16:30 How weak is your heart, says the Lord Yahweh, seeing you do all these things, the work of an impudent prostitute; 16:31 in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in that you scorn pay. 16:32 A wife who commits adultery! who takes strangers instead of her husband! 16:33 They give gifts to all prostitutes; but you give your gifts to all your lovers, and bribe them, that they may come to you on every side for your prostitution. 16:34 You are different from other women in your prostitution, in that none follows you to play the prostitute; and whereas you give hire, and no hire is given to you, therefore you are different. 16:35 Therefore, prostitute, hear the word of Yahweh: 16:36 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Because your filthiness was poured out, and your nakedness uncovered through your prostitution with your lovers; and because of all the idols of your abominations, and for the blood of your children, that you gave to them; 16:37 therefore see, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all those who you have loved, with all those who you have hated; I will even gather them against you on every side, and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness. 16:38 I will judge you, as women who break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy. 16:39 I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your vaulted place, and break down your lofty places; and they shall strip you of your clothes, and take your beautiful jewels; and they shall leave you naked and bare. 16:40 They shall also bring up a company against you, and they shall stone you with stones, and thrust you through with their swords. 16:41 They shall burn your houses with fire, and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women; and I will cause you to cease from playing the prostitute, and you shall also give no hire any more. 16:42 So will I cause my wrath toward you to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from you, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. 16:43 Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have raged against me in all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring your way on your head, says the Lord Yahweh: and you shall not commit this lewdness with all your abominations. 16:44 Behold, everyone who uses proverbs shall use this proverb against you, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. 16:45 You are the daughter of your mother, who loathes her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was a Hittite, and your father an Amorite. 16:46 Your elder sister is Samaria, who dwells at your left hand, she and her daughters; and your younger sister, who dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. 16:47 Yet have you not walked in their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, as if that were a very little thing, you were more corrupt than they in all your ways. 16:48 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, Sodom your sister has not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters. 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 16:50 They were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. 16:51 Neither has Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters by all your abominations which you have done. 16:52 You also, bear you your own shame, in that you have given judgment for your sisters; through your sins that you have committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous that you: yes, be also confounded, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters. 16:53 I will turn again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and the captivity of your captives in the midst of them; 16:54 that you may bear your own shame, and may be ashamed because of all that you have done, in that you are a comfort to them. 16:55 Your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate; and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate; and you and your daughters shall return to your former estate. 16:56 For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride, 16:57 before your wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all who are around her, the daughters of the Philistines, who do despite to you all around. 16:58 You have borne your lewdness and your abominations, says Yahweh. 16:59 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also deal with you as you have done, who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant. 16:60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish to you an everlasting covenant. 16:61 Then you shall remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder sisters and your younger; and I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your covenant. 16:62 I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall know that I am Yahweh; 16:63 that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done, says the Lord Yahweh.

16:1 Once again, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 16:2 Son of man, tell Jerusalem about her detestable acts; 16:3 and say, This is what the Lord Yahweh says to Jerusalem: Your origins and your birth are from the land of the Canaanites; the Amorite was your father, and your mother was a Hittite. 16:4 Regarding your birth, on the day you were born, your umbilical cord wasn’t cut, nor were you washed in water to cleanse you; you weren’t salted or wrapped in cloth at all. 16:5 No one had compassion on you to do any of these things for you; instead, you were thrown out into the open field because you were despised on the day you were born. 16:6 When I came by and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you, Even though you are in your blood, live; yes, I said to you, Even though you are in your blood, live. 16:7 I made you grow like a plant in the field; you increased and grew strong, and you reached beautiful adornment; your breasts were shaped, and your hair grew; yet you were still naked and bare. 16:8 Then when I came by and looked at you, your time was the time of love; I spread my cloak over you and covered your nakedness; yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord Yahweh, and you became mine. 16:9 Then I washed you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil. 16:10 I clothed you with embroidered cloth, and put shoes on your feet made of leather; I tied a sash around you made of fine linen and covered you with silk. 16:11 I adorned you with jewelry; I put bracelets on your arms and a chain around your neck. 16:12 I placed a ring in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 16:13 Thus you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth; you ate the finest flour, honey, and oil; you were extremely beautiful, and you rose to royal status. 16:14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty; it was perfect because of my splendor that I had bestowed upon you, says the Lord Yahweh. 16:15 But you trusted in your beauty and acted like a prostitute because of your fame, pouring out your sexual favors on everyone who passed by; it was theirs for the taking. 16:16 You took off your garments and made yourself high places adorned with different colors, and you acted like a prostitute on them: these things shall never happen, nor shall it be so. 16:17 You took your beautiful jewels of my gold and silver, which I had given you, and made images of men and acted like a prostitute with them; 16:18 and you took your embroidered garments and covered them, and set my oil and incense before them. 16:19 My bread, which I gave you, fine flour, oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you set before them as a pleasing aroma; and so it was, says the Lord Yahweh. 16:20 Furthermore, you took your sons and daughters, whom you bore to me, and sacrificed them to be consumed by them. Was your prostitution a trivial matter, 16:21 that you slaughtered my children and sacrificed them by making them pass through the fire? 16:22 In all your detestable acts and prostitution, you didn’t remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and wallowing in your blood. 16:23 After all your wickedness, (woe, woe to you! says the Lord Yahweh), 16:24 you built yourself a vaulted place and made for yourself a high place in every street. 16:25 You built your high place at the head of every road and made your beauty an abomination; you opened your legs to everyone who passed by and increased your prostitution. 16:26 You also committed sexual immorality with the Egyptians, your neighbors, who were large and lusty; you increased your prostitution, provoking me to anger. 16:27 Look then, I have stretched out my hand over you, reduced your rations, and handed you over to those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your immoral behavior. 16:28 You also acted like a prostitute with the Assyrians because you couldn’t get enough; yes, you acted like a prostitute with them but still weren’t satisfied. 16:29 You further increased your prostitution to the land of merchants, to Chaldea; but you still weren’t satisfied with that. 16:30 How weak is your heart, says the Lord Yahweh, seeing you do all these things, the work of an unashamed prostitute; 16:31 in that you build your high places at the head of every road and make your elevated places in every street, and haven’t acted like a prostitute in that you disdain payment. 16:32 A wife who commits adultery! Who takes strangers instead of her husband! 16:33 Prostitutes are paid with gifts; but you give your gifts to all your lovers and bribe them to come to you from every side for your prostitution. 16:34 You are different from other women in your prostitution, in that no one pursues you to engage in prostitution; and while you pay them, no payment is given to you; therefore you are different. 16:35 Therefore, prostitute, hear the word of Yahweh: 16:36 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Because your filthiness was poured out and your nakedness unveiled through your prostitution with your lovers; and because of all your detestable idols, and for the blood of your children that you gave to them; 16:37 therefore behold, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you have found pleasure, and all those whom you have loved, and all those whom you have hated; I will even gather them against you from all sides and will expose your nakedness to them, so they can see all your nakedness. 16:38 I will judge you like women who commit adultery and shed blood are judged; and I will bring upon you the blood of wrath and jealousy. 16:39 I will also hand you over to them, and they will demolish your vaulted place and tear down your high places; they will strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels, leaving you naked and bare. 16:40 They will assemble a mob against you, and they will stone you to death and run you through with their swords. 16:41 They will burn your houses with fire and execute statutory judgments against you in the presence of many women; and I will make you stop being a prostitute, and you will no longer take any payment. 16:42 So I will let my wrath toward you subside, and my jealousy will leave you; I will be quiet and will no longer be angry. 16:43 Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged me with all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring your conduct upon your own head, says the Lord Yahweh: and you shall not commit this immoral act along with all your detestable acts. 16:44 Look, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb against you, saying, Like mother, like daughter. 16:45 You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was a Hittite, and your father was an Amorite. 16:46 Your elder sister is Samaria, who dwells to your left, she and her daughters; and your younger sister, who dwells to your right, is Sodom and her daughters. 16:47 Yet you have not walked in their ways or acted according to their detestable acts; but, as if that were a very trivial matter, you were more corrupt than they in all your ways. 16:48 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, Sodom your sister has not done what you and your daughters have done. 16:49 Look, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: pride, excess food, and abundant ease were hers and her daughters’; they did not help the poor and needy. 16:50 They were haughty and committed abominations before me; therefore, I took them away as I saw fit. 16:51 Neither has Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and you have justified your sisters by all the abominations you have committed. 16:52 You too, bear your own shame, in that you have judged your sisters; since your sins have been more abominable than theirs, they are more righteous than you: yes, be ashamed, and bear your disgrace, in that you have justified your sisters. 16:53 I will restore their captives, the captives of Sodom and her daughters, and the captives of Samaria and her daughters, and the captives of your captives in their midst; 16:54 so that you may bear your own shame, and be ashamed because of all that you have done in being a comfort to them. 16:55 Your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, will return to their former state; and Samaria and her daughters will return to their former state; and you and your daughters will return to your former state. 16:56 For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth on the day of your pride, 16:57 before your wickedness was exposed, like the time of the disgrace of the daughters of Syria and of all who are around her, the daughters of the Philistines who despise you on every side. 16:58 You have borne your lewdness and your detestable acts, says Yahweh. 16:59 For this is what the Lord Yahweh says: I will also deal with you as you have done, as you have despised the oath in breaking the covenant. 16:60 Yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish with you an everlasting covenant. 16:61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed, when you receive your sisters, your elder sisters and your younger; and I will give them to you as daughters, but not through your covenant. 16:62 I will establish my covenant with you; and you will know that I am Yahweh; 16:63 so that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I have forgiven you for all that you have done, says the Lord Yahweh.

17:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel; 17:3 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: A great eagle with great wings and long feathers, full of feathers, which had various colors, came to Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar: 17:4 he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs of it, and carried it to a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. 17:5 He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful soil; he placed it beside many waters; he set it as a willow tree. 17:6 It grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs. 17:7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and behold, this vine did bend its roots toward him, and shot forth its branches toward him, from the beds of its plantation, that he might water it. 17:8 It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine. 17:9 Say you, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up its roots, and cut off its fruit, that it may wither; that all its fresh springing leaves may wither? and not by a strong arm or much people can it be raised from its roots. 17:10 Yes, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind touches it? it shall wither in the beds where it grew. 17:11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 17:12 Say now to the rebellious house, Don't you know what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took its king, and its princes, and brought them to him to Babylon: 17:13 and he took of the seed royal, and made a covenant with him; he also brought him under an oath, and took away the mighty of the land; 17:14 that the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand. 17:15 But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape who does such things? shall he break the covenant, and yet escape? 17:16 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he broke, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. 17:17 Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company help him in the war, when they cast up mounds and build forts, to cut off many persons. 17:18 For he has despised the oath by breaking the covenant; and behold, he had given his hand, and yet has done all these things; he shall not escape. 17:19 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: As I live, surely my oath that he has despised, and my covenant that he has broken, I will even bring it on his own head. 17:20 I will spread my net on him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will enter into judgment with him there for his trespass that he has trespassed against me. 17:21 All his fugitives in all his bands shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it. 17:22 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also take of the lofty top of the cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain: 17:23 in the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of its branches shall they dwell. 17:24 All the trees of the field shall know that I, Yahweh, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish; I, Yahweh, have spoken and have done it.

17:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17:2 Son of man, present a riddle and speak a parable to the people of Israel; 17:3 and say, This is what the Lord God says: A great eagle with powerful wings and long feathers, full of colorful plumage, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar; 17:4 he plucked off the topmost of its young twigs and carried it to a land of trade; he set it in a city of merchants. 17:5 He also took some of the seeds from the land and planted it in rich soil; he placed it beside many waters; he set it like a willow tree. 17:6 It grew and became a spreading vine of low height, whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him: so it became a vine, producing branches and sending out shoots. 17:7 There was also another great eagle with strong wings and many feathers: and look, this vine bent its roots toward him and shot forth its branches toward him, from the beds where it was planted, so he could water it. 17:8 It was planted in good soil by many waters, so it could produce branches and bear fruit, so it could be a healthy vine. 17:9 Say this: This is what the Lord God says: Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots and cut off its fruit, causing it to wither; will all its fresh leaves wilt? And it can't be raised from its roots by a strong arm or many people. 17:10 Yes, look, having been planted, will it thrive? Will it not completely wither when the east wind blows on it? It will wither in the beds where it grew. 17:11 Also, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17:12 Say now to the rebellious house, Don’t you understand what these things mean? Tell them, Look, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took its king and its leaders, and brought them to Babylon; 17:13 and he took some of the royal family and made a covenant with him; he also brought him under an oath, taking away the powerful leaders of the land; 17:14 so that the kingdom would be humble, not lifting itself up, but by keeping his covenant it could stand. 17:15 But he rebelled against him by sending his messengers to Egypt, seeking horses and a large army. Will he thrive? Will he escape after doing such things? Will he break the covenant and still escape? 17:16 As I live, says the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whom he disrespected, and whose covenant he broke, even with him in the midst of Babylon he will die. 17:17 Neither will Pharaoh with his mighty army and large force help him in the war when they build siege works and fortifications to cut off many people. 17:18 For he has disregarded the oath by breaking the covenant; and look, he has raised his hand in agreement, yet has done all these things; he will not escape. 17:19 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: As I live, surely my oath that he has disregarded, and my covenant that he has broken, I will bring it down on his own head. 17:20 I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my trap, and I will bring him to Babylon and hold him accountable there for his wrongdoing against me. 17:21 All his fugitives in all his bands will fall by the sword, and those who remain will be scattered to every wind: and you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken it. 17:22 This is what the Lord God says: I will also take from the top of the cedar and set it; I will pick a tender shoot from its young twigs and plant it on a high and lofty mountain: 17:23 on the mountain in the heights of Israel I will plant it; and it will produce branches, bear fruit, and become a beautiful cedar: and under it will dwell every bird of every feather; in the shade of its branches they will live. 17:24 All the trees of the field will know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have elevated the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree flourish; I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it.

18:1 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying, 18:2 What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? 18:3 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, you shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins, he shall die. 18:5 But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right, 18:6 and has not eaten on the mountains, neither has lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither has defiled his neighbor's wife, neither has come near to a woman in her impurity, 18:7 and has not wronged any, but has restored to the debtor his pledge, has taken nothing by robbery, has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment; 18:8 he who has not given forth on interest, neither has taken any increase, who has withdrawn his hand from iniquity, has executed true justice between man and man, 18:9 has walked in my statutes, and has kept my ordinances, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, says the Lord Yahweh. 18:10 If he fathers a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood, and who does any one of these things, 18:11 and who does not any of those duties, but even has eaten on the mountains, and defiled his neighbor's wife, 18:12 has wronged the poor and needy, has taken by robbery, has not restored the pledge, and has lifted up his eyes to the idols, has committed abomination, 18:13 has given forth on interest, and has taken increase; shall he then live? he shall not live: he has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be on him. 18:14 Now, behold, if he fathers a son, who sees all his father's sins, which he has done, and fears, and does not such like; 18:15 who has not eaten on the mountains, neither has lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, has not defiled his neighbor's wife, 18:16 neither has wronged any, has not taken anything to pledge, neither has taken by robbery, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment; 18:17 who has withdrawn his hand from the poor, who has not received interest nor increase, has executed my ordinances, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. 18:18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, robbed his brother, and did that which is not good among his people, behold, he shall die in his iniquity. 18:19 Yet say you, Why does not the son bear the iniquity of the father? when the son has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes, and has done them, he shall surely live. 18:20 The soul who sins, he shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him. 18:21 But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 18:22 None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord Yahweh; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live? 18:24 But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. 18:25 Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren't your ways unequal? 18:26 When the righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies therein; in his iniquity that he has done shall he die. 18:27 Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 18:28 Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 18:29 Yet says the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, says the Lord Yahweh. Return you, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, in which you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, house of Israel? 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies, says the Lord Yahweh: therefore turn yourselves, and live.

18:1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 18:2 What do you mean by using this proverb about the land of Israel, saying, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?" 18:3 As I live, says the Lord God, you will no longer use this proverb in Israel. 18:4 Look, all souls are mine; the soul of the father is just like the soul of the son: the soul who sins will die. 18:5 But if a person is righteous, doing what is lawful and right, 18:6 and has not eaten at the mountains, nor lifted up their eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, has not defiled their neighbor's spouse, and has not approached a woman during her menstrual period, 18:7 and has not wronged anyone, but has returned what was pledged to the debtor, taken nothing by robbery, given food to the hungry, and provided clothing for the naked; 18:8 the one who has not charged interest or taken any profits, who has turned away from wrongdoing, and has upheld true justice between people, 18:9 has followed my statutes and kept my regulations, acting honestly; that person is righteous, and they will surely live, says the Lord God. 18:10 If they become a father of a son who is a thief, a killer, or does any of these things, 18:11 and does not carry out any of those duties, but instead eats at the mountains and defiles his neighbor's spouse, 18:12 wrongs the poor and needy, steals, does not return the pledge, and lifts his eyes to the idols, committing abominations, 18:13 lends money at interest and takes profits; shall he then live? He will not live: he has done all these detestable acts; he will surely die; his blood will be on him. 18:14 Now, look, if he becomes a father of a son who sees all his father's sins and is afraid, not doing like his father; 18:15 who has not eaten at the mountains, nor lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, has not defiled his neighbor's spouse, 18:16 has not wronged anyone, has not taken anything as a pledge nor taken by robbery, but has given food to the hungry, and provided clothing for the naked; 18:17 who has turned away from the poor, has not taken interest or profits, has upheld my regulations, and has followed my statutes; that person will not die for the iniquity of his father, he will surely live. 18:18 His father, because he oppressed and robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity. 18:19 Yet you say, "Why doesn't the son bear the iniquity of the father?" When the son has done what is lawful and right, keeping all my statutes and doing them, he will surely live. 18:20 The soul who sins will die: the son will not bear the iniquity of the father, nor will the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous will be on them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be on them. 18:21 But if the wicked turns away from all the sins he has committed, and keeps all my statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 18:22 None of his transgressions will be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he will live. 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord God; rather, do I not want him to turn from his ways and live? 18:24 But if the righteous turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, doing all the detestable things that the wicked does, will he live? None of his righteous deeds will be remembered: in his sin that he has sinned, he will die. 18:25 Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” Now, listen, house of Israel: Are my ways not equal? Are your ways not unequal? 18:26 When the righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and dies in it; in his iniquity he has done he will die. 18:27 Again, when the wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is lawful and right, he will save his soul alive. 18:28 Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions he has committed, he will surely live; he will not die. 18:29 Yet the house of Israel says, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” House of Israel, are not my ways fair? Are not your ways unequal? 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to their ways, says the Lord God. Return, and turn from all your transgressions; so iniquity will not be your downfall. 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions by which you have transgressed; and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, house of Israel? 18:32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God: therefore turn yourselves, and live.

19:1 Moreover, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel, 19:2 and say, What was your mother? A lioness: she couched among lions, in the midst of the young lions she nourished her cubs. 19:3 She brought up one of her cubs: he became a young lion, and he learned to catch the prey; he devoured men. 19:4 The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit; and they brought him with hooks to the land of Egypt. 19:5 Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her cubs, and made him a young lion. 19:6 He went up and down among the lions; he became a young lion, and he learned to catch the prey; he devoured men. 19:7 He knew their palaces, and laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and its fullness, because of the noise of his roaring. 19:8 Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces; and they spread their net over him; he was taken in their pit. 19:9 They put him in a cage with hooks, and brought him to the king of Babylon; they brought him into strongholds, that his voice should no more be heard on the mountains of Israel. 19:10 Your mother was like a vine, in your blood, planted by the waters: it was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. 19:11 It had strong rods for the scepters of those who bore rule, and their stature was exalted among the thick boughs, and they were seen in their height with the multitude of their branches. 19:12 But it was plucked up in fury, it was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit: its strong rods were broken off and withered; the fire consumed them. 19:13 Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. 19:14 Fire is gone out of the rods of its branches, it has devoured its fruit, so that there is in it no strong rod to be a scepter to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

19:1 Also, grieve for the leaders of Israel, 19:2 and ask, What was your mother? A lioness: she rested among lions, and in the midst of young lions, she raised her cubs. 19:3 She raised one of her cubs: he grew to be a young lion and learned to catch prey; he devoured people. 19:4 The nations also heard about him; he was caught in their trap; they brought him with hooks to Egypt. 19:5 When she realized she had waited in vain and her hope was lost, she took another one of her cubs and made him a young lion. 19:6 He roamed among the lions; he became a young lion and learned to catch prey; he devoured people. 19:7 He knew their palaces and destroyed their cities; the land was desolate and empty because of the sound of his roaring. 19:8 Then the nations surrounded him from all sides; they spread their net over him; he was caught in their trap. 19:9 They confined him in a cage with hooks and took him to the king of Babylon; they brought him into strongholds so that his voice would no longer be heard in the mountains of Israel. 19:10 Your mother was like a vine, rooted in your blood, planted by the water: it was fruitful and full of branches because of the abundant water. 19:11 It had strong rods for the scepters of the rulers, and their stature was lifted among the thick branches, and they were seen in their height with the multitude of their branches. 19:12 But it was uprooted in anger, cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit: its strong rods were broken off and withered; the fire consumed them. 19:13 Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. 19:14 Fire has gone out from the rods of its branches, consuming its fruit, so that there is no strong rod left to be a scepter to rule. This is a lamentation, and it will be a lamentation.

20:1 It happened in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of Yahweh, and sat before me. 20:2 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 20:3 Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will not be inquired of by you. 20:4 Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers; 20:5 and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In the day when I chose Israel, and swore to the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known to them in the land of Egypt, when I swore to them, saying, I am Yahweh your God; 20:6 in that day I swore to them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands. 20:7 I said to them, Cast you away every man the abominations of his eyes, and don't defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God. 20:8 But they rebelled against me, and would not listen to me; they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. 20:9 But I worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, in whose sight I made myself known to them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt. 20:10 So I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness. 20:11 I gave them my statutes, and showed them my ordinances, which if a man does, he shall live in them. 20:12 Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies them. 20:13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they didn't walk in my statutes, and they rejected my ordinances, which if a man keep, he shall live in them; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them in the wilderness, to consume them. 20:14 But I worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them out. 20:15 Moreover also I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; 20:16 because they rejected my ordinances, and didn't walk in my statutes, and profaned my Sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols. 20:17 Nevertheless my eye spared them, and I didn't destroy them, neither did I make a full end of them in the wilderness. 20:18 I said to their children in the wilderness, Don't you walk in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their ordinances, nor defile yourselves with their idols. 20:19 I am Yahweh your God: walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them; 20:20 and make my Sabbaths holy; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am Yahweh your God. 20:21 But the children rebelled against me; they didn't walk in my statutes, neither kept my ordinances to do them, which if a man do, he shall live in them; they profaned my Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 20:22 Nevertheless I withdrew my hand, and worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them forth. 20:23 Moreover I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; 20:24 because they had not executed my ordinances, but had rejected my statutes, and had profaned my Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 20:25 Moreover also I gave them statutes that were not good, and ordinances in which they should not live; 20:26 and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that opens the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am Yahweh. 20:27 Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In this moreover have your fathers blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me. 20:28 For when I had brought them into the land, which I swore to give to them, then they saw every high hill, and every thick tree, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering; there also they made their pleasant aroma, and they poured out there their drink offerings. 20:29 Then I said to them, What means the high place whereunto you go? So its name is called Bamah to this day. 20:30 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Do you pollute yourselves after the manner of your fathers? and play you the prostitute after their abominations? 20:31 and when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will not be inquired of by you; 20:32 and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone. 20:33 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be king over you: 20:34 and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out; 20:35 and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face. 20:36 Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, says the Lord Yahweh. 20:37 I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; 20:38 and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and those who disobey against me; I will bring them forth out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 20:39 As for you, house of Israel, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Go you, serve everyone his idols, and hereafter also, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name you shall no more profane with your gifts, and with your idols. 20:40 For in my holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them, serve me in the land: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your offerings, with all your holy things. 20:41 As a pleasant aroma will I accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples, and gather you out of the countries in which you have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you in the sight of the nations. 20:42 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I swore to give to your fathers. 20:43 There you shall remember your ways, and all your doings, in which you have polluted yourselves; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that you have committed. 20:44 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have dealt with you for my name's sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, you house of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh. 20:45 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 20:46 Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South; 20:47 and tell the forest of the South, Hear the word of Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree in you, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burnt thereby. 20:48 All flesh shall see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched. 20:49 Then said I, Ah Lord Yahweh! they say of me, Isn't he a speaker of parables?

20:1 It happened in the seventh year, on the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that some of the elders of Israel came to ask Yahweh for guidance and sat down in front of me. 20:2 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 20:3 Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: Are you here to ask me something? As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will not be asked by you. 20:4 Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Let them know the vile practices of their ancestors; 20:5 and tell them, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: On the day I chose Israel, swore to the descendants of Jacob, and made myself known to them in the land of Egypt, when I swore to them, saying, I am Yahweh your God; 20:6 that day I promised to bring them out of Egypt into a land I had carefully chosen for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, which is the pride of all lands. 20:7 I told them, Each of you must throw away the detestable things your eyes feast on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God. 20:8 But they rebelled against me, and wouldn’t listen; they did not throw away the detestable things, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the land of Egypt. 20:9 But I acted for my name’s sake, so it wouldn’t be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, and before whom I made myself known, bringing them out of Egypt. 20:10 So I led them out of Egypt and into the wilderness. 20:11 I gave them my laws and showed them my ordinances; if a person follows them, they will live by them. 20:12 I also gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, so they would know that I am Yahweh who makes them holy. 20:13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness; they did not follow my laws and rejected my ordinances, which if a person keeps, they will live by them; and they greatly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them in the wilderness to destroy them. 20:14 But I acted for my name’s sake, so it wouldn't be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them out. 20:15 I also swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, which is the pride of all lands; 20:16 because they rejected my ordinances, didn’t follow my laws, and desecrated my Sabbaths; their hearts pursued their idols. 20:17 Yet my eye spared them, and I did not destroy them completely in the wilderness. 20:18 I said to their children in the wilderness, Do not follow the laws of your ancestors, nor keep their ordinances, or defile yourselves with their idols. 20:19 I am Yahweh your God: follow my laws, keep my ordinances, and obey them; 20:20 and make my Sabbaths holy; they will be a sign between me and you, so you may know that I am Yahweh your God. 20:21 But the children rebelled against me; they did not follow my laws, nor kept my ordinances to obey them, which if a person follows, they will live by them; they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them to fulfill my anger against them in the wilderness. 20:22 Nevertheless, I withdrew my hand and acted for my name’s sake, so it would not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them out. 20:23 I also swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them throughout the lands; 20:24 because they did not follow my ordinances, rejected my laws, and desecrated my Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on the idols of their ancestors. 20:25 I also gave them laws that were not good, and ordinances they could not live by; 20:26 and I defiled them through their gifts, when they caused their firstborn to pass through the fire, to make them desolate, so they would know that I am Yahweh. 20:27 Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: In this, your ancestors have blasphemed me, by committing a trespass against me. 20:28 For when I brought them into the land I swore to give them, they saw every high hill and every thick tree, and they offered their sacrifices there, presenting their offerings; there they made pleasing aromas and poured out their drink offerings. 20:29 Then I asked them, What does the high place mean where you go? So its name is called Bamah to this day. 20:30 Therefore tell the house of Israel, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: Do you pollute yourselves like your ancestors? and act the prostitute with their detestable practices? 20:31 And when you offer your gifts and make your children pass through the fire, do you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day? and will I be asked by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will not be asked by you; 20:32 and what comes into your mind shall not happen, since you say, We will be like the nations, like the families of the lands, serving wood and stone. 20:33 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with my wrath poured out, I will rule over you: 20:34 and I will bring you out from the nations, and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with my wrath poured out; 20:35 and I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face. 20:36 Just as I entered into judgment with your ancestors in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, says the Lord Yahweh. 20:37 I will cause you to go under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; 20:38 and I will purge out from among you the rebels and those who disobey me; I will bring them out of the land where they live, but they shall not enter the land of Israel: and you will know that I am Yahweh. 20:39 As for you, house of Israel, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Go, serve your idols, everyone of you; but if you do not listen to me, my holy name you shall no longer profane with your gifts and idols. 20:40 For on my holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh, all the house of Israel will serve me there in the land: I will accept them there, and I will require your offerings, and the first fruits of your offerings, with all your holy things. 20:41 I will accept you as a pleasing aroma when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the lands where you have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you in the sight of the nations. 20:42 You will know that I am Yahweh, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country I swore to give to your ancestors. 20:43 There you will remember your ways and all your actions in which you have defiled yourselves; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that you have committed. 20:44 You will know that I am Yahweh, when I have dealt with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt actions, you house of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh. 20:45 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 20:46 Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South; 20:47 and tell the forest of the South, Hear the word of Yahweh: This is what the Lord Yahweh says, Look, I will kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree in you, and every dry tree: the blazing flame shall not be extinguished, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned by it. 20:48 All flesh shall see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it; it shall not be extinguished. 20:49 Then I said, Ah Lord Yahweh! they say of me, Isn't he just a speaker of parables?

21:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 21:2 Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and drop your word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; 21:3 and tell the land of Israel, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked. 21:4 Seeing then that I will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: 21:5 and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more. 21:6 Sigh therefore, you son of man; with the breaking of your thighs and with bitterness you will sigh before their eyes. 21:7 It shall be, when they tell you, Why do you sigh? that you shall say, Because of the news, for it comes; and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it comes, and it shall be done, says the Lord Yahweh. 21:8 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 21:9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished; 21:10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it condemns every tree. 21:11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer. 21:12 Cry and wail, son of man; for it is on my people, it is on all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; strike therefore on your thigh. 21:13 For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more? says the Lord Yahweh. 21:14 You therefore, son of man, prophesy, and strike your hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one who is deadly wounded, which enters into their chambers. 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter. 21:16 Gather you together, go to the right, set yourself in array, go to the left, wherever your face is set. 21:17 I will also strike my hands together, and I will cause my wrath to rest: I, Yahweh, have spoken it. 21:18 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying, 21:19 Also, you son of man, appoint two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they both shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city. 21:20 You shall appoint a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and to Judah in Jerusalem the fortified. 21:21 For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he shook the arrows back and forth, he consulted the teraphim, he looked in the liver. 21:22 In his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build forts. 21:23 It shall be to them as a false divination in their sight, who have sworn oaths to them; but he brings iniquity to memory, that they may be taken. 21:24 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because you have come to memory, you shall be taken with the hand. 21:25 You, deadly wounded wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day is come, in the time of the iniquity of the end, 21:26 thus says the Lord Yahweh: Remove the turban, and take off the crown; this shall be no more the same; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high. 21:27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this also shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. 21:28 You, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say you, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning; 21:29 while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies to you, to lay you on the necks of the wicked who are deadly wounded, whose day is come in the time of the iniquity of the end. 21:30 Cause it to return into its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your birth, will I judge you. 21:31 I will pour out my indignation on you; I will blow on you with the fire of my wrath; and I will deliver you into the hand of brutish men, skillful to destroy. 21:32 You shall be for fuel to the fire; your blood shall be in the midst of the land; you shall be no more remembered: for I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

21:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21:2 Son of man, face Jerusalem, and speak against the sanctuaries; prophesy against the land of Israel; 21:3 and tell the land of Israel, This is what the Lord says: Look, I am against you, and I will unsheathe my sword and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. 21:4 Since I will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked, my sword will go out of its sheath against all people from the south to the north: 21:5 and all people will know that I, the Lord, have unsheathed my sword; it will not return again. 21:6 Sigh, then, son of man; with the pain of your soul and bitterness, you will sigh before their eyes. 21:7 It will happen, when they ask you, Why are you sighing? you will say, Because of the news, for it is coming; and every heart will melt, and all hands will be weak, and every spirit will faint, and all knees will be weak as water: look, it is coming, and it will be done, says the Lord God. 21:8 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 21:9 Son of man, prophesy and say, This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword, it is sharpened and polished; 21:10 it is sharpened so that it may cause slaughter; it is polished to flash like lightning: should we then rejoice? The rod of my son condemns every tree. 21:11 It is given to be polished so that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is polished, to be given into the hands of the killer. 21:12 Cry and wail, son of man; for it is against my people, it is against all the leaders of Israel: they are delivered to the sword along with my people; strike therefore on your thigh. 21:13 For there is a trial; and what if even the rod of judgment is no more? says the Lord God. 21:14 You, then, son of man, prophesy and clap your hands together; let the sword be doubled a third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great one who is mortally wounded, which enters into their chambers. 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, so that their hearts may melt, and their stumbling be multiplied: oh! it is made to flash like lightning, it is ready for slaughter. 21:16 Gather yourselves together, go to the right, take your positions, go to the left, wherever your face is directed. 21:17 I will also clap my hands together, and I will bring my anger to rest: I, the Lord, have spoken it. 21:18 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 21:19 Also, son of man, set out two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; they will both come out of one land: mark a spot, set it at the head of the way to the city. 21:20 You will designate a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the people of Ammon, and to Judah in Jerusalem the fortified. 21:21 For the king of Babylon stood at the fork in the road, at the head of the two ways, to perform divination: he shook the arrows, consulted the household gods, and looked at the liver. 21:22 In his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set up battering rams, to open the mouth for slaughter, to raise a loud shout, to set up battering rams against the gates, to build ramparts, to construct forts. 21:23 It will be to them like a false divination in their sight, those who have sworn oaths to them; but he brings their guilt to remembrance, so they may be captured. 21:24 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Because you have made your guilt memorable, since your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your actions your sins are apparent; because you have come to remembrance, you will be captured by the hand. 21:25 You, wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day has come, in the time of the guilt at the end, 21:26 this is what the Lord God says: Remove the turban, and take off the crown; this will no longer be the same; exalt what is low, and humble what is high. 21:27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this will no longer be, until he comes whose right it is; and I will give it to him. 21:28 You, son of man, prophesy and say, This is what the Lord God says about the people of Ammon and their scorn; and say, A sword, a sword is drawn, for slaughter it is polished, to cause it to devour, that it may flash like lightning; 21:29 while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies to you, to place you upon the necks of the wicked who are mortally wounded, whose day has come in the time of the guilt at the end. 21:30 Make it return to its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your birth, I will judge you. 21:31 I will pour out my anger upon you; I will blow upon you with the fire of my wrath; and I will deliver you into the hands of brutal men, skilled in destruction. 21:32 You will be fuel for the fire; your blood will be in the midst of the land; you will no longer be remembered; for I, the Lord, have spoken it.

22:1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 22:2 You, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? then cause her to know all her abominations. 22:3 You shall say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: A city that sheds blood in the midst of her, that her time may come, and that makes idols against herself to defile her! 22:4 You have become guilty in your blood that you have shed, and are defiled in your idols which you have made; and you have caused your days to draw near, and are come even to your years: therefore have I made you a reproach to the nations, and a mocking to all the countries. 22:5 Those who are near, and those who are far from you, shall mock you, you infamous one and full of tumult. 22:6 Behold, the princes of Israel, everyone according to his power, have been in you to shed blood. 22:7 In you have they set light by father and mother; in the midst of you have they dealt by oppression with the foreigner; in you have they wronged the fatherless and the widow. 22:8 You have despised my holy things, and have profaned my Sabbaths. 22:9 Slanderous men have been in you to shed blood; and in you they have eaten on the mountains: in the midst of you they have committed lewdness. 22:10 In you have they uncovered their fathers' nakedness; in you have they humbled her who was unclean in her impurity. 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his sister, his father's daughter. 22:12 In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Lord Yahweh. 22:13 Behold, therefore, I have struck my hand at your dishonest gain which you have made, and at your blood which has been in the midst of you. 22:14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I, Yahweh, have spoken it, and will do it. 22:15 I will scatter you among the nations, and disperse you through the countries; and I will consume your filthiness out of you. 22:16 You shall be profaned in yourself, in the sight of the nations; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 22:17 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 22:18 Son of man, the house of Israel is become dross to me: all of them are brass and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver. 22:19 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you are all become dross, therefore, behold, I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 22:20 As they gather silver and brass and iron and lead and tin into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire on it, to melt it; so will I gather you in my anger and in my wrath, and I will lay you there, and melt you. 22:21 Yes, I will gather you, and blow on you with the fire of my wrath, and you shall be melted in its midst. 22:22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so you will be melted in its midst; and you will know that I, Yahweh, have poured out my wrath on you. 22:23 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 22:24 Son of man, tell her, You are a land that is not cleansed, nor rained on in the day of indignation. 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in its midst, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in its midst. 22:26 Her priests have done violence to my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they caused men to discern between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 22:27 Her princes in its midst are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain. 22:28 Her prophets have daubed for them with whitewash, seeing false visions, and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord Yahweh, when Yahweh has not spoken. 22:29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery; yes, they have troubled the poor and needy, and have oppressed the foreigner wrongfully. 22:30 I sought for a man among them, who should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. 22:31 Therefore have I poured out my indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I brought on their heads, says the Lord Yahweh.

22:1 Furthermore, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 22:2 You, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then make her aware of all her disgusting behaviors. 22:3 You shall say, This is what the Lord says: A city that sheds blood within it, whose time has come, and that makes idols for itself to defile her! 22:4 You have become guilty because of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made; your days are drawing near, and you have reached your years: therefore, I have made you a disgrace among the nations and a mockery to all the countries. 22:5 Those who are near and those who are far from you will mock you, you infamous one and full of chaos. 22:6 Look, the leaders of Israel, each according to their power, have been among you to shed blood. 22:7 In you, they have disrespected father and mother; in your midst, they have oppressed the foreigner; in you, they have mistreated the fatherless and the widow. 22:8 You have despised my holy things and have profaned my Sabbaths. 22:9 Slanderous individuals have been in you to shed blood; and in you, they have eaten on the mountains; in your midst, they have committed immorality. 22:10 In you, they have exposed their fathers' nakedness; in you, they have degraded her who is unclean in her impurity. 22:11 One has committed wickedness with his neighbor's wife; another has shamefully defiled his daughter-in-law; another has humiliated his sister, his father's daughter. 22:12 In you, they have taken bribes to shed blood; you have charged interest and taken additional fees, and you have greedily gained from your neighbors through oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Lord. 22:13 Look, therefore, I have struck my hand against your dishonest gain and the blood that has been among you. 22:14 Can your heart handle it, or can your hands be strong during the days when I deal with you? I, the Lord, have said it and will do it. 22:15 I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you through the countries; I will cleanse your filth from you. 22:16 You shall be defiled in yourself, in the sight of the nations; you will know that I am the Lord. 22:17 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 22:18 Son of man, the house of Israel has become worthless to me: all of them are brass, tin, iron, and lead, within the furnace; they are the dross of silver. 22:19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: Because you have all become worthless, look, I will gather you in the midst of Jerusalem. 22:20 Just as they gather silver, brass, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to blow the fire on it and melt it; so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath, and I will lay you there, and melt you. 22:21 Yes, I will gather you and blow on you with the fire of my wrath, and you will be melted in its midst. 22:22 Just as silver is melted in the furnace, so you will be melted in its midst; and you will know that I, the Lord, have poured out my wrath upon you. 22:23 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 22:24 Son of man, tell her, You are a land that is not cleansed, nor has it rained on in the day of anger. 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in its midst, like a roaring lion devouring its prey: they have consumed souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows numerous in its midst. 22:26 Her priests have violated my law and profaned my holy things: they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, nor have they taught people to recognize the unclean from the clean, and they have hidden their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 22:27 Her leaders in its midst are like wolves devouring the prey, to shed blood, and destroy lives, so they can gain dishonest wealth. 22:28 Her prophets have painted over for them with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies, saying, This is what the Lord says, when the Lord has not spoken. 22:29 The people of the land have practiced oppression and robbery; yes, they have troubled the poor and needy, and have wrongfully oppressed the foreigner. 22:30 I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before me for the land so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. 22:31 Therefore, I have poured out my anger on them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own actions have brought upon their heads, says the Lord.

23:1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, 23:2 Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: 23:3 and they played the prostitute in Egypt; they played the prostitute in their youth; there were their breasts pressed, and there was handled the bosom of their virginity. 23:4 The names of them were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister: and they became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem Oholibah. 23:5 Oholah played the prostitute when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors, 23:6 who were clothed with blue, governors and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. 23:7 She bestowed her prostitution on them, the choicest men of Assyria all of them; and on whoever she doted, with all their idols she defiled herself. 23:8 Neither has she left her prostitution since the days of Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her, and they handled the bosom of her virginity; and they poured out their prostitution on her. 23:9 Therefore I delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, on whom she doted. 23:10 These uncovered her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters; and her they killed with the sword: and she became a byword among women; for they executed judgments on her. 23:11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet was she more corrupt in her doting than she, and in her prostitution which were more than the prostitution of her sister. 23:12 She doted on the Assyrians, governors and rulers, her neighbors, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. 23:13 I saw that she was defiled; they both took one way. 23:14 She increased her prostitution; for she saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, 23:15 girded with girdles on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them princes to look on, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 23:16 As soon as she saw them she doted on them, and sent messengers to them into Chaldea. 23:17 The Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their prostitution, and she was polluted with them, and her soul was alienated from them. 23:18 So she uncovered her prostitution, and uncovered her nakedness: then my soul was alienated from her, like as my soul was alienated from her sister. 23:19 Yet she multiplied her prostitution, remembering the days of her youth, in which she had played the prostitute in the land of Egypt. 23:20 She doted on their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of donkeys, and whose issue is like the issue of horses. 23:21 Thus you called to memory the lewdness of your youth, in the handling of your bosom by the Egyptians for the breasts of your youth. 23:22 Therefore, Oholibah, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up your lovers against you, from whom your soul is alienated, and I will bring them against you on every side: 23:23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and rulers all of them, princes and men of renown, all of them riding on horses. 23:24 They shall come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples; they shall set themselves against you with buckler and shield and helmet all around; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments. 23:25 I will set my jealousy against you, and they shall deal with you in fury; they shall take away your nose and your ears; and your residue shall fall by the sword: they shall take your sons and your daughters; and your residue shall be devoured by the fire. 23:26 They shall also strip you of your clothes, and take away your beautiful jewels. 23:27 Thus will I make your lewdness to cease from you, and your prostitution brought from the land of Egypt; so that you shall not lift up your eyes to them, nor remember Egypt any more. 23:28 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will deliver you into the hand of them whom you hate, into the hand of them from whom your soul is alienated; 23:29 and they shall deal with you in hatred, and shall take away all your labor, and shall leave you naked and bare; and the nakedness of your prostitution shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your prostitution. 23:30 These things shall be done to you, because you have played the prostitute after the nations, and because you are polluted with their idols. 23:31 You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore will I give her cup into your hand. 23:32 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: You will drink of your sister's cup, which is deep and large; you will be ridiculed and held in derision; it contains much. 23:33 You shall be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of your sister Samaria. 23:34 You shall even drink it and drain it out, and you shall gnaw the broken pieces of it, and shall tear your breasts; for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 23:35 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have forgotten me, and cast me behind your back, therefore bear you also your lewdness and your prostitution. 23:36 Yahweh said moreover to me: Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? then declare to them their abominations. 23:37 For they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands; and with their idols have they committed adultery; and they have also caused their sons, whom they bore to me, to pass through the fire to them to be devoured. 23:38 Moreover this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my Sabbaths. 23:39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and behold, thus have they done in the midst of my house. 23:40 Furthermore you have sent for men who come from far, to whom a messenger was sent, and behold, they came; for whom you did wash yourself, paint your eyes, and deck yourself with ornaments, 23:41 and sit on a stately bed, with a table prepared before it, whereupon you did set my incense and my oil. 23:42 The voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with men of the common sort were brought drunkards from the wilderness; and they put bracelets on the hands of them twain, and beautiful crowns on their heads. 23:43 Then said I of her who was old in adulteries, Now will they play the prostitute with her, and she with them. 23:44 They went in to her, as they go in to a prostitute: so went they in to Oholah and to Oholibah, the lewd women. 23:45 Righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women who shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. 23:46 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will bring up a company against them, and will give them to be tossed back and forth and robbed. 23:47 The company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall kill their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. 23:48 Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness. 23:49 They shall recompense your lewdness on you, and you shall bear the sins of your idols; and you shall know that I am the Lord Yahweh.

23:1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 23:2 Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: 23:3 and they acted as prostitutes in Egypt; they engaged in prostitution in their youth; their breasts were pressed, and the bosom of their virginity was touched. 23:4 Their names were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister: and they became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. Samaria is called Oholah, and Jerusalem is called Oholibah. 23:5 Oholah acted as a prostitute when she was mine; she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians, 23:6 her neighbors, who wore blue, governors and rulers, all desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. 23:7 She gave herself to them, the finest of Assyria, all of them; and with anyone she desired, she defiled herself with all their idols. 23:8 She hasn't stopped her prostitution since 23:9 the days of Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her, and they touched the bosom of her virginity; they poured out their prostitution on her. 23:10 Therefore, I handed her over to her lovers, to the Assyrians, who she lusted after. 23:11 They exposed her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters; they killed her with the sword, and she became a byword among women, for they carried out judgments on her. 23:12 Her sister Oholibah saw this, but she became even more corrupt in her desires than she did, and her actions were worse than her sister's. 23:13 She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and rulers, 23:14 her neighbors, dressed magnificently, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. 23:15 I noticed she was defiled; they both went the same way. 23:16 She increased her prostitution because she saw men painted on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans, painted in red, 23:17 dressed with belts around their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all princes to gaze upon, looking like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 23:18 As soon as she saw them, she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. 23:19 The Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their prostitution; she became polluted with them, and her soul was alienated from them. 23:20 So she uncovered her prostitution and revealed her nakedness; then my soul was alienated from her, just as my soul was alienated from her sister. 23:21 Yet she continued to multiply her prostitution, remembering the days of her youth when she acted as a prostitute in the land of Egypt. 23:22 She lusted after their lovers, whose flesh is like that of donkeys and whose discharge is like that of horses. 23:23 Thus you remembered the lewdness of your youth, the handling of your bosom by the Egyptians for the breasts of your youth. 23:24 Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord says: Behold, I will raise up your lovers against you, whom your soul is alienated from, and I will bring them against you from every side: 23:25 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, Shoa, Koa, 23:26 and all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and rulers, all of them, princes and men of renown, all riding on horses. 23:27 They will come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a multitude of people; they will surround you with shields and helmets; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they will judge you according to their rules. 23:28 I will set my jealousy against you, and they will deal with you in fury; they will take away your nose and your ears; and what remains of you will fall by the sword; they will take your sons and your daughters; and what remains of you will be devoured by fire. 23:29 They will also strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels. 23:30 Thus, I will put an end to your lewdness and your prostitution from the land of Egypt; so that you won’t lift your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore. 23:31 For this is what the Lord says: Behold, I will deliver you into the hands of those you hate, into the hands of those your soul is alienated from; 23:32 and they will treat you with hatred, take all your labor, and leave you naked and bare; and the nakedness of your prostitution will be uncovered, both your lewdness and your prostitution. 23:33 These things will happen to you because you have acted as a prostitute after the nations and because you are polluted with their idols. 23:34 You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand. 23:35 This is what the Lord says: You will drink from your sister's cup, which is deep and large; you will be ridiculed and held in derision; it contains much. 23:36 You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of your sister Samaria. 23:37 You will drink it and drain it, and you will gnaw the broken pieces of it and tear your breasts; for I have spoken it, says the Lord. 23:38 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: Because you have forgotten me and thrown me behind your back, therefore bear your lewdness and your prostitution. 23:39 The Lord said to me: Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations. 23:40 For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands; they have committed adultery with their idols; and they have also caused their sons, whom they bore to me, to pass through 23:41 the fire to their idols to be devoured. 23:42 Moreover, what they have done to me is this: they have defiled my sanctuary on the same day and profaned my Sabbaths. 23:43 For when they killed their children for their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and behold, thus they have done in the midst of my house. 23:44 Furthermore, you have sent for men who came from afar, to whom a messenger was sent, and behold, they came; for whom you washed yourself, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments, 23:45 and sat on a grand bed, with a table prepared before it, where you set my incense and my oil. 23:46 The voice of a multitude at ease was with her; and among men of the common sort, drunkards from the wilderness were brought; they put bracelets on the hands of both of them and beautiful crowns on their heads. 23:47 Then I said of her who was old in adultery, Now they will act like prostitutes with her, and she 23:48 with them. They went in to her, as they go in to a prostitute; so they went in to Oholah and Oholibah, the lewd women. 23:49 Righteous men will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and the judgment of women who shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_49__ For this is what the Lord says: I will bring a group against them and give them over to be tossed back and forth and robbed. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_50__ The group will stone them with stones and kill them with their swords; they will kill their sons and daughters and burn their houses with fire. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_51__ Thus will I cause lewdness to cease from the land, so that all women will be taught not to act like you. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_52__ They will repay your lewdness on you, and you will bear the sins of your idols; and you will know that I am the Lord.

24:1 Again, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:2 Son of man, write you the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon drew close to Jerusalem this same day. 24:3 Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Set on the caldron, set it on, and also pour water into it: 24:4 gather its pieces into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones. 24:5 Take the choice of the flock, and also a pile of wood for the bones under the caldron; make it boil well; yes, let its bones be boiled in its midst. 24:6 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city, to the caldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! take out of it piece after piece; No lot is fallen on it. 24:7 For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it on the bare rock; she didn't pour it on the ground, to cover it with dust. 24:8 That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance, I have set her blood on the bare rock, that it should not be covered. 24:9 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city! I also will make the pile great. 24:10 Heap on the wood, make the fire hot, boil well the flesh, and make thick the broth, and let the bones be burned. 24:11 Then set it empty on its coals, that it may be hot, and its brass may burn, and that its filthiness may be molten in it, that its rust may be consumed. 24:12 She has wearied herself with toil; yet her great rust doesn't go forth out of her; her rust doesn't go forth by fire. 24:13 In your filthiness is lewdness: because I have cleansed you and you weren't cleansed, you shall not be cleansed from your filthiness any more, until I have caused my wrath toward you to rest. 24:14 I, Yahweh, have spoken it: it shall happen, and I will do it: I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to your ways, and according to your doings, shall they judge you, says the Lord Yahweh. 24:15 Also the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:16 Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke: yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears run down. 24:17 Sigh, but not aloud, make no mourning for the dead; bind your headdress on you, and put your shoes on your feet, and don't cover your lips, and don't eat men's bread. 24:18 So I spoke to the people in the morning; and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded. 24:19 The people said to me, Won't you tell us what these things are to us, that you do so? 24:20 Then I said to them, The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:21 Speak to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pities; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind shall fall by the sword. 24:22 You shall do as I have done: you shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. 24:23 Your tires shall be on your heads, and your shoes on your feet: you shall not mourn nor weep; but you shall pine away in your iniquities, and moan one toward another. 24:24 Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that he has done you will do: when this comes, then you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh. 24:25 You, son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their heart, their sons and their daughters, 24:26 that in that day he who escapes shall come to you, to cause you to hear it with your ears? 24:27 In that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped, and you shall speak, and be no more mute: so you will be a sign to them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

24:1 Again, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:2 Son of man, write down the name of the day, even this very day: the king of Babylon has come close to Jerusalem today. 24:3 Deliver a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Put the caldron on the fire, add water to it: 24:4 gather its pieces into it, every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the best bones. 24:5 Take the best of the flock, and also add a stack of wood under the caldron; make it boil well; yes, let the bones be boiled in it thoroughly. 24:6 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city, to the caldron with rust in it, and whose rust hasn't gone out of it! take out piece after piece; no lot is fallen on it. 24:7 For her blood is in her midst; she set it on the bare rock; she didn’t pour it on the ground to cover it with dust. 24:8 That it may cause wrath to arise for vengeance, I have set her blood on the bare rock, so it would not be covered. 24:9 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city! I will also make the pile great. 24:10 Heap on the wood, make the fire hot, boil the flesh well, make the broth thick, and let the bones be burned. 24:11 Then set it empty on its coals, so it can become hot, and its brass can burn, and let its filthiness be melted in it, that its rust may be consumed. 24:12 She has worn herself out with labor; yet her great rust doesn’t go away; her rust doesn’t go away by fire. 24:13 In your filthiness is lewdness: because I have cleansed you and you weren't cleansed, you shall not be cleansed from your filthiness anymore, until I have caused my wrath toward you to rest. 24:14 I, Yahweh, have declared it: it will happen, and I will do it: I will not back down, nor will I spare, nor will I feel regret; according to your ways, and according to your actions, you will be judged, says the Lord Yahweh. 24:15 Also the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:16 Son of man, look, I am taking away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke: yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, nor shall your tears run down. 24:17 Sigh, but not loudly, make no mourning for the dead; tie your headdress on you, put your shoes on your feet, and don’t cover your lips, and don’t eat the bread of men. 24:18 So I spoke to the people in the morning; and in the evening my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded. 24:19 The people asked me, Won't you tell us what these things mean, that you do this? 24:20 Then I said to them, The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 24:21 Speak to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Look, I will desecrate my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and what your soul pities; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. 24:22 You will do as I have done: you will not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. 24:23 Your tires will be on your heads, and your shoes on your feet: you will not mourn nor weep; but you will waste away in your iniquities, and groan to one another. 24:24 Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that he has done, you will do: when this happens, then you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh. 24:25 You, son of man, will it not be on the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that which they hold dear, their sons and their daughters, 24:26 that on that day he who escapes will come to you to make you hear it with your ears? 24:27 On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped, and you will speak, and will be no longer mute: so you will be a sign to them; and they will know that I am Yahweh.

25:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 25:2 Son of man, set your face toward the children of Ammon, and prophesy against them: 25:3 and tell the children of Ammon, Hear the word of the Lord Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was made desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity: 25:4 therefore, behold, I will deliver you to the children of the east for a possession, and they shall set their encampments in you, and make their dwellings in you; they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. 25:5 I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 25:6 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have clapped your hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of your soul against the land of Israel; 25:7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand on you, and will deliver you for a spoil to the nations; and I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries: I will destroy you; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 25:8 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Moab and Seir say, Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations; 25:9 therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim, 25:10 to the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations. 25:11 and I will execute judgments on Moab; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them; 25:13 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, I will stretch out my hand on Edom, and will cut off man and animal from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; even to Dedan shall they fall by the sword. 25:14 I will lay my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel; and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath; and they shall know my vengeance, says the Lord Yahweh. 25:15 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with despite of soul to destroy with perpetual enmity; 25:16 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. 25:17 I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall lay my vengeance on them.

25:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 25:2 Son of man, face the children of Ammon and prophesy against them: 25:3 tell the children of Ammon, Listen to the word of the Lord: This is what the Lord says: Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary when it was desecrated; and against the land of Israel when it was made desolate; and against the house of Judah when they were taken captive: 25:4 therefore, look, I will hand you over to the children of the east as their possession, and they will set up their camps in you and make their homes in you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk. 25:5 I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks: and you will know that I am the Lord. 25:6 For this is what the Lord says: Because you have clapped your hands, stomped your feet, and rejoiced in spite of your soul against the land of Israel; 25:7 therefore, look, I have stretched out my hand against you and will hand you over as plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from the peoples and cause you to perish from the countries: I will destroy you; and you will know that I am the Lord. 25:8 Thus says the Lord: Because Moab and Seir say, Look, the house of Judah is like all the nations; 25:9 therefore, look, I will open the territory of Moab from its cities, from the cities on its borders, the pride of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim, 25:10 to the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them as a possession so that the children of Ammon will not be remembered among the nations. 25:11 I will execute judgments against Moab; and they will know that I am the Lord. 25:12 Thus says the Lord: Because Edom has acted against the house of Judah by seeking revenge, and has greatly offended and avenged himself on them; 25:13 therefore, thus says the Lord, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and will cut off both man and animal from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman all the way to Dedan; they will fall by the sword. 25:14 I will carry out my vengeance on Edom through my people Israel; and they will act in Edom according to my anger and my wrath; and they will know my vengeance, says the Lord. 25:15 Thus says the Lord: Because the Philistines have acted out of revenge, taking vengeance with spite to destroy with lasting hostility; 25:16 therefore, thus says the Lord, Look, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the coast. 25:17 I will carry out great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; and they will know that I am the Lord when I execute my vengeance on them.

26:1 It happened in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 26:2 Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken: the gate of the peoples; she is turned to me; I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste: 26:3 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I am against you, Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. 26:4 They shall destroy the walls of Tyre, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her a bare rock. 26:5 She shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea; for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh; and she shall become a spoil to the nations. 26:6 Her daughters who are in the field shall be slain with the sword: and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 26:7 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will bring on Tyre Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and a company, and much people. 26:8 He shall kill with the sword your daughters in the field; and he shall make forts against you, and cast up a mound against you, and raise up the buckler against you. 26:9 He shall set his battering engines against your walls, and with his axes he shall break down your towers. 26:10 By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover you: your walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wagons, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into your gates, as men enter into a city in which is made a breach. 26:11 With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all your streets; he shall kill your people with the sword; and the pillars of your strength shall go down to the ground. 26:12 They shall make a spoil of your riches, and make a prey of your merchandise; and they shall break down your walls, and destroy your pleasant houses; and they shall lay your stones and your timber and your dust in the midst of the waters. 26:13 I will cause the noise of your songs to cease; and the sound of your harps shall be no more heard. 26:14 I will make you a bare rock; you shall be a place for the spreading of nets; you shall be built no more: for I Yahweh have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 26:15 Thus says the Lord Yahweh to Tyre: shall not the islands shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when the slaughter is made in the midst of you? 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay aside their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit on the ground, and shall tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. 26:17 They shall take up a lamentation over you, and tell you, How are you destroyed, who were inhabited by seafaring men, the renowned city, who was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who caused their terror to be on all who lived there! 26:18 Now shall the islands tremble in the day of your fall; yes, the islands that are in the sea shall be dismayed at your departure. 26:19 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: When I shall make you a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep on you, and the great waters shall cover you; 26:20 then will I bring you down with those who descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make you to dwell in the lower parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with those who go down to the pit, that you be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living: 26:21 I will make you a terror, and you shall no more have any being; though you are sought for, yet you will never be found again, says the Lord Yahweh.

26:1 It happened in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 26:2 Son of man, because Tyre has mocked Jerusalem, saying, "Aha, she is broken; the gate of the nations; she has turned to me; I will be satisfied now that she is laid waste," 26:3 therefore the Lord Yahweh says, Look, I am against you, Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, just like the sea brings up its waves. 26:4 They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers; I will scrape her dust from her and turn her into a bare rock. 26:5 She will become a place for spreading nets in the middle of the sea; for I have said it, says the Lord Yahweh; and she will be a spoil to the nations. 26:6 Her daughters in the fields will be killed with the sword; and they will know that I am Yahweh. 26:7 For the Lord Yahweh says: Look, I will bring Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, from the north, with horses, chariots, horsemen, and a great army. 26:8 He will kill with the sword your daughters in the fields; he will build forts against you, raise a mound against you, and lift up a shield against you. 26:9 He will set his battering rams against your walls, and with his axes he will tear down your towers. 26:10 Because of the multitude of his horses, their dust will cover you; your walls will shake at the noise of the horsemen, the wagons, and the chariots when he enters your gates, like men enter a city that has been breached. 26:11 With the hooves of his horses, he will trample all your streets; he will kill your people with the sword; and the pillars of your strength will fall to the ground. 26:12 They will take your riches as spoil and prey on your merchandise; they will destroy your walls and demolish your fine houses; and they will lay your stones, timber, and dust in the midst of the waters. 26:13 I will silence the noise of your songs; and the sound of your harps will no longer be heard. 26:14 I will make you a bare rock; you will be a place for spreading nets; you will never be rebuilt again: for I, Yahweh, have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 26:15 Thus says the Lord Yahweh to Tyre: will not the islands tremble at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan and when slaughter occurs in your midst? 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments; they will dress themselves in trembling; they will sit on the ground, and tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. 26:17 They will take up a lament over you and say, "How are you destroyed, you inhabited by seafaring men, the famous city, strong at sea, she and her inhabitants, who brought terror upon all who lived there!" 26:18 Now the islands will tremble on the day of your fall; yes, the islands of the sea will be dismayed at your departure. 26:19 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: When I make you a desolate city, like cities that are not inhabited; when I bring up the deep upon you, and the great waters cover you; 26:20 then I will bring you down with those who descend into the pit, to the people of ancient times, and I will make you dwell in the lower parts of the earth, in the places that have been desolate for ages, with those who go down to the pit, so that you are not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living: 26:21 I will make you a terror, and you will cease to exist; though you are sought for, yet you will never be found again, says the Lord Yahweh.

27:1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, 27:2 You, son of man, take up a lamentation over Tyre; 27:3 and tell Tyre, you who dwell at the entry of the sea, who are the merchant of the peoples to many islands, thus says the Lord Yahweh: You, Tyre, have said, I am perfect in beauty. 27:4 Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders have perfected your beauty. 27:5 They have made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they have taken a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. 27:7 Of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, that it might be to you for a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning. 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers: your wise men, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots. 27:9 The old men of Gebal and the wise men of it were in you your repairers of ship seams: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to deal in your merchandise. 27:10 Persia and Lud and Put were in your army, your men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness. 27:11 The men of Arvad with your army were on your walls all around, and valorous men were in your towers; they hanged their shields on your walls all around; they have perfected your beauty. 27:12 Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded for your wares. 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your traffickers; they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass for your merchandise. 27:14 They of the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses and war horses and mules. 27:15 The men of Dedan were your traffickers; many islands were the market of your hand: they brought you in exchange horns of ivory and ebony. 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks: they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and rubies. 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil, and balm. 27:18 Damascus was your merchant for the multitude of your handiworks, by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches, with the wine of Helbon, and white wool. 27:19 Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for your wares: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were among your merchandise. 27:20 Dedan was your trafficker in precious cloths for riding. 27:21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they were the merchants of your hand; in lambs, and rams, and goats, in these were they your merchants. 27:22 The traffickers of Sheba and Raamah, they were your traffickers; they traded for your wares with the chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold. 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were your traffickers. 27:24 These were your traffickers in choice wares, in wrappings of blue and embroidered work, and in chests of rich clothing, bound with cords and made of cedar, among your merchandise. 27:25 The ships of Tarshish were your caravans for your merchandise: and you were replenished, and made very glorious in the heart of the seas. 27:26 Your rowers have brought you into great waters: the east wind has broken you in the heart of the seas. 27:27 Your riches, and your wares, your merchandise, your mariners, and your pilots, your repairers of ship seams, and the dealers in your merchandise, and all your men of war, who are in you, with all your company which is in the midst of you, shall fall into the heart of the seas in the day of your ruin. 27:28 At the sound of the cry of your pilots the suburbs shall shake. 27:29 All who handled the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships; they shall stand on the land, 27:30 and shall cause their voice to be heard over you, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust on their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes: 27:31 and they shall make themselves bald for you, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for you in bitterness of soul with bitter mourning. 27:32 In their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for you, and lament over you, saying, Who is there like Tyre, like her who is brought to silence in the midst of the sea? 27:33 When your wares went forth out of the seas, you filled many peoples; you did enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of your riches and of your merchandise. 27:34 In the time that you were broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, your merchandise and all your company did fall in the midst of you. 27:35 All the inhabitants of the islands are astonished at you, and their kings are horribly afraid; they are troubled in their face. 27:36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you are become a terror, and you shall nevermore have any being.

27:1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 27:2 You, son of man, take up a lament for Tyre; 27:3 and tell Tyre, you who live at the seashore, who are the merchants of many peoples and islands, thus says the Lord: You, Tyre, have said, I am flawless in beauty. 27:4 Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders have made you beautiful. 27:5 They made all your planks from fir trees from Senir; they took cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. 27:6 They made your oars from the oaks of Bashan; your benches were made of ivory inlaid in boxwood from the islands of Kittim. 27:7 Your sail was of fine linen with embroidery from Egypt, that it might serve as a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning. 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers; your wise men, Tyre, were among you, they were your pilots. 27:9 The elders of Gebal and its wise men were your ship repairers; all the ships of the sea with their sailors traded in your goods. 27:10 Persia, Lud, and Put were in your army, your warriors: they hung shields and helmets in you and showcased your beauty. 27:11 The men of Arvad were with your army on your walls all around, and brave men were in your towers; they hung their shields on your walls all around; they have made you beautiful. 27:12 Tarshish was your merchant because of the abundance of all kinds of riches; they traded silver, iron, tin, and lead for your goods. 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders; they exchanged people and bronze vessels for your merchandise. 27:14 The people of Togarmah traded for your goods with horses and war horses and mules. 27:15 The men of Dedan were your traders; many islands were markets under your control: they brought you horns of ivory and ebony in exchange. 27:16 Syria was your merchant because of the abundance of your handiworks: they traded emeralds, purple textiles, embroidered works, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your goods. 27:17 Judah and the land of Israel were your traders: they exchanged wheat from Minnith, confections, honey, oil, and balm for your merchandise. 27:18 Damascus was your merchant because of the extensive nature of your handiworks, trading for your goods with the wine of Helbon and white wool. 27:19 Dedan traded with yarn for your goods: bright iron, cassia, and calamus were among your wares. 27:20 Dedan was your dealer in fine fabrics for riding. 27:21 Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your merchants; they traded lambs, rams, and goats for your goods. 27:22 The traders of Sheba and Raamah were your traders; they exchanged the finest spices, precious stones, and gold for your wares. 27:23 Haran, Canneh, and Eden, along with the traders of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were your traders. 27:24 These were your traders in high-quality goods, in blue wrappings and embroidered works, and in chests of rich clothing, bound with cords and made of cedar, among your goods. 27:25 The ships of Tarshish were your carriages for your merchandise: you were filled and made very glorious in the heart of the seas. 27:26 Your rowers brought you into deep waters: the east wind broke you in the heart of the seas. 27:27 Your riches, your goods, your merchandise, your sailors, and your pilots, your ship repairers, and the traders in your merchandise, along with all your warriors who are with you, and all your company in your midst, will fall into the heart of the seas on the day of your destruction. 27:28 At the sound of your pilots' cries, the suburbs will shake. 27:29 All who handled the oars, the sailors, and all the sea pilots will come down from their ships; they will stand on the land, 27:30 and will lift their voices over you, crying out in sorrow, and throwing dust on their heads, they will roll in the ashes: 27:31 and they will shave their heads for you, and wear sackcloth, and they will weep for you with bitter souls and deep mourning. 27:32 In their weeping they will take up a lament for you, and mourn over you, saying, Who is like Tyre, like her who is brought to silence in the midst of the sea? 27:33 When your goods went out from the seas, you filled many nations; you enriched the kings of the earth with your great wealth and goods. 27:34 At the time you were shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters, your goods and all your company fell into your midst. 27:35 All the inhabitants of the islands are amazed at you, and their kings are severely afraid; they are troubled in their faces. 27:36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you have become a terror, and you will never have existence again.

28:1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, 28:2 Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet you are man, and not God, though you did set your heart as the heart of God-- 28:3 behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that is hidden from you; 28:4 by your wisdom and by your understanding you have gotten you riches, and have gotten gold and silver into your treasures; 28:5 by your great wisdom and by your traffic have you increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches-- 28:6 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have set your heart as the heart of God, 28:7 therefore, behold, I will bring strangers on you, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and they shall defile your brightness. 28:8 They shall bring you down to the pit; and you shall die the death of those who are slain, in the heart of the seas. 28:9 Will you yet say before him who kills you, I am God? but you are man, and not God, in the hand of him who wounds you. 28:10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 28:11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. In the day that you were created they were prepared. 28:14 You were the anointed cherub who covers: and I set you, so that you were on the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 28:15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. 28:16 By the abundance of your traffic they filled the midst of you with violence, and you have sinned: therefore I have cast you as profane out of the mountain of God; and I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 28:17 Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I have cast you to the ground; I have laid you before kings, that they may see you. 28:18 By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your traffic, you have profaned your sanctuaries; therefore have I brought forth a fire from the midst of you; it has devoured you, and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you. 28:19 All those who know you among the peoples shall be astonished at you: you are become a terror, and you shall nevermore have any being. 28:20 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 28:21 Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it, 28:22 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Sidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of you; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her. 28:23 For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of her, with the sword on her on every side; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 28:24 There shall be no more a pricking brier to the house of Israel, nor a hurting thorn of any that are around them, that did despite to them; and they shall know that I am the Lord Yahweh. 28:25 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then shall they dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. 28:26 They shall dwell securely therein; yes, they shall build houses, and plant vineyards, and shall dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who do them despite all around them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh their God.

28:1 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying, 28:2 Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: Because your heart is proud and you have said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God in the middle of the seas; yet you are just a man, not a god, even though you regard yourself as equal to God— 28:3 look, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you; 28:4 with your wisdom and understanding, you have acquired great wealth, bringing gold and silver into your treasures; 28:5 through your great wisdom and through your trade, you have increased your riches, and your heart is proud because of your wealth— 28:6 therefore this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Because you consider yourself equal to God, 28:7 I am about to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against the splendor of your wisdom and will desecrate your brilliance. 28:8 They will throw you down into the pit, and you will die the death of those who are slain in the heart of the seas. 28:9 Will you still say to the one who kills you, I am a god? But you are a man, not a god, in the hands of the one who wounds you. 28:10 You will die the death of the uncircumcised by the hands of foreigners; I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 28:11 Moreover, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 28:12 Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. The craftsmanship of your tambourines and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. 28:14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I ordained you; you were on the holy mountain of God. You walked among the fiery stones. 28:15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until wickedness was found in you. 28:16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned; therefore I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. 28:17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I threw you to the ground; I made a spectacle of you before kings. 28:18 By the multitude of your sins and the unrighteousness of your trade, you have desecrated your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 28:19 All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have become a horror, and you will be no more. 28:20 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 28:21 Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against it, 28:22 and say, This is what the Lord Yahweh says: I am against you, Sidon, and I will be glorified in your midst; then they will know that I am Yahweh when I inflict punishment on it and show myself holy in it. 28:23 For I will send a plague upon it, and blood will be spilled in its streets; the wounded will fall within it, with the sword against them on every side; then they will know that I am Yahweh. 28:24 There will no longer be a thornbush or a prickly weed for the house of Israel, nor will any of them have to endure insults from those who surround them; then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh. 28:25 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: When I gather the house of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, and I show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. 28:26 They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt; then they will know that I am Yahweh their God.

29:1 In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 29:2 "Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. 29:3 Speak and say, 'Thus says the Lord Yahweh: "Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster that lies in the midst of his rivers, that has said, 'My river is my own, and I have made it for myself.' 29:4 I will put hooks in your jaws, and I will make the fish of your rivers stick to your scales; and I will bring you up out of the midst of your rivers, with all the fish of your rivers which stick to your scales. 29:5 I'll cast you forth into the wilderness, you and all the fish of your rivers. You'll fall on the open field. You won't be brought together, nor gathered. I have given you for food to the animals of the earth and to the birds of the sky. 29:6 All the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am Yahweh, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. 29:7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their shoulders; and when they leaned on you, you broke, and paralyzed all of their thighs." 29:8 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: "Behold, I will bring a sword on you, and will cut off from you man and animal. 29:9 The land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. Because he has said, 'The river is mine, and I have made it;' 29:10 therefore, behold, I am against you, and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even to the border of Ethiopia. 29:11 No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of animal shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years. 29:12 I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be a desolation forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries." 29:13 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: "At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered; 29:14 and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom. 29:15 It shall be the base of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. 29:16 It shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord Yahweh."'" 29:17 It came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 29:18 Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyre: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was worn; yet had he no wages, nor his army, from Tyre, for the service that he had served against it. 29:19 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall carry off her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. 29:20 I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he served, because they worked for me, says the Lord Yahweh. 29:21 In that day will I cause a horn to bud forth to the house of Israel, and I will give you the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

29:1 In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 29:2 "Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and all Egypt. 29:3 Speak and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Look, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of your rivers, who said, 'My river is my own, and I have made it for myself.' 29:4 I will put hooks in your jaws and make the fish of your rivers cling to your scales; I will bring you up out of your rivers, along with all the fish that cling to your scales. 29:5 I will throw you into the wilderness, you and all the fish of your rivers. You will fall in the open field. You will not be gathered or collected. I have given you as food to the wild animals and the birds of the air. 29:6 All the people of Egypt will know that I am the Lord, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. 29:7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke and tore their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke and incapacitated all their thighs." 29:8 Therefore, thus says the Lord God: "Look, I will bring a sword against you and cut off man and beast from you. 29:9 The land of Egypt will become a desolation and a wasteland; and they will know that I am the Lord. Because he has said, 'The river is mine, and I have made it;' 29:10 therefore, look, I am against you and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt a complete wasteland and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh to the border of Ethiopia. 29:11 No human foot will pass through it; no animal foot will pass through it; it will not be inhabited for forty years. 29:12 I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among the desolate countries; and her cities among the cities that are laid waste will be a desolation for forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the countries." 29:13 For thus says the Lord God: "At the end of forty years, I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered; 29:14 and I will bring back the captives of Egypt and cause them to return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their birth; and they will be there a lowly kingdom. 29:15 It will be the lowest of the kingdoms; it will no longer rise above the nations: and I will diminish them so that they will no longer rule over the nations. 29:16 It will no longer be a source of confidence for the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to mind when they turn to look for them; and they will know that I am the Lord God."' 29:17 It happened in the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 29:18 "Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army serve a great service against Tyre: every head was shaved, and every shoulder was worn; yet he had no wages, nor did his army receive any, from Tyre, for the service that they performed against it. 29:19 Therefore, thus says the Lord God: Look, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; he will carry off her multitudes, take her spoil, and seize her prey; and it will be the wages for his army. 29:20 I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he served, because they worked for me, says the Lord God. 29:21 On that day, I will cause a horn to bud for the house of Israel, and I will give you the ability to speak in their midst; and they will know that I am the Lord."

30:1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, 30:2 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Wail, Alas for the day! 30:3 For the day is near, even the day of Yahweh is near; it shall be a day of clouds, a time of the nations. 30:4 A sword shall come on Egypt, and anguish shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt; and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. 30:5 Ethiopia, and Put, and Lud, and all the mixed people, and Cub, and the children of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword. 30:6 Thus says Yahweh: They also who uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Seveneh shall they fall in it by the sword, says the Lord Yahweh. 30:7 They shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted. 30:8 They shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and all her helpers are destroyed. 30:9 In that day shall messengers go forth from before me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid; and there shall be anguish on them, as in the day of Egypt; for, behold, it comes. 30:10 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease, by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 30:11 He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought in to destroy the land; and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain. 30:12 I will make the rivers dry, and will sell the land into the hand of evil men; and I will make the land desolate, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I, Yahweh, have spoken it. 30:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause the images to cease from Memphis; and there shall be no more a prince from the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. 30:14 I will make Pathros desolate, and will set a fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments on No. 30:15 I will pour my wrath on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. 30:16 I will set a fire in Egypt: Sin shall be in great anguish, and No shall be broken up; and Memphis shall have adversaries in the daytime. 30:17 The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword; and these cities shall go into captivity. 30:18 At Tehaphnehes also the day shall withdraw itself, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt, and the pride of her power shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. 30:19 Thus will I execute judgments on Egypt; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 30:20 It happened in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 30:21 Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and behold, it has not been bound up, to apply healing medicines, to put a bandage to bind it, that it be strong to hold the sword. 30:22 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong arm, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand. 30:23 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. 30:24 I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man. 30:25 I will hold up the arms of the king of Babylon; and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out on the land of Egypt. 30:26 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

30:1 The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 30:2 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord God: Cry out, Oh no for the day! 30:3 For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time for the nations. 30:4 A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be suffering in Ethiopia, when the dead fall in Egypt; they will take away her people, and her foundations will be torn down. 30:5 Ethiopia, Put, Lud, all the mixed people, and Cub, and the children of the land in alliance will fall with them by the sword. 30:6 Thus says the Lord: Those who support Egypt will also fall; the pride of her power will be brought low: from the tower of Seveneh, they will fall by the sword, says the Lord God. 30:7 They will be desolate among desolate nations; her cities will be among the wasted cities. 30:8 They will know that I am the Lord when I set a fire in Egypt, and all her allies are destroyed. 30:9 In that day, messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten the careless Ethiopians; and there will be anguish for them, like in the days of Egypt; for, look, it is coming. 30:10 Thus says the Lord God: I will also make the multitude of Egypt cease, by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 30:11 He and his people, the fierce among the nations, will come to destroy the land; they will draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the dead. 30:12 I will dry up the rivers, and will hand the land over to evil men; I will make it desolate, and all that's in it, through the hands of strangers: I, the Lord, have spoken it. 30:13 Thus says the Lord God: I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause the images to cease from Memphis; there will no longer be a prince from the land of Egypt: I will put fear in the land of Egypt. 30:14 I will make Pathros desolate, set a fire in Zoan, and execute judgments on No. 30:15 I will pour my wrath on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt; and I will eliminate the multitude of No. 30:16 I will set a fire in Egypt: Sin will suffer greatly, and No will be broken apart; and Memphis will have enemies in the daytime. 30:17 The young men of Aven and Pibeseth will fall by the sword; and these cities will go into captivity. 30:18 At Tehaphnehes also the day will withdraw, when I break the yokes of Egypt, and the pride of her power will cease: for her, a cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity. 30:19 Thus will I carry out judgments on Egypt; and they will know that I am the Lord. 30:20 It happened in the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 30:21 Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and look, it has not been bandaged, to apply healing ointments, to put a bandage to bind it, so it is strong to hold the sword. 30:22 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Look, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and I will break his arms, the strong arm, and what was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall from his hand. 30:23 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries. 30:24 I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. 30:25 I will support the arms of the king of Babylon; the arms of Pharaoh will fall, and they will know that I am the Lord when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he stretches it out over the land of Egypt. 30:26 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; and they will know that I am the Lord.

31:1 It happened in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 31:2 Son of man, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude: Whom are you like in your greatness? 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches, and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the thick boughs. 31:4 The waters nourished it, the deep made it to grow: its rivers ran all around its plantation; and it sent out its channels to all the trees of the field. 31:5 Therefore its stature was exalted above all the trees of the field; and its boughs were multiplied, and its branches became long by reason of many waters, when it shot them forth. 31:6 All the birds of the sky made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches did all the animals of the field bring forth their young; and under its shadow lived all great nations. 31:7 Thus was it beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its root was by many waters. 31:8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide it; the fir trees were not like its boughs, and the plane trees were not as its branches; nor was any tree in the garden of God like it in its beauty. 31:9 I made it beautiful by the multitude of its branches, so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied it. 31:10 Therefore thus said the Lord Yahweh: Because you are exalted in stature, and he has set his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; 31:11 I will even deliver him into the hand of the mighty one of the nations; he shall surely deal with him; I have driven him out for his wickedness. 31:12 Strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: on the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the watercourses of the land; and all the peoples of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. 31:13 On his ruin all the birds of the sky shall dwell, and all the animals of the field shall be on his branches; 31:14 to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves in their stature, neither set their top among the thick boughs, nor that their mighty ones stand up on their height, even all who drink water: for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with those who go down to the pit. 31:15 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In the day when he went down to Sheol I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained its rivers; and the great waters were stayed; and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. 31:16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to Sheol with those who descend into the pit; and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the lower parts of the earth. 31:17 They also went down into Sheol with him to those who are slain by the sword; yes, those who were his arm, that lived under his shadow in the midst of the nations. 31:18 To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth: you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord Yahweh.

31:1 It occurred in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 31:2 Son of man, tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and his vast army: Who do you think you are in your greatness? 31:3 Look, the Assyrian was like a cedar in Lebanon, with gorgeous branches, a shade like a forest, and a tall stature; its top was among the thick boughs. 31:4 The waters nourished it, the deep helped it grow; its rivers flowed all around its roots, and it sent out channels to all the trees in the field. 31:5 So its height was above all the trees in the field; its boughs multiplied, and its branches grew long because of the abundant water as it pushed them out. 31:6 All the birds of the sky made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches, all the animals of the field gave birth; and all great nations lived in its shade. 31:7 Thus it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its roots were near many waters. 31:8 The cedars in the garden of God couldn't hide it; the fir trees were not like its boughs, and the plane trees were not as its branches; no tree in the garden of God was like it in beauty. 31:9 I made it beautiful by the abundance of its branches, so that all the trees of Eden in the garden of God envied it. 31:10 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Because you are exalted in stature, and because you have put your top among the thick boughs, and your heart is uplifted because of your height; 31:11 I will hand you over to the mighty one of the nations; he will deal with you; I have driven you out for your wickedness. 31:12 Strangers, the fierce among the nations, have cut you down and left you: on the mountains and in all the valleys, your branches have fallen, and your boughs are broken by all the watercourses of the land; and all the people of the earth have gone down from your shadow and left you. 31:13 On your ruin, all the birds of the sky will dwell, and all the animals of the field will be on your branches; 31:14 so that none of the trees by the waters will lift themselves up in stature, nor set their top among the thick boughs, nor let their mighty ones stand on their height, even those who drink water: for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, among the children of men, with those who go down to the pit. 31:15 Thus says the Lord God: On the day when you went down to Sheol, I caused mourning: I covered the deep for you, and I restrained its rivers; and the great waters were stopped; and I caused Lebanon to mourn for you, and all the trees of the field fainted for you. 31:16 I made the nations tremble at the sound of your fall when I cast you down to Sheol with those who descend into the pit; and all the trees of Eden, the finest and best of Lebanon, all those that drink water, were comforted in the lower parts of the earth. 31:17 They also went down into Sheol with you, to those who are slain by the sword; yes, those who were your strength, that lived under your shadow among the nations. 31:18 To whom are you thus alike in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth: you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord God.

32:1 It happened in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:2 Son of man, take up a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt, and tell him, You were likened to a young lion of the nations: yet are you as a monster in the seas; and you did break forth with your rivers, and troubled the waters with your feet, and fouled their rivers. 32:3 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will spread out my net on you with a company of many peoples; and they shall bring you up in my net. 32:4 I will leave you on the land, I will cast you forth on the open field, and will cause all the birds of the sky to settle on you, and I will satisfy the animals of the whole earth with you. 32:5 I will lay your flesh on the mountains, and fill the valleys with your height. 32:6 I will also water with your blood the land in which you swim, even to the mountains; and the watercourses shall be full of you. 32:7 When I shall extinguish you, I will cover the heavens, and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give its light. 32:8 All the bright lights of the sky will I make dark over you, and set darkness on your land, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:9 I will also trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I shall bring your destruction among the nations, into the countries which you have not known. 32:10 Yes, I will make many peoples amazed at you, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for you, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of your fall. 32:11 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: The sword of the king of Babylon shall come on you. 32:12 By the swords of the mighty will I cause your multitude to fall; the terrible of the nations are they all: and they shall bring to nothing the pride of Egypt, and all its multitude shall be destroyed. 32:13 I will destroy also all its animals from beside many waters; neither shall the foot of man trouble them any more, nor the hoofs of animals trouble them. 32:14 Then will I make their waters clear, and cause their rivers to run like oil, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:15 When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate and waste, a land destitute of that of which it was full, when I shall strike all those who dwell therein, then shall they know that I am Yahweh. 32:16 This is the lamentation with which they shall lament; the daughters of the nations shall lament therewith; over Egypt, and over all her multitude, shall they lament therewith, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:17 It happened also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:18 Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit. 32:19 Whom do you pass in beauty? Go down, and be laid with the uncircumcised. 32:20 They shall fall in the midst of those who are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword; draw her away and all her multitudes. 32:21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of Sheol with those who help him: they are gone down, they lie still, even the uncircumcised, slain by the sword. 32:22 Asshur is there and all her company; her graves are all around her; all of them slain, fallen by the sword; 32:23 whose graves are set in the uttermost parts of the pit, and her company is around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who caused terror in the land of the living. 32:24 There is Elam and all her multitude around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncircumcised into the lower parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit. 32:25 They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude; her graves are around her; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of those who are slain. 32:26 There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude; their graves are around them; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living. 32:27 They shall not lie with the mighty who are fallen of the uncircumcised, who are gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war, and have laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities are on their bones; for they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. 32:28 But you shall be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shall lie with those who are slain by the sword. 32:29 There is Edom, her kings and all her princes, who in their might are laid with those who are slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with those who go down to the pit. 32:30 There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who are gone down with the slain; in the terror which they caused by their might they are put to shame; and they lie uncircumcised with those who are slain by the sword, and bear their shame with those who go down to the pit. 32:31 Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:32 For I have put his terror in the land of the living; and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord Yahweh.

32:1 It happened in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:2 Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and tell him, You were like a young lion among nations: yet you are like a monster in the seas; you burst forth with your rivers, troubled the waters with your feet, and contaminated their rivers. 32:3 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will spread out my net over you with a multitude of people; and they shall haul you up in my net. 32:4 I will leave you on the land, I will throw you out in the open field, and I will cause all the birds of the sky to settle on you, and I will satisfy the animals of the whole earth with you. 32:5 I will lay your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains. 32:6 I will also water the land where you swim with your blood, even to the mountains; and the waterways shall be full of you. 32:7 When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. 32:8 All the bright lights of the sky will I dim over you, and bring darkness on your land, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:9 I will also disturb the hearts of many nations when I bring your destruction among the nations, into lands you have not known. 32:10 Yes, I will cause many nations to be amazed at you, and their kings will be horrified by you when I raise my sword against them; they will tremble at every moment, each man for his own life, on the day of your downfall. 32:11 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: The sword of the king of Babylon will come against you. 32:12 By the swords of the mighty, I will cause your multitude to fall; all the terrors of the nations are they all: and they will bring nothing but ruin to the pride of Egypt, and all its multitude will be destroyed. 32:13 I will also wipe out all its animals near many waters; no human foot will trouble them anymore, nor will the hooves of animals disturb them. 32:14 Then I will clear their waters and make their rivers run like oil, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:15 When I make the land of Egypt desolate and waste, a land stripped of everything it once had, when I strike all who dwell there, then they will know that I am Yahweh. 32:16 This is the lament they will sing; the daughters of the nations will join in lamenting over Egypt and all her multitude, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:17 It also happened in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 32:18 Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and bring her down along with the daughters of the famous nations, to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit. 32:19 Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and lie with the uncircumcised. 32:20 They will fall among those slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword; draw her away with all her multitudes. 32:21 The strong ones among the mighty will speak to him from the depths of Sheol with those who support him: they have gone down, they lie still, even those uncircumcised, slain by the sword. 32:22 Asshur is there and all her company; her graves are all around her; all of them slain, fallen by the sword; 32:23 whose graves are set in the farthest parts of the pit, and her company is around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who brought terror in the land of the living. 32:24 There is Elam and all her multitude around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised into the lower parts of the earth, who brought terror in the land of the living and have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit. 32:25 They have made her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude; her graves are around her; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was inflicted in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit: he is placed in the midst of those who are slain. 32:26 There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude; their graves are all around them; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living. 32:27 They will not lie with the mighty who have fallen among the uncircumcised, who have gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war and laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities are on their bones; for they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. 32:28 But you will be shattered in the midst of the uncircumcised, and will lie with those slain by the sword. 32:29 There is Edom, her kings and all her princes, who in their might are laid with those slain by the sword: they will lie with the uncircumcised, and with those who go down to the pit. 32:30 There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who have gone down with the slain; in the terror they caused by their might, they are put to shame; and they lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword, and bear their shame with those who go down to the pit. 32:31 Pharaoh will see them and will be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, says the Lord Yahweh. 32:32 For I have put his terror in the land of the living; and he will be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord Yahweh.

33:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 33:2 Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman; 33:3 if, when he sees the sword come on the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 33:4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet, and doesn't take warning, if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be on his own head. 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and didn't take warning; his blood shall be on him; whereas if he had taken warning, he would have delivered his soul. 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword come, and doesn't blow the trumpet, and the people aren't warned, and the sword comes, and take any person from among them; he is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 33:7 So you, son of man, I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 33:8 When I tell the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you don't speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand. 33:9 Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn't turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul. 33:10 You, son of man, tell the house of Israel: Thus you speak, saying, Our transgressions and our sins are on us, and we pine away in them; how then can we live? 33:11 Tell them, As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn you, turn you from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel? 33:12 You, son of man, tell the children of your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his disobedience; and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his wickedness; neither shall he who is righteous be able to live thereby in the day that he sins. 33:13 When I tell the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his righteousness, and commit iniquity, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered; but in his iniquity that he has committed, therein shall he die. 33:14 Again, when I say to the wicked, You shall surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 33:15 if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that which he had taken by robbery, walk in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 33:16 None of his sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him: he has done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 33:17 Yet the children of your people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. 33:18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, he shall even die therein. 33:19 When the wicked turns from his wickedness, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. 33:20 Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. House of Israel, I will judge you everyone after his ways. 33:21 It happened in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one who had escaped out of Jerusalem came to me, saying, The city has been struck. 33:22 Now the hand of Yahweh had been on me in the evening, before he who was escaped came; and he had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more mute. 33:23 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 33:24 Son of man, they who inhabit those waste places in the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance. 33:25 Therefore tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: You eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood: and shall you possess the land? 33:26 You stand on your sword, you work abomination, and you defile everyone his neighbor's wife: and shall you possess the land? 33:27 You shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: As I live, surely those who are in the waste places shall fall by the sword; and him who is in the open field will I give to the animals to be devoured; and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves shall die of the pestilence. 33:28 I will make the land a desolation and an astonishment; and the pride of her power shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, so that none shall pass through. 33:29 Then shall they know that I am Yahweh, when I have made the land a desolation and an astonishment, because of all their abominations which they have committed. 33:30 As for you, son of man, the children of your people talk of you by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, everyone to his brother, saying, Please come and hear what is the word that comes forth from Yahweh. 33:31 They come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain. 33:32 Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they don't do them. 33:33 When this comes to pass, (behold, it comes), then shall they know that a prophet has been among them.

33:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 33:2 Son of man, speak to the people of your nation and tell them, When I bring destruction to a land, and the people take a man from among them and appoint him as their watchman; 33:3 if he sees destruction coming and blows the trumpet to warn the people; 33:4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not heed the warning, if destruction comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood will be on him; but if he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. 33:6 But if the watchman sees destruction coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and destruction comes and takes any person from among them; he is taken away for his wrongdoing, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood. 33:7 So you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the word from my mouth, and warn them from me. 33:8 When I say to the wicked, O wicked person, you will surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways; that wicked person shall die in their sin, but I will hold you accountable for their blood. 33:9 Yet, if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways and they do not turn; they shall die in their sin, but you have saved your life. 33:10 You, son of man, tell the house of Israel: This is what you say, Our transgressions and our sins are heavy upon us, and we are wasting away in them; how then can we live? 33:11 Tell them, As I live, says the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from their ways and live: turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel? 33:12 You, son of man, tell the children of your people, The righteousness of the righteous will not save him on the day of his disobedience; and the wickedness of the wicked will not bring him down on the day that he turns from his wickedness; nor will the righteous be able to live on the day he sins. 33:13 When I tell the righteous that he shall surely live; if he relies on his righteousness and commits wrongdoing, none of his righteous acts will be remembered; but in the sin he has committed, he will die. 33:14 Again, when I tell the wicked, You will surely die; if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right; 33:15 if the wicked returns what he stole, gives back what he had robbed, follows the statutes of life, and does not commit wrongdoing; he will surely live, he shall not die. 33:16 None of his sins that he has committed will be remembered against him: he has done what is lawful and right; he will surely live. 33:17 Yet the children of your people say, The way of the Lord is not fair: but as for them, their way is not fair. 33:18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits wrongdoing, he will die in that; 33:19 and when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he will live because of it. 33:20 Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not fair. O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways. 33:21 It happened in the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, that one who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me, saying, The city has been struck. 33:22 Now the hand of the Lord had been on me that evening, before the one who escaped came; and he opened my mouth until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no longer silent. 33:23 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 33:24 Son of man, those who live in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land has been given to us as an inheritance. 33:25 Therefore tell them, This is what the Lord says: You eat meat with the blood still in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood: will you possess the land? 33:26 You rely on your sword, commit disgraceful acts, and defile each neighbor's wife: will you possess the land? 33:27 You shall say to them, This is what the Lord says: As I live, surely those who are in the ruins will fall by the sword; and those who are in the open fields I will give to the animals to be devoured; and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves will die of disease. 33:28 I will make the land a desolation and an astonishment; and the pride of her power shall cease; and the mountains of Israel will be desolate, so that no one will pass through. 33:29 Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have made the land a desolation and an astonishment, because of all their abominations which they have committed. 33:30 As for you, son of man, the children of your people talk about you by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and they speak to each other, everyone to their brother, saying, Please come and hear what word has come from the Lord. 33:31 They come to you as people do, and they sit before you as my people, and hear your words, but do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain. 33:32 Behold, you are to them like a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; they hear your words, but do not do them. 33:33 When this comes to pass, (behold, it comes), then they will know that a prophet has been among them.

34:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and tell them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep? 34:3 You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill the fatlings; but you don't feed the sheep. 34:4 You haven't strengthened the diseased, neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up that which was broken, neither have you brought back that which was driven away, neither have you sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have you ruled over them. 34:5 They were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the animals of the field, and were scattered. 34:6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill: yes, my sheep were scattered on all the surface of the earth; and there was none who searched or sought. 34:7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh: 34:8 As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn't feed my sheep; 34:9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh: 34:10 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them. 34:11 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 34:12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 34:13 I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 34:14 I will feed them with good pasture; and on the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed on the mountains of Israel. 34:15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, says the Lord Yahweh. 34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. 34:17 As for you, O my flock, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the male goats. 34:18 Seems it a small thing to you to have fed on the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture? and to have drunk of the clear waters, but you must foul the residue with your feet? 34:19 As for my sheep, they eat that which you have trodden with your feet, and they drink that which you have fouled with your feet. 34:20 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh to them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 34:21 Because you thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad; 34:22 therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 34:23 I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 34:24 I, Yahweh, will be their God, and my servant David prince among them; I, Yahweh, have spoken it. 34:25 I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil animals to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 34:26 I will make them and the places around my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing. 34:27 The tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those who made slaves of them. 34:28 They shall no more be a prey to the nations, neither shall the animals of the earth devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. 34:29 I will raise up to them a plantation for renown, and they shall be no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the nations any more. 34:30 They shall know that I, Yahweh, their God am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord Yahweh. 34:31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, says the Lord Yahweh.

34:1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and tell them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Shouldn't the shepherds take care of the sheep? 34:3 You eat the best parts, you wear the wool, you kill the choicest animals; but you don't take care of the sheep. 34:4 You haven't strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the broken, brought back the strays, or sought the lost; instead, you've ruled them harshly and forcefully. 34:5 They were scattered because there was no shepherd; they became food for all the wild animals, and they were scattered. 34:6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and every high hill; indeed, my sheep were scattered over all the earth, and no one was looking for them. 34:7 Therefore, you shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord: 34:8 As I live, says the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become prey and food for all the wild animals, because there was no shepherd and my shepherds didn't search for my sheep, but instead fed themselves and didn’t take care of my sheep; 34:9 therefore, you shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord: 34:10 Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against the shepherds; I will hold them accountable for my sheep and make them stop feeding the sheep; they shall no longer feed themselves, and I will rescue my sheep from their mouths so they won't be food for them. 34:11 For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 34:12 As a shepherd looks after his flock on the day he is with them when they've been scattered, so I will look after my sheep; I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on the cloudy and dark day. 34:13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. 34:14 I will feed them with good pasture; they will lie down on the good ground on the mountains of Israel, and they will graze on rich pasture on the hills of Israel. 34:15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will lead them to rest, says the Lord God. 34:16 I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but I will destroy the fat and strong, and I will feed them with justice. 34:17 As for you, my flock, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will judge between sheep and sheep, between the rams and the male goats. 34:18 Is it a small thing for you to have grazed on the good pasture, but you must trample down the rest with your feet? And to have drunk from the clear waters, but you must muddy the rest with your feet? 34:19 As for my sheep, they eat what you have trodden underfoot, and they drink what you have muddied with your feet. 34:20 Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 34:21 Because you push with your side and shoulder and butt all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them, 34:22 therefore I will save my flock, and they will no longer be prey; I will judge between sheep and sheep. 34:23 I will place one shepherd over them, my servant David; he will feed them and be their shepherd. 34:24 I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken it. 34:25 I will make a covenant of peace with them, and remove dangerous animals from the land; they will live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 34:26 I will bless them and the places around my hill; I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessings. 34:27 The trees of the field will yield their fruit, and the earth will produce its crops, and they will be secure in their land; they will know that I am the Lord when I have broken the bars of their yoke and delivered them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 34:28 They will no longer be prey to the nations or be devoured by wild animals; they will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. 34:29 I will raise up for them a renowned plantation, and they will no longer suffer famine in the land or bear the shame of the nations. 34:30 They will know that I, the Lord, their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord God. 34:31 You, my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, says the Lord God.

35:1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 35:2 Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it, 35:3 and tell it, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you, and I will make you a desolation and an astonishment. 35:4 I will lay your cities waste, and you shall be desolate; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 35:5 Because you have had a perpetual enmity, and have given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end; 35:6 therefore, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will prepare you to blood, and blood shall pursue you: since you have not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue you. 35:7 Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation; and I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns. 35:8 I will fill its mountains with its slain: in your hills and in your valleys and in all your watercourses shall they fall who are slain with the sword. 35:9 I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities shall not be inhabited; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 35:10 Because you have said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas Yahweh was there: 35:11 therefore, as I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will do according to your anger, and according to your envy which you have shown out of your hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I shall judge you. 35:12 You shall know that I, Yahweh, have heard all your insults which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to devour. 35:13 You have magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard it. 35:14 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: When the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 35:15 As you did rejoice over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do to you: you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

35:1 Furthermore, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 35:2 Son of man, turn your face toward Mount Seir and prophesy against it, 35:3 and tell it, This is what the Lord God says: Look, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a wasteland and a shocking sight. 35:4 I will destroy your cities, and you will be desolate; and you will know that I am the Lord. 35:5 Because you have had a lasting hatred and have handed the people of Israel over to the sword during their time of disaster, when their guilt was at its peak; 35:6 therefore, as I live, says the Lord God, I will prepare you for blood, and blood will chase after you: since you did not hate blood, blood will chase after you. 35:7 I will make Mount Seir a shocking sight and a wasteland; and I will cut off from it anyone who travels through or returns. 35:8 I will fill its mountains with the slain: in your hills, your valleys, and all your waterways, those killed by the sword will fall. 35:9 I will make you a lasting wasteland, and your cities will not be inhabited; and you will know that I am the Lord. 35:10 Because you have said, These two nations and these two countries will be mine, and we will take them; even though the Lord was there: 35:11 therefore, as I live, says the Lord God, I will act according to your anger and jealousy that you have expressed through your hatred towards them; and I will make myself known among them when I bring you to justice. 35:12 You will know that I, the Lord, have heard all your insults that you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are desolate, they have been given to us to devour. 35:13 You have exalted yourselves against me with your words, and have increased your attacks against me: I have heard it. 35:14 This is what the Lord God says: When the entire earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 35:15 Just as you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so will I do to you: you will be desolate, Mount Seir, and all of Edom, all of it; and they will know that I am the Lord.

36:1 You, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, You mountains of Israel, hear the word of Yahweh. 36:2 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because the enemy has said against you, Aha! and, The ancient high places are ours in possession; 36:3 therefore prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession to the residue of the nations, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people; 36:4 therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are all around; 36:5 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed my land to themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with despite of soul, to cast it out for a prey. 36:6 Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and tell the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because you have borne the shame of the nations: 36:7 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: I have sworn, saying, Surely the nations that are around you, they shall bear their shame. 36:8 But you, mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people Israel; for they are at hand to come. 36:9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn into you, and you shall be tilled and sown; 36:10 and I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, even all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited, and the waste places shall be built; 36:11 and I will multiply on you man and animal; and they shall increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited after your former estate, and will do better to you than at your beginnings: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 36:12 Yes, I will cause men to walk on you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance, and you shall no more henceforth bereave them of children. 36:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they say to you, You land are a devourer of men, and have been a bereaver of your nation; 36:14 therefore you shall devour men no more, neither bereave your nation any more, says the Lord Yahweh; 36:15 neither will I let you hear any more the shame of the nations, neither shall you bear the reproach of the peoples any more, neither shall you cause your nation to stumble any more, says the Lord Yahweh. 36:16 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 36:17 Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their way and by their doings: their way before me was as the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity. 36:18 Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols; 36:19 and I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. 36:20 When they came to the nations, where they went, they profaned my holy name; in that men said of them, These are the people of Yahweh, and are gone forth out of his land. 36:21 But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, where they went. 36:22 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I don't do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went. 36:23 I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 36:24 For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 36:27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them. 36:28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. 36:29 I will save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine on you. 36:30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that you may receive no more the reproach of famine among the nations. 36:31 Then you shall remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. 36:32 Nor for your sake do I this, says the Lord Yahweh, be it known to you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, house of Israel. 36:33 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be built. 36:34 The land that was desolate shall be tilled, whereas it was a desolation in the sight of all who passed by. 36:35 They shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited. 36:36 Then the nations that are left around you shall know that I, Yahweh, have built the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate: I, Yahweh, have spoken it, and I will do it. 36:37 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: For this, moreover, will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with men like a flock. 36:38 As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

36:1 You, human being, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, "You mountains of Israel, listen to the word of Yahweh." 36:2 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because the enemy has declared against you, "Aha! The ancient high places are ours now!" 36:3 therefore prophesy and say, "Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they have made you desolate and consumed you on every side, so you have become a possession for the rest of the nations, and you are talked about by others and slandered by people; 36:4 therefore, you mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh to the mountains and the hills, the streams and the valleys, to the desolate areas and the abandoned cities that have become a target and a mockery to the rest of the nations around; 36:5 therefore, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Surely, in the fury of my jealousy, I have spoken against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who have taken my land for themselves with joy in their hearts and with contempt to cast it out as prey. 36:6 Therefore, prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and tell the mountains and the hills, the streams and the valleys, "Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Look, I have spoken in my jealousy and anger because you have borne the disgrace of the nations: 36:7 therefore, thus says the Lord Yahweh: I have sworn, saying, 'Surely, the nations that are around you will bear their shame.' 36:8 But you, mountains of Israel, will sprout your branches and bear fruit for my people Israel; for they are about to come. 36:9 For behold, I am here for you, and I will turn to you, and you will be cultivated and planted; 36:10 and I will increase the number of people on you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities will be populated, and the deserted places will be rebuilt; 36:11 and I will increase both people and animals on you; and they will grow and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited after your former state, and I will do better for you than at your beginning: and you will know that I am Yahweh. 36:12 Yes, I will make my people Israel walk on you, and they will possess you, and you will be their inheritance, and you will never again make them childless. 36:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they say to you, "You land are a devourer of men and have made your nation childless;" 36:14 therefore, you will no longer devour men or make your nation childless, says the Lord Yahweh; 36:15 nor will I let you hear the disgrace of the nations anymore, nor will you bear the reproach of the peoples any more, nor will you cause your nation to stumble any longer, says the Lord Yahweh. 36:16 Moreover, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 36:17 "Human being, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their actions and behavior: their actions before me were like a woman's impurity during her menstrual cycle. 36:18 Therefore, I poured out my anger on them for the blood they spilled on the land and because they defiled it with their idols; 36:19 and I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed throughout the countries: I judged them according to their actions and behavior. 36:20 When they arrived at the nations where they went, they profaned my holy name; because people said of them, "These are the people of Yahweh, and they have left his land." 36:21 But I considered my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went. 36:22 Therefore, tell the house of Israel, "Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I don't do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 36:23 I will make my great name holy, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have dishonored in their midst; and the nations will know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I am made holy in you before their eyes. 36:24 For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean: from all your impurities, and from all your idols, I will cleanse you. 36:26 I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. 36:27 I will put my Spirit within you, and make you walk in my statutes, and you will keep my ordinances and do them. 36:28 You will live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 36:29 I will save you from all your impurities; and I will call for the grain and increase it, and will not bring famine upon you. 36:30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the yield of the fields, so that you will no longer suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. 36:31 Then you will remember your evil ways and your actions that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your detestable practices. 36:32 Nor do I do this for your sake, says the Lord Yahweh; let it be known to you: be ashamed and embarrassed by your actions, house of Israel. 36:33 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the desolate places will be rebuilt. 36:34 The land that was desolate will be tilled, while it was a wasteland in the sight of everyone who passed by. 36:35 They will say, "This land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden; and the deserted, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited." 36:36 Then the nations that are left around you will know that I, Yahweh, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate: I, Yahweh, have spoken it, and I will do it. 36:37 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: For this reason, I will be sought by the house of Israel, to do this for them: I will increase them like a flock. 36:38 Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flocks of Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the abandoned cities will be filled with flocks of people; and they will know that I am Yahweh.

37:1 The hand of Yahweh was on me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Yahweh, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 37:2 He caused me to pass by them all around: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and behold, they were very dry. 37:3 He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? I answered, Lord Yahweh, you know. 37:4 Again he said to me, Prophesy over these bones, and tell them, you dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh. 37:5 Thus says the Lord Yahweh to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 37:6 I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am Yahweh. 37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, an earthquake; and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 37:8 I saw, and, behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh came up, and skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them. 37:9 Then said he to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and tell the wind, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live. 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army. 37:11 Then he said to me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off. 37:12 Therefore prophesy, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 37:13 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people. 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it and performed it, says Yahweh. 37:15 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, 37:16 You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write on it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 37:17 and join them for you one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand. 37:18 When the children of your people shall speak to you, saying, Will you not show us what you mean by these? 37:19 tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in my hand. 37:20 The sticks whereon you write shall be in your hand before their eyes. 37:21 Say to them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they are gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 37:22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all; 37:23 neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. 37:24 My servant David shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. 37:25 They shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children's children, forever: and David my servant shall be their prince for ever. 37:26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. 37:27 My tent also shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 37:28 The nations shall know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them forevermore.

37:1 The hand of the Lord was on me, and He brought me out in His Spirit and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 37:2 He made me walk around them, and I saw that there were a lot of bones in the valley, and they were very dry. 37:3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I replied, "Lord God, you know." 37:4 Then He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'You dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.'" 37:5 The Lord God says to these bones: "Look, I will make breath enter you, and you will live. 37:6 I will put tendons on you, bring up flesh on you, cover you with skin, and put breath in you; then you will live, and you will know that I am the Lord." 37:7 So I prophesied as I was told, and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly there was an earthquake; the bones came together, bone to its bone. 37:8 I looked, and there were tendons on them, and flesh appeared, and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. 37:9 He said to me, "Prophesy to the wind; prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, 'The Lord God says: Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe on these slain so that they may live.'" 37:10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath entered them; they lived and stood up on their feet, an extremely great army. 37:11 Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they say, 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are completely cut off.'" 37:12 Therefore, prophesy and tell them, "The Lord God says: Look, I will open your graves and bring you up out of your graves, my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel." 37:13 You will know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up out of your graves, my people. 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will place you in your own land; then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it, says the Lord. 37:15 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 37:16 "You, son of man, take one stick and write on it, 'For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions.' Then take another stick and write on it, 'For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.' 37:17 Join them together into one stick so that they may become one in your hand. 37:18 When the children of your people ask you, 'Will you not show us what you mean by these?' 37:19 tell them, 'The Lord God says: Look, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions, and I will put them with it, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick; they will be one in my hand.' 37:20 The sticks you write on will be in your hand before their eyes. 37:21 Say to them, 'The Lord God says: Look, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, gather them from every side, and bring them into their own land. 37:22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king over them all, and they will no longer be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. 37:23 They will not defile themselves any more with their idols, detestable things, or any of their transgressions; but I will save them from all their dwelling places where they have sinned and will cleanse them; they will be my people, and I will be their God. 37:24 My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd; they will walk in my laws, keep my decrees, and follow them. 37:25 They will live in the land I gave to Jacob my servant, where your ancestors lived; they and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and my servant David will be their prince forever. 37:26 Moreover, I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will place them, multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forever. 37:27 My dwelling place will be with them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. 37:28 The nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel when my sanctuary is in their midst forever.

38:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 38:2 Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 38:3 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: 38:4 and I will turn you about, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords; 38:5 Persia, Cush, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 38:6 Gomer, and all his hordes; the house of Togarmah in the uttermost parts of the north, and all his hordes; even many peoples with you. 38:7 Be prepared, yes, prepare yourself, you, and all your companies who are assembled to you, and be a guard to them. 38:8 After many days you shall be visited: in the latter years you shall come into the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered out of many peoples, on the mountains of Israel, which have been a continual waste; but it is brought forth out of the peoples, and they shall dwell securely, all of them. 38:9 You shall ascend, you shall come like a storm, you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you, and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. 38:10 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: It shall happen in that day, that things shall come into your mind, and you shall devise an evil device: 38:11 and you shall say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to those who are at rest, who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates; 38:12 to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten livestock and goods, who dwell in the middle of the earth. 38:13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions of it, shall tell you, Are you come to take the spoil? have you assembled your company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great spoil? 38:14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and tell Gog, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In that day when my people Israel dwells securely, shall you not know it? 38:15 You shall come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you, and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army; 38:16 and you shall come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall happen in the latter days, that I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when I shall be sanctified in you, Gog, before their eyes. 38:17 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Are you he of whom I spoke in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them? 38:18 It shall happen in that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh, that my wrath shall come up into my nostrils. 38:19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 38:20 so that the fish of the sea, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the field, and all creeping things who creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the surface of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 38:21 I will call for a sword against him to all my mountains, says the Lord Yahweh: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 38:22 With pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him, and on his hordes, and on the many peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and sulfur. 38:23 I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

38:1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 38:2 Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the leader of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 38:3 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Listen, I am against you, Gog, leader of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: 38:4 and I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out, with your whole army, horses and horsemen, all of them fully armed, a great company with shields and swords; 38:5 Persia, Cush, and Put will be with them, all of them with shields and helmets; 38:6 Gomer and all his troops; the house of Togarmah in the farthest north, and all his troops; along with many other peoples. 38:7 Get ready, yes, prepare yourself, you and all your allies who are gathered together, and keep watch over them. 38:8 After many days you will be visited: in the latter years you will come into the land that has been restored after the sword, gathered from many peoples, on the mountains of Israel, which had been a constant wasteland; but now it is brought forth from the nations, and they will dwell securely, all of them. 38:9 You will rise up, come like a storm, like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your troops, and many people with you. 38:10 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: It will happen in that day that thoughts will enter your mind, and you will devise an evil plan: 38:11 and you will say, I will invade the land of unwalled villages; I will attack those who are at rest, who dwell securely, all of them living without walls, and having no bars or gates; 38:12 to take plunder and carry away loot; to turn your hand against the desolate places that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have accumulated livestock and goods, and dwell in the center of the earth. 38:13 Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, along with all the young lions of it, will ask you, Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to carry away the loot? To take away silver and gold, to take livestock and goods, to take a great spoil? 38:14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and tell Gog, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: On the day when my people Israel dwells securely, will you not know it? 38:15 You will come from your place out of the farthest north, you and many people with you, all riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army; 38:16 and you will come against my people Israel, like a cloud to cover the land: in the latter days, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me, when I am sanctified in you, Gog, before their eyes. 38:17 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Are you the one of whom I spoke long ago by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied for many years that I would bring you against them? 38:18 It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh, that my anger will rise in my nostrils. 38:19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath, I have spoken, Surely in that day there will be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 38:20 so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, all the creeping things on the earth, and all the people on the surface of the earth will shake at my presence, and the mountains will be thrown down, the steep places will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. 38:21 I will call for a sword against him on all my mountains, says the Lord Yahweh: each man's sword will be against his brother. 38:22 With disease and with blood, I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him, and upon his troops, and upon the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, great hailstones, fire, and sulfur. 38:23 I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am Yahweh.

39:1 You, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: 39:2 and I will turn you about, and will lead you on, and will cause you to come up from the uttermost parts of the north; and I will bring you on the mountains of Israel; 39:3 and I will strike your bow out of your left hand, and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. 39:4 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you, and all your hordes, and the peoples who are with you: I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the animals of the field to be devoured. 39:5 You shall fall on the open field; for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:6 I will send a fire on Magog, and on those who dwell securely in the islands; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. 39:7 My holy name will I make known in the midst of my people Israel; neither will I allow my holy name to be profaned any more: and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel. 39:8 Behold, it comes, and it shall be done, says the Lord Yahweh; this is the day about which I have spoken. 39:9 Those who dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the war clubs, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years; 39:10 so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall make fires of the weapons; and they shall plunder those who plundered them, and rob those who robbed them, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:11 It shall happen in that day, that I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the valley of those who pass through on the east of the sea; and it shall stop those who pass through: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude; and they shall call it The valley of Hamon Gog. 39:12 Seven months shall the house of Israel be burying them, that they may cleanse the land. 39:13 Yes, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown in the day that I shall be glorified, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:14 They shall set apart men of continual employment, who shall pass through the land, and, with those who pass through, those who bury those who remain on the surface of the land, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search. 39:15 Those who pass through the land shall pass through; and when any sees a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, until the undertakers have buried it in the valley of Hamon Gog. 39:16 Hamonah shall also be the name of a city. Thus shall they cleanse the land. 39:17 You, son of man, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Speak to the birds of every sort, and to every animal of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. 39:18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. 39:19 You shall eat fat until you be full, and drink blood until you be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 39:20 You shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:21 I will set my glory among the nations; and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 39:22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am Yahweh their God, from that day and forward. 39:23 The nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they trespassed against me, and I hid my face from them: so I gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they fell all of them by the sword. 39:24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions did I to them; and I hid my face from them. 39:25 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Now will I bring back the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name. 39:26 They shall bear their shame, and all their trespasses by which they have trespassed against me, when they shall dwell securely in their land, and none shall make them afraid; 39:27 when I have brought them back from the peoples, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations. 39:28 They shall know that I am Yahweh their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them to their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there; 39:29 neither will I hide my face any more from them; for I have poured out my Spirit on the house of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh.

39:1 You, human, prophesy against Gog, and say, "This is what the Lord Yahweh says: Look, I am against you, Gog, leader of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 39:2 I will turn you around, lead you on, and bring you from the farthest parts of the north; I will bring you to the mountains of Israel. 39:3 I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make your arrows fall from your right hand. 39:4 You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your armies, and the people with you: I will give you to the hungry birds and wild animals to be eaten. 39:5 You will fall in the open field; I have declared it, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:6 I will send fire on Magog and on those who feel secure in the islands; and they will know that I am Yahweh. 39:7 I will make my holy name known among my people Israel, and I will no longer let my holy name be profaned: the nations will know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel. 39:8 Look, it is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord Yahweh; this is the day I have spoken about. 39:9 Those living in the cities of Israel will go out and make fires from the weapons, burning the shields, bucklers, bows, arrows, war clubs, and spears; and they will burn them for seven years. 39:10 They will not gather wood from the fields or cut down any from the forests; for they will burn the weapons. They will plunder those who plundered them, and rob those who robbed them, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:11 On that day, I will give Gog a burial place in Israel, the valley of those who pass through east of the sea; it will stop those who pass through: there they will bury Gog and all his multitude; and it will be called The valley of Hamon Gog. 39:12 The house of Israel will spend seven months burying them to cleanse the land. 39:13 Yes, all the people of the land will bury them; it will be a renown for them on the day I am glorified, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:14 They will appoint men for continuous work, who will go through the land, and with those who pass through, those who bury the dead remaining on the surface of the land, to cleanse it: after seven months, they will search. 39:15 Those who pass through the land will go through; and when someone sees a man's bone, he will put up a sign by it until the undertakers have buried it in the valley of Hamon Gog. 39:16 Hamonah will also be the name of a city. This is how they will cleanse the land. 39:17 You, human, this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Speak to all the birds and the animals of the field, "Come together and assemble; gather from every side to my sacrifice that I will make for you, a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, so you can eat flesh and drink blood. 39:18 You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of earth's princes, of rams, lambs, goats, and bulls, all the fattened livestock of Bashan. 39:19 You will be full from my sacrifice and drink blood until you are drunk. 39:20 You will be satisfied at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men and all warriors, says the Lord Yahweh. 39:21 I will display my glory among the nations; and all nations will see the judgment I have executed and the power I have used against them. 39:22 So the house of Israel will know that I am Yahweh their God from that day forward. 39:23 The nations will understand that the house of Israel went into captivity because of their wrongdoing; because they sinned against me, and I turned my face away from them: so I gave them into the hands of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. 39:24 I acted according to their unclean behavior and their sins, and I hid my face from them. 39:25 Therefore, this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Now I will restore Jacob's fortunes and show mercy to the whole house of Israel; I will be jealous for my holy name. 39:26 They will bear their shame and all their wrongdoings against me when they live securely in their land, and nobody will make them afraid; 39:27 when I have brought them back from the nations, and gathered them from their enemies' lands, and sanctified them in the sight of many nations. 39:28 They will know that I am Yahweh their God, when I caused them to go into captivity among the nations and have gathered them back to their own land; and I will leave none of them behind; 39:29 nor will I hide my face any longer from them; for I have poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord Yahweh.

40:1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was struck, in the same day, the hand of Yahweh was on me, and he brought me there. 40:2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, whereon was as it were the frame of a city on the south. 40:3 He brought me there; and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate. 40:4 The man said to me, Son of man, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart on all that I shall show you; for, to the intent that I may show them to you, are you brought here: declare all that you see to the house of Israel. 40:5 Behold, a wall on the outside of the house all around, and in the man's hand a measuring reed six cubits long, of a cubit and a handbreadth each: so he measured the thickness of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed. 40:6 Then came he to the gate which looks toward the east, and went up its steps: and he measured the threshold of the gate, one reed broad; and the other threshold, one reed broad. 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate toward the house was one reed. 40:8 He measured also the porch of the gate toward the house, one reed. 40:9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its posts, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was toward the house. 40:10 The lodges of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side. 40:11 He measured the breadth of the opening of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits; 40:12 and a border before the lodges, one cubit on this side, and a border, one cubit on that side; and the lodges, six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side. 40:13 He measured the gate from the roof of the one lodge to the roof of the other, a breadth of twenty-five cubits; door against door. 40:14 He made also posts, sixty cubits; and the court reached to the posts, around the gate. 40:15 From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the forefront of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits. 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward; and on each post were palm trees. 40:17 Then brought he me into the outer court; and behold, there were chambers and a pavement, made for the court all around: thirty chambers were on the pavement. 40:18 The pavement was by the side of the gates, answerable to the length of the gates, even the lower pavement. 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the east and on the north. 40:20 The gate of the outer court whose prospect is toward the north, he measured its length and its breadth. 40:21 The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side; and its posts and its arches were after the measure of the first gate: its length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 40:22 The windows of it, and its arches, and the palm trees of it, were after the measure of the gate whose prospect is toward the east; and they went up to it by seven steps; and its arches were before them. 40:23 There was a gate to the inner court over against the other gate, both on the north and on the east; and he measured from gate to gate one hundred cubits. 40:24 He led me toward the south; and behold, a gate toward the south: and he measured its posts and its arches according to these measures. 40:25 There were windows in it and in its arches all around, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 40:26 There were seven steps to go up to it, and its arches were before them; and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, on its posts. 40:27 There was a gate to the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south a hundred cubits. 40:28 Then he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures; 40:29 and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad. 40:30 There were arches all around, twenty-five cubits long, and five cubits broad. 40:31 The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:32 He brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures; 40:33 and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad. 40:34 The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:35 He brought me to the north gate: and he measured it according to these measures; 40:36 its lodges, its posts, and its arches: and there were windows therein all around; the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 40:37 The posts of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:38 A chamber with its door was by the posts at the gates; there they washed the burnt offering. 40:39 In the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to kill thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering. 40:40 On the one side outside, as one goes up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables. 40:41 Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they killed the sacrifices. 40:42 There were four tables for the burnt offering, of cut stone, a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high; whereupon they laid the instruments with which they killed the burnt offering and the sacrifice. 40:43 The hooks, a handbreadth long, were fastened within all around: and on the tables was the flesh of the offering. 40:44 Outside of the inner gate were chambers for the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south; one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north. 40:45 He said to me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the house; 40:46 and the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to Yahweh to minister to him. 40:47 He measured the court, one hundred cubits long, and a hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar was before the house. 40:48 Then he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side. 40:49 The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; even by the steps by which they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

40:1 In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city was struck, on the same day, the hand of Yahweh was upon me, and He brought me there. 40:2 In the visions of God, He took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, where there seemed to be the structure of a city to the south. 40:3 He brought me there; and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord in his hand and a measuring reed; and he stood at the gate. 40:4 The man said to me, “Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I show you; for I brought you here so that I could show it to you: declare all that you see to the house of Israel.” 40:5 Behold, there was a wall around the outside of the house, and in the man’s hand was a measuring reed six cubits long, with a cubit and a handbreadth each: he measured the thickness of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed. 40:6 Then he came to the gate that faces east and went up its steps: he measured the threshold of the gate, one reed wide; and the other threshold, one reed wide. 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long and one reed wide; and the space between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate toward the house was one reed. 40:8 He also measured the porch of the gate toward the house, one reed. 40:9 Then he measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its posts, two cubits; and the porch of the gate faced the house. 40:10 The lodges of the gate eastward were three on this side and three on that side; all three were the same size: and the posts had the same size on both sides. 40:11 He measured the width of the entrance of the gate, ten cubits, and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits; 40:12 and a border before the lodges, one cubit on this side, and a border one cubit on that side; and the lodges were six cubits on this side and six cubits on that side. 40:13 He measured the gate from the roof of one lodge to the roof of the other, a width of twenty-five cubits; door against door. 40:14 He also made posts sixty cubits high, and the court extended to the posts around the gate. 40:15 From the front of the gate at the entrance to the front of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits. 40:16 There were closed windows for the lodges and their posts within the gate all around, and likewise for the arches; and windows were all around inward; and on each post were palm trees. 40:17 Then He brought me into the outer court; and behold, there were chambers and a pavement made for the court all around: thirty chambers were on the pavement. 40:18 The pavement was next to the gates, corresponding to the length of the gates, even the lower pavement. 40:19 Then he measured the width from the front of the lower gate to the front of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the east and on the north. 40:20 The gate of the outer court that faces the north, he measured its length and breadth. 40:21 The lodges were three on this side and three on that side; and its posts and arches were according to the measurements of the first gate: its length was fifty cubits, and its width twenty-five cubits. 40:22 The windows, arches, and palm trees were according to the measurements of the gate that faces east; and they went up to it by seven steps; and its arches were before them. 40:23 There was a gate to the inner court opposite the other gate, both on the north and on the east; and he measured from gate to gate one hundred cubits. 40:24 He led me toward the south; and behold, a gate to the south: and he measured its posts and its arches according to these measurements. 40:25 There were windows in it and in its arches all around, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 40:26 There were seven steps to go up to it, and its arches were before them; and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, on its posts. 40:27 There was a gate to the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south one hundred cubits. 40:28 Then he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measurements; 40:29 and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measurements: and there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. 40:30 There were arches all around, twenty-five cubits long and five cubits wide. 40:31 The arches faced the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:32 He brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measurements; 40:33 and its lodges, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measurements: and there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits wide. 40:34 The arches faced the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:35 He brought me to the north gate: and he measured it according to these measurements; 40:36 its lodges, its posts, and its arches: and there were windows in it all around; the length was fifty cubits, and the width twenty-five cubits. 40:37 Its posts faced the outer court; and palm trees were on its posts, on this side and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps. 40:38 A chamber with its door was by the posts at the gates; there they washed the burnt offering. 40:39 In the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to kill the burnt offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings there. 40:40 On one side outside, as you go up to the entrance of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, belonging to the porch of the gate, were two tables. 40:41 Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, beside the gate; eight tables, where they killed the sacrifices. 40:42 There were four tables for the burnt offering, made of cut stone, a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half wide, and one cubit high; where they laid the instruments used to kill the burnt offerings and the sacrifices. 40:43 The hooks, a handbreadth long, were fastened all around inside: and on the tables was the flesh of the offering. 40:44 Outside the inner gate were chambers for the singers in the inner court, which was next to the north gate; and their view was toward the south; one was at the side of the east gate facing north. 40:45 He said to me, “This chamber, which faces south, is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the house; 40:46 and the chamber that faces north is for the priests, the keepers of the duty of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to Yahweh to minister to Him.” 40:47 He measured the court, one hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide, square; and the altar was before the house. 40:48 Then he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the width of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side. 40:49 The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the width eleven cubits; even by the steps by which they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

41:1 He brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tent. 41:2 The breadth of the entrance was ten cubits; and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured its length, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits. 41:3 Then went he inward, and measured each post of the entrance, two cubits; and the entrance, six cubits; and the breadth of the entrance, seven cubits. 41:4 He measured its length, twenty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said to me, This is the most holy place. 41:5 Then he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, all around the house on every side. 41:6 The side chambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the side chambers all around, that they might have hold therein, and not have hold in the wall of the house. 41:7 The side chambers were broader as they encompassed the house higher and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher around the house: therefore the breadth of the house continued upward; and so one went up from the lowest chamber to the highest by the middle chamber. 41:8 I saw also that the house had a raised base all around: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits. 41:9 The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chambers, on the outside, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that belonged to the house. 41:10 Between the chambers was a breadth of twenty cubits around the house on every side. 41:11 The doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits all around. 41:12 The building that was before the separate place at the side toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick all around, and its length ninety cubits. 41:13 So he measured the house, one hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with its walls, one hundred cubits long; 41:14 also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, one hundred cubits. 41:15 He measured the length of the building before the separate place which was at its back, and its galleries on the one side and on the other side, one hundred cubits; and the inner temple, and the porches of the court; 41:16 the thresholds, and the closed windows, and the galleries around on their three stories, over against the threshold, with wood ceilings all around, and from the ground up to the windows, (now the windows were covered), 41:17 to the space above the door, even to the inner house, and outside, and by all the wall all around inside and outside, by measure. 41:18 It was made with cherubim and palm trees; and a palm tree was between cherub and cherub, and every cherub had two faces; 41:19 so that there was the face of a man toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. thus was it made through all the house all around: 41:20 from the ground to above the door were cherubim and palm trees made: thus was the wall of the temple. 41:21 As for the temple, the door posts were squared; and as for the face of the sanctuary, the appearance of it was as the appearance of the temple. 41:22 The altar was of wood, three cubits high, and its length two cubits; and its corners, and its length, and its walls, were of wood: and he said to me, This is the table that is before Yahweh. 41:23 The temple and the sanctuary had two doors. 41:24 The doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves: two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other. 41:25 There were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm trees, like as were made on the walls; and there was a threshold of wood on the face of the porch outside. 41:26 There were closed windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch: thus were the side chambers of the house, and the thresholds.

41:1 He took me to the temple and measured the posts, which were six cubits wide on one side and six cubits wide on the other side, the same width as the tent. 41:2 The entrance was ten cubits wide, with five cubits on each side; he measured its length at forty cubits and its width at twenty cubits. 41:3 Then he went inside and measured each post of the entrance, which was two cubits, and the entrance itself was six cubits, with a width of seven cubits. 41:4 He measured its length at twenty cubits and its width at twenty cubits in front of the temple, and he said to me, "This is the most holy place." 41:5 He then measured the wall of the house, which was six cubits thick, and the width of each side chamber was four cubits, all around the house on every side. 41:6 The side chambers were arranged in three stories, one above the other, totaling thirty; they were built into the wall of the house for the side chambers all around so that they could rest on them and not just be part of the house walls. 41:7 The side chambers were wider as they rose higher, surrounding the house, so the width of the house increased upwards; and one could go up from the lowest chamber to the highest by way of the middle chamber. 41:8 I also noticed that the house had a raised base all around: the foundations for the side chambers were a full reed of six large cubits. 41:9 The thickness of the wall on the outside for the side chambers was five cubits, leaving space for the side chambers that belonged to the house. 41:10 Between the chambers was a width of twenty cubits all around the house. 41:11 The doors to the side chambers faced the available space, with one door to the north and another to the south; the width of the available space was five cubits all around. 41:12 The building in front of the separate area to the west was seventy cubits wide; the walls of the building were five cubits thick all around, and its length was ninety cubits. 41:13 He measured the house at one hundred cubits long, and the separate area and the building, including its walls, were also one hundred cubits long; 41:14 the width of the facade of the house and the separate area to the east was one hundred cubits. 41:15 He measured the length of the building in front of the separate area at its back, including its galleries on both sides, at one hundred cubits; and also the inner temple and the porches of the court; 41:16 the thresholds, closed windows, and galleries all around on their three stories, opposite the threshold, with wooden ceilings all around, and from the ground up to the windows (which were covered), 41:17 up to the space above the door, even to the inner house, and outside, and all around the wall inside and outside, by measurement. 41:18 It was adorned with cherubim and palm trees, with a palm tree between each cherub, and every cherub had two faces; 41:19 so that there was the face of a man toward the palm tree on one side and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. That's how it was made all around the house: 41:20 from the ground to above the door were cherubim and palm trees made; thus was the wall of the temple. 41:21 As for the temple, the door posts were squared; and the face of the sanctuary looked just like the temple. 41:22 The altar was made of wood, three cubits high, and two cubits long; its corners, length, and walls were also made of wood; and he said to me, "This is the table that is before Yahweh." 41:23 The temple and the sanctuary had two doors. 41:24 The doors had two leaves each, two turning leaves: two leaves for one door and two leaves for the other. 41:25 On the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm trees were carved, just like what was made on the walls; and there was a wooden threshold on the face of the porch outside. 41:26 There were closed windows and palm trees on both sides of the porch: this is how the side chambers of the house and the thresholds were constructed.

42:1 Then he brought me forth into the outer court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was over against the building toward the north. 42:2 Before the length of one hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits. 42:3 Over against the twenty cubits which belonged to the inner court, and over against the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in the third story. 42:4 Before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits' breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors were toward the north. 42:5 Now the upper chambers were shorter; for the galleries took away from these, more than from the lower and the middle, in the building. 42:6 For they were in three stories, and they didn't have pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the uppermost was straitened more than the lowest and the middle from the ground. 42:7 The wall that was outside by the side of the chambers, toward the outer court before the chambers, its length was fifty cubits. 42:8 For the length of the chambers that were in the outer court was fifty cubits: and behold, before the temple were one hundred cubits. 42:9 From under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goes into them from the outer court. 42:10 In the thickness of the wall of the court toward the east, before the separate place, and before the building, there were chambers. 42:11 The way before them was like the appearance of the way of the chambers which were toward the north; according to their length so was their breadth: and all their exits were both according to their fashions, and according to their doors. 42:12 According to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door at the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one enters into them. 42:13 Then said he to me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they are the holy chambers, where the priests who are near to Yahweh shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy. 42:14 When the priests enter in, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the outer court, but there they shall lay their garments in which they minister; for they are holy: and they shall put on other garments, and shall approach to that which pertains to the people. 42:15 Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it all around. 42:16 He measured on the east side with the measuring reed five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed all around. 42:17 He measured on the north side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed all around. 42:18 He measured on the south side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed. 42:19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed. 42:20 He measured it on the four sides: it had a wall around it, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.

42:1 Then he took me to the outer court, heading north, and led me to the room opposite the sacred area and the building that faced north. 42:2 In front of it was a north door that was a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide. 42:3 Facing the twenty cubits of the inner court and the pavement of the outer court, there was a gallery on top of another gallery in the third story. 42:4 In front of the chambers, there was a walkway that was ten cubits wide, and a path measuring one cubit; their doors faced north. 42:5 The upper chambers were shorter because the galleries took up more space compared to the lower and middle levels of the building. 42:6 They were built in three stories and didn't have pillars like those in the courts, so the uppermost level was narrower than the lower and middle levels from the ground. 42:7 The outer wall next to the chambers, facing the outer court, was fifty cubits long. 42:8 The chambers in the outer court were also fifty cubits long, and in front of the temple were one hundred cubits. 42:9 Below these chambers was the entrance on the east side, as one would enter from the outer court. 42:10 Inside the wall of the court toward the east, in front of the sacred area and the building, there were chambers. 42:11 The path in front of them was similar to the layout of the chambers that faced north; their lengths matched their widths, and all their exits were organized according to their designs and doors. 42:12 Next to the doors of the chambers facing south was a door at the start of the path directly in front of the wall toward the east, as one enters. 42:13 Then he said to me, the north and south chambers in front of the sacred area are holy chambers where the priests close to Yahweh can eat the most sacred offerings; that’s where they will place the holy items, meal offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, because the place is holy. 42:14 When the priests enter, they shouldn't leave the holy place to go into the outer court but should lay aside their ministerial garments there, as they are holy; then they should put on different garments and approach what pertains to the people. 42:15 After he finished measuring the inner house, he took me out through the east gate and measured all around. 42:16 He measured five hundred reeds on the east side with the measuring rod, all around. 42:17 He measured five hundred reeds on the north side with the measuring rod all around. 42:18 He measured five hundred reeds on the south side with the measuring rod. 42:19 He turned to the west side and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring rod. 42:20 He measured it on all four sides: it had a wall surrounding it, measuring five hundred in length and five hundred in width, to separate what was holy from what was common.

43:1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looks toward the east. 43:2 Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shined with his glory. 43:3 It was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city; and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face. 43:4 The glory of Yahweh came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. 43:5 The Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house. 43:6 I heard one speaking to me out of the house; and a man stood by me. 43:7 He said to me, Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their prostitution, and by the dead bodies of their kings in their high places; 43:8 in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their doorpost beside my doorpost, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: therefore I have consumed them in my anger. 43:9 Now let them put away their prostitution, and the dead bodies of their kings, far from me; and I will dwell in the midst of them forever. 43:10 You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. 43:11 If they be ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the form of the house, and its fashion, and its exits, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its ordinances, and all its forms, and all its laws; and write it in their sight; that they may keep the whole form of it, and all its ordinances, and do them. 43:12 This is the law of the house: on the top of the mountain the whole limit around it shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house. 43:13 These are the measures of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar. 43:14 From the bottom on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the breadth a cubit. 43:15 The upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns. 43:16 The altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve broad, square in the four sides of it. 43:17 The ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad in the four sides of it; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and its bottom shall be a cubit around; and its steps shall look toward the east. 43:18 He said to me, Son of man, thus says the Lord Yahweh: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon. 43:19 You shall give to the priests the Levites who are of the seed of Zadok, who are near to me, to minister to me, says the Lord Yahweh, a young bull for a sin offering. 43:20 You shall take of its blood, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border all around: thus you shall cleanse it and make atonement for it. 43:21 You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burnt in the appointed place of the house, outside of the sanctuary. 43:22 On the second day you shall offer a male goat without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bull. 43:23 When you have made an end of cleansing it, you shall offer a young bull without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish. 43:24 You shall bring them near before Yahweh, and the priests shall cast salt on them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering to Yahweh. 43:25 Seven days you shall prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bull, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish. 43:26 Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it; so shall they consecrate it. 43:27 When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings on the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Lord Yahweh.

43:1 Afterward, he took me to the gate, even the gate facing east. 43:2 Look, the glory of the God of Israel came from the east, and his voice sounded like the roar of many waters; the earth shone with his glory. 43:3 It was like the vision I saw when I came to destroy the city, and it resembled the vision I had by the river Chebar, so I fell on my face. 43:4 The glory of Yahweh entered the house through the east-facing gate. 43:5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house. 43:6 I heard someone speaking to me from the house, and a man stood beside me. 43:7 He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for my feet, where I will dwell among the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel will no longer profane my holy name, neither they nor their kings, through their prostitution and the dead bodies of their kings in their high places; 43:8 with their threshold alongside my threshold, and their doorposts next to my doorposts, leaving only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name with the detestable practices they have committed; therefore I have consumed them in my anger. 43:9 Now let them put away their prostitution and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell among them forever. 43:10 You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; let them measure the pattern. 43:11 If they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the house, its layout, its exits, its entrances, all its designs, all its regulations, and all its laws; write it down in their sight so that they may follow the whole design and all its regulations and do them. 43:12 This is the law of the house: on top of the mountain, the entire area around it shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house. 43:13 These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (with the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): the base shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit, with a border around its edge a span; this will be the base of the altar. 43:14 From the ground to the lower ledge will be two cubits, and its width will be one cubit; from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and its width will be one cubit. 43:15 The upper altar shall be four cubits high; from the altar hearth and upward, there shall be four horns. 43:16 The altar hearth will be twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide, square on all four sides. 43:17 The ledge will be fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide on all four sides; its border will be half a cubit; its base will be a cubit around; and its steps will face east. 43:18 He said to me, "Son of man, thus says the Lord Yahweh: These are the regulations for the altar on the day it is constructed, to offer burnt offerings on it and to sprinkle blood on it. 43:19 You are to provide a young bull for a sin offering to the priests, the Levites of the line of Zadok, who come nearest to me, says the Lord Yahweh. 43:20 You will take some of its blood, put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border all around. This is how you will cleanse it and make atonement for it. 43:21 You will also take the bull for the sin offering, and it will be burnt in the designated place of the house, outside the sanctuary. 43:22 On the second day, you will offer a flawless male goat for a sin offering, and they shall cleanse the altar as they did with the bull. 43:23 When you have finished cleansing it, you will offer a flawless young bull and a flawless ram from the flock. 43:24 You will present them to Yahweh, and the priests will sprinkle salt on them, and they will offer them as burnt offerings to Yahweh. 43:25 For seven days, you will prepare a goat for a sin offering every day; they will also prepare a young bull and a flawless ram from the flock. 43:26 For seven days, they will make atonement for the altar and purify it; this is how they will consecrate it. 43:27 When they have completed the days, on the eighth day and beyond, the priests will present your burnt offerings on the altar, along with your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Lord Yahweh.

44:1 Then he brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looks toward the east; and it was shut. 44:2 Yahweh said to me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. 44:3 As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before Yahweh; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same. 44:4 Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh: and I fell on my face. 44:5 Yahweh said to me, Son of man, mark well, and see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I tell you concerning all the ordinances of the house of Yahweh, and all its laws; and mark well the entrance of the house, with every exit of the sanctuary. 44:6 You shall tell the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, 44:7 in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to profane it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant, to add to all your abominations. 44:8 You have not performed the duty of my holy things; but you have set performers of my duty in my sanctuary for yourselves. 44:9 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel. 44:10 But the Levites who went far from me, when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity. 44:11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house, and ministering in the house: they shall kill the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them. 44:12 Because they ministered to them before their idols, and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, says the Lord Yahweh, and they shall bear their iniquity. 44:13 They shall not come near to me, to execute the office of priest to me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, to the things that are most holy; but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed. 44:14 Yet will I make them performers of the duty of the house, for all its service, and for all that shall be done therein. 44:15 But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who performed the duty of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister to me; and they shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood, says the Lord Yahweh: 44:16 they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my instruction. 44:17 It shall be that, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come on them, while they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within. 44:18 They shall have linen tires on their heads, and shall have linen breeches on their waists; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat. 44:19 When they go forth into the outer court, even into the outer court to the people, they shall put off their garments in which they minister, and lay them in the holy chambers; and they shall put on other garments, that they not sanctify the people with their garments. 44:20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor allow their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads. 44:21 Neither shall any of the priests drink wine, when they enter into the inner court. 44:22 Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her who is put away; but they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest. 44:23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 44:24 In a controversy they shall stand to judge; according to my ordinances shall they judge it: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts; and they shall make my Sabbaths holy. 44:25 They shall go in to no dead person to defile themselves; but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister who has had no husband, they may defile themselves. 44:26 After he is cleansed, they shall reckon to him seven days. 44:27 In the day that he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, says the Lord Yahweh. 44:28 They shall have an inheritance: I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession. 44:29 They shall eat the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs. 44:30 The first of all the first fruits of every thing, and every offering of everything, of all your offerings, shall be for the priest: you shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, to cause a blessing to rest on your house. 44:31 The priests shall not eat of anything that dies of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or animal.

44:1 Then he took me back through the outer gate of the sanctuary that faces east, and it was shut. 44:2 Yahweh said to me, "This gate is to remain shut; it will not be opened, and no one will enter through it; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has entered through it, so it must remain shut." 44:3 As for the prince, he will sit there as prince to eat bread before Yahweh; he will enter through the porch of the gate and will go out the same way. 44:4 Then he led me through the north gate in front of the house; I looked and saw the glory of Yahweh filling the house of Yahweh, and I fell on my face. 44:5 Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, pay close attention, and see with your eyes and hear with your ears all that I tell you about all the ordinances of the house of Yahweh and all its laws; and pay close attention to the entrance of the house and all the exits of the sanctuary." 44:6 You shall tell the rebellious in the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord Yahweh: you house of Israel, have had enough of all your abominations, 44:7 in that you have allowed foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, defiling it, my house, when you offer my bread, the fat, and the blood; they have broken my covenant, adding to all your abominations. 44:8 You have not performed your duties regarding my holy things; instead, you have appointed performers of your duty in my sanctuary for yourselves. 44:9 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter my sanctuary, among any foreigners in the children of Israel. 44:10 But the Levites who turned away from me when Israel went astray, following their idols, will bear their iniquity. 44:11 Yet they will serve in my sanctuary, overseeing the gates of the house and ministering in the house; they will slaughter the burnt offerings and sacrifices for the people and will stand before them to minister to them. 44:12 Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity for the house of Israel; therefore, I raised my hand against them, says the Lord Yahweh, and they will bear their iniquity. 44:13 They will not approach me to serve as priests, nor come near any of my holy things, the most holy; but they will bear their shame and the abominations they have committed. 44:14 Yet I will make them responsible for the duties of the house, for all its service and everything done in it. 44:15 But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who performed the duties of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they will come near to me to minister to me; they will stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, says the Lord Yahweh: 44:16 they will enter my sanctuary and approach my table to minister to me, and they will keep my instructions. 44:17 When they enter through the gates of the inner court, they will wear linen garments; no wool will be on them while they minister in the gates of the inner court and inside. 44:18 They will have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments on their waists; they will not wear anything that causes sweat. 44:19 When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they will remove the garments they ministered in, lay them in the holy chambers, and put on other clothes so they do not consecrate the people with their garments. 44:20 They shall neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long; they will only trim their hair. 44:21 No priest shall drink wine when they enter the inner court. 44:22 They shall not take a widow or a divorced woman as their wives; they may only take virgins from the descendants of the house of Israel or a widow who is a priest’s widow. 44:23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and help them discern between the unclean and the clean. 44:24 In a dispute, they shall stand to judge; they will judge according to my ordinances: they will keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts; they will make my Sabbaths holy. 44:25 They shall not go to any dead person to defile themselves; however, for a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister who has had no husband, they may defile themselves. 44:26 After they have been cleansed, they will count seven days. 44:27 On the day they go into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, they shall offer their sin offering, says the Lord Yahweh. 44:28 They will have an inheritance: I am their inheritance; you will give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession. 44:29 They will eat the meal offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering; every devoted thing in Israel will be theirs. 44:30 The first of all the first fruits of everything and every offering of everything, from all your offerings, will belong to the priest; you will also give the priests the first of your dough to bring a blessing on your house. 44:31 The priests shall not eat anything that dies of itself or is torn, whether it is a bird or an animal.

45:1 Moreover, when you shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an offering to Yahweh, a holy portion of the land; the length shall be the length of twenty-five thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand: it shall be holy in all its border all around. 45:2 Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, square all around; and fifty cubits for its suburbs all around. 45:3 Of this measure you shall measure a length of twenty-five thousand, and a breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary, which is most holy. 45:4 It is a holy portion of the land; it shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who come near to minister to Yahweh; and it shall be a place for their houses, and a holy place for the sanctuary. 45:5 Twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall be to the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession to themselves, for twenty chambers. 45:6 You shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and twenty-five thousand long, side by side with the offering of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel. 45:7 Whatever is for the prince shall be on the one side and on the other side of the holy offering and of the possession of the city, in front of the holy offering and in front of the possession of the city, on the west side westward, and on the east side eastward; and in length answerable to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border. 45:8 In the land it shall be to him for a possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; but they shall give the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes. 45:9 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Let it suffice you, princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute justice and righteousness; dispossessing my people, says the Lord Yahweh. 45:10 You shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath. 45:11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of a homer, and the ephah the tenth part of a homer: its measure shall be after the homer. 45:12 The shekel shall be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina. 45:13 This is the offering that you shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and you shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley; 45:14 and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer; (for ten baths are a homer;) 45:15 and one lamb of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel--for a meal offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make atonement for them, says the Lord Yahweh. 45:16 All the people of the land shall give to this offering for the prince in Israel. 45:17 It shall be the prince's part to give the burnt offerings, and the meal offerings, and the drink offerings, in the feasts, and on the new moons, and on the Sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meal offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel. 45:18 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: In the first month, in the first day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish; and you shall cleanse the sanctuary. 45:19 The priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it on the door posts of the house, and on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the posts of the gate of the inner court. 45:20 So you shall do on the seventh day of the month for everyone who errs, and for him who is simple: so you shall make atonement for the house. 45:21 In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. 45:22 On that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering. 45:23 The seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to Yahweh, seven bulls and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a male goat daily for a sin offering. 45:24 He shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 45:25 In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, in the feast, shall he do the like the seven days; according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meal offering, and according to the oil.

45:1 Additionally, when you divide the land for inheritance by lottery, you must offer a portion to Yahweh, a holy section of the land; its length will be twenty-five thousand reeds, and its width will be ten thousand: it will be holy along all its borders. 45:2 Of this, there will be a holy area measuring five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, squared all around; and fifty cubits for its surrounding fields. 45:3 From this measurement, you will mark out a length of twenty-five thousand and a width of ten thousand: within it will be the sanctuary, which is most holy. 45:4 This is a holy part of the land; it will belong to the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who come to serve Yahweh; it will serve as a place for their homes and a sacred area for the sanctuary. 45:5 Twenty-five thousand in length and ten thousand in width will be set aside for the Levites, the ministers of the house, as their own property, for twenty chambers. 45:6 You will assign the city a space of five thousand in width and twenty-five thousand in length, adjacent to the offering of the holy portion: this will belong to the whole house of Israel. 45:7 Whatever is designated for the prince shall be on either side of the holy offering and the city's portion, in front of the holy offering and the city's portion, on the west side towards the west, and on the east side towards the east; its length will correspond to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border. 45:8 In the land, this will be a possession for him in Israel: my princes shall no longer oppress my people; instead, they will give the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes. 45:9 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: Enough, princes of Israel: stop using violence and plundering, and practice justice and righteousness; do not dispossess my people, says the Lord Yahweh. 45:10 You shall have accurate scales, a fair ephah, and a just bath. 45:11 The ephah and the bath will have the same measurement, so that the bath can hold one-tenth of a homer, and the ephah one-tenth of a homer: its measurement will be based on the homer. 45:12 The shekel will be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will make up your mina. 45:13 This is the offering you must present: one-sixth of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and you shall give one-sixth of an ephah from a homer of barley; 45:14 and the established portion of oil, a bath of oil, one-tenth of a bath from the cor, which is ten baths, equaling a homer; (since ten baths make up a homer;) 45:15 and one lamb from the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel—for a grain offering, a burnt offering, and peace offerings, to make atonement for them, says the Lord Yahweh. 45:16 All the people of the land will contribute to this offering for the prince in Israel. 45:17 It will be the prince’s responsibility to provide burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings during the feasts, on the new moons, and on the Sabbaths, during all the set feasts of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings to atone for the house of Israel. 45:18 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: In the first month, on the first day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish; and you shall purify the sanctuary. 45:19 The priest shall take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the house, on the four corners of the altar’s ledge, and on the posts of the inner court gate. 45:20 You will do this on the seventh day of the month for everyone who has erred, and for those who are simple: you shall make atonement for the house. 45:21 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, you shall celebrate the Passover, a feast that lasts seven days; unleavened bread will be eaten. 45:22 On that day, the prince will prepare a bull for himself and for all the people of the land as a sin offering. 45:23 During the seven days of the feast, he shall provide a burnt offering to Yahweh, seven bulls and seven rams without blemish each day for the seven days; and a male goat daily for a sin offering. 45:24 He shall prepare a grain offering, an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, with a hin of oil for each ephah. 45:25 In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, during the feast, he shall do the same for the seven days; according to the sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the oil.

46:1 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened. 46:2 The prince shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate outside, and shall stand by the post of the gate; and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening. 46:3 The people of the land shall worship at the door of that gate before Yahweh on the Sabbaths and on the new moons. 46:4 The burnt offering that the prince shall offer to Yahweh shall be on the Sabbath day six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish; 46:5 and the meal offering shall be an ephah for the ram, and the meal offering for the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:6 On the day of the new moon it shall be a young bull without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish: 46:7 and he shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for the bull, and an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs according as he is able, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:8 When the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of the gate, and he shall go forth by its way. 46:9 But when the people of the land shall come before Yahweh in the appointed feasts, he who enters by the way of the north gate to worship shall go forth by the way of the south gate; and he who enters by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate by which he came in, but shall go forth straight before him. 46:10 The prince, when they go in, shall go in with of them; and when they go out, he shall go out. 46:11 In the feasts and in the solemnities the meal offering shall be an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:12 When the prince shall prepare a freewill offering, a burnt offering or peace offerings as a freewill offering to Yahweh, one shall open for him the gate that looks toward the east; and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he does on the Sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate. 46:13 You shall prepare a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to Yahweh daily: morning by morning you shall prepare it. 46:14 You shall prepare a meal offering with it morning by morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of a hin of oil, to moisten the fine flour; a meal offering to Yahweh continually by a perpetual ordinance. 46:15 Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meal offering, and the oil, morning by morning, for a continual burnt offering. 46:16 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: If the prince give a gift to any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. 46:17 But if he give of his inheritance a gift to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty; then it shall return to the prince; but as for his inheritance, it shall be for his sons. 46:18 Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance, to thrust them out of their possession; he shall give inheritance to his sons out of his own possession, that my people not be scattered every man from his possession. 46:19 Then he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which looked toward the north: and behold, there was a place on the hinder part westward. 46:20 He said to me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the meal offering; that they not bring them forth into the outer court, to sanctify the people. 46:21 Then he brought me forth into the outer court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and behold, in every corner of the court there was a court. 46:22 In the four corners of the court there were courts enclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure. 46:23 There was a wall around in them, around the four, and boiling places were made under the walls all around. 46:24 Then said he to me, These are the boiling houses, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.

46:1 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: The gate of the inner court that faces east should remain shut for six days of work; but on the Sabbath and the new moon, it shall be opened. 46:2 The prince will enter through the porch of the outer gate and will stand by the gate post; the priests will prepare his burnt offering and peace offerings, and he will worship at the threshold of the gate; then he will leave, but the gate will not be shut until evening. 46:3 The people of the land will worship at the gate before Yahweh on Sabbaths and new moons. 46:4 The burnt offering that the prince will present to Yahweh on the Sabbath will consist of six unblemished lambs and one unblemished ram; 46:5 and the grain offering will be an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs, a quantity he can afford, along with a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:6 On the new moon, there will be an unblemished young bull, six lambs, and a ram; all must be unblemished: 46:7 and he will provide a grain offering, an ephah for the bull, an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs, as much as he can provide, along with a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:8 When the prince enters, he will go in through the porch of the gate and leave the same way. 46:9 But when the people of the land come before Yahweh for the appointed feasts, anyone entering through the north gate to worship must exit through the south gate; and anyone entering through the south gate must exit through the north gate: they will not return through the gate they entered, but will go straight ahead. 46:10 The prince will join them when they enter and will leave with them. 46:11 During the feasts and solemn occasions, the grain offering will be an ephah for a bull, an ephah for a ram, and as much as he can provide for the lambs, along with a hin of oil to an ephah. 46:12 When the prince presents a voluntary offering, whether a burnt offering or peace offerings to Yahweh, someone will open the east-facing gate for him; and he will prepare his burnt offering and peace offerings just like he does on the Sabbath: then he will leave; and after he goes out, the gate will be shut. 46:13 You will prepare a one-year-old unblemished lamb for a daily burnt offering to Yahweh: prepare it every morning. 46:14 You will also prepare a grain offering with it every morning, a sixth of an ephah, and a third of a hin of oil, to moisten the fine flour; it will be a continual grain offering to Yahweh by a perpetual ordinance. 46:15 They will prepare the lamb, the grain offering, and the oil every morning for an ongoing burnt offering. 46:16 This is what the Lord Yahweh says: If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons, it will be their inheritance and belong to them; it is their possession by inheritance. 46:17 However, if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will stay with them until the year of liberty; then it will return to the prince, but his inheritance will remain for his sons. 46:18 Furthermore, the prince must not take from the people’s inheritance to displace them; he must give an inheritance to his sons from his own property so that my people are not scattered, each person from their own property. 46:19 Then he brought me through the entry on the side of the gate into the holy chambers for the priests, which faced north: and behold, there was a place at the back to the west. 46:20 He said to me, This is the area where the priests will boil the guilt offerings and sin offerings, and where they will bake the grain offerings; they must not bring them into the outer court to sanctify the people. 46:21 Then he brought me out to the outer court and made me pass by the four corners of the court; and behold, in every corner of the court there was a courtyard. 46:22 In the four corners of the court, there were enclosed courtyards, forty cubits long and thirty wide: these four at the corners were of the same measurement. 46:23 A wall surrounded them, enclosing the four, and there were boiling places made under the walls all around. 46:24 Then he said to me, These are the boiling houses, where the ministers of the house will boil the sacrifices of the people.

47:1 He brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was toward the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar. 47:2 Then he brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way outside to the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looks toward the east; and behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 47:3 When the man went forth eastward with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles. 47:4 Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the waist. 47:5 Afterward he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. 47:6 He said to me, Son of man, have you seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 47:7 Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 47:8 Then said he to me, These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea; into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed. 47:9 It shall happen, that every living creature which swarms, in every place where the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come there, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live wherever the river comes. 47:10 It shall happen, that fishermen shall stand by it: from En Gedi even to En Eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. 47:11 But the miry places of it, and its marshes, shall not be healed; they shall be given up to salt. 47:12 By the river on its bank, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall its fruit fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because its waters issue out of the sanctuary; and its fruit shall be for food, and its leaf for healing. 47:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: This shall be the border, by which you shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions. 47:14 You shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I swore to give it to your fathers: and this land shall fall to you for inheritance. 47:15 This shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, to the entrance of Zedad; 47:16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer Hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran. 47:17 The border from the sea, shall be Hazar Enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 47:18 The east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border to the east sea you shall measure. This is the east side. 47:19 The south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. This is the south side southward. 47:20 The west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side. 47:21 So you shall divide this land to you according to the tribes of Israel. 47:22 It shall happen, that you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance to you and to the strangers who sojourn among you, who shall father children among you; and they shall be to you as the native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 47:23 It shall happen, that in what tribe the stranger sojourns, there you shall give him his inheritance, says the Lord Yahweh.

47:1 He brought me back to the entrance of the house; and look, water flowed out from under the threshold of the house to the east; (for the front of the house faced east;) and the water flowed down from under, from the right side of the house, south of the altar. 47:2 Then he took me out through the north gate and led me around outside to the outer gate, through the gate that faces east; and look, water was flowing out on the right side. 47:3 When the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits and made me walk through the water, which reached my ankles. 47:4 He measured another thousand cubits and made me pass through the water, which reached my knees. He measured another thousand and made me pass through the water, which reached my waist. 47:5 After that, he measured another thousand; and it was a river that I couldn't cross because the water had risen, water deep enough to swim in, a river that couldn't be crossed. 47:6 He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?" Then he brought me back to the bank of the river. 47:7 When I returned, I saw a lot of trees on both sides of the river. 47:8 He said to me, "These waters flow toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; and they will go into the sea; the waters of the sea will be healed. 47:9 It will happen that every living creature that swarms in every place where the rivers go will live; there will be a huge number of fish; because these waters flow there, and the waters of the sea will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. 47:10 It will happen that fishermen will stand by it: from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be a place for spreading nets; their fish will be of various kinds, like the fish of the great sea, incredibly numerous. 47:11 But the muddy areas and the marshes will not be healed; they will be left for salt. 47:12 On both banks of the river, every tree for food will grow, and its leaves will not wither, nor will its fruit fail; it will produce new fruit every month, because its water flows from the sanctuary; and its fruit will be for food and its leaves for healing. 47:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: This will be the border by which you will divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph will have two portions. 47:14 You will inherit it, one as well as another; for I swore to give it to your ancestors: and this land will belong to you for inheritance. 47:15 This will be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon to the entrance of Zedad; 47:16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer Hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran. 47:17 The border from the sea will be Hazar Enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north side is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 47:18 The east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border to the east sea you will measure. This is the east side. 47:19 The south side will extend from Tamar to the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. This is the south side. 47:20 The west side will be the great sea, from the south border to opposite the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side. 47:21 So you will divide this land for yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 47:22 It will happen that you will divide it by lot for an inheritance to you and to the strangers who sojourn among you, who will have children among you; and they will be to you like the native-born among the children of Israel; they will have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 47:23 It will happen that in whatever tribe the stranger resides, there you will give him his inheritance, says the Lord Yahweh.

48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus, northward beside Hamath, (and they shall have their sides east and west), Dan, one portion. 48:2 By the border of Dan, from the east side to the west side, Asher, one portion. 48:3 By the border of Asher, from the east side even to the west side, Naphtali, one portion. 48:4 By the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west side, Manasseh, one portion. 48:5 By the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west side, Ephraim, one portion. 48:6 By the border of Ephraim, from the east side even to the west side, Reuben, one portion. 48:7 By the border of Reuben, from the east side to the west side, Judah, one portion. 48:8 By the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the offering which you shall offer, twenty-five thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the portions, from the east side to the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in its midst. 48:9 The offering that you shall offer to Yahweh shall be twenty-five thousand reeds in length, and ten thousand in breadth. 48:10 For these, even for the priests, shall be the holy offering: toward the north twenty-five thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south twenty-five thousand in length: and the sanctuary of Yahweh shall be in its midst. 48:11 It shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, who have kept my instruction, who didn't go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray. 48:12 It shall be to them an offering from the offering of the land, a thing most holy, by the border of the Levites. 48:13 Answerable to the border of the priests, the Levites shall have twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be twenty-five thousand, and the breadth ten thousand. 48:14 They shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy to Yahweh. 48:15 The five thousand that are left in the breadth, in front of the twenty-five thousand, shall be for common use, for the city, for dwelling and for suburbs; and the city shall be in its midst. 48:16 These shall be its measures: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred. 48:17 The city shall have suburbs: toward the north two hundred fifty, and toward the south two hundred fifty, and toward the east two hundred fifty, and toward the west two hundred fifty. 48:18 The remainder in the length, answerable to the holy offering, shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward; and it shall be answerable to the holy offering; and its increase shall be for food to those who labor in the city. 48:19 Those who labor in the city, out of all the tribes of Israel, shall cultivate it. 48:20 All the offering shall be twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand: you shall offer the holy offering four-square, with the possession of the city. 48:21 The residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy offering and of the possession of the city; in front of the twenty-five thousand of the offering toward the east border, and westward in front of the twenty-five thousand toward the west border, answerable to the portions, it shall be for the prince: and the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house shall be in its midst. 48:22 Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, it shall be for the prince. 48:23 As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west side, Benjamin, one portion. 48:24 By the border of Benjamin, from the east side to the west side, Simeon, one portion. 48:25 By the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west side, Issachar, one portion. 48:26 By the border of Issachar, from the east side to the west side, Zebulun, one portion. 48:27 By the border of Zebulun, from the east side to the west side, Gad, one portion. 48:28 By the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of Meribath Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. 48:29 This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their several portions, says the Lord Yahweh. 48:30 These are the exits of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure; 48:31 and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one. 48:32 At the east side four thousand and five hundred reeds, and three gates: even the gate of Joseph, one; the gate of Benjamin, one; the gate of Dan, one. 48:33 At the south side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure, and three gates: the gate of Simeon, one; the gate of Issachar, one; the gate of Zebulun, one. 48:34 At the west side four thousand and five hundred reeds, with their three gates: the gate of Gad, one; the gate of Asher, one; the gate of Naphtali, one. 48:35 It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day shall be, Yahweh is there.

48:1 Here are the names of the tribes: Starting from the north end, along the path of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus, north of Hamath, (and they will have their sides east and west), Dan, one portion. 48:2 By the border of Dan, from the east side to the west side, Asher, one portion. 48:3 By the border of Asher, from the east side to the west side, Naphtali, one portion. 48:4 By the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west side, Manasseh, one portion. 48:5 By the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west side, Ephraim, one portion. 48:6 By the border of Ephraim, from the east side to the west side, Reuben, one portion. 48:7 By the border of Reuben, from the east side to the west side, Judah, one portion. 48:8 By the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, will be the offering that you will give, twenty-five thousand reeds in width, and in length the same as one of the portions, from the east side to the west side: and the sanctuary will be in its center. 48:9 The offering that you will give to Yahweh will be twenty-five thousand reeds in length and ten thousand in width. 48:10 For these, even for the priests, will be the holy offering: toward the north twenty-five thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in width, and toward the east ten thousand in width, and toward the south twenty-five thousand in length: and the sanctuary of Yahweh will be in its center. 48:11 It will be for the priests who are consecrated from the sons of Zadok, who have followed my commands and who didn't go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites did. 48:12 It will be to them an offering from the offering of the land, the most sacred, by the border of the Levites. 48:13 Adjacent to the border of the priests, the Levites will have twenty-five thousand in length and ten thousand in width: the total length will be twenty-five thousand, and the width ten thousand. 48:14 They will sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor will the first fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy to Yahweh. 48:15 The five thousand that remain in width, in front of the twenty-five thousand, will be for common use, for the city, for living and for suburbs; and the city will be in its center. 48:16 These will be its dimensions: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred. 48:17 The city will have suburbs: to the north two hundred fifty, and to the south two hundred fifty, and to the east two hundred fifty, and to the west two hundred fifty. 48:18 The remaining length, corresponding to the holy offering, will be ten thousand eastward and ten thousand westward; it will correspond to the holy offering; and its increase will be for food for those who work in the city. 48:19 Those who work in the city, from all the tribes of Israel, will farm it. 48:20 All the offering will be twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand: you will present the holy offering as a square, alongside the city property. 48:21 The remaining area will be for the prince, on either side of the holy offering and the city property; in front of the twenty-five thousand of the offering toward the east border, and westward in front of the twenty-five thousand toward the west border, corresponding to the portions, it will be for the prince: and the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house will be in its center. 48:22 Additionally, from the property of the Levites, and from the property of the city, which is in the center of what belongs to the prince, between the borders of Judah and Benjamin, it will be for the prince. 48:23 As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west side, Benjamin, one portion. 48:24 By the border of Benjamin, from the east side to the west side, Simeon, one portion. 48:25 By the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west side, Issachar, one portion. 48:26 By the border of Issachar, from the east side to the west side, Zebulun, one portion. 48:27 By the border of Zebulun, from the east side to the west side, Gad, one portion. 48:28 By the border of Gad, along the south side southward, the border will stretch from Tamar to the waters of Meribath Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. 48:29 This is the land that you will divide by lot among the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their individual portions, says the Lord Yahweh. 48:30 These are the exits of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measurement; 48:31 and the gates of the city will bear the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates to the north: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one. 48:32 On the east side four thousand and five hundred reeds, and three gates: the gate of Joseph, one; the gate of Benjamin, one; the gate of Dan, one. 48:33 On the south side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure, and three gates: the gate of Simeon, one; the gate of Issachar, one; the gate of Zebulun, one. 48:34 On the west side four thousand and five hundred reeds, with their three gates: the gate of Gad, one; the gate of Asher, one; the gate of Naphtali, one. 48:35 It will be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day will be, Yahweh is there.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:26 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, lapis lazuli

[2] back to 10:1 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, lapis lazuli

[3] back to 28:13 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, lapis lazuli














Daniel

1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Jerusalem, and besieged it. 1:2 The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 1:3 The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in certain of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; 1:4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans. 1:5 The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king's dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at its end they should stand before the king. 1:6 Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 1:7 The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 1:9 Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. 1:10 The prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? so would you endanger my head with the king. 1:11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 1:12 Prove your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 1:13 Then let our faces be looked on before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king's dainties; and as you see, deal with your servants. 1:14 So he listened to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 1:15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. 1:16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse. 1:17 Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 1:18 At the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 1:19 The king talked with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm. 1:21 Daniel continued even to the first year of king Cyrus.

1:1 In the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon arrived in Jerusalem and laid siege to it. 1:2 The Lord handed Jehoiakim, king of Judah, over to him, along with some of the sacred objects from the house of God; Nebuchadnezzar took these to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and put the objects in the treasure house of his god. 1:3 The king instructed Ashpenaz, the head of his eunuchs, to bring in some of the Israelites, including members of the royal family and the nobility; 1:4 young men without physical defect, handsome, well-versed in all wisdom, knowledgeable, and capable of learning and understanding science, who could stand in the king's palace; and he was to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 1:5 The king assigned them a daily portion of his rich food and the wine he drank, and they were to be trained for three years, at the end of which they would stand before the king. 1:6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from Judah. 1:7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them new names: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah he gave the name Shadrach, to Mishael he gave the name Meshach, and to Azariah he gave the name Abednego. 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food or the wine he drank; so he asked the chief of the eunuchs for permission not to defile himself. 1:9 Now God had caused the chief of the eunuchs to show favor and compassion to Daniel. 1:10 But the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king." 1:11 Daniel then said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 1:12 "Please test your servants for ten days. Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 1:13 Then compare our appearances with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 1:14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 1:15 At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who ate the royal food. 1:16 So the steward took away their rich food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 1:17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning, and Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 1:18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief of the eunuchs presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 1:19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. 1:21 Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

2:1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams; and his spirit was troubled, and his sleep went from him. 2:2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. 2:3 The king said to them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream. 2:4 Then spoke the Chaldeans to the king in the Syrian language, O king, live forever: tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. 2:5 The king answered the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if you don't make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. 2:6 But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor: therefore show me the dream and its interpretation. 2:7 They answered the second time and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. 2:8 The king answered, I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me. 2:9 But if you don't make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation. 2:10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man on the earth who can show the king's matter, because no king, lord, or ruler, has asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean. 2:11 It is a rare thing that the king requires, and there is no other who can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. 2:12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 2:13 So the decree went forth, and the wise men were to be slain; and they sought Daniel and his companions to be slain. 2:14 Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, who was gone forth to kill the wise men of Babylon; 2:15 he answered Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. 2:16 Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation. 2:17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: 2:18 that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 2:19 Then was the secret revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 2:20 Daniel answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his. 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding; 2:22 he reveals the deep and secret things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. 2:23 I thank you, and praise you, you God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the king's matter. 2:24 Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus to him: Don't destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation. 2:25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus to him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation. 2:26 The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation? 2:27 Daniel answered before the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show to the king; 2:28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these: 2:29 as for you, O king, your thoughts came into your mind on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what shall happen. 2:30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart. 2:31 You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and its aspect was awesome. 2:32 As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass, 2:33 its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay. 2:34 You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 2:36 This is the dream; and we will tell its interpretation before the king. 2:37 You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory; 2:38 and wherever the children of men dwell, the animals of the field and the birds of the sky has he given into your hand, and has made you to rule over them all: you are the head of gold. 2:39 After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 2:40 The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush. 2:41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay. 2:42 As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 2:43 Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cling to one another, even as iron does not mingle with clay. 2:44 In the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 2:45 Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall happen hereafter: and the dream is certain, and its interpretation sure. 2:46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him. 2:47 The king answered to Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing you have been able to reveal this secret. 2:48 Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon. 2:49 Daniel requested of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel was in the gate of the king.

2:1 In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, he had troubling dreams that disturbed his spirit and woke him up. 2:2 So the king ordered the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans to come and explain his dreams. They came and stood before the king. 2:3 The king told them, "I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to understand it." 2:4 The Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, saying, "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will explain it." 2:5 The king replied to the Chaldeans, "The issue has slipped my mind: if you can’t tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces, and your houses will become a dump." 2:6 "But if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will receive gifts, rewards, and great honor. So tell me the dream and its interpretation." 2:7 They answered him again, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will provide its interpretation." 2:8 The king responded, "I know for sure that you are trying to buy time, since you see the situation has escaped me." 2:9 "If you don’t tell me the dream, there is only one law for you; you have conspired to tell me lies and misleading words until the situation changes. Therefore, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can explain its interpretation." 2:10 The Chaldeans answered the king, "There is no person on earth who can explain the king's matter, because no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean." 2:11 "What the king asks is too difficult, and no one can reveal it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not among mortals." 2:12 This made the king angry and very furious, so he ordered the destruction of all the wise men of Babylon. 2:13 The order went out to kill the wise men, and they sought Daniel and his friends to execute them too. 2:14 Then Daniel spoke with wisdom and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon; 2:15 he asked Arioch, "Why is the king’s command so urgent?" Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel. 2:16 Daniel went in and requested the king to give him some time, and he would explain the dream. 2:17 Then Daniel returned home and informed Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 2:18 and asked them to seek mercy from the God of heaven regarding this secret, so that Daniel and his friends would not perish with the rest of Babylon's wise men. 2:19 The secret was then revealed to Daniel in a night vision, and he praised the God of heaven. 2:20 Daniel said, "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him." 2:21 "He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand; 2:22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what’s in the darkness, and light dwells with Him." 2:23 "I thank you and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and power, and have made known to me what we asked of you; you have revealed to us the king's matter." 2:24 Therefore, Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he said to him, "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will explain the interpretation." 2:25 Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king and said, "I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will make known to the king the interpretation." 2:26 The king asked Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Can you tell me the dream I saw and its interpretation?" 2:27 Daniel replied to the king, "The secret the king asks cannot be explained by wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune tellers. 2:28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. The dream and the visions that came to you while you were on your bed are these: 2:29 As for you, O king, while you were on your bed, thoughts came to you about what would happen later; the revealer of secrets has made known to you what is to come. 2:30 But regarding me, this secret has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom I possess more than any other living being, but so the interpretation may be made known to the king and so that you may understand the thoughts of your heart." 2:31 "You, O king, saw a great image. This image, which was magnificent and whose brightness was extraordinary, seemed awesome." 2:32 "The head of this image was made of fine gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze, 2:33 its legs were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly clay." 2:34 "You watched until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay and broke them to pieces." 2:35 "Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were crushed together and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer; the wind carried them away so that no trace was found for them. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." 2:36 "This is the dream; now we will explain its interpretation to the king." 2:37 "You, O king, are the king of kings, for the God of heaven has given you the kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 2:38 and wherever the children of men live, the wild animals and birds of the air He has given into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all: you are the head of gold." 2:39 "After you will rise another kingdom inferior to you; and then a third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth." 2:40 "The fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron, for iron breaks and shatters everything; and as iron crushes all these things, it will break and crush." 2:41 "Just as you saw the feet and toes partly of potters' clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; yet in it there will be some of the sturdiness of iron, since you saw the iron mixed with clay." 2:42 "As the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile." 2:43 "Since you saw iron mixed with clay, they will combine with one another through human seed; but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay." 2:44 "In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will its sovereignty be left to another people; it will crush and put an end to all those kingdoms, and it will stand forever." 2:45 "Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold; the great God has made known to the king what will happen hereafter. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy." 2:46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and worshiped Daniel and commanded that they should offer an offering and fragrant incense to him. 2:47 The king said to Daniel, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret." 2:48 The king promoted Daniel, gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. 2:49 Daniel asked the king to appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the affairs of the province of Babylon, but Daniel remained at the king's court.

3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3:3 Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3:4 Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages, 3:5 that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up; 3:6 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3:8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. 3:9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever. 3:10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image; 3:11 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 3:12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded you: they don't serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up. 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar answered them, Is it on purpose, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 3:15 Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if you don't worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands? 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 3:18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up. 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 3:20 He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 3:21 Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 3:22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 3:23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spoke and said to his counselors, Didn't we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered the king, True, O king. 3:25 He answered, Look, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods. 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire. 3:27 The satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their pants changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them. 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god who is able to deliver after this sort. 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

3:1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a giant gold statue that was sixty cubits tall and six cubits wide. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 3:2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent out a summons to gather the satraps, deputies, governors, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces for the dedication of the image he had set up. 3:3 So, the satraps, deputies, governors, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs, and all the rulers came together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up and stood before it. 3:4 Then the herald shouted loudly, "To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages, 3:5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 3:6 and whoever doesn’t fall down and worship will be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace at that very moment." 3:7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, they all fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3:8 At that time, some Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 3:9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 3:10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden image; 3:11 and whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. 3:12 There are some Jews you’ve appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, pay no attention to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up." 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious and commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. They were brought to the king. 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar asked them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my god or worship the golden image I have set up? 3:15 Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image I made, good; but if you do not worship, you will be thrown into the burning fiery furnace, and what god can save you from my hands?" 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 3:17 If we are thrown into the burning fiery furnace, the God whom we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 3:18 But even if he doesn’t, know this, O king: we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up." 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so angry that his face became distorted with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 3:20 He ordered some strong soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the burning fiery furnace. 3:21 So they were tied up in their coats, trousers, turbans, and other garments and thrown into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 3:22 Because the king's command was so urgent and the furnace was extremely hot, the flames killed the soldiers who took them up. 3:23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the middle of the burning fiery furnace. 3:24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and jumped up in amazement. He asked his counselors, "Did we not throw three men into the fire, bound?" They answered the king, "True, O king." 3:25 He replied, "Look! I see four men unbound, walking in the fire, and they are unharmed; and the fourth looks like a divine being." 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the burning fiery furnace and called, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 3:27 The satraps, deputies, governors, and king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had no power over their bodies; not a hair on their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 3:29 Therefore, I issue a decree that any people, nation, or language that says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces, and their houses will be turned into piles of rubble. For there is no other god who can save in this way." 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 4:2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me. 4:3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 4:4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 4:6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 4:7 Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying, 4:9 Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation. 4:10 Thus were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and its height was great. 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its sight to the end of all the earth. 4:12 The leaves of it were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all: the animals of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from the sky. 4:14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the animals get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches. 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth: 4:16 let his heart be changed from man's, and let an animal's heart be given to him; and let seven times pass over him. 4:17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men. 4:18 This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in you. 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, Belteshazzar, don't let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you. Belteshazzar answered, My lord, the dream be to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries. 4:20 The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth; 4:21 whose leaves were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation: 4:22 it is you, O king, that are grown and become strong; for your greatness is grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth. 4:23 Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from the sky, and saying, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him; 4:24 this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come on my lord the king: 4:25 that you shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will. 4:26 Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be sure to you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule. 4:27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your tranquility. 4:28 All this came on the king Nebuchadnezzar. 4:29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. 4:30 The king spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty? 4:31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from you: 4:32 and you shall be driven from men; and they dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will. 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. 4:34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. 4:35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or tell him, What do you? 4:36 At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me. 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.

4:1 King Nebuchadnezzar, to all the peoples, nations, and languages living on the earth: May peace be multiplied to you. 4:2 I want to share the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. 4:3 How great are His signs! How mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is everlasting, and His dominion lasts from generation to generation. 4:4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at peace in my palace and thriving in my home. 4:5 I had a dream that frightened me; the thoughts on my bed and the visions in my mind disturbed me. 4:6 So I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon to interpret the dream for me. 4:7 The magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers came in; I shared the dream with them, but they couldn’t interpret it. 4:8 Finally, Daniel came in, who was named Belteshazzar after my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. I told him the dream, saying, 4:9 "Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no secret is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream and its interpretation." 4:10 These were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I saw a tree in the middle of the earth, and its height was enormous. 4:11 The tree grew strong, reaching the sky, visible to the ends of the earth. 4:12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and it provided food for all. Animals found shelter under it, birds lived in its branches, and all living beings were fed from it. 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head as I lay on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from the sky. 4:14 He shouted and said, "Cut down the tree, and chop off its branches, strip its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it, and the birds from its branches." 4:15 But leave the stump and roots in the ground, surrounded by a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be drenched with the dew from heaven, and let its lot be with the animals in the grass of the earth. 4:16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man to that of an animal, and let seven periods pass over him. 4:17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the decision is by the word of the holy ones; so that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to anyone He chooses, even to the lowest of men. 4:18 This is the dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; now, Belteshazzar, interpret it for me, since none of the wise men in my kingdom can explain it, but you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you. 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stunned for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke, "Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or its interpretation scare you." Belteshazzar replied, "My lord, may the dream apply to your enemies and its interpretation to those who oppose you." 4:20 The tree you saw, which grew strong, reaching the sky and visible to all the earth; 4:21 whose leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and it provided food for all; under which the animals lived and birds nestled in its branches: 4:22 that tree is you, O king! You have grown and become strong; your greatness has reached the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth. 4:23 The king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, saying, "Cut down the tree and destroy it; but leave the stump and roots in the ground, surrounded by a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be drenched with dew from heaven: let his lot be with the animals of the field until seven periods pass over him." 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High that has come upon my lord, the king: 4:25 you will be driven away from people, and you will live with the animals of the field; you will eat grass like oxen, and seven periods will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to anyone He chooses. 4:26 As for leaving the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be restored to you once you know that heaven rules. 4:27 Therefore, O king, accept my advice: renounce your sins by doing what is right and your wickedness by being merciful to the oppressed; perhaps there will be a lengthening of your prosperity. 4:28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 4:29 Twelve months later, he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 4:30 The king said, "Is this not the great Babylon that I have built as my royal residence, by my mighty power and for my glory?" 4:31 While the words were still on his lips, a voice came from heaven, saying, "King Nebuchadnezzar, this is what is declared to you: Your kingdom has been taken from you. 4:32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the animals of the field; you will eat grass like oxen, and seven periods will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to anyone He chooses." 4:33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; he was driven away from people and ate grass like oxen; his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. 4:34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored; I praised the Most High and honored and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 4:35 All the people of the earth are regarded as nothing; He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?" 4:36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor returned to me for the glory of my kingdom; my advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven because everything He does is right, and all His ways are just; and those who walk in pride He is able to humble.

5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. 5:2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them. 5:3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them. 5:4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. 5:5 In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 5:6 Then the king's face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another. 5:7 The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. 5:8 Then came in all the king's wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation. 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed. 5:11 There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar your father, the king, I say, your father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; 5:12 because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation. 5:13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah? 5:14 I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 5:15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing. 5:16 But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. 5:17 Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 5:18 You king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty: 5:19 and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he killed, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down. 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: 5:21 and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals', and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whoever he will. 5:22 You his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 5:23 but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don't see, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified. 5:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed. 5:25 This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end; 5:27 TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. 5:28 PERES; your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. 5:29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. 5:30 In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain. 5:31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

5:1 King Belshazzar threw a huge feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in front of them all. 5:2 While Belshazzar was enjoying the wine, he ordered that the gold and silver vessels his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought in so that he, his lords, his wives, and his concubines could drink from them. 5:3 They brought in the gold vessels taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king, his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 5:4 They drank wine and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. 5:5 At that very moment, fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 5:6 The king's face turned pale, and his thoughts troubled him; his hips became loose, and his knees knocked together. 5:7 The king shouted to bring in the enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. He said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain around his neck, and be the third ruler in the kingdom." 5:8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or explain it to the king. 5:9 King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his face turned pale, and his lords were confused. 5:10 Now the queen, hearing the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Don't let your thoughts trouble you or your face change. 5:11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, remarkable light, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods were found in him; King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, made him chief over the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 5:12 This Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, had an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding, capable of interpreting dreams, solving puzzles, and explaining riddles. Now let Daniel be summoned, and he will tell you the interpretation." 5:13 Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked Daniel, "Are you that Daniel from the captives of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?" 5:14 "I’ve heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light, understanding, and outstanding wisdom are found in you. 5:15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and to make its interpretation known, but they couldn't explain it. 5:16 But I've heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems; if you can read this writing and explain it to me, you will be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around your neck, and be the third ruler in the kingdom." 5:17 Then Daniel answered the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and tell him the interpretation. 5:18 You, O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom, greatness, glory, and majesty. 5:19 Because of the greatness he was given, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled in fear before him; he killed whom he wished, spared whom he wished, elevated whom he wished, and reduced whom he wished. 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he acted arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. 5:21 He was driven from among mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast; his dwelling was with the wild donkeys; he was fed grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he learned that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and that he appoints over it whomever he wishes. 5:22 You, his son Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this. 5:23 Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven, and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them, and you have praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see, hear, or understand; but the God whose hand holds your breath and controls all your ways, you have not honored. 5:24 Therefore, the part of the hand was sent from him, and this writing was inscribed. 5:25 This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 5:26 This is the interpretation: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom and brought it to an end. 5:27 TEKEL; you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. 5:28 PERES; your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. 5:29 Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel in purple, put a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him to be the third ruler in the kingdom. 5:30 That very night, King Belshazzar of the Chaldeans was killed. 5:31 Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; 6:2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account to them, and that the king should have no damage. 6:3 Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 6:4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6:6 Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus to him, King Darius, live forever. 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 6:8 Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter. 6:9 Therefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. 6:10 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before. 6:11 Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. 6:12 Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king's interdict: Haven't you signed an interdict, that every man who shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, save to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter. 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, doesn't regard you, O king, nor the interdict that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day. 6:14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the going down of the sun to rescue him. 6:15 Then these men assembled together to the king, and said to the king, Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no interdict nor statute which the king establishes may be changed. 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you. 6:17 A stone was brought, and laid on the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 6:18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. 6:19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste to the den of lions. 6:20 When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spoke and said to Daniel, Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? 6:21 Then said Daniel to the king, O king, live forever. 6:22 My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt. 6:23 Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 6:24 The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den. 6:25 Then king Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 6:26 I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end. 6:27 He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 6:28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

6:1 Darius was pleased to appoint one hundred twenty governors to oversee the entire kingdom; 6:2 and over them he appointed three administrators, of whom Daniel was one; this was so that the governors could report to them, and the king would not suffer any loss. 6:3 Daniel stood out among the administrators and the governors because he had an exceptional spirit, and the king planned to put him in charge of the whole kingdom. 6:4 The administrators and the governors tried to find grounds for accusing Daniel in connection with the kingdom, but they couldn't find any reason to criticize him because he was trustworthy, and no corruption or negligence was found in him. 6:5 So, they concluded, we won't find any grounds for accusing this Daniel unless it has to do with the law of his God. 6:6 The administrators and the governors then came together to the king and said to him, "King Darius, live forever!" 6:7 All the administrators of the kingdom, the deputies, the governors, the counselors, and the rulers have consulted together to establish a royal decree and enforce a strict prohibition that anyone who prays to any god or human being for thirty days—except to you, O king—will be thrown into the lions' den. 6:8 Now, O king, establish the prohibition and sign the document so that it cannot be altered, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed. 6:9 So King Darius signed the document and the prohibition. 6:10 When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went to his house (his windows were open in his upper room facing Jerusalem) and knelt down on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, just as he had done before. 6:11 Then these men came together and found Daniel praying and asking for help before his God. 6:12 They went to the king and spoke to him about the king's prohibition: "Did you not sign a prohibition that anyone who prays to any god or human being within thirty days, except to you, O king, will be thrown into the lions' den?" The king replied, "The decree is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." 6:13 Then they said to the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the prohibition you signed; he still prays three times a day." 6:14 When the king heard this, he was very distressed; he set his mind on rescuing Daniel and worked until sundown to save him. 6:15 Then the men came back to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no prohibition or statute established by the king can be changed." 6:16 So the king commanded that Daniel be brought and thrown into the lions' den. But the king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." 6:17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his nobles, so that nothing could be changed regarding Daniel. 6:18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no musicians were brought before him, and he could not sleep. 6:19 At first light, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 6:20 When he got near the den, he called out to Daniel in an anguished voice. The king asked Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" 6:21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever!" 6:22 "My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight; nor have I done any wrong before you, O king." 6:23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted out of the den. When Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him because he had trusted in his God. 6:24 The king commanded that those men who had falsely accused Daniel be brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their children and their wives; and the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones before they hit the floor of the den. 6:25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: "May your peace multiply!" 6:26 "I issue a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom, everyone must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel, because he is the living God and steadfast forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, and his dominion will endure to the end." 6:27 "He delivers and rescues; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for he has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." 6:28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head on his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters. 7:2 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke forth on the great sea. 7:3 Four great animals came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I saw until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a man; and a man's heart was given to it. 7:5 Behold, another animal, a second, like a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus to it, Arise, devour much flesh. 7:6 After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the animal had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. 7:8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. 7:9 I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire. 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 7:11 I saw at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I saw even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. 7:12 As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 7:14 There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. 7:15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 7:16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 7:17 These great animals, which are four, are four kings, who shall arise out of the earth. 7:18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. 7:19 Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth animal, which was diverse from all of them, exceedingly terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet; 7:20 and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. 7:21 I saw, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 7:22 until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth animal shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 7:24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings. 7:25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time. 7:26 But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end. 7:27 The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. 7:28 Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my face was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions in his head while he was in bed. He wrote down the dream and summarized the events. 7:2 Daniel said, "In my night vision, I saw the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea." 7:3 Four great beasts came up out of the sea, each different from the others. 7:4 The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings. I watched until its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a human, and a human heart was given to it. 7:5 Then I saw another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. It was raised up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth, and they said to it, "Get up, eat your fill of flesh." 7:6 After this, I looked, and there was another beast, like a leopard, which had four wings of a bird on its back; the beast also had four heads, and power was given to it. 7:7 After this, I continued to look in the night visions, and there was a fourth beast, terrifying and powerful and exceedingly strong; it had large iron teeth; it devoured, crushed, and trampled the leftovers with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns. 7:8 I considered the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, that came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. In this horn were eyes like a human's, and a mouth speaking great things. 7:9 I watched until thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire. 7:10 A river of fire streamed from before him; thousands upon thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. 7:11 I looked because of the sound of the great words the horn spoke. I watched until the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 7:12 As for the rest of the beasts, their authority was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 7:13 I looked in the night visions, and there came with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man. He approached the Ancient of Days and was brought near to him. 7:14 He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and languages served him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. 7:15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing by and asked him the meaning of all this. He told me and gave me the interpretation of the things. 7:17 These four great beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. 7:18 But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever, yes, forever and ever. 7:19 Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws; it devoured and crushed its victims, and trampled what was left with its feet. 7:20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully and appeared greater than the others. 7:21 I watched as that horn waged war against the holy people and defeated them, 7:22 until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was pronounced in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. 7:23 He said, "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 7:24 The ten horns are ten kings who will emerge from this kingdom. Another king will arise after them; he will be different from the earlier ones and will subdue three kings. 7:25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times, and half a time. 7:26 But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 7:27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him. 7:28 This is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.

8:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, even to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. 8:2 I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai. 8:3 Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 8:4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; and no animals could stand before him, neither was there any who could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and magnified himself. 8:5 As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and didn't touch the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 8:6 He came to the ram that had the two horns, which I saw standing before the river, and ran on him in the fury of his power. 8:7 I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with anger against him, and struck the ram, and broke his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him; but he cast him down to the ground, and trampled on him; and there was none who could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8:8 The male goat magnified himself exceedingly: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four notable horns toward the four winds of the sky. 8:9 Out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land. 8:10 It grew great, even to the army of the sky; and some of the army and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled on them. 8:11 Yes, it magnified itself, even to the prince of the army; and it took away from him the continual burnt offering, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 8:12 The army was given over to it together with the continual burnt offering through disobedience; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did its pleasure and prospered. 8:13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the continual burnt offering, and the disobedience that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot? 8:14 He said to me, To two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. 8:15 It happened, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 8:16 I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 8:17 So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was frightened, and fell on my face: but he said to me, Understand, son of man; for the vision belongs to the time of the end. 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright. 8:19 He said, Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it belongs to the appointed time of the end. 8:20 The ram which you saw, that had the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia. 8:21 The rough male goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 8:22 As for that which was broken, in the place where four stood up, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not with his power. 8:23 In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce face, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 8:24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people. 8:25 Through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and in their security shall he destroy many: he shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. 8:26 The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true: but seal up the vision; for it belongs to many days to come. 8:27 I, Daniel, fainted, and was sick certain days; then I rose up, and did the king's business: and I wondered at the vision, but none understood it.

8:1 In the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, I, Daniel, had another vision, following the first one I had. 8:2 In this vision, I was in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam, and I was by the river Ulai. 8:3 I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing by the river; one horn was higher than the other, and it came up last. 8:4 I watched the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, and no animals could stand against him, nor could anyone rescue them from his power; he acted as he pleased and became very powerful. 8:5 While I was thinking this over, a male goat came from the west, moving so fast it didn't even touch the ground; he had a prominent horn between his eyes. 8:6 He approached the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen standing by the river, and charged at him with great rage. 8:7 I saw him come up close to the ram, and he was furious, attacking the ram and breaking its two horns; the ram had no strength to resist him, and he knocked it to the ground and trampled it, with no one able to save the ram from his grasp. 8:8 The male goat became extremely powerful, but when he reached his peak, the great horn was broken; in its place, four notable horns came up toward the four winds of the sky. 8:9 From one of these horns, a little horn emerged and grew very large, heading south, east, and toward the glorious land. 8:10 It grew so powerful, it reached the host of heaven, and some of the stars and the army were thrown down to the ground and trampled. 8:11 Yes, it even became great against the commander of the army; it took away the daily sacrifice, and the place of his sanctuary was thrown down. 8:12 The army was given over to it, along with the daily sacrifice because of disobedience; it threw truth to the ground and prospered in what it did. 8:13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one asked him, "How long will this vision last concerning the daily sacrifice and the disobedience that brings desolation, so that both the sanctuary and the army can be mistreated?" 8:14 He replied, "For two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be restored." 8:15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I tried to understand it, and there stood before me someone resembling a man. 8:16 I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, explain the vision to this man." 8:17 So he came near where I was standing, and when he approached, I was terrified and fell down. But he said to me, "Understand, son of man, for the vision refers to the time of the end." 8:18 While he was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground, but he touched me and set me upright. 8:19 He said, "Look, I will let you know what will happen in the latter time of the indignation; for it pertains to the appointed time of the end." 8:20 The ram you saw with two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. 8:21 The rough male goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. 8:22 As for what was broken, in the place where four arose, four kingdoms will rise from that nation, but not with his strength. 8:23 In the latter time of their rule, when rebellion is at its peak, a king of fierce appearance and understanding dark secrets will arise. 8:24 His power will be great, but not by his own strength; he will destroy many and succeed in whatever he does; he will destroy powerful ones and holy people. 8:25 Through his cunning, he will make deceit prosper in his hand, and he will exalt himself in his heart; in their security, he will corrupt many, and he will also rise against the Prince of princes; but he will be broken without human intervention. 8:26 The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision; for it refers to many days in the future. 8:27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and ill for several days; then I got up and went about the king's business; I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans, 9:2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years about which the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years. 9:3 I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 9:4 I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments, 9:5 we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances; 9:6 neither have we listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 9:7 Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near, and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you. 9:8 Lord, to us belongs confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him; 9:10 neither have we obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 9:11 Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, even turning aside, that they should not obey your voice: therefore has the curse been poured out on us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God; for we have sinned against him. 9:12 He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us a great evil; for under the whole sky has not been done as has been done on Jerusalem. 9:13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come on us: yet have we not entreated the favor of Yahweh our God, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in your truth. 9:14 Therefore has Yahweh watched over the evil, and brought it on us; for Yahweh our God is righteous in all his works which he does, and we have not obeyed his voice. 9:15 Now, Lord our God, who has brought your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have gotten you renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 9:16 Lord, according to all your righteousness, let your anger and please let your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people are become a reproach to all who are around us. 9:17 Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. 9:18 My God, turn your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies' sake. 9:19 Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, listen and do; don't defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name. 9:20 While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Yahweh my God for the holy mountain of my God; 9:21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering. 9:22 He instructed me, and talked with me, and said, Daniel, I am now come forth to give you wisdom and understanding. 9:23 At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went forth, and I am come to tell you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision. 9:24 Seventy weeks are decreed on your people and on your holy city, to finish disobedience, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. 9:25 Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times. 9:26 After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined. 9:27 He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out on the desolate.

9:1 In the first year of Darius, son of Ahasuerus, from the Medes, who became king over the Chaldean kingdom, 9:2 during the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from the books about the number of years that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet regarding the desolation of Jerusalem, specifically seventy years. 9:3 I turned to the Lord God, seeking him with prayer and petitions, accompanied by fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. 9:4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed, saying, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps the covenant and shows steadfast love to those who love him and keep his commandments, 9:5 we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, and rebelled, turning away from your commandments and laws; 9:6 we have not listened to your servants the prophets who spoke in your name to our kings, princes, ancestors, and all the people of the land. 9:7 Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us shame, as it is today; to the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have driven them because of their unfaithfulness to you. 9:8 Lord, shame is ours, to our kings, princes, and ancestors, because we have sinned against you. 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him; 9:10 we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God to walk in his laws set before us by his servants the prophets. 9:11 Indeed, all Israel has broken your law, turning away, so they did not obey your voice: therefore, the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath written in the law of Moses, the servant of God, for we have sinned against him. 9:12 He has confirmed his word, which he spoke against us and against our leaders who judged us, by bringing a great disaster upon us; for under the whole heaven has not been done what has been done to Jerusalem. 9:13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquities and gaining insight into your truth. 9:14 Therefore, the Lord has kept watch over this disaster and brought it upon us; for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works, which he does, and we have not obeyed his voice. 9:15 Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and made a name for yourself, as it is today; we have sinned, we have acted wickedly. 9:16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, please turn your anger and your wrath away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because of our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors, Jerusalem and your people have become a mockery to all around us. 9:17 Now, our God, hear the prayer of your servant and his pleas for mercy, and let your face shine upon your desolate sanctuary for the Lord's sake. 9:18 My God, turn your ear and hear; open your eyes and see our wastelands and the city called by your name; for we do not present our pleas before you based on our righteousness, but based on your great mercies. 9:19 Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, listen and take action; do not delay, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name. 9:20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; 9:21 yes, while I was still in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, came to me swiftly around the time of the evening sacrifice. 9:22 He instructed me and talked with me, saying, "Daniel, I have come to give you insight and understanding. 9:23 As soon as you began to pray, a command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; therefore consider the matter and understand the vision. 9:24 Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for wickedness, bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up vision and prophecy, and anoint the most holy. 9:25 Know and understand that from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in troublesome times. 9:26 After the sixty-two weeks, the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing; the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary; the end will come like a flood; war will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one week; in the middle of the week, he will put an end to sacrifice and offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate; until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolate."

10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. 10:2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled. 10:4 In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, 10:5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: 10:6 his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 10:7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me didn't see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves. 10:8 So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. 10:10 Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 10:11 He said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for to you am I now sent. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 10:12 Then said he to me, Don't be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I am come for your words' sake. 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 10:14 Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days: 10:15 and when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute. 10:16 Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I retain no strength. 10:17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me. 10:18 Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. 10:19 He said, "Greatly beloved man, don't be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong."

10:1 In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, received a revelation. The message was true and involved a significant conflict; he understood it and grasped the vision. 10:2 During that time, I, Daniel, was mourning for three straight weeks. 10:3 I ate no tasty food, and no meat or wine entered my mouth. I didn't use lotion at all until the three weeks were over. 10:4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the great river, which is the Tigris, 10:5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of pure gold from Uphaz around his waist. 10:6 His body looked like beryl, his face shone like lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, and his arms and legs were like polished bronze. The sound of his words was like the voice of a crowd. 10:7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me didn't see it, but they were overwhelmed with fear and ran away to hide. 10:8 So I was left alone, and I saw this great vision. I lost all my strength; my beauty turned to decay, and I had no strength left. 10:9 Yet I heard the voice of his words, and when I heard them, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. 10:10 Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me on my knees and hands. 10:11 He said to me, "Daniel, you are greatly loved. Understand the words I’m about to say to you, and stand up; I’ve been sent to you." When he spoke, I stood trembling. 10:12 He said to me, "Don’t be afraid, Daniel; since the first day you set your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days; then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 10:14 Now I have come to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision is for many days ahead." 10:15 And when he said this to me, I turned my face to the ground and was silent. 10:16 Suddenly, one who looked like a man touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, "My lord, because of the vision, my sorrows overwhelm me, and I have no strength left." 10:17 How can your servant talk to my lord? I have no strength left, and no breath is left in me." 10:18 Then he touched me again, and he looked like a man. He strengthened me 10:19 and said, "You are greatly loved. Don’t be afraid; peace be with you. Be strong, yes, be strong."

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me."

When he talked to me, I felt empowered, and I said, "Go ahead, my lord; you've given me strength."

10:20 Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come. 10:21 But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."

10:20 Then he said, "Do you know why I've come to you? Now I’m going back to fight the prince of Persia. When I leave, look out, the prince of Greece will come. 10:21 But I will share with you what is written in the truth: no one stands with me against them, except Michael, your prince."

11:1 "As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. 11:2 Now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when he has grown strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. 11:3 A mighty king shall stand up, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 11:4 When he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these. 11:5 The king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. 11:6 At the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the strength of her arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and those who brought her, and he who became the father of her, and he who strengthened her in those times. 11:7 But out of a shoot from her roots shall one stand up in his place, who shall come to the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail. 11:8 Also their gods, with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, shall he carry captive into Egypt; and he shall refrain some years from the king of the north. 11:9 He shall come into the realm of the king of the south, but he shall return into his own land. 11:10 His sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress. 11:11 The king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand. 11:12 The multitude shall be lifted up, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail. 11:13 The king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance. 11:14 In those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among your people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall. 11:15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand. 11:16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land, and in his hand shall be destruction. 11:17 He shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and with him equitable conditions; and he shall perform them: and he shall give him the daughter of women, to corrupt her; but she shall not stand, neither be for him. 11:18 After this shall he turn his face to the islands, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yes, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn on him. 11:19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found. 11:20 Then shall stand up in his place one who shall cause a tax collector to pass through the kingdom to maintain its glory; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. 11:21 In his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. 11:22 The overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before him, and shall be broken; yes, also the prince of the covenant. 11:23 After the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people. 11:24 In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yes, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time. 11:25 He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him. 11:26 Yes, they who eat of his dainties shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow; and many shall fall down slain. 11:27 As for both these kings, their hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table: but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. 11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great substance; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do his pleasure, and return to his own land. 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come into the south; but it shall not be in the latter time as it was in the former. 11:30 For ships of Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall do his pleasure: he shall even return, and have regard to those who forsake the holy covenant. 11:31 Forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering, and they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 11:32 Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 11:33 Those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days. 11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves to them with flatteries. 11:35 Some of those who are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed. 11:36 The king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done. 11:37 Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all. 11:38 But in his place shall he honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his fathers didn't know shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 11:39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god: whoever acknowledges him he will increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for a price. 11:40 At the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through. 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also on the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 11:44 But news out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many. 11:45 He shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

11:1 "As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to support and strengthen him. 11:2 Now I will reveal the truth. Look, there will be three more kings in Persia, and the fourth will be much richer than all of them. When he becomes powerful because of his riches, he will provoke everyone against the realm of Greece. 11:3 A mighty king will rise up, who will rule with great authority and act according to his will. 11:4 When he rises up, his kingdom will be broken and divided towards the four corners of the earth, but not among his descendants, nor according to his ruling power; his kingdom will be taken down and given to others. 11:5 The king of the south will be strong, and one of his princes will be stronger than him and will have control; his control will be great. 11:6 After a number of years, they will unite; the daughter of the king of the south will go to the king of the north to make a pact, but she will not hold on to her strength, nor will he stand, nor his power; she will be given up, along with those who brought her in, her father, and the one who supported her during those times. 11:7 But from her roots, a shoot will rise in her place, who will come to the army and invade the fortress of the king of the north, and will fight against them and succeed. 11:8 He will also carry off their gods, their molten images, and their precious silver and gold vessels into Egypt; and he will refrain from attacking the king of the north for several years. 11:9 He will enter the territory of the king of the south, but will return to his own land. 11:10 His sons will engage in war and assemble a massive force, which will advance and overflow, passing through, and they will return and fight, even against his fortress. 11:11 The king of the south will become enraged and will come out to battle against the king of the north, leading a great multitude, and the multitude will fall into his hands. 11:12 The multitude will be exalted, and his heart will be lifted up; he will strike down tens of thousands but will not prevail. 11:13 The king of the north will return and will muster a greater multitude than before; and he will come at the end of the years with a great army and great wealth. 11:14 In those times, many will stand up against the king of the south: also, the violent ones among your people will rise up to fulfill the vision; but they will fall. 11:15 So the king of the north will come, build a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city; the forces of the south will not withstand it, neither will his chosen people, nor will there be any strength to resist. 11:16 But whoever comes against him will act according to his own will, and none will stand before him; he will stand in the glorious land, and destruction will be in his hand. 11:17 He will prepare to approach with all his kingdom’s strength, and equitable terms will be with him; he will fulfill them: he will give him the daughter of women to corrupt her, but she will not remain, nor be loyal to him. 11:18 After this, he will turn his attention to the islands and will conquer many; but a prince will cause the disgrace he offered to cease; indeed, he will turn his disgrace back on him. 11:19 Then he will turn his gaze toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall, and will not be found. 11:20 Then there will rise in his place a contemptible figure, who will have not been given the honor of the kingdom: he will come during a time of security, and will take the kingdom through flattery. 11:21 The overwhelming forces will be overwhelmed before him and will be shattered; yes, even the prince of the covenant. 11:22 After the alliance he makes with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise up, and will become strong, with a small group. 11:23 During a time of security, he will invade even the most prosperous parts of the province; he will do what his ancestors have not done, nor his grandfather's forebears; he will distribute plunder, spoil, and wealth among them: yes, he will strategize against the strongholds, even for a time. 11:24 He will rally his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south will conduct a battle with an exceedingly great and mighty army; but he will not stand; for they will devise plots against him. 11:25 Yes, those who feast on his delicacies will destroy him, and his army will be overwhelmed; and many will fall slain. 11:26 As for both of these kings, their hearts will be set on doing evil, and they will share lies at one table; but it will not succeed; for the end will still come at the appointed time. 11:27 Then he will return to his own land with great wealth; and his heart will be set against the holy covenant; and he will do as he pleases and return to his own land. 11:28 At the appointed time, he will return and invade the south; but it will not be the same as it was in the earlier days. 11:29 For ships from Kittim will come against him; therefore, he will be frustrated and will return in anger against the holy covenant and do as he pleases: he will even return and pay attention to those who abandon the holy covenant. 11:30 Forces will stand by him, and they will profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and will take away the continual burnt offering, and they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 11:31 Those who act wickedly against the covenant he will lead astray through flattery; but the people who know their God will stand firm and take action. 11:32 Those who are wise among the people will teach many; yet they will fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder, for many days. 11:33 Now when they fall, they will receive a little help; but many will join themselves to them with flattery. 11:34 Some of the wise will fall, to refine, purify, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. 11:35 The king will act according to his will; he will raise himself up and magnify himself above every god, and will speak astounding things against the God of gods; and he will succeed until the wrath is accomplished; for what has been determined will be done. 11:36 Nor will he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor pay attention to any god; for he will exalt himself above all. 11:37 But in his place, he will honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his ancestors did not know, he will honor with gold, silver, precious stones, and goodies. 11:38 He will deal with the strongest fortifications by the help of a foreign god: whoever acknowledges him he will enrich with glory; and he will make them rule over many, and will divide the land for a price. 11:39 At the end time, the king of the south will confront him; and the king of the north will come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and many ships; and he will enter the countries and will spill over and pass through. 11:40 He will also enter the glorious land, and many countries will be conquered; but these will be delivered from his power: Edom, Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 11:41 He will also stretch out his hand over the countries; and the land of Egypt will not escape. 11:42 But he will have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians will be under his command. 11:43 But news from the east and the north will disturb him; and he will go out with great rage to destroy and completely annihilate many. 11:44 He will set up the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

12:1 "At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. 12:2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 12:3 Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."

12:1 "At that time, Michael will rise up, the great prince who defends the people; and there will be a time of trouble like never before since nations began. At that time, your people will be rescued, everyone whose name is written in the book. 12:2 Many of those who are dead will awaken, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and everlasting shame. 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will be like the stars forever. 12:4 But you, Daniel, close up the words and seal the book until the end times: many will wander around, and knowledge will increase."

12:5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side. 12:6 One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 12:7 I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 12:8 I heard, but I didn't understand: then said I, my lord, what shall be the issue of these things? 12:9 He said, Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 12:10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand. 12:11 From the time that the continual burnt offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days. 12:12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days. 12:13 But go you your way until the end be; for you shall rest, and shall stand in your lot, at the end of the days.

12:5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there were two others, one standing on the riverbank on this side and the other on the riverbank on that side. 12:6 One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the end of these wonders?” 12:7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left hand to heaven and swore by the one who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and a half; and when they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these things will be completed. 12:8 I heard, but I didn't understand; so I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 12:9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are sealed until the time of the end.” 12:10 Many will purify themselves, become clean, and be refined; but the wicked will continue to act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand; but the wise will understand. 12:11 From the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be one thousand two hundred ninety days. 12:12 Blessed is he who waits and reaches one thousand three hundred thirty-five days. 12:13 But you, go on your way until the end; for you will rest and stand in your place at the end of the days.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 9:25 "Anointed One" can also be translated "Messiah" (same as "Christ").

[1] back to 9:25 "Anointed One" can also be translated as "Messiah" (the same as "Christ").

[2] back to 9:26 "Anointed One" can also be translated "Messiah" (same as "Christ").

[2] back to 9:26 "Anointed One" can also be translated as "Messiah" (the same as "Christ").














Hosea

1:1 The word of Yahweh that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. 1:2 When Yahweh spoke at the first by Hosea, Yahweh said to Hosea, "Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness; for the land commits great adultery, forsaking Yahweh."

1:1 The message from the Lord that came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam, the son of Joash, king of Israel. 1:2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, "Go, take for yourself a wife who is unfaithful and have children of unfaithfulness; for the land is being very unfaithful, turning away from the Lord."

1:3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; and she conceived, and bore him a son.

1:3 So he went and married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim; and she got pregnant and had a son for him.

1:4 Yahweh said to him, "Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and will cause the kingdom of the house of Israel to cease. 1:5 It will happen in that day that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."

1:4 God told him, "Name him Jezreel; for in just a little while, I will take revenge for the blood of Jezreel against the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 1:5 On that day, I will destroy Israel's military power in the valley of Jezreel."

1:6 She conceived again, and bore a daughter.

1:6 She got pregnant again and had a daughter.

Then he said to him, "Call her name Lo-Ruhamah; for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, that I should in any way pardon them. 1:7 But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and will save them by Yahweh their God, and will not save them by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen."

Then he said to him, "Name her Lo-Ruhamah; because I will no longer show mercy to the house of Israel or forgive them in any way. 1:7 But I will show mercy to the house of Judah and will save them through Yahweh their God. I will not save them through bow, sword, battle, horses, or cavalry."

1:8 Now when she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she conceived, and bore a son.

1:8 After she had finished nursing Lo-Ruhamah, she became pregnant again and had a son.

1:9 He said, "Call his name Lo-Ammi; for you are not my people, and I will not be yours. 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, which can't be measured nor numbered; and it will come to pass that, in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 1:11 The children of Judah and the children of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint themselves one head, and will go up from the land; for great will be the day of Jezreel.

1:9 He said, "Name him Lo-Ammi; for you are not my people, and I will not be your God. 1:10 But the number of the people of Israel will be like the sand by the sea, which can't be measured or counted; and it will happen that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'children of the living God.' 1:11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together, and they will choose one leader for themselves, and they will rise up from the land; for the day of Jezreel will be great.

2:1 "Say to your brothers, 'My people!'
and to your sisters, 'My loved one!'
2:2 Contend with your mother!
Contend, for she is not my wife,
neither am I her husband;
and let her put away her prostitution from her face,
and her adulteries from between her breasts;
2:3 Lest I strip her naked,
and make her bare as in the day that she was born,
and make her like a wilderness,
and set her like a dry land,
and kill her with thirst.
2:4 Indeed, on her children I will have no mercy;
for they are children of unfaithfulness;
2:5 For their mother has played the prostitute.
She who conceived them has done shamefully;
for she said, 'I will go after my lovers,
who give me my bread and my water,
my wool and my flax,
my oil and my drink.'
2:6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns,
and I will build a wall against her,
that she can't find her way.
2:7 She will follow after her lovers,
but she won't overtake them;
and she will seek them,
but won't find them.
Then she will say, 'I will go and return to my first husband;
for then was it better with me than now.'
2:8 For she did not know that I gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil,
and multiplied to her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.
2:9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time,
and my new wine in its season,
and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered her nakedness.
2:10 Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,
and no one will deliver her out of my hand.
2:11 I will also cause all her celebrations to cease:
her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her solemn assemblies.
2:12 I will lay waste her vines and her fig trees,
about which she has said, 'These are my wages that my lovers have given me;
and I will make them a forest,'
and the animals of the field shall eat them.
2:13 I will visit on her the days of the Baals,
to which she burned incense,
when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels,
and went after her lovers,
and forgot me," says Yahweh.
2:14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
and bring her into the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her.
2:15 I will give her vineyards from there,
and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;
and she will respond there,
as in the days of her youth,
and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.
2:16 It will be in that day," says Yahweh,
"that you will call me 'my husband,'
and no longer call me 'my master.'
2:17 For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth,
and they will no longer be mentioned by name.
2:18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field,
and with the birds of the sky,
and with the creeping things of the ground.
I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land,
and will make them lie down safely.
2:19 I will betroth you to me forever.
Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.
2:20 I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness;
and you shall know Yahweh.
2:21 It will happen in that day, I will respond," says Yahweh,
"I will respond to the heavens,
and they will respond to the earth;
2:22 and the earth will respond to the grain, and the new wine, and the oil;
and they will respond to Jezreel.
2:23 I will sow her to me in the earth;
and I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;
and I will tell those who were not my people, 'You are my people;'
and they will say, 'My God!'"

3:1 Yahweh said to me, "Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods, and love cakes of raisins."

3:1 The Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by another and is unfaithful, just like the Lord loves the people of Israel, even though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes."

3:2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley. 3:3 I said to her, "You shall stay with me many days. You shall not play the prostitute, and you shall not be with any other man. I will also be so toward you."

3:2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley. 3:3 I told her, "You will stay with me for a long time. You won't be with other men, and I won’t be with anyone else either."

3:4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without sacred stone, and without ephod or idols. 3:5 Afterward the children of Israel shall return, and seek Yahweh their God, and David their king, and shall come with trembling to Yahweh and to his blessings in the last days.

3:4 The people of Israel will be without a king, without a leader, without sacrifices, without sacred stones, and without ephods or idols for a long time. 3:5 Later, the people of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to His blessings in the end times.

4:1 Hear the word of Yahweh, you children of Israel;
for Yahweh has a charge against the inhabitants of the land:
"Indeed there is no truth,
nor goodness,
nor knowledge of God in the land.
4:2 There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery;
they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed.
4:3 Therefore the land will mourn,
and everyone who dwells therein will waste away.
all living things in her,
even the animals of the field and the birds of the sky;
yes, the fish of the sea also die.
4:4 "Yet let no man bring a charge, neither let any man accuse; For your people are like those who bring charges against a priest.
4:5 You will stumble in the day,
and the prophet will also stumble with you in the night;
and I will destroy your mother.
4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you,
that you may be no priest to me.
Because you have forgotten your God's law,
I will also forget your children.
4:7 As they were multiplied, so they sinned against me.
I will change their glory into shame.
4:8 They feed on the sin of my people,
and set their heart on their iniquity.
4:9 It will be, like people, like priest;
and I will punish them for their ways,
and will repay them for their deeds.
4:10 They will eat, and not have enough.
They will play the prostitute, and will not increase;
because they have abandoned giving to Yahweh.
4:11 Prostitution, wine, and new wine take away understanding.
4:12 My people consult with their wooden idol,
and answer to a stick of wood.
Indeed the spirit of prostitution has led them astray,
and they have been unfaithful to their God.
4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains,
and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths,
because its shade is good.
Therefore your daughters play the prostitute,
and your brides commit adultery.
4:14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute,
nor your brides when they commit adultery;
because the men consort with prostitutes,
and they sacrifice with the shrine prostitutes;
so the people without understanding will come to ruin.
4:15 "Though you, Israel, play the prostitute,
yet don't let Judah offend;
and don't come to Gilgal,
neither go up to Beth Aven,
nor swear, 'As Yahweh lives.'
4:16 For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer.
Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow.
4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols.
Leave him alone!
4:18 Their drink has become sour.
They play the prostitute continually.
Her rulers dearly love their shameful way.
4:19 The wind has wrapped her up in its wings;
and they shall be disappointed because of their sacrifices.
5:1 "Listen to this, you priests!
Listen, house of Israel,
and give ear, house of the king!
For the judgment is against you;
for you have been a snare at Mizpah,
and a net spread on Tabor.
5:2 The rebels are deep in slaughter;
but I discipline all of them.
5:3 I know Ephraim,
and Israel is not hidden from me;
for now, Ephraim, you have played the prostitute.
Israel is defiled.
5:4 Their deeds won't allow them to turn to their God;
for the spirit of prostitution is within them,
and they don't know Yahweh.
5:5 The pride of Israel testifies to his face.
Therefore Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their iniquity.
Judah also will stumble with them.
5:6 They will go with their flocks and with their herds to seek Yahweh;
but they won't find him.
He has withdrawn himself from them.
5:7 They are unfaithful to Yahweh;
for they have borne illegitimate children.
Now the new moon will devour them with their fields.
5:8 "Blow the cornet in Gibeah,
and the trumpet in Ramah!
Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven, behind you, Benjamin!
5:9 Ephraim will become a desolation in the day of rebuke.
Among the tribes of Israel, I have made known that which will surely be.
5:10 The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark.
I will pour out my wrath on them like water.
5:11 Ephraim is oppressed,
he is crushed in judgment;
Because he is intent in his pursuit of idols.
5:12 Therefore I am to Ephraim like a moth,
and to the house of Judah like rottenness.
5:13 "When Ephraim saw his sickness,
and Judah his wound,
Then Ephraim went to Assyria,
and sent to king Jareb:
but he is not able to heal you,
neither will he cure you of your wound.
5:14 For I will be to Ephraim like a lion,
and like a young lion to the house of Judah.
I myself will tear in pieces and go away.
I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver.
5:15 I will go and return to my place,
until they acknowledge their offense,
and seek my face.
In their affliction they will seek me earnestly."
6:1 "Come, and let us return to Yahweh;
for he has torn us to pieces,
and he will heal us;
he has injured us,
and he will bind up our wounds.
6:2 After two days he will revive us.
On the third day he will raise us up,
and we will live before him.
6:3 Let us acknowledge Yahweh.
Let us press on to know Yahweh.
As surely as the sun rises,
Yahweh will appear.
He will come to us like the rain,
like the spring rain that waters the earth."
6:4 "Ephraim, what shall I do to you?
Judah, what shall I do to you?
For your love is like a morning cloud,
and like the dew that disappears early.
6:5 Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets;
I killed them with the words of my mouth.
Your judgments are like a flash of lightning.
6:6 For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
6:7 But they, like Adam, have broken the covenant.
They were unfaithful to me, there.
6:8 Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity;
it is stained with blood.
6:9 As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man,
so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem,
committing shameful crimes.
6:10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing.
There is prostitution in Ephraim.
Israel is defiled.
6:11 "Also, Judah, there is a harvest appointed for you,
when I restore the fortunes of my people.
7:1 When I would heal Israel,
then the iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered,
also the wickedness of Samaria;
for they commit falsehood,
and the thief enters in,
and the gang of robbers ravages outside.
7:2 They don't consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness.
Now their own deeds have engulfed them.
They are before my face.
7:3 They make the king glad with their wickedness,
and the princes with their lies.
7:4 They are all adulterers.
They are burning like an oven that the baker stops stirring,
from the kneading of the dough, until it is leavened.
7:5 On the day of our king, the princes made themselves sick with the heat of wine.
He joined his hand with mockers.
7:6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven,
while they lie in wait.
Their baker sleeps all the night.
In the morning it burns as a flaming fire.
7:7 They are all hot as an oven,
and devour their judges.
All their kings have fallen.
There is no one among them who calls to me.
7:8 Ephraim, he mixes himself among the nations.
Ephraim is a pancake not turned over.
7:9 Strangers have devoured his strength,
and he doesn't realize it.
Indeed, gray hairs are here and there on him,
and he doesn't realize it.
7:10 The pride of Israel testifies to his face;
yet they haven't returned to Yahweh their God,
nor sought him, for all this.
7:11 "Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding.
They call to Egypt.
They go to Assyria.
7:12 When they go, I will spread my net on them.
I will bring them down like the birds of the sky.
I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard.
7:13 Woe to them!
For they have wandered from me.
Destruction to them!
For they have trespassed against me.
Though I would redeem them,
yet they have spoken lies against me.
7:14 They haven't cried to me with their heart,
but they howl on their beds.
They assemble themselves for grain and new wine.
They turn away from me.
7:15 Though I have taught and strengthened their arms,
yet they plot evil against me.
7:16 They return, but not to the Most High.
They are like a faulty bow.
Their princes will fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue.
This will be their derision in the land of Egypt.
8:1 "Put the trumpet to your lips!
Something like an eagle is over Yahweh's house,
because they have broken my covenant,
and rebelled against my law.
8:2 They cry to me, 'My God, we Israel acknowledge you!'
8:3 Israel has cast off that which is good.
The enemy will pursue him.
8:4 They have set up kings, but not by me.
They have made princes, and I didn't approve.
Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols,
that they may be cut off.
8:5 Let Samaria throw out his calf idol!
My anger burns against them!
How long will it be until they are capable of purity?
8:6 For this is even from Israel!
The workman made it, and it is no God;
indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
8:7 For they sow the wind,
and they will reap the whirlwind.
He has no standing grain.
The stalk will yield no head.
If it does yield, strangers will swallow it up.
8:8 Israel is swallowed up.
Now they are among the nations like a worthless thing.
8:9 For they have gone up to Assyria,
like a wild donkey wandering alone.
Ephraim has hired lovers for himself.
8:10 But although they sold themselves among the nations,
I will now gather them;
and they begin to waste away because of the oppression of the king of mighty ones.
8:11 Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning,
they became for him altars for sinning.
8:12 I wrote for him the many things of my law;
but they were regarded as a strange thing.
8:13 As for the sacrifices of my offerings,
they sacrifice flesh and eat it;
But Yahweh doesn't accept them.
Now he will remember their iniquity,
and punish their sins.
They will return to Egypt.
8:14 For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces;
and Judah has multiplied fortified cities;
but I will send a fire on his cities,
and it will devour its fortresses."
9:1 Don't rejoice, Israel, to jubilation like the nations;
for you were unfaithful to your God.
You love the wages of a prostitute at every grain threshing floor.
9:2 The threshing floor and the winepress won't feed them,
and the new wine will fail her.
9:3 They won't dwell in Yahweh's land;
but Ephraim will return to Egypt,
and they will eat unclean food in Assyria.
9:4 They won't pour out wine offerings to Yahweh,
neither will they be pleasing to him.
Their sacrifices will be to them like the bread of mourners;
all who eat of it will be polluted;
for their bread will be for their appetite.
It will not come into the house of Yahweh.
9:5 What will you do in the day of solemn assembly,
and in the day of the feast of Yahweh?
9:6 For, behold, they have gone away from destruction.
Egypt will gather them up.
Memphis will bury them.
Nettles will possess their pleasant things of silver.
Thorns will be in their tents.
9:7 The days of visitation have come.
The days of reckoning have come.
Israel will consider the prophet to be a fool,
and the man who is inspired to be insane,
because of the abundance of your sins,
and because your hostility is great.
9:8 A prophet watches over Ephraim with my God.
A fowler's snare is on all of his paths,
and hostility in the house of his God.
9:9 They have deeply corrupted themselves,
as in the days of Gibeah.
He will remember their iniquity.
He will punish them for their sins.
9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness.
I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at its first season;
but they came to Baal Peor, and consecrated themselves to the shameful thing,
and became abominable like that which they loved.
9:11 As for Ephraim, their glory will fly away like a bird.
There will be no birth, none with child, and no conception.
9:12 Though they bring up their children,
yet I will bereave them, so that not a man shall be left.
Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them!
9:13 I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place;
but Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer.
9:14 Give them--Yahweh what will you give?
Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
9:15 "All their wickedness is in Gilgal;
for there I hated them.
Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of my house!
I will love them no more.
All their princes are rebels.
9:16 Ephraim is struck.
Their root has dried up.
They will bear no fruit.
Even though they bring forth, yet I will kill the beloved ones of their womb."
9:17 My God will cast them away, because they did not listen to him;
and they will be wanderers among the nations.
10:1 Israel is a luxuriant vine that puts forth his fruit.
According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars.
As their land has prospered, they have adorned their sacred stones.
10:2 Their heart is divided.
Now they will be found guilty.
He will demolish their altars.
He will destroy their sacred stones.
10:3 Surely now they will say, "We have no king; for we don't fear Yahweh;
and the king, what can he do for us?"
10:4 They make promises, swearing falsely in making covenants.
Therefore judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.
10:5 The inhabitants of Samaria will be in terror for the calves of Beth Aven;
for its people will mourn over it,
Along with its priests who rejoiced over it,
for its glory, because it has departed from it.
10:6 It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great king.
Ephraim will receive shame,
and Israel will be ashamed of his own counsel.
10:7 Samaria and her king float away,
like a twig on the water.
10:8 The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed.
The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars.
They will tell the mountains, "Cover us!" and the hills, "Fall on us!"
10:9 "Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah.
There they remained.
The battle against the children of iniquity doesn't overtake them in Gibeah.
10:10 When it is my desire, I will chastise them;
and the nations will be gathered against them,
when they are bound to their two transgressions.
10:11 Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh;
so I will put a yoke on her beautiful neck.
I will set a rider on Ephraim.
Judah will plow.
Jacob will break his clods.
10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap according to kindness.
Break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek Yahweh,
until he comes and rains righteousness on you.
10:13 You have plowed wickedness.
You have reaped iniquity.
You have eaten the fruit of lies,
for you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men.
10:14 Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people,
and all your fortresses will be destroyed,
as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle.
The mother was dashed in pieces with her children.
10:15 So Bethel will do to you because of your great wickedness.
At daybreak the king of Israel will be destroyed.
11:1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him,
and called my son out of Egypt.
11:2 They called to them, so they went from them.
They sacrificed to the Baals,
and burned incense to engraved images.
11:3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk.
I took them by his arms;
but they didn't know that I healed them.
11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love;
and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks;
and I bent down to him and I fed him.
11:5 "They won't return into the land of Egypt;
but the Assyrian will be their king,
because they refused to repent.
11:6 The sword will fall on their cities,
and will destroy the bars of their gates,
and will put an end to their plans.
11:7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Though they call to the Most High,
he certainly won't exalt them.
11:8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is turned within me,
my compassion is aroused.
11:9 I will not execute the fierceness of my anger.
I will not return to destroy Ephraim:
for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you;
and I will not come in wrath.
11:10 They will walk after Yahweh,
who will roar like a lion;
for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.
11:11 They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt,
and like a dove out of the land of Assyria;
and I will settle them in their houses," says Yahweh.
11:12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood,
and the house of Israel with deceit.
Judah still strays from God,
and is unfaithful to the Holy One.
12:1 Ephraim feeds on wind,
and chases the east wind.
He continually multiplies lies and desolation.
They make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried into Egypt.
12:2 Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah,
and will punish Jacob according to his ways;
according to his deeds he will repay him.
12:3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel;
and in his manhood he contended with God.
12:4 Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed;
he wept, and made supplication to him.
He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us,
12:5 even Yahweh, the God of Armies;
Yahweh is his name of renown!
12:6 Therefore turn to your God.
Keep kindness and justice,
and wait continually for your God.
12:7 A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand.
He loves to defraud.
12:8 Ephraim said, "Surely I have become rich,
I have found myself wealth.
In all my wealth they won't find in me any iniquity that is sin."
12:9 "But I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt.
I will yet again make you dwell in tents,
as in the days of the solemn feast.
12:10 I have also spoken to the prophets,
and I have multiplied visions;
and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables.
12:11 If Gilead is wicked,
surely they are worthless.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls.
Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field.
12:12 Jacob fled into the country of Aram,
and Israel served to get a wife,
and for a wife he tended flocks and herds.
12:13 By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up out of Egypt,
and by a prophet he was preserved.
12:14 Ephraim has bitterly provoked anger.
Therefore his blood will be left on him,
and his Lord will repay his contempt.
13:1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling.
He exalted himself in Israel,
but when he became guilty in Baal, he died.
13:2 Now they sin more and more,
and have made themselves molten images of their silver,
even idols according to their own understanding,
all of them the work of the craftsmen.
They say of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.'
13:3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist,
and like the dew that passes away early,
like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor,
and like the smoke out of the chimney.
13:4 "Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt;
and you shall acknowledge no god but me,
and besides me there is no savior.
13:5 I knew you in the wilderness,
in the land of great drought.
13:6 According to their pasture, so were they filled;
they were filled, and their heart was exalted.
Therefore they have forgotten me.
13:7 Therefore I am like a lion to them.
Like a leopard, I will lurk by the path.
13:8 I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs,
and will tear the covering of their heart.
There I will devour them like a lioness.
The wild animal will tear them.
13:9 You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me,
against your help.
13:10 Where is your king now, that he may save you in all your cities?
And your judges, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and princes?'
13:11 I have given you a king in my anger,
and have taken him away in my wrath.
13:12 The guilt of Ephraim is stored up.
His sin is stored up.
13:13 The sorrows of a travailing woman will come on him.
He is an unwise son;
for when it is time, he doesn't come to the opening of the womb.
13:14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol.
I will redeem them from death!
Death, where are your plagues?
Sheol, where is your destruction?
"Compassion will be hidden from my eyes.
13:15 Though he is fruitful among his brothers, an east wind will come,
the breath of Yahweh coming up from the wilderness;
and his spring will become dry,
and his fountain will be dried up.
He will plunder the storehouse of treasure.
13:16 Samaria will bear her guilt;
for she has rebelled against her God.
They will fall by the sword.
Their infants will be dashed in pieces,
and their pregnant women will be ripped open."
14:1 Israel, return to Yahweh your God;
for you have fallen because of your sin.
14:2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh.
Tell him, "Forgive all our sins,
and accept that which is good:
so we offer our lips like bulls.
14:3 Assyria can't save us.
We won't ride on horses;
neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!'
for in you the fatherless finds mercy."
14:4 "I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them freely;
for my anger is turned away from him.
14:5 I will be like the dew to Israel.
He will blossom like the lily,
and send down his roots like Lebanon.
14:6 His branches will spread,
and his beauty will be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like Lebanon.
14:7 Men will dwell in his shade.
They will revive like the grain,
and blossom like the vine.
Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.
14:8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols?
I answer, and will take care of him.
I am like a green fir tree;
from me your fruit is found."
14:9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things?
Who is prudent, that he may know them?
For the ways of Yahweh are right,
and the righteous walk in them;
But the rebellious stumble in them.

Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:6 Lo-Ruhamah means "not loved."

Lo-Ruhamah means "not loved."

[2] back to 1:9 Lo-Ammi means "not my people"

Lo-Ammi means "not my people"

[3] back to 2:1 'Ammi' in Hebrew

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 'Ammi' in Hebrew

[4] back to 2:1 'Ruhamah' in Hebrew

'Ruhamah' in Hebrew














Joel

1:1 The Word of Yahweh that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel.

1:1 The message from Yahweh that was delivered to Joel, the son of Pethuel.

1:2 Hear this, you elders,
And listen, all you inhabitants of the land.
Has this ever happened in your days,
or in the days of your fathers?
1:3 Tell your children about it,
and have your children tell their children,
and their children, another generation.
1:4 What the swarming locust has left, the great locust has eaten.
What the great locust has left, the grasshopper has eaten.
What the grasshopper has left, the caterpillar has eaten.
1:5 Wake up, you drunkards, and weep!
Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine;
for it is cut off from your mouth.
1:6 For a nation has come up on my land, strong, and without number.
His teeth are the teeth of a lion,
and he has the fangs of a lioness.
1:7 He has laid my vine waste,
and stripped my fig tree.
He has stripped its bark, and thrown it away.
Its branches are made white.
1:8 Mourn like a virgin dressed in sackcloth for the husband of her youth! 1:9 The meal offering and the drink offering are cut off from Yahweh's house.
The priests, Yahweh's ministers, mourn.
1:10 The field is laid waste.
The land mourns, for the grain is destroyed,
The new wine has dried up,
and the oil languishes.
1:11 Be confounded, you farmers!
Wail, you vineyard keepers;
for the wheat and for the barley;
for the harvest of the field has perished.
1:12 The vine has dried up, and the fig tree withered;
the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree,
even all of the trees of the field are withered;
for joy has withered away from the sons of men.
1:13 Put on sackcloth and mourn, you priests!
Wail, you ministers of the altar.
Come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God,
for the meal offering and the drink offering are withheld from your God's house.
1:14 Sanctify a fast.
Call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders,
and all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of Yahweh, your God,
and cry to Yahweh.
1:15 Alas for the day!
For the day of Yahweh is at hand,
and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.
1:16 Isn't the food cut off before our eyes;
joy and gladness from the house of our God?
1:17 The seeds rot under their clods.
The granaries are laid desolate.
The barns are broken down, for the grain has withered.
1:18 How the animals groan!
The herds of livestock are perplexed, because they have no pasture.
Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
1:19 Yahweh, I cry to you,
For the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,
and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.
1:20 Yes, the animals of the field pant to you,
for the water brooks have dried up,
And the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion,
and sound an alarm in my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of Yahweh comes,
for it is close at hand:
2:2 A day of darkness and gloominess,
a day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the dawn spreading on the mountains,
a great and strong people;
there has never been the like,
neither will there be any more after them,
even to the years of many generations.
2:3 A fire devours before them,
and behind them, a flame burns.
The land is as the garden of Eden before them,
and behind them, a desolate wilderness.
Yes, and no one has escaped them.
2:4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses,
and as horsemen, so do they run.
2:5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap,
like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble,
as a strong people set in battle array.
2:6 At their presence the peoples are in anguish.
All faces have grown pale.
2:7 They run like mighty men.
They climb the wall like warriors.
They each march in his line, and they don't swerve off course.
2:8 Neither does one jostle another;
they march everyone in his path,
and they burst through the defenses,
and don't break ranks.
2:9 They rush on the city.
They run on the wall.
They climb up into the houses.
They enter in at the windows like thieves.
2:10 The earth quakes before them.
The heavens tremble.
The sun and the moon are darkened,
and the stars withdraw their shining.
2:11 Yahweh thunders his voice before his army;
for his forces are very great;
for he is strong who obeys his command;
for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome,
and who can endure it?
2:12 "Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart,
and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."
2:13 Tear your heart, and not your garments,
and turn to Yahweh, your God;
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness,
and relents from sending calamity.
2:14 Who knows? He may turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
even a meal offering and a drink offering to Yahweh, your God.
2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion!
Sanctify a fast.
Call a solemn assembly.
2:16 Gather the people.
Sanctify the assembly.
Assemble the elders.
Gather the children, and those who suck the breasts.
Let the bridegroom go forth from his room,
and the bride out of her chamber.
2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar,
and let them say, "Spare your people, Yahweh,
and don't give your heritage to reproach,
that the nations should rule over them.
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?'"
2:18 Then Yahweh was jealous for his land,
And had pity on his people.
2:19 Yahweh answered his people,
"Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil,
and you will be satisfied with them;
and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.
2:20 But I will remove the northern army far away from you,
and will drive it into a barren and desolate land,
its front into the eastern sea,
and its back into the western sea;
and its stench will come up,
and its bad smell will rise."
Surely he has done great things.
2:21 Land, don't be afraid.
Be glad and rejoice, for Yahweh has done great things.
2:22 Don't be afraid, you animals of the field;
for the pastures of the wilderness spring up,
for the tree bears its fruit.
The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
2:23 "Be glad then, you children of Zion,
and rejoice in Yahweh, your God;
for he gives you the former rain in just measure,
and he causes the rain to come down for you,
the former rain and the latter rain,
as before.
2:24 The threshing floors will be full of wheat,
and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
2:25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar,
my great army, which I sent among you.
2:26 You will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied,
and will praise the name of Yahweh, your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you;
and my people will never again be disappointed.
2:27 You will know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I am Yahweh, your God, and there is no one else;
and my people will never again be disappointed.
2:28 "It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
and your sons and your daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams.
Your young men will see visions.
2:29 And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit.
2:30 I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
blood, fire, and pillars of smoke.
2:31 The sun will be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.
2:32 It will happen that whoever will call on the name of Yahweh shall be saved;
for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape,
as Yahweh has said,
and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls.
3:1 "For, behold, in those days,
and in that time,
when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
3:2 I will gather all nations,
and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat;
and I will execute judgment on them there for my people,
and for my heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations.
They have divided my land,
3:3 and have cast lots for my people,
and have given a boy for a prostitute,
and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.
3:4 "Yes, and what are you to me, Tyre, and Sidon,
and all the regions of Philistia?
Will you repay me?
And if you repay me,
I will swiftly and speedily return your repayment on your own head.
3:5 Because you have taken my silver and my gold,
and have carried my finest treasures into your temples,
3:6 and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the sons of the Greeks,
that you may remove them far from their border.
3:7 Behold, I will stir them up out of the place where you have sold them,
and will return your repayment on your own head;
3:8 and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the children of Judah,
and they will sell them to the men of Sheba,
to a faraway nation,
for Yahweh has spoken it."
3:9 Proclaim this among the nations:
"Prepare for war!
Stir up the mighty men.
Let all the warriors draw near.
Let them come up. 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords,
and your pruning hooks into spears.
Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'
3:11 Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations,
and gather yourselves together."
Cause your mighty ones to come down there, Yahweh.
3:12 "Let the nations arouse themselves,
and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat;
for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
3:13 Put in the sickle;
for the harvest is ripe.
Come, tread, for the winepress is full,
the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great."
3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision.
3:15 The sun and the moon are darkened,
and the stars withdraw their shining.
3:16 Yahweh will roar from Zion,
and thunder from Jerusalem;
and the heavens and the earth will shake;
but Yahweh will be a refuge to his people,
and a stronghold to the children of Israel.
3:17 "So you will know that I am Yahweh, your God,
dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain.
Then Jerusalem will be holy,
and no strangers will pass through her any more.
3:18 It will happen in that day,
that the mountains will drop down sweet wine,
the hills will flow with milk,
all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters,
and a fountain will come forth from the house of Yahweh,
and will water the valley of Shittim.
3:19 Egypt will be a desolation,
and Edom will be a desolate wilderness,
for the violence done to the children of Judah,
because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
3:20 But Judah will be inhabited forever,
and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
3:21 I will cleanse their blood,
that I have not cleansed:
for Yahweh dwells in Zion."














Amos

1:1 The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 1:2 He said:

1:1 The words of Amos, a herdsman from Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 1:2 He said:

"Yahweh will roar from Zion,
and utter his voice from Jerusalem;
and the pastures of the shepherds will mourn,
and the top of Carmel will wither."

1:3 Thus says Yahweh:

1:3 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron;
1:4 but I will send a fire into the house of Hazael,
and it will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.
1:5 I will break the bar of Damascus,
and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven,
and him who holds the scepter from the house of Eden;
and the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir,"


says Yahweh.


says God.

1:6 Thus says Yahweh:

1:6 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Gaza, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they carried away captive the whole community,
to deliver them up to Edom;
1:7 but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza,
and it will devour its palaces.
1:8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod,
and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon;
and I will turn my hand against Ekron;
and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,"


says the Lord Yahweh.


says the Lord.

1:9 Thus says Yahweh:

1:9 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Tyre, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they delivered up the whole community to Edom,
and didn't remember the brotherly covenant;
1:10 but I will send a fire on the wall of Tyre,
and it will devour its palaces."

1:11 Thus says Yahweh:

1:11 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Edom, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because he pursued his brother with the sword,
and cast off all pity,
and his anger raged continually,
and he kept his wrath forever;
1:12 but I will send a fire on Teman,
and it will devour the palaces of Bozrah."

1:13 Thus says Yahweh:

1:13 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they have ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead,
that they may enlarge their border.
1:14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah,
and it will devour its palaces,
with shouting in the day of battle,
with a storm in the day of the whirlwind;
1:15 and their king will go into captivity,
he and his princes together,"


says Yahweh.


says God.

2:1 Thus says Yahweh:

2:1 This is what Yahweh says:

"For three transgressions of Moab, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime;
2:2 but I will send a fire on Moab,
and it will devour the palaces of Kerioth;
and Moab will die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet;
2:3 and I will cut off the judge from their midst,
and will kill all its princes with him,"


says Yahweh.


says God.

2:4 Thus says Yahweh:

2:4 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Judah, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they have rejected Yahweh's law,
and have not kept his statutes,
and their lies have led them astray,
after which their fathers walked;
2:5 But I will send a fire on Judah,
and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem."

2:6 Thus says Yahweh:

2:6 This is what the Lord says:

"For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four,
I will not turn away its punishment;
because they have sold the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of shoes;
2:7 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor,
and deny justice to the oppressed;
and a man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name;
2:8 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge;
and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.
2:9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them,
whose height was like the height of the cedars,
and he was strong as the oaks;
yet I destroyed his fruit from above,
and his roots from beneath.
2:10 Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt,
and led you forty years in the wilderness,
to possess the land of the Amorite.
2:11 I raised up some of your sons for prophets,
and some of your young men for Nazirites.
Isn't this true,
you children of Israel?" says Yahweh.
2:12 "But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink,
and commanded the prophets, saying, 'Don't prophesy!'
2:13 Behold, I will crush you in your place,
as a cart crushes that is full of grain.
2:14 Flight will perish from the swift;
and the strong won't strengthen his force;
neither shall the mighty deliver himself;
2:15 neither shall he stand who handles the bow;
and he who is swift of foot won't escape;
neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself;
2:16 and he who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day,"


says Yahweh.


says God.

3:1 Hear this word that Yahweh has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying:

3:1 Listen to this message that the Lord has given to you, people of Israel, to the entire nation that I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying:

3:2 "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth.
Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins."
3:3 Do two walk together,
unless they have agreed?
3:4 Will a lion roar in the thicket,
when he has no prey?
Does a young lion cry out of his den,
if he has caught nothing?
3:5 Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth,
where no snare is set for him?
Does a snare spring up from the ground,
when there is nothing to catch?
3:6 Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city,
without the people being afraid?
Does evil happen to a city,
and Yahweh hasn't done it?
3:7 Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing,
unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.
3:8 The lion has roared.
Who will not fear?
The Lord Yahweh has spoken.
Who can but prophesy?
3:9 Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod,
and in the palaces in the land of Egypt,
and say, "Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria,
and see what unrest is in her,
and what oppression is among them."
3:10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh,
"Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces."

3:11 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh:

3:11 So this is what the Lord Yahweh says:

"An adversary will overrun the land;
and he will pull down your strongholds,
and your fortresses will be plundered."

3:12 Thus says Yahweh:

3:12 This is what Yahweh says:

"As the shepherd rescues out of the mouth of the lion two legs,
or a piece of an ear,
so shall the children of Israel be rescued who sit in Samaria on the corner of a couch,
and on the silken cushions of a bed."

3:13 "Listen, and testify against the house of Jacob," says the Lord Yahweh, the God of Armies.

3:13 "Listen and give your testimony against the house of Jacob," says the Lord Yahweh, the God of Hosts.

3:14 "For in the day that I visit the transgressions of Israel on him,
I will also visit the altars of Bethel;
and the horns of the altar will be cut off,
and fall to the ground.
3:15 I will strike the winter house with the summer house;
and the houses of ivory will perish,
and the great houses will have an end,"


says Yahweh.


says God.

4:1 Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husbands, "Bring us drinks!"

4:1 Listen up, you wealthy women of Bashan, living on the mountain of Samaria, who take advantage of the poor, who hurt the needy, who tell your husbands, "Get us some drinks!"

4:2 The Lord Yahweh has sworn by his holiness that behold,
"The days shall come on you that they will take you away with hooks,
and the last of you with fish hooks.
4:3 You will go out at the breaks in the wall,
everyone straight before her;
and you will cast yourselves into Harmon," says Yahweh.
4:4 "Go to Bethel, and sin;
to Gilgal, and sin more.
Bring your sacrifices every morning,
your tithes every three days,
4:5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened,
and proclaim free will offerings and brag about them:
for this pleases you, you children of Israel," says the Lord Yahweh.
4:6 "I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities,
and lack of bread in every town;
yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.
4:7 "I also have withheld the rain from you,
when there were yet three months to the harvest;
and I caused it to rain on one city,
and caused it not to rain on another city.
One place was rained on,
and the piece where it didn't rain withered.
4:8 So two or three cities staggered to one city to drink water,
and were not satisfied:
yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.
4:9 "I struck you with blight and mildew many times in your gardens and your vineyards;
and your fig trees and your olive trees have the swarming locust devoured:
yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.
4:10 "I sent plagues among you like I did Egypt.
I have slain your young men with the sword,
and have carried away your horses;
and I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camp,
yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.
4:11 "I have overthrown some of you,
as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire;
yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.
4:12 "Therefore thus will I do to you, Israel;
because I will do this to you,
prepare to meet your God, Israel.
4:13 For, behold, he who forms the mountains,
and creates the wind,
and declares to man what is his thought;
who makes the morning darkness,
and treads on the high places of the Earth:
Yahweh, the God of Armies, is his name."

5:1 Listen to this word which I take up for a lamentation over you, O house of Israel.

5:1 Listen to this message that I bring as a lament for you, O house of Israel.

5:2 "The virgin of Israel has fallen;
She shall rise no more.
She is cast down on her land;
there is no one to raise her up."

5:3 For thus says the Lord Yahweh:

5:3 For this is what the Lord Yahweh says:

"The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left,
and that which went forth one hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel."

5:4 For thus says Yahweh to the house of Israel:

5:4 For this is what the Lord says to the people of Israel:

"Seek me, and you will live;
5:5 but don't seek Bethel,
nor enter into Gilgal,
and don't pass to Beersheba:
for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity,
and Bethel shall come to nothing.
5:6 Seek Yahweh, and you will live;
lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph,
and it devour, and there be no one to quench it in Bethel.
5:7 You who turn justice to wormwood,
and cast down righteousness to the earth:
5:8 seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion,
and turns the shadow of death into the morning,
and makes the day dark with night;
who calls for the waters of the sea,
and pours them out on the surface of the earth, Yahweh is his name,
5:9 who brings sudden destruction on the strong,
so that destruction comes on the fortress.
5:10 They hate him who reproves in the gate,
and they abhor him who speaks blamelessly.
5:11 Forasmuch therefore as you trample on the poor,
and take taxes from him of wheat:
You have built houses of cut stone,
but you will not dwell in them.
You have planted pleasant vineyards,
but you shall not drink their wine.
5:12 For I know how many your offenses,
and how great are your sins--
you who afflict the just,
who take a bribe,
and who turn aside the needy in the courts.
5:13 Therefore a prudent person keeps silent in such a time,
for it is an evil time.
5:14 Seek good, and not evil,
that you may live;
and so Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be with you,
as you say.
5:15 Hate evil, love good,
and establish justice in the courts.
It may be that Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph."

5:16 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the Lord:

5:16 Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty, Yahweh, says:

"Wailing will be in all the broad ways;
and they will say in all the streets, 'Alas! Alas!'
and they will call the farmer to mourning,
and those who are skillful in lamentation to wailing.
5:17 In all vineyards there will be wailing;
for I will pass through the midst of you," says Yahweh.
5:18 "Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh!
Why do you long for the day of Yahweh?
It is darkness,
and not light.
5:19 As if a man fled from a lion,
and a bear met him;
Or he went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall,
and a snake bit him.
5:20 Won't the day of Yahweh be darkness, and not light?
Even very dark, and no brightness in it?
5:21 I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.
5:22 Yes, though you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings,
I will not accept them;
neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals.
5:23 Take away from me the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
5:24 But let justice roll on like rivers,
and righteousness like a mighty stream.

5:25 "Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, house of Israel? 5:26 You also carried the tent of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves. 5:27 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus," says Yahweh, whose name is the God of Armies.

5:25 "Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness for forty years, Israel? 5:26 You also carried the tent of your king and the shrine of your idols, the star of your god that you made for yourselves. 5:27 So I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,” says Yahweh, whose name is the God of Armies.

6:1 Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria,
the notable men of the chief of the nations,
to whom the house of Israel come!
6:2 Go to Calneh, and see;
and from there go to Hamath the great;
then go down to Gath of the Philistines.
are they better than these kingdoms?
or is their border greater than your border?
6:3 Those who put far away the evil day,
and cause the seat of violence to come near;
6:4 Who lie on beds of ivory,
and stretch themselves on their couches,
and eat the lambs out of the flock,
and the calves out of the midst of the stall;
6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp;
who invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;
6:6 who drink wine in bowls,
and anoint themselves with the best oils;
but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go captive;
and the feasting and lounging will end.
6:8 "The Lord Yahweh has sworn by himself," says Yahweh, the God of Armies:
"I abhor the pride of Jacob,
and detest his fortresses.
Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.
6:9 It will happen, if there remain ten men in one house,
that they shall die.

6:10 "When a man's relative carries him, even he who burns him, to bring bodies out of the house, and asks him who is in the innermost parts of the house, 'Is there yet any with you?' And he says, 'No;' then he will say, 'Hush! Indeed we must not mention the name of Yahweh.'

6:10 "When a man's family member carries him, even the one who burns him, to take bodies out of the house, and asks him who is in the deepest parts of the house, 'Is there anyone with you?' And he says, 'No;' then he'll say, 'Quiet! We must not speak the name of Yahweh.'"

6:11 "For, behold, Yahweh commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces,
and the little house into bits.
6:12 Do horses run on the rocky crags?
Does one plow there with oxen?
But you have turned justice into poison,
and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness;
6:13 you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say,
'Haven't we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?'
6:14 For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, house of Israel,"
says Yahweh, the God of Armies;
"and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of the Arabah."

7:1 Thus the Lord Yahweh showed me: and behold, he formed locusts in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and behold, it was the latter growth after the king's harvest. 7:2 It happened that, when they made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, "Lord Yahweh, forgive, I beg you! How could Jacob stand? For he is small."

7:1 Then the Lord God showed me: and look, he created locusts right at the start of the new growth; and look, it was the new growth after the king's harvest. 7:2 It turned out that when they finished eating all the grass in the land, I said, "Lord God, please forgive! How will Jacob survive? He is so small."

7:3 Yahweh relented concerning this. "It shall not be," says Yahweh.

7:3 God changed His mind about this. "It won't happen," says God.

7:4 Thus the Lord Yahweh showed me and behold, the Lord Yahweh called for judgment by fire; and it dried up the great deep, and would have devoured the land. 7:5 Then I said, "Lord Yahweh, stop, I beg you! How could Jacob stand? For he is small."

7:4 So the Lord Yahweh showed me, and look, the Lord Yahweh called for judgment by fire; it dried up the deep waters and would have swallowed the land. 7:5 Then I said, "Lord Yahweh, please stop! How can Jacob survive? He’s so small."

7:6 Yahweh relented concerning this. "This also shall not be," says the Lord Yahweh.

7:6 God changed His mind about this. "This will also not happen," says the Lord God.

7:7 Thus he showed me and behold, the Lord stood beside a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 7:8 Yahweh said to me, "Amos, what do you see?"

7:7 So, he showed me, and there was the Lord standing next to a wall made with a plumb line, holding a plumb line in his hand. 7:8 Yahweh asked me, "Amos, what do you see?"

I said, "A plumb line."

I said, "A level."

Then the Lord said, "Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more. 7:9 The high places of Isaac will be desolate, the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."

Then the Lord said, "Look, I will place a plumb line in the middle of my people Israel. I will not pass by them again. 7:9 The high places of Isaac will be in ruins, the sanctuaries of Israel will be destroyed; and I will stand against the house of Jeroboam with a sword."

7:10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 7:11 For Amos says, 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of his land.'"

7:10 Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent a message to Jeroboam, the king of Israel, saying, "Amos is plotting against you right here in Israel. The land can't handle everything he's saying. 7:11 Amos claims, 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will definitely be taken away captive from his land.'"

7:12 Amaziah also said to Amos, "You seer, go, flee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: 7:13 but don't prophesy again any more at Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a royal house!"

7:12 Amaziah told Amos, "You visioner, get out of here and go to Judah. There, you can eat and prophesy: 7:13 but don't prophesy anymore at Bethel; it's the king's sanctuary and a royal palace!"

7:14 Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs; 7:15 and Yahweh took me from following the flock, and Yahweh said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 7:16 Now therefore listen to the word of Yahweh: 'You say, Don't prophesy against Israel, and don't preach against the house of Isaac.' 7:17 Therefore thus says Yahweh: 'Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by line; and you yourself shall die in a land that is unclean, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of his land.'"

7:14 Then Amos replied to Amaziah, "I wasn't a prophet, and I wasn't the son of a prophet; I was just a herdsman and a farmer of fig trees. 7:15 But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 7:16 Now, therefore, listen to the word of the Lord: 'You say, Don’t prophesy against Israel, and don’t preach against the house of Isaac.' 7:17 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: 'Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, your sons and daughters will be killed by the sword, your land will be divided up, and you yourself will die in a defiled land, and Israel will surely be taken away captive from his land.'"

8:1 Thus the Lord Yahweh showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit.

8:1 Then the Lord Yahweh showed me: look, a basket of summer fruit.

8:2 He said, "Amos, what do you see?"

8:2 He asked, "Amos, what do you see?"

I said, "A basket of summer fruit."

I said, "A basket of summer fruit."

Then Yahweh said to me,

Then God said to me,

"The end has come on my people Israel.
I will not again pass by them any more.
8:3 The songs of the temple will be wailings in that day," says the Lord Yahweh.
"The dead bodies will be many. In every place they will throw them out with silence.
8:4 Hear this, you who desire to swallow up the needy,
and cause the poor of the land to fail,
8:5 Saying, 'When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain?
And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat,
making the ephah small, and the shekel large,
and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;
8:6 that we may buy the poor for silver,
and the needy for a pair of shoes,
and sell the sweepings with the wheat?'"
8:7 Yahweh has sworn by the pride of Jacob,
"Surely I will never forget any of their works.
8:8 Won't the land tremble for this,
and everyone mourn who dwells in it?
Yes, it will rise up wholly like the River;
and it will be stirred up and sink again, like the River of Egypt.
8:9 It will happen in that day," says the Lord Yahweh,
"that I will cause the sun to go down at noon,
and I will darken the earth in the clear day.
8:10 I will turn your feasts into mourning,
and all your songs into lamentation;
and I will make you wear sackcloth on all your bodies,
and baldness on every head.
I will make it like the mourning for an only son,
and its end like a bitter day.
8:11 Behold, the days come," says the Lord Yahweh,
"that I will send a famine in the land,
not a famine of bread,
nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of Yahweh.
8:12 They will wander from sea to sea,
and from the north even to the east;
they will run back and forth to seek the word of Yahweh,
and will not find it.
8:13 In that day the beautiful virgins
and the young men will faint for thirst.
8:14 Those who swear by the sin of Samaria,
and say, 'As your god, Dan, lives;'
and, 'As the way of Beersheba lives;'
they will fall, and never rise up again."

9:1 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said, "Strike the tops of the pillars, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will kill the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape. 9:2 Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down. 9:3 Though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out there; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent, and it will bite them. 9:4 Though they go into captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it will kill them. I will set my eyes on them for evil, and not for good. 9:5 For the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, is he who touches the land and it melts, and all who dwell in it will mourn; and it will rise up wholly like the River, and will sink again, like the River of Egypt. 9:6 It is he who builds his chambers in the heavens, and has founded his vault on the earth; he who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth; Yahweh is his name. 9:7 Are you not like the children of the Ethiopians to me, children of Israel?" says Yahweh. "Haven't I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? 9:8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord Yahweh are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob," says Yahweh. 9:9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will fall on the earth. 9:10 All the sinners of my people will die by the sword, who say, 'Evil won't overtake nor meet us.' 9:11 In that day I will raise up the tent of David who is fallen, and close up its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old; 9:12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations who are called by my name," says Yahweh who does this.

9:1 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said, "Strike the tops of the pillars so the thresholds will shake; break them into pieces over the heads of all of them; I will kill the last of them with the sword: none of them will escape or flee away. 9:2 Even if they dig down to the underworld, my hand will take them; and if they climb up to heaven, I will bring them down. 9:3 Even if they hide on the highest point of Mount Carmel, I will search for them and take them from there; and if they hide from my sight in the depths of the sea, I will command the serpent, and it will bite them. 9:4 Even if they are taken captive by their enemies, I will command the sword, and it will kill them. I will set my eyes on them for evil, not for good. 9:5 For the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, is the one who touches the land and it melts, and all who live in it will mourn; it will rise up entirely like the River, and sink again like the River of Egypt. 9:6 He builds his chambers in the heavens and has founded his vault on the earth; he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth; Yahweh is his name. 9:7 "Aren't you like the children of the Ethiopians to me, children of Israel?" says Yahweh. "Haven't I brought Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? 9:8 Look, the eyes of the Lord Yahweh are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except I will not completely destroy the house of Jacob," says Yahweh. 9:9 "For behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, like grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not a single kernel will fall to the ground. 9:10 All the sinners of my people will die by the sword, who say, 'Evil won’t catch up to us or surprise us.' 9:11 In that day I will raise up the fallen tent of David, restore its broken places, and rebuild it like it was in the old days; 9:12 so they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations called by my name," says Yahweh who does this.

9:13 "Behold, the days come," says Yahweh,
"that the plowman shall overtake the reaper,
and the one treading grapes him who sows seed;
and sweet wine will drip from the mountains,
and flow from the hills.
9:14 I will bring my people Israel back from captivity,
and they will rebuild the ruined cities, and inhabit them;
and they will plant vineyards, and drink wine from them.
They shall also make gardens,
and eat the fruit of them.
9:15 I will plant them on their land,
and they will no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them,"
says Yahweh your God.














Obadiah

1:1 The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord Yahweh says about Edom. We have heard news from Yahweh, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, "Arise, and let's rise up against her in battle. 1:2 Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised. 1:3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' 1:4 Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there," says Yahweh. 1:5 "If thieves came to you, if robbers by night--oh, what disaster awaits you--wouldn't they only steal until they had enough? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn't they leave some gleaning grapes? 1:6 How Esau will be ransacked! How his hidden treasures are sought out! 1:7 All the men of your alliance have brought you on your way, even to the border. The men who were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you. Friends who eat your bread lay a snare under you. There is no understanding in him."

1:1 The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord Yahweh says about Edom. We have heard news from Yahweh, and a messenger is sent among the nations, saying, "Get up, and let’s go to battle against her. 1:2 Look, I have made you insignificant among the nations. You are deeply hated. 1:3 The pride of your heart has fooled you, you who live in the cliffs of the rock, whose home is high, who says in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' 1:4 Even if you soar high like the eagle, and even if your nest is among the stars, I will bring you down from there," says Yahweh. 1:5 "If thieves came to you, if robbers came at night—oh, how you will suffer—wouldn’t they only steal what they needed? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn’t they leave some grapes behind? 1:6 How Esau will be looted! How his hidden treasures will be searched for! 1:7 All the men of your alliance have betrayed you, even to the border. The men who were at peace with you have deceived you and conquered you. Friends who share your food lay a trap for you. There is no understanding in him."

1:8 "Won't I in that day," says Yahweh, "destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau? 1:9 Your mighty men, Teman, will be dismayed, to the end that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter. 1:10 For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever. 1:11 In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, even you were like one of them. 1:12 But don't look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don't rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don't speak proudly in the day of distress. 1:13 Don't enter into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity. Don't look down on their affliction in the day of their calamity, neither seize their wealth on the day of their calamity. 1:14 Don't stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Don't deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress. 1:15 For the day of Yahweh is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head. 1:16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and will be as though they had not been. 1:17 But in Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacob will possess their possessions. 1:18 The house of Jacob will be a fire, the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. They will burn among them, and devour them. There will not be any remaining to the house of Esau." Indeed, Yahweh has spoken.

1:8 "On that day," says Yahweh, "I will wipe out the wise men of Edom and the understanding from the mountains of Esau. 1:9 Your strong warriors, Teman, will be terrified, and everyone will be cut off from the mountains of Esau by slaughter. 1:10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. 1:11 On the day you stood by, when strangers took away his belongings, and outsiders entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like them. 1:12 Don’t look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don't celebrate over the children of Judah when they are destroyed. Don’t speak arrogantly in the time of their trouble. 1:13 Don't enter the gate of my people in their time of crisis. Don’t gloat over their misfortune in their day of calamity, nor take their belongings on that day. 1:14 Don't stand at the crossroads to cut down those who escape. Don't hand over those who remain in their time of distress. 1:15 For the day of Yahweh is near for all nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your actions will come back on your own head. 1:16 Just as you have drunk on my holy mountain, all the nations will drink continuously. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and be as if they had never existed. 1:17 But on Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacob will reclaim their possessions. 1:18 The house of Jacob will be a fire, the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau will be like straw. They will burn up and consume them. There will be no survivors left for the house of Esau." Indeed, Yahweh has spoken.

1:19 Those of the South will possess the mountain of Esau, and those of the lowland, the Philistines. They will possess the field of Ephraim, and the field of Samaria. Benjamin will possess Gilead. 1:20 The captives of this army of the children of Israel, who are among the Canaanites, will possess even to Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev. 1:21 Saviors will go up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be Yahweh's.

1:19 The people from the South will take over the mountain of Esau, and the people from the lowland, the Philistines. They will take the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria. Benjamin will take Gilead. 1:20 The captives from this army of the children of Israel, who are among the Canaanites, will reach as far as Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will take the cities of the Negev. 1:21 Leaders will rise up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will belong to Yahweh.














Jonah

1:1 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 1:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me."

1:1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 1:2 "Get up, go to Nineveh, that big city, and speak out against it, because their evil has come to my attention."

1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid its fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. 1:4 But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty storm on the sea, so that the ship was likely to break up. 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and he was laying down, and was fast asleep. 1:6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said to him, "What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God! Maybe your God will notice us, so that we won't perish."

1:3 But Jonah got up to run away to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship heading to Tarshish; so he paid the fare and went aboard to escape with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. 1:4 But the Lord sent a powerful wind on the sea, and there was a fierce storm, so the ship was about to break apart. 1:5 The sailors were afraid and cried out to each their god. They threw the cargo from the ship into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the ship, where he lay down and fell fast asleep. 1:6 So the ship's captain went to him and said, "What are you doing asleep? Get up, call on your God! Maybe your God will pay attention to us so that we won’t drown."

1:7 They all said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 1:8 Then they asked him, "Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?"

1:7 They all said to each other, "Come on, let’s cast lots to find out who caused this trouble." So they cast lots, and the lot landed on Jonah. 1:8 Then they asked him, "Please tell us, who is responsible for this trouble? What do you do? Where are you from? What country are you from? What is your nationality?"

1:9 He said to them, "I am a Hebrew, and I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land."

1:9 He told them, "I’m a Hebrew, and I worship Yahweh, the God of heaven, who created the sea and the dry land."

1:10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said to him, "What is this that you have done?" For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of Yahweh, because he had told them. 1:11 Then said they to him, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?" For the sea grew more and more stormy. 1:12 He said to them, "Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you."

1:10 The men were really scared and said to him, "What have you done?" They knew he was running away from the Lord because he had told them. 1:11 They asked him, "What should we do to you so the sea will calm down for us?" Because the sea was getting more and more violent. 1:12 He replied, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will calm down for you; I know that this huge storm is because of me."

1:13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. 1:14 Therefore they cried to Yahweh, and said, "We beg you, Yahweh, we beg you, let us not perish for this man's life, and don't lay on us innocent blood; for you, Yahweh, have done as it pleased you." 1:15 So they took up Jonah, and threw him into the sea; and the sea ceased its raging. 1:16 Then the men feared Yahweh exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh, and made vows.

1:13 Still, the men rowed desperately to get them back to shore; but they couldn't, as the sea became increasingly stormy against them. 1:14 So they cried out to Yahweh, saying, "Please, Yahweh, we ask you, don’t let us die because of this man's life, and don’t hold us accountable for innocent blood; for you, Yahweh, have done what you wanted." 1:15 So they lifted Jonah and threw him into the sea; and the sea stopped raging. 1:16 Then the men were extremely afraid of Yahweh; and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and made vows.

1:17 Yahweh prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

1:17 God arranged for a big fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the fish's belly.

2:1 Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh, his God, out of the fish's belly. 2:2 He said,

2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord, his God, from inside the fish. 2:2 He said,

"I called because of my affliction to Yahweh.
He answered me.
Out of the belly of Sheol I cried.
You heard my voice.
2:3 For you threw me into the depths,
in the heart of the seas.
The flood was all around me.
All your waves and your billows passed over me.
2:4 I said, 'I have been banished from your sight;
yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'
2:5 The waters surrounded me,
even to the soul.
The deep was around me.
The weeds were wrapped around my head.
2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains.
The earth barred me in forever:
yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God.
2:7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh.
My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.
2:8 Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
2:9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving.
I will pay that which I have vowed.
Salvation belongs to Yahweh."

2:10 Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land.

2:10 God spoke to the fish, and it spit Jonah out onto dry land.

3:1 The word of Yahweh came to Jonah the second time, saying, 3:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I give you."

3:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 3:2 "Get up, go to Nineveh, that big city, and deliver the message that I give you."

3:3 So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey across. 3:4 Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried out, and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"

3:3 So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, following what the Lord had instructed. Nineveh was an incredibly large city, taking three days to cross. 3:4 Jonah started to go into the city, walking for a day, and he shouted, "In just forty days, Nineveh will be destroyed!"

3:5 The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 3:6 The news reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 3:7 He made a proclamation and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, "Let neither man nor animal, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, nor drink water; 3:8 but let them be covered with sackcloth, both man and animal, and let them cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands. 3:9 Who knows whether God will not turn and relent, and turn away from his fierce anger, so that we might not perish?"

3:5 The people of Nineveh believed in God; they announced a fast and wore sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. 3:6 The news got to the king of Nineveh, and he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 3:7 He issued a proclamation throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, "Let neither man nor animal, herd nor flock, eat anything; let them not feed or drink water; 3:8 but let them be covered in sackcloth, both man and animal, and let them cry out urgently to God. Yes, let everyone turn from their evil ways and from the violence they are doing. 3:9 Who knows if God might not turn and have compassion, and turn away from his fierce anger, so that we might not perish?"

3:10 God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he didn't do it.

3:10 God saw their actions, that they changed from their wrongdoings. God decided not to bring the disaster He said He would and chose not to carry it out.

4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 4:2 He prayed to Yahweh, and said, "Please, Yahweh, wasn't this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing harm. 4:3 Therefore now, Yahweh, take, I beg you, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live."

4:1 But Jonah was really upset about it, and he was angry. 4:2 He prayed to Yahweh and said, "Please, Yahweh, wasn't this what I said when I was still back home? That's why I rushed to escape to Tarshish, because I knew that you are a gracious God, merciful, slow to anger, full of love, and you change your mind about bringing disaster. 4:3 So now, Yahweh, please take my life away; it's better for me to die than to live."

4:4 Yahweh said, "Is it right for you to be angry?"

4:4 God said, "Is it okay for you to be angry?"

4:5 Then Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made himself a booth, and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would become of the city. 4:6 Yahweh God prepared a vine, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine. 4:7 But God prepared a worm at dawn the next day, and it chewed on the vine, so that it withered. 4:8 It happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is better for me to die than to live."

4:5 Then Jonah left the city and sat down on the east side. He built himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would happen to the city. 4:6 The Lord God made a vine grow up over Jonah to provide shade for his head and ease his discomfort. Jonah was very happy about the vine. 4:7 But God prepared a worm the next morning, and it chewed the vine so that it withered. 4:8 When the sun rose, God sent a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he fainted. He wished for death, saying, "It's better for me to die than to live."

4:9 God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the vine?"

4:9 God said to Jonah, "Is it fair for you to be mad about the vine?"

He said, "I am right to be angry, even to death."

He said, "I have every right to be angry, even to the point of death."

4:10 Yahweh said, "You have been concerned for the vine, for which you have not labored, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night. 4:11 Shouldn't I be concerned for Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who can't discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much livestock?"

4:10 God said, "You cared about the vine that you didn’t plant or help grow; it appeared overnight and died overnight. 4:11 Shouldn't I care about Nineveh, that big city, where there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left; and lots of animals too?"


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:6 or, gods

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, gods

[2] back to 1:6 or, gods

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, deities














Micah

1:1 The word of Yahweh that came to Micah the Morashtite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

1:1 The message from the Lord that came to Micah the Morashtite during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he received about Samaria and Jerusalem.

1:2 Hear, you peoples, all of you.
Listen, O earth, and all that is therein:
and let the Lord Yahweh be witness against you,
the Lord from his holy temple.
1:3 For, behold, Yahweh comes forth out of his place,
and will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.
1:4 The mountains melt under him,
and the valleys split apart,
like wax before the fire,
like waters that are poured down a steep place.
1:5 "All this is for the disobedience of Jacob,
and for the sins of the house of Israel.
What is the disobedience of Jacob?
Isn't it Samaria?
And what are the high places of Judah?
Aren't they Jerusalem?
1:6 Therefore I will make Samaria like a rubble heap of the field,
like places for planting vineyards;
and I will pour down its stones into the valley,
and I will uncover its foundations.
1:7 All her idols will be beaten to pieces,
and all her temple gifts will be burned with fire,
and all her images I will destroy;
for of the hire of a prostitute has she gathered them,
and to the hire of a prostitute shall they return."
1:8 For this I will lament and wail;
I will go stripped and naked;
I will howl like the jackals,
and moan like the daughters of owls.
1:9 For her wounds are incurable;
for it has come even to Judah.
It reaches to the gate of my people,
even to Jerusalem.
1:10 Don't tell it in Gath.
Don't weep at all.
At Beth Ophrah I have rolled myself in the dust.
1:11 Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame.
The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out.
The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you his protection.
1:12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good,
because evil has come down from Yahweh to the gate of Jerusalem.
1:13 Harness the chariot to the swift steed, inhabitant of Lachish.
She was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion;
For the transgressions of Israel were found in you.
1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to Moresheth Gath.
The houses of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel.
1:15 I will yet bring to you, inhabitant of Mareshah.
He who is the glory of Israel will come to Adullam.
1:16 Shave your heads,
and cut off your hair for the children of your delight.
Enlarge your baldness like the vulture;
for they have gone into captivity from you!
2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity
and work evil on their beds!
When the morning is light, they practice it,
because it is in the power of their hand.
2:2 They covet fields, and seize them;
and houses, and take them away:
and they oppress a man and his house,
even a man and his heritage.
2:3 Therefore thus says Yahweh:
"Behold, I am planning against these people a disaster,
from which you will not remove your necks,
neither will you walk haughtily;
for it is an evil time.
2:4 In that day they will take up a parable against you,
and lament with a doleful lamentation, saying,
'We are utterly ruined!
My people's possession is divided up.
Indeed he takes it from me and assigns our fields to traitors!'"
2:5 Therefore you will have no one who divides the land by lot in the assembly of Yahweh.
2:6 "Don't prophesy!"
They prophesy.
"Don't prophesy about these things.
Disgrace won't overtake us."
2:7 Shall it be said, O house of Jacob:
"Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry?
Are these his doings?
Don't my words do good to him who walks blamelessly?"
2:8 But lately my people have risen up as an enemy.
You strip the robe and clothing from those who pass by without a care, returning from battle.
2:9 You drive the women of my people out from their pleasant houses;
from their young children you take away my blessing forever.
2:10 Arise, and depart!
For this is not your resting place,
because of uncleanness that destroys,
even with a grievous destruction.
2:11 If a man walking in a spirit of falsehood lies:
"I will prophesy to you of wine and of strong drink;"
he would be the prophet of this people.
2:12 I will surely assemble, Jacob, all of you;
I will surely gather the remnant of Israel;
I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah,
as a flock in the midst of their pasture;
they will swarm with people.
2:13 He who breaks open the way goes up before them.
They break through the gate, and go out.
And their king passes on before them,
with Yahweh at their head.

3:1 I said,

I said,

"Please listen, you heads of Jacob,
and rulers of the house of Israel:
Isn't it for you to know justice?
3:2 You who hate the good,
and love the evil;
who tear off their skin,
and their flesh from off their bones;
3:3 who also eat the flesh of my people,
and flay their skin from off them,
and break their bones,
and chop them in pieces, as for the pot,
and as flesh within the caldron.
3:4 Then they will cry to Yahweh,
but he will not answer them.
Yes, he will hide his face from them at that time,
because they made their deeds evil."

3:5 Thus says Yahweh concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; for those who feed their teeth, they proclaim, "Peace!" and whoever doesn't provide for their mouths, they prepare war against him:

3:5 This is what the Lord says about the prophets who mislead my people; they shout, "Peace!" when they have food to eat, but they declare war against anyone who doesn't supply their needs:

3:6 "Therefore night is over you, with no vision,
and it is dark to you, that you may not divine;
and the sun will go down on the prophets,
and the day will be black over them.
3:7 The seers shall be disappointed,
and the diviners confounded.
Yes, they shall all cover their lips;
for there is no answer from God."
3:8 But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Yahweh,
and of judgment, and of might,
to declare to Jacob his disobedience,
and to Israel his sin.
3:9 Please listen to this, you heads of the house of Jacob,
and rulers of the house of Israel,
who abhor justice,
and pervert all equity.
3:10 They build up Zion with blood,
and Jerusalem with iniquity.
3:11 Her leaders judge for bribes,
and her priests teach for a price,
and her prophets of it tell fortunes for money:
yet they lean on Yahweh, and say,
"Isn't Yahweh in the midst of us?
No disaster will come on us."
3:12 Therefore Zion for your sake will be plowed like a field,
and Jerusalem will become heaps of rubble,
and the mountain of the temple like the high places of a forest.
4:1 But in the latter days,
it will happen that the mountain of Yahweh's temple will be established on the top of the mountains,
and it will be exalted above the hills;
and peoples will stream to it.
4:2 Many nations will go and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh,
and to the house of the God of Jacob;
and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths."
For out of Zion will go forth the law,
and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem;
4:3 and he will judge between many peoples,
and will decide concerning strong nations afar off.
They will beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not lift up sword against nation,
neither will they learn war any more.
4:4 But they will sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree;
and no one will make them afraid:
For the mouth of Yahweh of Armies has spoken. 4:5 Indeed all the nations may walk in the name of their gods;
but we will walk in the name of Yahweh our God forever and ever.
4:6 "In that day," says Yahweh,
"I will assemble that which is lame,
and I will gather that which is driven away,
and that which I have afflicted;
4:7 and I will make that which was lame a remnant,
and that which was cast far off a strong nation:
and Yahweh will reign over them on Mount Zion from then on, even forever."
4:8 You, tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion,
to you it will come,
yes, the former dominion will come,
the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
4:9 Now why do you cry out aloud?
Is there no king in you?
Has your counselor perished,
that pains have taken hold of you as of a woman in travail?
4:10 Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, daughter of Zion,
like a woman in travail;
for now you will go forth out of the city,
and will dwell in the field,
and will come even to Babylon.
There you will be rescued.
There Yahweh will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.
4:11 Now many nations have assembled against you, that say,
"Let her be defiled,
and let our eye gloat over Zion."
4:12 But they don't know the thoughts of Yahweh,
neither do they understand his counsel;
for he has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor.
4:13 Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion;
for I will make your horn iron,
and I will make your hoofs brass;
and you will beat in pieces many peoples:
and I will devote their gain to Yahweh,
and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.
5:1 Now you shall gather yourself in troops,
daughter of troops.
He has laid siege against us.
They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.
5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
being small among the clans of Judah,
out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.
5:3 Therefore he will abandon them until the time that she who is in labor gives birth.
Then the rest of his brothers will return to the children of Israel.
5:4 He shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of Yahweh,
in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God:
and they will live, for then he will be great to the ends of the earth.
5:5 He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land,
and when he marches through our fortresses,
then we will raise against him seven shepherds,
and eight leaders of men.
5:6 They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword,
and the land of Nimrod in its gates.
He will deliver us from the Assyrian,
when he invades our land,
and when he marches within our border.
5:7 The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples,
like dew from Yahweh,
like showers on the grass,
that don't wait for man,
nor wait for the sons of men.
5:8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations,
in the midst of many peoples,
like a lion among the animals of the forest,
like a young lion among the flocks of sheep;
who, if he goes through, treads down and tears in pieces,
and there is no one to deliver.
5:9 Let your hand be lifted up above your adversaries,
and let all of your enemies be cut off.
5:10 "It will happen in that day," says Yahweh,
"That I will cut off your horses out of the midst of you,
and will destroy your chariots.
5:11 I will cut off the cities of your land,
and will tear down all your strongholds.
5:12 I will destroy witchcraft from your hand;
and you shall have no soothsayers.
5:13 I will cut off your engraved images and your pillars out of your midst;
and you shall no more worship the work of your hands.
5:14 I will uproot your Asherim out of your midst;
and I will destroy your cities.
5:15 I will execute vengeance in anger,
and wrath on the nations that didn't listen."

6:1 Listen now to what Yahweh says:

6:1 Listen now to what the Lord says:

"Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear what you have to say.
6:2 Hear, you mountains, Yahweh's controversy,
and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for Yahweh has a controversy with his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
6:3 My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you?
Answer me!
6:4 For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt,
and redeemed you out of the house of bondage.
I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
6:5 My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised,
and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of Yahweh."
6:6 How shall I come before Yahweh,
and bow myself before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
6:7 Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams?
With tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my disobedience?
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.
What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
6:9 Yahweh's voice calls to the city,
and wisdom sees your name:
"Listen to the rod,
and he who appointed it.
6:10 Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked,
and a short ephah that is accursed?
6:11 Shall I be pure with dishonest scales,
and with a bag of deceitful weights?
6:12 Her rich men are full of violence,
her inhabitants speak lies,
and their tongue is deceitful in their speech.
6:13 Therefore I also have struck you with a grievous wound.
I have made you desolate because of your sins.
6:14 You shall eat, but not be satisfied.
Your humiliation will be in your midst.
You will store up, but not save;
and that which you save I will give up to the sword.
6:15 You will sow, but won't reap.
You will tread the olives, but won't anoint yourself with oil;
and crush grapes, but won't drink the wine.
6:16 For the statutes of Omri are kept,
and all the works of the house of Ahab.
You walk in their counsels,
that I may make you a ruin,
and her inhabitants a hissing;
And you will bear the reproach of my people."
7:1 Misery is mine!
Indeed, I am like one who gathers the summer fruits, as gleanings of the vineyard:
There is no cluster of grapes to eat.
My soul desires to eat the early fig.
7:2 The godly man has perished out of the earth,
and there is no one upright among men.
They all lie in wait for blood;
every man hunts his brother with a net.
7:3 Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently.
The ruler and judge ask for a bribe;
and the powerful man dictates the evil desire of his soul.
Thus they conspire together.
7:4 The best of them is like a brier.
The most upright is worse than a thorn hedge.
The day of your watchmen,
even your visitation, has come;
now is the time of their confusion.
7:5 Don't trust in a neighbor.
Don't put confidence in a friend.
With the woman lying in your embrace,
be careful of the words of your mouth!
7:6 For the son dishonors the father,
the daughter rises up against her mother,
the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
7:7 But as for me, I will look to Yahweh.
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
7:8 Don't rejoice against me, my enemy.
When I fall, I will arise.
When I sit in darkness, Yahweh will be a light to me.
7:9 I will bear the indignation of Yahweh,
because I have sinned against him,
until he pleads my case, and executes judgment for me.
He will bring me forth to the light.
I will see his righteousness.
7:10 Then my enemy will see it,
and shame will cover her who said to me,
where is Yahweh your God?
Then my enemy will see me and will cover her shame.
Now she will be trodden down like the mire of the streets.
7:11 A day to build your walls--
In that day, he will extend your boundary.
7:12 In that day they will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt,
and from Egypt even to the River,
and from sea to sea,
and mountain to mountain.
7:13 Yet the land will be desolate because of those who dwell therein,
for the fruit of their doings.
7:14 Shepherd your people with your staff,
the flock of your heritage,
who dwell by themselves in a forest,
in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed;
in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
7:15 "As in the days of your coming forth out of the land of Egypt,
I will show them marvelous things."
7:16 The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might.
They will lay their hand on their mouth.
Their ears will be deaf.
7:17 They will lick the dust like a serpent.
Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their dens.
They will come with fear to Yahweh our God,
and will be afraid because of you.
7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity,
and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage?
He doesn't retain his anger forever,
because he delights in loving kindness.
7:19 He will again have compassion on us.
He will tread our iniquities under foot;
and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
7:20 You will give truth to Jacob,
and mercy to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:10 Beth Ophrah means literally "House of Dust."

[1] back to 1:10 Beth Ophrah means literally "House of Dust."

[2] back to 6:10 An ephah is a measure of volume, and a short ephah is made smaller than a full ephah for the purpose of cheating customers.

[2] back to 6:10 An ephah is a unit of volume, and a short ephah is a smaller version of a full ephah designed to scam customers.














Nahum

1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 1:2 Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies. 1:3 Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Yahweh has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 1:4 He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes. 1:5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him. 1:7 Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him. 1:8 But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. 1:9 What do you plot against Yahweh? He will make a full end. Affliction won't rise up the second time. 1:10 For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble. 1:11 There is one gone forth out of you, who devises evil against Yahweh, who counsels wickedness. 1:12 Thus says Yahweh: "Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 1:13 Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart." 1:14 Yahweh has commanded concerning you: "No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile."

1:1 A message about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 1:2 The Lord is a jealous God and takes revenge. The Lord avenges and is filled with fury. The Lord takes vengeance on his enemies and is furious with those who oppose him. 1:3 The Lord is slow to anger and powerful, and he will not let the guilty go unpunished. The Lord works through the whirlwind and the storm; the clouds are the dust of his feet. 1:4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flowers of Lebanon fade. 1:5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence; yes, the world and everyone in it. 1:6 Who can stand against his anger? Who can endure his fierce wrath? His anger burns like fire, and rocks are shattered by him. 1:7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble; he knows those who seek safety in him. 1:8 But with a flood, he will completely destroy her and pursue his enemies into darkness. 1:9 What are you plotting against the Lord? He will bring it to an end. Trouble won't rise up again. 1:10 For they are entangled like thorns, and drunk from their own poison; they will be consumed like dry straw. 1:11 There is someone among you who schemes evil against the Lord and counsels wickedness. 1:12 This is what the Lord says: "Though they are powerful and numerous, they will still be cut down and vanish. Though I have punished you, I will not punish you again. 1:13 Now I will break his yoke off you and tear apart your bonds." 1:14 The Lord has commanded concerning you: "No more descendants will carry your name. From the house of your gods, I will remove the carved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are worthless."

1:15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.

1:15 Look, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah! Fulfill your promises, for the wicked one will no longer come through you. He is completely removed.

2:1 He who dashes in pieces has come up against you. Keep the fortress! Watch the way! Strengthen your waist! Fortify your power mightily! 2:2 For Yahweh restores the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches. 2:3 The shield of his mighty men is made red. The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. 2:4 The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings. 2:5 He summons his picked troops. They stumble on their way. They dash to its wall, and the protective shield is put in place. 2:6 The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved. 2:7 It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts. 2:8 But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no one looks back. 2:9 Take the spoil of silver. Take the spoil of gold, for there is no end of the store, the glory of all goodly furniture. 2:10 She is empty, void, and waste. The heart melts, the knees knock together, their bodies and faces have grown pale. 2:11 Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and the lioness walked, the lion's cubs, and no one made them afraid? 2:12 The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his caves with the kill, and his dens with prey. 2:13 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; and I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard."

2:1 The one who shatters everything has come against you. Hold the fortress! Stay alert! Strengthen your resolve! Fortify your power fiercely! 2:2 For Yahweh will restore the greatness of Jacob, just like the greatness of Israel; for the destroyers have laid waste to them and stripped their vines bare. 2:3 The shields of his strong warriors are blood-red. The brave soldiers are dressed in scarlet. The chariots gleam with steel on the day of their preparations, and the spears are held ready. 2:4 The chariots storm through the streets. They race back and forth along the broad avenues. Their appearance is like torches. They move like lightning. 2:5 He calls his chosen troops. They stumble as they move. They rush toward the wall, and the protective shield goes up. 2:6 The river gates are opened, and the palace is dissolved. 2:7 It is decreed: she is exposed, she is taken away; and her maidens mourn like doves, beating their chests. 2:8 But Nineveh has been like a pool of water since ancient times, yet they flee. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no one looks back. 2:9 Take the spoils of silver. Take the spoils of gold, for the store is endless, filled with beautiful items. 2:10 She is empty, desolate, and ruined. The hearts melt, the knees tremble, their bodies and faces turn pale. 2:11 Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding ground of the young lions, where the lion and lioness roamed, along with their cubs, and no one caused them fear? 2:12 The lion killed enough for his cubs, and hunted for his lionesses, filling his dens with prey. 2:13 "Look, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard."

3:1 Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. The prey doesn't depart. 3:2 The noise of the whip, the noise of the rattling of wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariots, 3:3 the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, the glittering spear, and a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of the bodies. They stumble on their bodies, 3:4 because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through her prostitution, and families through her witchcraft. 3:5 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame. 3:6 I will throw abominable filth on you, and make you vile, and will set you a spectacle. 3:7 It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, 'Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?' Where will I seek comforters for you?"

3:1 Shame on the bloody city! It's filled with lies and theft. The victims never escape. 3:2 The sound of whips, the clatter of wheels, prancing horses, and racing chariots, 3:3 the horsemen charging in, the flashing swords, the gleaming spears, a multitude of the dead, and a huge pile of corpses, with no end to the bodies. They stumble over their own dead, 3:4 due to the multitude of seduction from the enticing prostitute, the queen of sorcery, who sells nations through her seduction and families through her magic. 3:5 "Look, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will expose your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms. 3:6 I will dump disgusting filth on you, making you loathsome, and will put you on display. 3:7 It will happen that all who see you will run from you and say, 'Nineveh is destroyed! Who will mourn for her?' Where will I find comforters for you?"

3:8 Are you better than No-Amon, who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around her; whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was of the sea? 3:9 Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength. Put and Libya were her helpers. 3:10 Yet was she carried away. She went into captivity. Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains. 3:11 You also will be drunken. You will be hidden. You also will seek a stronghold because of the enemy. 3:12 All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater. 3:13 Behold, your troops in your midst are women. The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars. 3:14 Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong. 3:15 There the fire will devour you. The sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the grasshopper. Multiply like grasshoppers. Multiply like the locust. 3:16 You have increased your merchants more than the stars of the skies. The grasshopper strips, and flees away. 3:17 Your guards are like the locusts, and your officials like the swarms of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day, but when the sun appears, they flee away, and their place is not known where they are. 3:18 Your shepherds slumber, king of Assyria. Your nobles lie down. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and there is no one to gather them. 3:19 There is no healing your wound, for your injury is fatal. All who hear the report of you clap their hands over you; for who hasn't felt your endless cruelty?

3:8 Are you better than No-Amon, who was positioned near rivers, surrounded by water; whose defense was the sea, and her walls were the sea? 3:9 Cush and Egypt were her limitless strength. Put and Libya were her allies. 3:10 Yet she was taken away. She went into captivity. Her young children were also killed at the intersections, and they cast lots for her respected men, and all her powerful leaders were put in chains. 3:11 You too will be drunk. You will be hidden. You will also search for refuge from the enemy. 3:12 All your fortifications will be like fig trees with ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouths of the eaters. 3:13 Look, your troops in your midst are like women. The gates of your land are wide open to your foes. Fire has consumed your bars. 3:14 Gather water for the siege. Strengthen your defenses. Go into the mud, and knead the mortar. Make the brick kiln sturdy. You have increased your merchants more than the stars in the sky. The grasshopper strips, then flees away. Your leaders are asleep, king of Assyria. Your nobles are lying down. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and there’s no one to bring them together.

[1] back to 3:8 or, Thebes

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Thebes














Habakkuk

1:1 The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw. 1:2 Yahweh, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you "Violence!" and will you not save? 1:3 Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up. 1:4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted.

1:1 The vision that Habakkuk the prophet saw. 1:2 Yahweh, how long will I cry out for help, and you won’t listen? I shout to you about "Violence!" and will you not save? 1:3 Why do you let me see wrongdoing and watch injustice? Destruction and violence are right in front of me. There is conflict, and arguments are rising. 1:4 Because of this, the law is ineffective, and justice never comes; the wicked surround the righteous; that’s why justice is twisted.

1:5 "Look among the nations, watch, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work in your days, which you will not believe though it is told you. 1:6 For, behold, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, that march through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs. 1:7 They are feared and dreaded. Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour. 1:9 All of them come for violence. Their hordes face the desert. He gathers prisoners like sand. 1:10 Yes, he scoffs at kings, and princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every stronghold, for he builds up an earthen ramp, and takes it. 1:11 Then he sweeps by like the wind, and goes on. He is indeed guilty, whose strength is his god."

1:5 "Look at the nations, pay attention, and be amazed; because I’m doing something in your time that you won’t believe even if it's explained to you. 1:6 For, look, I’m raising up the Chaldeans, a fierce and impulsive nation, that marches across the land to take over places that aren’t theirs. 1:7 They are feared and intimidating. Their decisions and pride come from themselves. 1:8 Their horses are faster than leopards, and they are more aggressive than evening wolves. Their riders charge ahead with arrogance. Yes, their riders come from far away. They swoop down like an eagle rushing to eat. 1:9 They all come for violence. Their troops move towards the desert. He gathers prisoners like sand. 1:10 Yes, he makes fun of kings, and princes are nothing but a joke to him. He laughs at every stronghold, for he builds up a dirt ramp and takes it. 1:11 Then he sweeps by like the wind and moves on. He is truly guilty, whose strength is his god."

1:12 Aren't you from everlasting, Yahweh my God, my Holy One? We will not die. Yahweh, you have appointed him for judgment. You, Rock, have established him to punish. 1:13 You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look on perversity, why do you tolerate those who deal treacherously, and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the man who is more righteous than he, 1:14 and make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? 1:15 He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net, and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad. 1:16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his life is luxurious, and his food is good. 1:17 Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy?

1:12 Aren't you eternal, Yahweh my God, my Holy One? We will not die. Yahweh, you have chosen him for judgment. You, Rock, have set him up to punish. 1:13 You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look at wrongdoing, why do you stand by while those who act treacherously, and remain silent when the wicked devours the man who is more righteous than he, 1:14 and make people like the fish in the sea, like the creeping creatures, that have no leader over them? 1:15 He catches all of them with a hook. He traps them in his net and gathers them in his dragnet. So he rejoices and is glad. 1:16 So he offers sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his life is luxurious, and his food is plentiful. 1:17 Will he therefore keep emptying his net and destroy nations without mercy?

2:1 I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

2:1 I will take my position at my watch, standing on the ramparts, and I will look out to see what he has to say to me, and how I should respond to my complaint.

2:2 Yahweh answered me, "Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who runs may read it. 2:3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won't prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it; because it will surely come. It won't delay. 2:4 Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith. 2:5 Yes, moreover, wine is treacherous. A haughty man who doesn't stay at home, who enlarges his desire as Sheol, and he is like death, and can't be satisfied, but gathers to himself all nations, and heaps to himself all peoples. 2:6 Won't all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, 'Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?' 2:7 Won't your debtors rise up suddenly, and wake up those who make you tremble, and you will be their victim? 2:8 Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples will plunder you, because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all who dwell in it. 2:9 Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! 2:10 You have devised shame to your house, by cutting off many peoples, and have sinned against your soul. 2:11 For the stone will cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the woodwork will answer it. 2:12 Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity! 2:13 Behold, isn't it of Yahweh of Armies that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity? 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.

2:2 The Lord answered me, "Write down the vision and make it clear on tablets so that anyone who reads it can run with it. 2:3 The vision is for a future time; it will happen quickly and won't be untrue. Even if it takes a while, wait for it because it will certainly come; it won't be late. 2:4 Look, his ego is inflated. His heart isn't right, but the righteous will live by their faith. 2:5 Yes, wine is deceptive. A proud man who doesn't stay home, who expands his desires like the grave, is like death and can't be satisfied; he gathers all nations to himself and heaps up all peoples. 2:6 Won't all these people start a parable against him and say a mocking proverb, 'Woe to him who takes what isn't his and enriches himself through greed! How long?' 2:7 Won't your debtors suddenly rise up and confront you, and you'll become their target? 2:8 Because you've plundered many nations, the remaining people will plunder you because of the bloodshed and the violence done to the land, the city, and everyone living in it. 2:9 Woe to him who gains evil profit for his house, setting it up high to escape disaster! 2:10 You’ve brought shame upon your house by cutting off many nations and have sinned against your soul. 2:11 For the stones will cry out from the walls, and the beams from the woodwork will respond. 2:12 Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town through wickedness! 2:13 Look, isn't it from the Lord of Hosts that the people labor for fire and nations exhaust themselves for nothing? 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

2:15 "Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies! 2:16 You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink, and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh's right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. 2:17 For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.

2:15 "Cursed is the one who makes his neighbor drunk, pouring your intoxicating wine until they lose control, just so you can gawk at their nakedness! 2:16 You will be filled with shame instead of honor. You too will drink and be exposed! The cup from Yahweh's right hand will come to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. 2:17 Because the violence against Lebanon will come back to haunt you, and the destruction of the animals that scared them will weigh heavily upon you; because of the bloodshed and the violence done to the land, to every city, and to all who live in them.

2:18 "What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols? 2:19 Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst. 2:20 But Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!"

2:18 "What good is the carved image if its creator made it; the molten image, even the master of lies, who believes in its form, to create lifeless idols? 2:19 Woe to anyone who tells wood, 'Wake up!' or to the silent stone, 'Get up!' Can that teach anything? Look, it’s covered in gold and silver, and there’s no life at all inside it. 2:20 But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be quiet before Him!"

3:1 A prayer of Habakkuk, the prophet, set to victorious music.

3:1 A prayer of Habakkuk, the prophet, set to triumphant music.

3:2 Yahweh, I have heard of your fame.
I stand in awe of your deeds, Yahweh.
Renew your work in the midst of the years.
In the midst of the years make it known.
In wrath, you remember mercy.
3:3 God came from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Selah.
His glory covered the heavens,
and his praise filled the earth.
3:4 His splendor is like the sunrise.
Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden.
3:5 Plague went before him,
and pestilence followed his feet.
3:6 He stood, and shook the earth.
He looked, and made the nations tremble.
The ancient mountains were crumbled.
The age-old hills collapsed.
His ways are eternal.
3:7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction.
The dwellings of the land of Midian trembled.
3:8 Was Yahweh displeased with the rivers?
Was your anger against the rivers,
or your wrath against the sea,
that you rode on your horses,
on your chariots of salvation?
3:9 You uncovered your bow.
You called for your sworn arrows.
Selah.
You split the earth with rivers.
3:10 The mountains saw you, and were afraid.
The storm of waters passed by.
The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high.
3:11 The sun and moon stood still in the sky,
at the light of your arrows as they went,
at the shining of your glittering spear.
3:12 You marched through the land in wrath.
You threshed the nations in anger.
3:13 You went forth for the salvation of your people,
for the salvation of your anointed.
You crushed the head of the land of wickedness.
You stripped them head to foot.
Selah.
3:14 You pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears.
They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,
gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret.
3:15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
churning mighty waters.
3:16 I heard, and my body trembled.
My lips quivered at the voice.
Rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in my place,
because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble,
for the coming up of the people who invade us.
3:17 For though the fig tree doesn't flourish,
nor fruit be in the vines;
the labor of the olive fails,
the fields yield no food;
the flocks are cut off from the fold,
and there is no herd in the stalls:
3:18 yet I will rejoice in Yahweh.
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
3:19 Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength.
He makes my feet like deer's feet,
and enables me to go in high places.

For the music director, on my stringed instruments.

For the music director, on my string instruments.














Zephaniah

1:1 The word of Yahweh which came to Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah. 1:2 I will utterly sweep away everything off of the surface of the earth, says Yahweh. 1:3 I will sweep away man and animal. I will sweep away the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and the heaps of rubble with the wicked. I will cut off man from the surface of the earth, says Yahweh. 1:4 I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place: the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests, 1:5 those who worship the army of the sky on the housetops, those who worship and swear by Yahweh and also swear by Malcam, 1:6 those who have turned back from following Yahweh, and those who haven't sought Yahweh nor inquired after him. 1:7 Be silent at the presence of the Lord Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his guests. 1:8 It will happen in the day of Yahweh's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, the king's sons, and all those who are clothed with foreign clothing. 1:9 In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master's house with violence and deceit. 1:10 In that day, says Yahweh, there will be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills. 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off. 1:12 It will happen at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are settled on their dregs, who say in their heart, "Yahweh will not do good, neither will he do evil." 1:13 Their wealth will become a spoil, and their houses a desolation. Yes, they will build houses, but won't inhabit them. They will plant vineyards, but won't drink their wine. 1:14 The great day of Yahweh is near. It is near, and hurries greatly, the voice of the day of Yahweh. The mighty man cries there bitterly. 1:15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, 1:16 a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements. 1:17 I will bring distress on men, that they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Yahweh, and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Yahweh's wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he will make an end, yes, a terrible end, of all those who dwell in the land.

1:1 This is the message from the Lord that came to Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah. 1:2 I will completely wipe out everything on the earth, says the Lord. 1:3 I will wipe out both humans and animals. I will remove the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and the rubble left by the wicked. I will remove humanity from the face of the earth, says the Lord. 1:4 I will reach out my hand against Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will remove the remnants of Baal from this place, along with the names of the idolatrous priests, 1:5 those who worship the stars on rooftops, those who swear by the Lord and also by their idols, 1:6 those who have turned away from following the Lord, and those who haven't sought the Lord or asked for his guidance. 1:7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord God, because the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. 1:8 On the day of the Lord's sacrifice, I will punish the officials, the king's children, and all those who wear foreign attire. 1:9 On that day, I will punish all who leap over thresholds, who fill their masters' houses with violence and deception. 1:10 On that day, says the Lord, there will be a cry from the fish gate, wailing from the second district, and a loud crash from the hills. 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan have been destroyed! All those who were wealthy are cut off. 1:12 At that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who say in their hearts, "The Lord will do neither good nor bad." 1:13 Their wealth will be taken as plunder, and their houses will be left in ruins. They will build houses but won’t live in them. They will plant vineyards but won’t drink the wine. 1:14 The great day of the Lord is near. It is coming quickly; the day of the Lord's voice shouts out. The mighty will cry bitterly on that day. 1:15 That day will be a day of wrath, distress and anguish, trouble and destruction, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 1:16 a day of trumpets and alarms against fortified cities and high towers. 1:17 I will bring distress upon people so that they walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold will save them on the day of the Lord's wrath; the whole land will be consumed by the fire of his jealousy, for he will make a complete and terrible end of all who dwell in the land.

2:1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, you nation that has no shame, 2:2 before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes on you, before the day of Yahweh's anger comes on you. 2:3 Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh's anger. 2:4 For Gaza will be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation. They will drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron will be rooted up. 2:5 Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of Yahweh is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will destroy you, that there will be no inhabitant. 2:6 The sea coast will be pastures, with cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks. 2:7 The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for Yahweh, their God, will visit them, and restore them. 2:8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the children of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border. 2:9 Therefore as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them. 2:10 This they will have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of Yahweh of Armies. 2:11 Yahweh will be awesome to them, for he will famish all the gods of the land. Men will worship him, everyone from his place, even all the shores of the nations. 2:12 You Cushites also, you will be killed by my sword. 2:13 He will stretch out his hand against the north, destroy Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like the wilderness. 2:14 Herds will lie down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams. 2:15 This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, "I am, and there is none besides me." How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her will hiss, and shake their fists.

2:1 Come together, yes, gather together, you shameful nation, 2:2 before the time that's set, before the day blows away like chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes upon you, before the day of Yahweh's anger arrives. 2:3 Search for Yahweh, all you humble people of the land, who have followed his laws. Seek justice. Seek humility. Maybe you'll be hidden when Yahweh's anger comes. 2:4 Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will be a wasteland. They'll drive out Ashdod at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. 2:5 Woe to the people of the coastal region, the nation of the Cherethites! Yahweh's message is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will wipe you out, leaving no one behind. 2:6 The coastline will turn into pastures, with cottages for shepherds and pens for flocks. 2:7 The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah. They'll find pasture there. In the houses of Ashkelon, they'll rest in the evening, for Yahweh, their God, will come to them and restore them. 2:8 I've heard the scorn of Moab and the insults of the Ammonites, as they mocked my people and boasted against their borders. 2:9 Therefore, as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a land of thorns, salt pits, and everlasting ruin. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them. 2:10 This is what they'll get for their pride, because they've insulted and boasted against the people of Yahweh of Armies. 2:11 Yahweh will be great for them, because he will defeat all the gods of the land. People will worship him, each from their own place, even all the coastlines of the nations. 2:12 You Cushites as well, you will be killed by my sword. 2:13 He will stretch out his hand against the north, destroy Assyria, and turn Nineveh into a desolation, as dry as a desert. 2:14 Herds will lie down in its midst, all the animals of the nations. Both pelicans and porcupines will nest in its towers. Their cries will echo through the windows. Desolation will fill the thresholds, for he has exposed the cedar beams. 2:15 This is the joyful city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, "I exist, and there's no one like me." How she's become a desolation, a place for animals to rest! Everyone who passes by will hiss and shake their fists.

3:1 Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city! 3:2 She didn't obey the voice. She didn't receive correction. She didn't trust in Yahweh. She didn't draw near to her God. 3:3 Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day. 3:4 Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law. 3:5 Yahweh, in the midst of her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame. 3:6 I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant. 3:7 I said, "Just fear me. Receive correction, so that her dwelling won't be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her." But they rose early and corrupted all their doings. 3:8 "Therefore wait for me," says Yahweh, "until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. 3:9 For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the name of Yahweh, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering. 3:11 In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings, in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be haughty in my holy mountain. 3:12 But I will leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in the name of Yahweh. 3:13 The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid."

3:1 How tragic for her who is rebellious and corrupt, the oppressive city! 3:2 She didn’t listen to the voice. She didn’t accept correction. She didn’t trust in the Lord. She didn’t draw near to her God. 3:3 Her leaders among her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day. 3:4 Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous. Her priests have desecrated the sanctuary. They have violated the law. 3:5 The Lord, in the midst of her, is righteous. He does no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the wicked have no shame. 3:6 I have cut off nations. Their fortifications are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate, so that no one passes through. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no one, no inhabitant left. 3:7 I said, "Just fear me. Accept correction, so that her home won't be cut off, according to all that I have planned for her." But they woke up early and corrupted all their actions. 3:8 "So wait for me," says the Lord, "until the day that I rise up to take action, for my purpose is to gather the nations, to assemble the kingdoms to pour out my anger on them, all my fierce wrath, for all the earth will be consumed with the fire of my jealousy. 3:9 For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, so that they may all call on the name of the Lord, to serve him together. 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the children of my scattered people, will bring my offering. 3:11 In that day you will not be ashamed for all your actions in which you have sinned against me; for then I will remove from among you those who are proud and arrogant, and you will no longer be haughty on my holy mountain. 3:12 But I will leave among you a humble and poor people, and they will find refuge in the name of the Lord. 3:13 The remnant of Israel will not commit injustice, nor speak lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid."

3:14 Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. 3:15 Yahweh has taken away your judgments. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is in the midst of you. You will not be afraid of evil any more. 3:16 In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, "Don't be afraid, Zion. Don't let your hands be slack." 3:17 Yahweh, your God, is in the midst of you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will rest in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing. 3:18 Those who are sad for the appointed feasts, I will remove from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you. 3:19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you, and I will save those who are lame, and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth. 3:20 At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring back your captivity before your eyes, says Yahweh.

3:14 Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be happy and celebrate with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. 3:15 The Lord has removed your judgments. He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. You will no longer fear evil. 3:16 On that day, they will say to Jerusalem, "Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands hang limp." 3:17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will take delight in you with joy. He will rest in His love. He will celebrate you with singing. 3:18 Those who are saddened by the appointed feasts, I will remove from you. They are a burden and a disgrace to you. 3:19 Look, at that time I will deal with all those who oppress you, and I will save the lame and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, those who have experienced shame throughout the earth. 3:20 At that time, I will bring you in, and at that time, I will gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.














Haggai

1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 1:2 "This is what Yahweh of Armies says: These people say, 'The time hasn't yet come, the time for Yahweh's house to be built.'"

1:1 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 1:2 "This is what the Lord of Hosts says: These people say, 'The time hasn't come yet, the time for the Lord's house to be built.'"

1:3 Then the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, saying, 1:4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies waste? 1:5 Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways. 1:6 You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you don't have enough. You drink, but you aren't filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it."

1:3 Then the Word of the Lord came through Haggai, the prophet, saying, 1:4 "Is it really the right time for you to live in your nice houses while this house is in ruins? 1:5 So, this is what the Lord of Hosts says: Think about what you’re doing. 1:6 You’ve planted a lot, but harvested very little. You eat, but you don’t have enough. You drink, but you’re still thirsty. You put on clothes, but no one is warm, and the person who earns money puts it in a bag full of holes."

1:7 This is what Yahweh of Armies says: "Consider your ways. 1:8 Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," says Yahweh. 1:9 "You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says Yahweh of Armies, "Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house. 1:10 Therefore for your sake the heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. 1:11 I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on that which the ground brings forth, on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of the hands."

1:7 This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: "Take a good look at your lives. 1:8 Go up to the mountain, gather wood, and build the house. I’ll take delight in it, and I’ll be honored," says the Lord. 1:9 "You expected a lot, but it turned out to be little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, "Because my house is in ruins while each of you is busy with your own house. 1:10 That's why the heavens are withholding the dew, and the earth is holding back its crops. 1:11 I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on everything the ground produces, on people, on animals, and on all the labor of your hands."

1:12 Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Yahweh, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophet, as Yahweh, their God, had sent him; and the people feared Yahweh.

1:12 Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, along with all the remaining people, listened to the voice of the Lord, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophet, as the Lord, their God, had sent him; and the people honored the Lord.

1:13 Then Haggai, Yahweh's messenger, spoke Yahweh's message to the people, saying, "I am with you," says Yahweh.

1:13 Then Haggai, the messenger of God, delivered God's message to the people, saying, "I am with you," says God.

1:14 Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of Yahweh of Armies, their God, 1:15 in the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

1:14 God inspired Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remaining people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God, 1:15 on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.

2:1 In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 2:2 "Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 2:3 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn't it in your eyes as nothing? 2:4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says Yahweh. 'Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says Yahweh, 'and work, for I am with you,' says Yahweh of Armies. 2:5 This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. 'Don't be afraid.' 2:6 For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; 2:7 and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies. 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Armies. 2:9 'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says Yahweh of Armies; 'and in this place will I give peace,' says Yahweh of Armies."

2:1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai, saying, 2:2 "Now speak to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the rest of the people, saying, 2:3 'Who among you is left that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it seem like nothing to you? 2:4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord. 'Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, 'and work, for I am with you,' says the Lord of Hosts. 2:5 This is the promise I made with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit is among you. 'Don't be afraid.' 2:6 For this is what the Lord of Hosts says: 'In just a little while, I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; 2:7 and I will shake all nations. The treasures of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts. 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says the Lord of Hosts. 2:9 'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says the Lord of Hosts; 'and in this place, I will give peace,' says the Lord of Hosts."

2:10 In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 2:11 "Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, 2:12 'If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with his fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food, will it become holy?'"

2:10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month in the second year of Darius, the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai, saying, 2:11 "This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Ask the priests about the law, saying, 2:12 'If someone carries holy meat in the fold of their garment and touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food with it, does it become holy?'"

The priests answered, "No."

The priests replied, "No."

2:13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?"

2:13 Then Haggai asked, "If someone who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it become unclean?"

The priests answered, "It will be unclean."

The priests replied, "It will be unclean."

2:14 Then Haggai answered, "'So is this people, and so is this nation before me,' says Yahweh; 'and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean. 2:15 Now, please consider from this day and backward, before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of Yahweh. 2:16 Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty, there were only twenty. 2:17 I struck you with blight, mildew, and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you didn't turn to me,' says Yahweh. 2:18 'Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of Yahweh's temple was laid, consider it. 2:19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven't brought forth. From this day will I bless you.'"

2:14 Then Haggai replied, "'This is what Yahweh says: 'This people and this nation are in the same condition; everything they do is unclean. 2:15 Now, think carefully from this day and back to the time before the first stone was laid on another stone in the temple of Yahweh. 2:16 During that time, when someone came to a pile expecting twenty measures, there were only ten. When someone went to the wine vat to draw fifty, there were only twenty. 2:17 I caused blight, mildew, and hail to affect all the work of your hands; yet you didn't turn to me,' says Yahweh. 2:18 'Consider, please, from this day and back to the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day the foundation of Yahweh's temple was laid—think about it. 2:19 Is the seed still in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on, I will bless you.'"

2:20 The Word of Yahweh came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 2:21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, 'I will shake the heavens and the earth. 2:22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother. 2:23 In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says Yahweh, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says Yahweh of Armies."

2:20 The Word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 2:21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, and say, 'I will shake the heavens and the earth. 2:22 I will topple the thrones of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. 2:23 On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the Lord, 'and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,' says the Lord of Hosts."














Zechariah

1:1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying, 1:2 "Yahweh was very displeased with your fathers. 1:3 Therefore tell them: Thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'Return to me,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'and I will return to you,' says Yahweh of Armies. 1:4 Don't you be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, 'Return now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings;' but they did not hear, nor listen to me, says Yahweh. 1:5 Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 1:6 But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn't they overtake your fathers?

1:1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying, 1:2 "The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 1:3 So tell them: This is what the Lord of Hosts says: 'Return to me,' says the Lord of Hosts, 'and I will return to you,' says the Lord of Hosts. 1:4 Don't be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets spoke, saying: This is what the Lord of Hosts says, 'Turn back now from your evil ways and your bad practices;' but they didn’t listen or pay attention to me, says the Lord. 1:5 Your ancestors, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 1:6 But my words and my laws, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn’t they catch up with your ancestors?

"Then they repented and said, 'Just as Yahweh of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.'" 1:7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying, 1:8 "I had a vision in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in a ravine; and behind him there were red, brown, and white horses. 1:9 Then I asked, 'My lord, what are these?'"

"Then they felt sorry and said, 'Just as Yahweh of Armies decided to do to us, based on our actions and our habits, so He has treated us.'" 1:7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying, 1:8 "I had a dream at night, and look, a man on a red horse was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine; and behind him were red, brown, and white horses. 1:9 Then I asked, 'My lord, what are these?'"

The angel who talked with me said to me, "I will show you what these are."

The angel who spoke to me said, "I'll show you what these are."

1:10 The man who stood among the myrtle trees answered, "They are the ones Yahweh has sent to go back and forth through the earth."

1:10 The man standing among the myrtle trees replied, "These are the ones Yahweh has sent to move around the earth."

1:11 They reported to the angel of Yahweh who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, "We have walked back and forth through the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and in peace."
1:12 Then the angel of Yahweh replied, "O Yahweh of Armies, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have had indignation these seventy years?"

1:11 They reported to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees and said, "We have traveled around the earth, and look, all the earth is calm and peaceful."
1:12 Then the angel of the Lord replied, "O Lord of Hosts, how long will you hold back your mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry for these seventy years?"

1:13 Yahweh answered the angel who talked with me with kind and comforting words. 1:14 So the angel who talked with me said to me, "Proclaim, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. 1:15 I am very angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but a little displeased, but they added to the calamity." 1:16 Therefore thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it," says Yahweh of Armies, "and a line shall be stretched forth over Jerusalem."'

1:13 God replied to the angel who was speaking with me with kind and comforting words. 1:14 So the angel who spoke to me said, "Proclaim, saying, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I am deeply passionate about Jerusalem and Zion. 1:15 I'm really angry with the nations that feel secure; I was only a little upset, but they made things worse." 1:16 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: "I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built there," says the Lord Almighty, "and a measuring line will be extended over Jerusalem."'

1:17 "Proclaim further, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and Yahweh will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem."'"

1:17 "Proclaim this as well: 'This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: "My cities will overflow with prosperity once more, and the Lord will comfort Zion again, and He will choose Jerusalem again."'"

1:18 I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four horns. 1:19 I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these?"

1:18 I looked up and saw four horns. 1:19 I asked the angel who was speaking with me, "What are these?"

He answered me, "These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem."

He replied, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem."

1:20 Yahweh showed me four craftsmen. 1:21 Then I asked, "What are these coming to do?"

1:20 God showed me four craftsmen. 1:21 Then I asked, "What are these coming to do?"

He said, "These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man lifted up his head; but these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."

He said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could raise their head; but these have come to frighten them, to bring down the horns of the nations that raised their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."

2:1 I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2:2 Then I asked, "Where are you going?"

2:1 I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2:2 Then I asked, "Where are you going?"

He said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its breadth and what is its length."

He said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, to find out its width and length."

2:3 Behold, the angel who talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, 2:4 and said to him, "Run, speak to this young man, saying, 'Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. 2:5 For I,' says Yahweh, 'will be to her a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory in the midst of her. 2:6 Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,' says Yahweh; 'for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the sky,' says Yahweh. 2:7 'Come, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.' 2:8 For thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'For honor he has sent me to the nations which plundered you; for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye. 2:9 For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they will be a spoil to those who served them; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me. 2:10 Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion; for, behold, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you,' says Yahweh. 2:11 Many nations shall join themselves to Yahweh in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of you, and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. 2:12 Yahweh will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 2:13 Be silent, all flesh, before Yahweh; for he has roused himself from his holy habitation!"

2:3 Look, the angel who talked to me went out, and another angel went to meet him, 2:4 and said to him, "Run, tell this young man, 'Jerusalem will be like villages without walls, because of the many people and animals in it. 2:5 For I,' says Yahweh, 'will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst. 2:6 Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,' says Yahweh; 'for I have scattered you like the four winds of the sky,' says Yahweh. 2:7 'Come, Zion! Escape, you who live with the daughter of Babylon.' 2:8 For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'For honor, he has sent me to the nations that plundered you; for whoever touches you touches the pupil of his eye. 2:9 For look, I will shake my hand over them, and they will be plundered by those who served them; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me. 2:10 Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion; for look, I come, and I will live among you,' says Yahweh. 2:11 Many nations will join themselves to Yahweh on that day, and they will be my people; and I will live among you, and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. 2:12 Yahweh will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will choose Jerusalem again. 2:13 Be silent, all people, before Yahweh; for he has risen from his holy dwelling!"

3:1 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. 3:2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn't this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?"

3:1 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to oppose him. 3:2 The Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Yes, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn't this a burning stick pulled out of the fire?"

3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. 3:4 He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, "Take the filthy garments off of him." To him he said, "Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing."

3:3 Now Joshua was wearing dirty clothes and was standing in front of the angel. 3:4 He replied and spoke to those who were standing by, saying, "Remove the dirty clothes from him." To him, he said, "Look, I have removed your sin from you, and I will dress you in fine clothes."

3:5 I said, "Let them set a clean turban on his head."

3:5 I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head."

So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the angel of Yahweh was standing by. 3:6 The angel of Yahweh protested to Joshua, saying, 3:7 "Thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by. 3:8 Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant, the Branch. 3:9 For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 3:10 In that day,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.'"

So they put a clean turban on his head and dressed him, and the angel of Yahweh was standing by. 3:6 The angel of Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 3:7 "This is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'If you walk in my ways and follow my instructions, then you will judge my house and take care of my courts, and I will give you a place of access among those who stand here. 3:8 Listen now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellow priests who sit before you; for they are a sign: look, I am bringing forth my servant, the Branch. 3:9 Look, the stone I've placed before Joshua; on that stone are seven eyes: look, I will engrave its inscription,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 3:10 In that day,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'you will invite every man to sit under his vine and under his fig tree.'"

4:1 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 4:2 He said to me, "What do you see?"

4:1 The angel who spoke with me came back and woke me up like someone waking up from sleep. 4:2 He asked me, "What do you see?"

I said, "I have seen, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it; 4:3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it."

I said, "Look, I saw a gold lampstand with a bowl on top and seven lamps on it; each lamp has seven pipes leading to it; 4:3 and there are two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on the left side."

4:4 I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, "What are these, my lord?"

4:4 I replied and asked the angel who was speaking to me, "What are these, my lord?"

4:5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, "Don't you know what these are?"

4:5 Then the angel who spoke to me replied, "Do you not understand what these are?"

I said, "No, my lord."

I said, "No, my lord."

4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, "This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says Yahweh of Armies. 4:7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and he will bring out the capstone with shouts of 'Grace, grace, to it!'"

4:6 Then he replied and said to me, "This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by strength, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of Hosts. 4:7 Who are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you will become a level ground; and he will bring out the final stone with cheers of 'Grace, grace, to it!'"

4:8 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 4:9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. 4:10 Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of Yahweh, which run back and forth through the whole earth."

4:8 Additionally, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 4:9 "Zerubbabel's hands have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will also complete it; and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me to you. 4:10 Truly, who dismisses the day of small beginnings? For these seven will rejoice and will see the measuring line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the Lord that roam throughout the earth."

4:11 Then I asked him, "What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on the left side of it?"

4:11 Then I asked him, "What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lamp and on the left side of it?"

4:12 I asked him the second time, "What are these two olive branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that pour the golden oil out of themselves?"

4:12 I asked him again, "What are these two olive branches next to the two golden spouts that pour out golden oil on their own?"

4:13 He answered me, "Don't you know what these are?"

4:13 He replied, "Don't you know what these are?"

I said, "No, my lord."

I said, "No, my lord."

4:14 Then he said, "These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

4:14 Then he said, "These are the two chosen ones who stand by the Lord of all the earth."

5:1 Then again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a flying scroll. 5:2 He said to me, "What do you see?"

5:1 Then I looked up again and saw a flying scroll. 5:2 He asked me, "What do you see?"

I answered, "I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its breadth ten cubits."

I said, "I see a flying scroll; it's twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide."

5:3 Then he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side. 5:4 I will cause it to go out," says Yahweh of Armies, "and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him who swears falsely by my name; and it will remain in the midst of his house, and will destroy it with its timber and its stones."

5:3 Then he said to me, "This is the curse that spreads across the entire land; everyone who steals will be removed on one side, and everyone who lies under oath will be removed on the other side. 5:4 I will make it happen," says Yahweh of Armies, "and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the person who falsely swears by my name; it will stay in the middle of that house and will ruin it along with its timbers and stones."

5:5 Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and said to me, "Lift up now your eyes, and see what is this that is appearing."

5:5 Then the angel who spoke to me came closer and said, "Look up now and see what is appearing."

5:6 I said, "What is it?"

I asked, "What's happening?"

He said, "This is the ephah basket that is appearing." He said moreover, "This is their appearance in all the land 5:7 (and behold, a talent of lead was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting in the midst of the ephah basket." 5:8 He said, "This is Wickedness;" and he threw her down into the midst of the ephah basket; and he threw the weight of lead on its mouth.

He said, "This is the ephah basket that is appearing." He went on to say, "This is how it looks everywhere in the land 5:7 (and look, a talent of lead was lifted up); and here is a woman sitting in the middle of the ephah basket." 5:8 He said, "This represents Wickedness;" and he threw her down into the middle of the ephah basket; then he placed the weight of lead on its opening.

5:9 Then lifted I up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there were two women, and the wind was in their wings. Now they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah basket between earth and the sky. 5:10 Then said I to the angel who talked with me, "Where are these carrying the ephah basket?"

5:9 Then I looked up and saw two women with wings like storks. The wind was in their wings, and they were holding the ephah basket between the earth and the sky. 5:10 I asked the angel who was talking to me, "Where are they taking the ephah basket?"

5:11 He said to me, "To build her a house in the land of Shinar. When it is prepared, she will be set there in her own place."

5:11 He told me, "To build her a house in the land of Shinar. When it's ready, she will be placed there in her own spot."

6:1 Again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. 6:2 In the first chariot were red horses; in the second chariot black horses; 6:3 in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful. 6:4 Then I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?"

6:1 Once again I looked up and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains, and the mountains were made of bronze. 6:2 The first chariot had red horses; the second chariot had black horses; 6:3 the third chariot had white horses; and the fourth chariot had spotted horses, all of them strong. 6:4 Then I asked the angel who was speaking to me, "What are these, my lord?"

6:5 The angel answered me, "These are the four winds of the sky, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 6:6 The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went forth toward the south country." 6:7 The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth: and he said, "Go around and through the earth!" So they walked back and forth through the earth.

6:5 The angel replied, "These are the four winds of heaven, sent out from the presence of the Lord of all the earth. 6:6 The one with the black horses goes north; the white ones follow after them; and the dappled ones head south." 6:7 The strong ones went out, wanting to roam the earth, and he said, "Go and explore the earth!" So they roamed back and forth across the land.

6:8 Then he called to me, and spoke to me, saying, "Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country."

6:8 Then he called to me and said, "Look, those who are heading to the north have calmed my spirit in the north."

6:9 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 6:10 "Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon. 6:11 Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; 6:12 and speak to him, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies, "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Yahweh; 6:13 even he shall build the temple of Yahweh; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. 6:14 The crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Yahweh. 6:15 Those who are far off shall come and build in the temple of Yahweh; and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey the voice of Yahweh your God."'"

6:9 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6:10 "Take from the exiles, specifically Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah; and come on the same day, and go to the house of Josiah, son of Zephaniah, where they have come back from Babylon. 6:11 Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and place them on the head of Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; 6:12 and tell him, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of Hosts, "Look, the man whose name is the Branch: he will grow up out of his place; and he will build the temple of the Lord; 6:13 he will build the temple of the Lord; and he will receive glory, and will sit and rule on his throne; and he will be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace will be between them both. 6:14 The crowns will be for Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen, son of Zephaniah, as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. 6:15 Those who are far away will come and build in the temple of the Lord; and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God."'"

7:1 It happened in the fourth year of king Darius that the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev. 7:2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech, and their men, to entreat Yahweh's favor, 7:3 and to speak to the priests of the house of Yahweh of Armies, and to the prophets, saying, "Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?"

7:1 In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev. 7:2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech, along with their men, to ask for the Lord's favor, 7:3 and to speak to the priests of the Lord Almighty and to the prophets, saying, "Should I mourn in the fifth month, separating myself, like I have done for all these years?"

7:4 Then the word of Yahweh of Armies came to me, saying, 7:5 "Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month for these seventy years, did you at all fast to me, really to me? 7:6 When you eat, and when you drink, don't you eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? 7:7 Aren't these the words which Yahweh proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and its cities around her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?'"

7:4 Then the word of the Lord of Hosts came to me, saying, 7:5 "Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for me? 7:6 When you eat and when you drink, don't you eat and drink for yourselves? 7:7 Aren't these the words that the Lord proclaimed through the earlier prophets when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous, along with its surrounding cities, and the South and the lowland were populated?'"

7:8 The word of Yahweh came to Zechariah, saying, 7:9 "Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying, 'Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother. 7:10 Don't oppress the widow, nor the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.' 7:11 But they refused to listen, and turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear. 7:12 Yes, they made their hearts as hard as flint, lest they might hear the law, and the words which Yahweh of Armies had sent by his Spirit by the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from Yahweh of Armies. 7:13 It has come to pass that, as he called, and they refused to listen, so they will call, and I will not listen," said Yahweh of Armies; 7:14 "but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned: for they made the pleasant land desolate."

7:8 The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 7:9 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to each other. 7:10 Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, or the poor; and do not plot evil against each other in your hearts.' 7:11 But they refused to listen, turned their backs, and stopped their ears so they wouldn’t have to hear. 7:12 They made their hearts as hard as stone so they wouldn’t hear the law and the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore, great anger came from the Lord Almighty. 7:13 It has happened that just as He called, and they refused to listen, so they will call, and I will not listen," said the Lord Almighty; 7:14 "but I will scatter them like chaff among all the nations they haven’t known. So the land became desolate after them, with no one passing through or returning; for they turned the pleasant land into a wasteland."

8:1 The word of Yahweh of Armies came to me. 8:2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath."

8:1 The word of the Lord of Hosts came to me. 8:2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: "I am fiercely protective of Zion, and my anger for her is fierce."

8:3 Thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called 'The City of Truth;' and the mountain of Yahweh of Armies, 'The Holy Mountain.'"

8:3 This is what the Lord says: "I have come back to Zion and will live in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called 'The City of Truth,' and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called 'The Holy Mountain.'"

8:4 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Old men and old women will again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, every man with his staff in his hand for very age. 8:5 The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets."

8:4 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "Senior men and women will once again live in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his cane because of his old age. 8:5 The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in them."

8:6 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my eyes?" says Yahweh of Armies.

8:6 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "If it's amazing to the survivors of this people in those days, should it also be amazing to me?" says the Lord of Hosts.

8:7 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; 8:8 and I will bring them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."

8:7 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "Look, I will save my people from the east and from the west; 8:8 and I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, with sincerity and fairness."

8:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of Yahweh of Armies was laid, even the temple, that it might be built. 8:10 For before those days there was no wages for man, nor any wages for an animal; neither was there any peace to him who went out or came in, because of the adversary. For I set all men everyone against his neighbor. 8:11 But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days," says Yahweh of Armies. 8:12 "For the seed of peace and the vine will yield its fruit, and the ground will give its increase, and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. 8:13 It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don't be afraid. Let your hands be strong."

8:9 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "Be strong, all of you who hear these words from the prophets who spoke when the foundation of the temple of the Lord of Hosts was laid so that it could be built. 8:10 In those days, there were no wages for people or for animals, and there was no peace for anyone who went out or came in, because of their enemies. I made everyone turn against their neighbors. 8:11 But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past," says the Lord of Hosts. 8:12 "The seed will yield peace, the vines will produce their fruit, the land will give its harvest, and the heavens will send their dew; I will allow the remnant of this people to inherit all these blessings. 8:13 It will happen that, just as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Don't be afraid. Be strong."

8:14 For thus says Yahweh of Armies: "As I thought to do evil to you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I didn't repent; 8:15 so again have I thought in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Don't be afraid. 8:16 These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates, 8:17 and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate," says Yahweh.

8:14 For this is what the Lord of Hosts says: "Just as I intended to bring harm upon you when your ancestors angered me," says the Lord of Hosts, "and I didn't change my mind; 8:15 so now I have decided to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah in these days. Don't be afraid. 8:16 This is what you should do: speak the truth to each other. Maintain justice and peace in your courts, 8:17 and do not plot evil in your hearts against one another, and do not love false oaths: for all these things I hate," says the Lord.

8:18 The word of Yahweh of Armies came to me. 8:19 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "The fasts of the fourth fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace."

8:18 The message from the Lord of Hosts came to me. 8:19 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "The observances in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will be occasions for joy and celebration for the people of Judah. So, embrace truth and peace."

8:20 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Many peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come; 8:21 and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Yahweh, and to seek Yahweh of Armies. I will go also.' 8:22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek Yahweh of Armies in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Yahweh." 8:23 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "In those days, ten men will take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they will take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

8:20 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Many people and the residents of numerous cities will come; 8:21 and the residents of one will go to another, saying, 'Let us hurry to seek the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord Almighty. I will go too.' 8:22 Yes, many people and strong nations will come to seek the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem and to ask for His favor." 8:23 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "In those days, ten men from various nations will grab the hem of a Jew’s garment, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

9:1 An oracle.

A prophecy.

The word of Yahweh is against the land of Hadrach,
and will rest upon Damascus;
for the eye of man
and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Yahweh;
9:2 and Hamath, also, which borders on it;
Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.
9:3 Tyre built herself a stronghold,
and heaped up silver like the dust,
and fine gold like the mire of the streets.
9:4 Behold, the Lord will dispossess her,
and he will strike her power in the sea;
and she will be devoured with fire.
9:5 Ashkelon will see it, and fear;
Gaza also, and will writhe in agony;
as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed;
and the king will perish from Gaza,
and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
9:6 Foreigners will dwell in Ashdod,
and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
9:7 I will take away his blood out of his mouth,
and his abominations from between his teeth;
and he also will be a remnant for our God;
and he will be as a chieftain in Judah,
and Ekron as a Jebusite.
9:8 I will encamp around my house against the army,
that none pass through or return;
and no oppressor will pass through them any more:
for now I have seen with my eyes.
9:9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king comes to you!
He is righteous, and having salvation;
lowly, and riding on a donkey,
even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim,
and the horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow will be cut off;
and he will speak peace to the nations:
and his dominion will be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9:11 As for you also,
because of the blood of your covenant,
I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water.
9:12 Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope!
Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.
9:13 For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me.
I have filled the bow with Ephraim;
and I will stir up your sons, Zion,
against your sons, Greece,
and will make you like the sword of a mighty man.
9:14 Yahweh will be seen over them;
and his arrow will go flash like lightning;
and the Lord Yahweh will blow the trumpet,
and will go with whirlwinds of the south.
9:15 Yahweh of Armies will defend them;
and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones;
and they will drink, and roar as through wine;
and they will be filled like bowls,
like the corners of the altar.
9:16 Yahweh their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people;
for they are like the jewels of a crown,
lifted on high over his land.
9:17 For how great is his goodness,
and how great is his beauty!
Grain will make the young men flourish,
and new wine the virgins.
10:1 Ask of Yahweh rain in the spring time,
Yahweh who makes storm clouds,
and he gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field.
10:2 For the teraphim have spoken vanity,
and the diviners have seen a lie;
and they have told false dreams.
They comfort in vain.
Therefore they go their way like sheep.
They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd.
10:3 My anger is kindled against the shepherds,
and I will punish the male goats;
For Yahweh of Armies has visited his flock, the house of Judah,
and will make them as his majestic horse in the battle.
10:4 From him will come forth the cornerstone,
from him the nail,
from him the battle bow,
from him every ruler together.
10:5 They shall be as mighty men,
treading down muddy streets in the battle;
and they shall fight, because Yahweh is with them;
and the riders on horses will be confounded.
10:6 "I will strengthen the house of Judah,
and I will save the house of Joseph,
and I will bring them back;
for I have mercy on them;
and they will be as though I had not cast them off:
for I am Yahweh their God, and I will hear them.
10:7 Ephraim will be like a mighty man,
and their heart will rejoice as through wine;
yes, their children will see it, and rejoice.
Their heart will be glad in Yahweh.
10:8 I will signal for them, and gather them;
for I have redeemed them;
and they will increase as they have increased.
10:9 I will sow them among the peoples;
and they will remember me in far countries;
and they will live with their children, and will return.
10:10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt,
and gather them out of Assyria;
and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon;
and there won't be room enough for them.
10:11 He will pass through the sea of affliction,
and will strike the waves in the sea,
and all the depths of the Nile will dry up;
and the pride of Assyria will be brought down,
and the scepter of Egypt will depart.
10:12 I will strengthen them in Yahweh;
and they will walk up and down in his name," says Yahweh.
11:1 Open your doors, Lebanon,
that the fire may devour your cedars.
11:2 Wail, fir tree, for the cedar has fallen,
because the stately ones are destroyed.
Wail, you oaks of Bashan,
for the strong forest has come down.
11:3 A voice of the wailing of the shepherds!
For their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions!
For the pride of the Jordan is ruined.

11:4 Thus says Yahweh my God: "Feed the flock of slaughter. 11:5 Their buyers slaughter them, and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, 'Blessed be Yahweh, for I am rich;' and their own shepherds don't pity them. 11:6 For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land," says Yahweh; "but, behold, I will deliver the men everyone into his neighbor's hand, and into the hand of his king. They will strike the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them."

11:4 This is what the Lord my God says: "Take care of the flock that’s destined for slaughter. 11:5 The people who buy them slaughter them without feeling any guilt. Those who sell them say, 'Thank God, I'm rich;' and their own leaders show them no mercy. 11:6 For I will no longer show compassion to the people of the land," says the Lord; "look, I will hand everyone over to their neighbor and to their king. They will strike the land, and I will not rescue them from their power."

11:7 So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called "Favor," and the other I called "Union," and I fed the flock. 11:8 I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me. 11:9 Then I said, "I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other's flesh." 11:10 I took my staff Favor, and cut it apart, that I might break my covenant that I had made with all the peoples. 11:11 It was broken in that day; and thus the poor of the flock that listened to me knew that it was the word of Yahweh. 11:12 I said to them, "If you think it best, give me my wages; and if not, keep them." So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver. 11:13 Yahweh said to me, "Throw it to the potter, the handsome price that I was valued at by them!" I took the thirty pieces of silver, and threw them to the potter, in the house of Yahweh. 11:14 Then I cut apart my other staff, even Union, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

11:7 So I took care of the flock meant for slaughter, especially the needy among them. I grabbed two staffs for myself. One was called "Favor," and the other was called "Union," and I looked after the flock. 11:8 I got rid of three shepherds in one month because I was tired of them, and they were tired of me too. 11:9 Then I said, "I'm done feeding you. If any of you die, let them die; and if anyone needs to be cut off, let it happen; and let the survivors eat each other’s flesh." 11:10 I took my staff Favor and broke it to end the covenant I had made with all the people. 11:11 It was broken that day; and the poor from the flock who listened to me knew it was the word of Yahweh. 11:12 I said to them, "If you think it's right, give me my pay; if not, keep it." So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for my pay. 11:13 Yahweh told me, "Throw it to the potter, the price I was valued at by them!" I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of Yahweh. 11:14 Then I broke my other staff, called Union, to end the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

11:15 Yahweh said to me, "Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 11:16 For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces. 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!"

11:15 God said to me, "Once again, get the gear of a foolish shepherd. 11:16 Look, I'm going to raise up a shepherd in the land who won't care for those who are cut off, won't seek the scattered, won't heal what is broken, and won't feed what is healthy; instead, he will consume the flesh of the fat sheep and tear their hooves apart. 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will be against his arm and his right eye. His arm will be completely useless, and his right eye will be entirely blind!"

12:1 An oracle. The word of Yahweh concerning Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says: 12:2 "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and on Judah also will it be in the siege against Jerusalem. 12:3 It will happen in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it. 12:4 In that day," says Yahweh, "I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 12:5 The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Yahweh of Armies their God.' 12:6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem. 12:7 Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah. 12:8 In that day Yahweh will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He who is feeble among them at that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of Yahweh before them. 12:9 It will happen in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 12:10 I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn. 12:11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12:12 The land will mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; 12:13 the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart; 12:14 all the families who remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

12:1 A prophecy. The message from Yahweh regarding Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and shapes the spirit of man within him, says: 12:2 "Look, I will make Jerusalem a source of chaos for all the surrounding nations, and Judah will also face a siege against Jerusalem. 12:3 On that day, I will make Jerusalem a heavy burden for all the nations. Anyone who tries to lift it will be seriously injured, and all the nations of the earth will gather against it. 12:4 On that day," says Yahweh, "I will fill every horse with fear and its rider with madness; I will keep my eyes on the house of Judah and blind all the horses of the nations. 12:5 The leaders of Judah will secretly say, 'The people of Jerusalem are my strength in Yahweh of Armies, their God.' 12:6 On that day, I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepan among wood and like a blazing torch among sheaves; they will consume all the surrounding nations, on their right and on their left, and Jerusalem will again remain in its own place, in Jerusalem. 12:7 Yahweh will save the tents of Judah first so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem are not magnified over Judah. 12:8 On that day, Yahweh will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The weakest among them that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of Yahweh before them. 12:9 On that day, I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 12:10 I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer; they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for him, as one mourns for an only son, and will grieve deeply for him, as one grieves for a firstborn. 12:11 On that day, there will be great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12:12 The land will mourn, each family separately; the family of the house of David separately, and their wives separately; the family of the house of Nathan separately, and their wives separately; 12:13 the family of the house of Levi separately, and their wives separately; the family of the Shimeites separately, and their wives separately; 12:14 all the remaining families, each family separately, and their wives separately.

13:1 "In that day there will be a spring opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. 13:2 It will come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will also cause the prophets and the spirit of impurity to pass out of the land. 13:3 It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then his father and his mother who bore him will tell him, 'You must die, because you speak lies in the name of Yahweh;' and his father and his mother who bore him will stab him when he prophesies. 13:4 It will happen in that day, that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision, when he prophesies; neither will they wear a hairy mantle to deceive: 13:5 but he will say, 'I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondservant from my youth.' 13:6 One will say to him, 'What are these wounds between your arms?' Then he will answer, 'Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'

13:1 "On that day, a spring will be opened for the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. 13:2 It will come to pass on that day, says the Lord of Hosts, that I will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will be forgotten. I will also drive out the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. 13:3 It will happen that if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, 'You must die, because you speak lies in the name of the Lord;' and his father and mother who gave birth to him will stab him when he prophesies. 13:4 On that day, the prophets will be ashamed of their visions when they prophesy; they won’t wear rough clothing to deceive: 13:5 instead, they will say, 'I am not a prophet; I am a farmer, for I have been made a servant from my youth.' 13:6 One will ask him, 'What are these wounds between your arms?' and he will answer, 'These are the wounds I received at the hands of my friends.'

13:7 "Awake, sword, against my shepherd,
and against the man who is close to me," says Yahweh of Armies.
"Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;
and I will turn my hand against the little ones.
13:8 It shall happen that in all the land," says Yahweh,
"two parts in it will be cut off and die;
but the third will be left in it.
13:9 I will bring the third part into the fire,
and will refine them as silver is refined,
and will test them like gold is tested.
They will call on my name, and I will hear them.
I will say, 'It is my people;'
and they will say, 'Yahweh is my God.'"

14:1 Behold, a day of Yahweh comes, when your spoil will be divided in your midst. 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. 14:3 Then Yahweh will go out and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 14:4 His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 14:5 You shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel; yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with you. 14:6 It will happen in that day, that there will not be light, cold, or frost. 14:7 It will be a unique day which is known to Yahweh; not day, and not night; but it will come to pass, that at evening time there will be light.

14:1 Look, a day of the Lord is coming when your spoils will be shared right in your midst. 14:2 I will gather all nations to fight against Jerusalem; the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women assaulted. Half of the city will be taken away as prisoners, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. 14:3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, just like He fought on the day of battle. 14:4 His feet will stand on that day on the Mount of Olives, which is east of Jerusalem; and the Mount of Olives will split in two, from east to west, creating a very large valley. Half of the mountain will move to the north, and half to the south. 14:5 You will flee through the valley of my mountains; the valley will extend to Azel; yes, you will flee, just like you did from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. The Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with you. 14:6 On that day, there will be no light, cold, or frost. 14:7 It will be a unique day known to the Lord; it will be neither day nor night; but at evening time, there will be light.

14:8 It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be.

14:8 On that day, living waters will flow out from Jerusalem; half will go toward the eastern sea, and half will go toward the western sea; it will happen in both summer and winter.

14:9 Yahweh will be King over all the earth. In that day Yahweh will be one, and his name one. 14:10 All the land will be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and she will be lifted up, and will dwell in her place, from Benjamin's gate to the place of the first gate, to the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel to the king's winepresses. 14:11 Men will dwell therein, and there will be no more curse; but Jerusalem will dwell safely. 14:12 This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh will consume away while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will consume away in their sockets, and their tongue will consume away in their mouth. 14:13 It will happen in that day, that a great panic from Yahweh will be among them; and they will lay hold everyone on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand will rise up against the hand of his neighbor. 14:14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered together: gold, and silver, and clothing, in great abundance.

14:9 God will be King over all the earth. On that day, God will be one, and His name will be one. 14:10 The land will be transformed to resemble the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and it will be elevated, and will reside in its place, from Benjamin's gate to the location of the first gate, to the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel to the king's winepresses. 14:11 People will live there, and there will be no more curse; instead, Jerusalem will live in safety. 14:12 This will be the plague that God will use to strike all the nations that have fought against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot away while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot away in their sockets, and their tongues will rot away in their mouths. 14:13 On that day, a great panic from God will be among them; and each person will seize the hand of their neighbor, and their hand will rise up against the hand of their neighbor. 14:14 Judah will also fight in Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected: gold, silver, and clothing, in great abundance.

14:15 So will be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the donkey, and of all the animals that will be in those camps, as that plague. 14:16 It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of Armies, and to keep the feast of tents. 14:17 It will be, that whoever of all the families of the earth doesn't go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of Armies, on them there will be no rain. 14:18 If the family of Egypt doesn't go up, and doesn't come, neither will it rain on them. This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike the nations that don't go up to keep the feast of tents. 14:19 This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that don't go up to keep the feast of tents. 14:20 In that day there will be on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO YAHWEH;" and the pots in Yahweh's house will be like the bowls before the altar. 14:21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to Yahweh of Armies; and all those who sacrifice will come and take of them, and cook in them. In that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of Yahweh of Armies.

14:15 So will be the plague affecting the horse, the mule, the camel, and the donkey, and all the animals in those camps, just like that plague. 14:16 It will happen that everyone who remains from all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, Yahweh of Armies, and to celebrate the Feast of Tents. 14:17 It will be that if any family of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of Armies, they will not receive any rain. 14:18 If the family of Egypt does not go up and doesn't show up, it won't rain on them either. This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tents. 14:19 This will be the punishment for Egypt, and the punishment for all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tents. 14:20 In that day, the bells on the horses will say, "HOLY TO YAHWEH;" and the pots in Yahweh's house will be like the bowls before the altar. 14:21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to Yahweh of Armies; and all those who make sacrifices will come and take from them, and cook in them. In that day, there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of Yahweh of Armies.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 5:6 An ephah is a measure of volume of about 22 litres, 5.8 U. S. gallons, 4.8 imperial gallons, or a bit more than half a bushel.

[1] back to 5:6 An ephah is a volume measurement of around 22 liters, 5.8 U.S. gallons, 4.8 imperial gallons, or just over half a bushel.

[2] back to 5:7 A talent is a weight of about 34 kilograms or 75 pounds.

[2] back to 5:7 A talent is a weight of about 34 kilograms or 75 pounds.

[3] back to 12:10 After "me," the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.

[3] back to 12:10 After "me," the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.














Malachi

1:1 An oracle: the word of Yahweh to Israel by Malachi.

1:1 A message from Yahweh to Israel by Malachi.

1:2 "I have loved you," says Yahweh.

1:2 "I have loved you," says God.

Yet you say, "How have you loved us?"

Yet you say, "How have you loved us?"

"Wasn't Esau Jacob's brother?" says Yahweh, "Yet I loved Jacob; 1:3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness." 1:4 Whereas Edom says, "We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places;" thus says Yahweh of Armies, "They shall build, but I will throw down; and men will call them 'The Wicked Land,' even the people against whom Yahweh shows wrath forever."

"Isn't Esau Jacob's brother?" says Yahweh. "Yet I loved Jacob; 1:3 but I hated Esau and turned his mountains into ruins, giving his land to the jackals in the wilderness." 1:4 Meanwhile, Edom says, "We've been beaten down, but we will come back and rebuild the ruins." But Yahweh of Armies says, "They will rebuild, but I will tear down; and people will call them 'The Wicked Land,' the nation against which Yahweh is angry forever."

1:5 Your eyes will see, and you will say, "Yahweh is great--even beyond the border of Israel!"

1:5 Your eyes will see, and you will say, "God is great—even beyond the borders of Israel!"

1:6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says Yahweh of Armies to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, 'How have we despised your name?' 1:7 You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, 'How have we polluted you?' In that you say, 'Yahweh's table contemptible.' 1:8 When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn't that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn't that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?" says Yahweh of Armies.

1:6 "A son respects his father, and a servant respects his master. If I’m a father, then where’s my respect? And if I’m a master, where’s the honor that I deserve? Says Yahweh of Armies to you, priests, who disregard my name. You ask, ‘How have we disregarded your name?’ 1:7 You bring contaminated bread to my altar. You ask, ‘How have we contaminated you?’ By claiming, ‘Yahweh's table is unworthy.’ 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, isn’t that wrong? And when you offer lame and sick ones, isn’t that wrong? Go ahead, present it to your governor! Will he be happy with you? Or will he even accept you?" says Yahweh of Armies.

1:9 "Now, please entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With this, will he accept any of you?" says Yahweh of Armies.

1:9 "Now, please ask for God's favor, so that He may show us grace. Will He accept any of you with this?" says the Lord of Hosts.

1:10 "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you," says Yahweh of Armies, "neither will I accept an offering at your hand. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name is great among the nations," says Yahweh of Armies. 1:12 "But you profane it, in that you say, 'Yahweh's table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.' 1:13 You say also, 'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?" says Yahweh.

1:10 "I wish there was someone among you who would shut the doors so you wouldn't light fires on my altar for nothing! I don't take pleasure in you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I won't accept an offering from you. 1:11 From the rising of the sun to its setting, my name is honored among the nations, and everywhere incense will be offered in my name, along with a pure offering: for my name is great among the nations," says Yahweh of Armies. 1:12 "But you disrespect it by saying, 'Yahweh's table is defiled, and its fruit, its food, is worthless.' 1:13 You also say, 'Look how tiresome it is!' and you roll your eyes at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you bring what was stolen, the lame, and the sick; this is what you offer. Should I accept this from you?" says Yahweh.

1:14 "But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King," says Yahweh of Armies, "and my name is awesome among the nations."

1:14 "But the deceiver is cursed, who has a male among his flock, and makes vows, and offers a flawed sacrifice to the Lord; for I am a great King," says Yahweh of Armies, "and my name is respected among the nations."

2:1 "Now, you priests, this commandment is for you. 2:2 If you will not listen, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name," says Yahweh of Armies, "then will I send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart. 2:3 Behold, I will rebuke your seed, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it. 2:4 You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi," says Yahweh of Armies. 2:5 "My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him who he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name. 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity. 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies. 2:8 But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says Yahweh of Armies. 2:9 "Therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law. 2:10 Don't we all have one father? Hasn't one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 2:11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of Yahweh which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 2:12 Yahweh will cut off, to the man who does this, him who wakes and him who answers, out of the tents of Jacob, and him who offers an offering to Yahweh of Armies. 2:13 This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn't regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand. 2:14 Yet you say, 'Why?' Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant. 2:15 Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 2:16 For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!" says Yahweh of Armies. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously. 2:17 You have wearied Yahweh with your words. Yet you say, 'How have we wearied him?' In that you say, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of Yahweh, and he delights in them;' or 'Where is the God of justice?'

2:1 "Now, you priests, this command is for you. 2:2 If you don’t listen and don’t pay attention to give glory to my name," says Yahweh of Armies, "then I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. In fact, I have already cursed them because you do not take it to heart. 2:3 Look, I will rebuke your offspring and will put dung on your faces, the dung from your feasts, and you will be taken away with it. 2:4 You will know that I have sent this command to you so my covenant may be with Levi," says Yahweh of Armies. 2:5 "My covenant was with him for life and peace; and I gave these to him so he might revere me; and he did revere me and stood in awe of my name. 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and wickedness was not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity and turned many away from iniquity. 2:7 For the priest’s lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies. 2:8 But you have turned aside from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says Yahweh of Armies. 2:9 "Therefore, I will make you contemptible and low before all the people, because you have not kept my ways but have shown favoritism in the law. 2:10 Don’t we all have one father? Didn’t one God create us? Why do we betray each other, profaning the covenant of our ancestors? 2:11 Judah has betrayed, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has desecrated the holiness of Yahweh that He loves and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 2:12 Yahweh will cut off anyone who does this, both the one who wakes and the one who answers, from the tents of Jacob, and anyone who brings an offering to Yahweh of Armies. 2:13 You do this again: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, weeping, and sighing, because He no longer regards your offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 2:14 Yet you ask, 'Why?' Because Yahweh has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have betrayed, though she is your companion and the wife of your covenant. 2:15 Did He not make them one, even though He had the remnant of the Spirit? Why one? He sought godly offspring. Therefore, be careful to guard your spirit and let none betray the wife of his youth. 2:16 For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and the one who covers his garment with violence!" says Yahweh of Armies. "Therefore, be careful to guard your spirit, so you do not betray. 2:17 You have tired Yahweh with your words. Yet you say, 'How have we tired Him?' By saying, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of Yahweh, and He delights in them;' or 'Where is the God of justice?'

3:1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!" says Yahweh of Armies. 3:2 "But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like launderer's soap; 3:3 and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to Yahweh offerings in righteousness. 3:4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Yahweh, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years. 3:5 I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and don't fear me," says Yahweh of Armies. 3:6 "For I, Yahweh, don't change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed. 3:7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says Yahweh of Armies. "But you say, 'How shall we return?' 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings. 3:9 You are cursed with the curse; for you rob me, even this whole nation. 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of Armies, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for. 3:11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before its time in the field," says Yahweh of Armies. 3:12 "All nations shall call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says Yahweh of Armies.

3:1 "Look, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way for me; and the Lord you’re seeking will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant you long for is coming!" says the Lord of Hosts. 3:2 "But who can stand the day of his coming? Who will remain when he shows up? For he is like a refiner's fire and like soap used by launderers; 3:3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, purifying the descendants of Levi and refining them like gold and silver; and they will offer to the Lord offerings in righteousness. 3:4 Then the offerings from Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, like in the days gone by, like in ancient times. 3:5 I will come to you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, those who cheat their workers out of wages, the widow, the orphan, and those who deny justice to foreigners, and don’t fear me," says the Lord of Hosts. 3:6 "For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 3:7 From the days of your ancestors, you have turned away from my commands and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of Hosts. "But you ask, 'How can we return?' 3:8 Can a person rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings. 3:9 You are under a curse, for you are robbing me, this entire nation. 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house, and test me in this now," says the Lord of Hosts, "if I won’t open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing until there isn’t enough room to receive it. 3:11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and your vine in the field will not drop its fruit before it’s ripe," says the Lord of Hosts. 3:12 "All nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of Hosts.

3:13 "Your words have been stout against me," says Yahweh. "Yet you say, 'What have we spoken against you?' 3:14 You have said, 'It is vain to serve God;' and 'What profit is it that we have followed his instructions, and that we have walked mournfully before Yahweh of Armies? 3:15 Now we call the proud happy; yes, those who work wickedness are built up; yes, they tempt God, and escape.' 3:16 Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another; and Yahweh listened, and heard, and a book of memory was written before him, for those who feared Yahweh, and who honored his name. 3:17 They shall be mine," says Yahweh of Armies, "my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. 3:18 Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn't serve him.

3:13 "You've been pretty harsh with me," says God. "But you ask, 'What have we said against you?' 3:14 You’ve said, 'It’s pointless to serve God;' and 'What benefit do we get from following his guidelines and acting sorrowful before the Lord of Hosts? 3:15 Now we see the proud as blessed; yes, those who do wrong are thriving; yes, they challenge God and get away with it.' 3:16 Then those who respected God spoke to one another; and God listened and took note, and a record was written before him, for those who respected God and honored his name. 3:17 "They will be mine," says the Lord of Hosts, "my special treasure on the day that I create, and I will protect them, just as a father protects his own son who serves him. 3:18 Then you will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who don’t."

4:1 "For, behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up," says Yahweh of Armies, "that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 4:2 But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall. 4:3 You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make," says Yahweh of Armies.

4:1 "Look, the day is coming; it will be like a furnace, and all the proud, and everyone who does evil, will be like chaff; that day will completely destroy them," says Yahweh of Armies, "and it will leave them with no roots or branches. 4:2 But for you who respect my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. You will go out and jump around like calves in the pasture. 4:3 You will trample the wicked; they will be like ashes under your feet on the day I act," says Yahweh of Armies.

4:4 "Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

4:4 "Remember the law of Moses, my servant, which I gave him at Horeb for all Israel, including rules and regulations. 4:5 Look, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and frightening day of Yahweh arrives. 4:6 He will make the hearts of the fathers turn to the children, and the hearts of the children turn to their fathers, or else I will come and bring a curse on the earth."


















THE NEW TESTAMENT









The Good News According to Matthew

1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 1:2 Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers. 1:3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram. 1:4 Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon. 1:5 Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse. 1:6 Jesse became the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. 1:7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa. 1:8 Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah. 1:9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah. 1:10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon. Amon became the father of Josiah. 1:11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon. 1:12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel. 1:13 Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor. 1:14 Azor became the father of Sadoc. Sadoc became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud. 1:15 Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob. 1:16 Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.

1:1 This is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 1:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. 1:3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram. 1:4 Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. 1:5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed was the father of Jesse. 1:6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Uriah's wife. 1:7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa. 1:8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Joram. Joram was the father of Uzziah. 1:9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. 1:10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. 1:11 Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon. 1:12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel. 1:13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. 1:14 Azor was the father of Sadoc. Sadoc was the father of Achim. Achim was the father of Eliud. 1:15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob. 1:16 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to Christ, fourteen generations.

1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 1:19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. 1:20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 1:21 She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins."

1:18 The birth of Jesus Christ happened like this: after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 1:19 Joseph, her husband, being a good man and not wanting to expose her to public shame, planned to break off the engagement quietly. 1:20 But while he was thinking about these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

1:22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

1:22 Now all this has happened so that what the Lord said through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,

1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child,
and shall bring forth a son.
They shall call his name Immanuel;"
which is, being interpreted, "God with us."*

1:24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself; 1:25 and didn't know her sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.

1:24 Joseph woke up and did what the angel of the Lord told him to do; he took his wife in. 1:25 He didn't have any sexual relations with her until after she gave birth to her first son. He named him Jesus.

2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 2:2 "Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him." 2:3 When Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 2:4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born. 2:5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet,

2:1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2:2 "Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and so was all of Jerusalem. 2:4 He gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. 2:5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for that is what the prophet wrote,

2:6 'You Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are in no way least among the princes of Judah:
for out of you shall come forth a governor,
who shall shepherd my people, Israel.'"*

2:7 Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. 2:8 He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him."

2:7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them when the star had appeared. 2:8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the young child. When you find him, let me know so that I can also go and worship him."

2:9 They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 2:11 They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 2:12 Being warned in a dream that they shouldn't return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.

2:9 After they heard the king, they left; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over where the young child was. 2:10 When they saw the star, they were really excited. 2:11 They entered the house and saw the young child with his mother Mary, and they knelt down and worshiped him. They opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 2:12 After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country a different way.

2:13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

2:13 After they left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the young child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you because Herod is going to try to kill the young child."

2:14 He arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, 2:15 and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called my son."*

2:14 He got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt, 2:15 where he stayed until Herod died; this fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."*

2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men. 2:17 Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,

2:16 Then Herod, when he realized that the wise men had tricked him, became extremely angry. He ordered the execution of all the male children in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas, specifically those two years old and younger, based on the exact time he had learned from the wise men. 2:17 Then what was said by the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled, stating,

2:18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
lamentation, weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she wouldn't be comforted,
because they are no more."*

2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 2:20 "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead."

2:19 But when Herod died, look, an angel of the Lord showed up in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 2:20 "Get up and take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to take the young child's life are dead."

2:21 He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee, 2:23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

2:21 He got up and took the young child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in his father's place, Herod, he was afraid to go there. After being warned in a dream, he moved to the region of Galilee, 2:23 and settled in a city called Nazareth; so that what was said through the prophets would be fulfilled: "He will be called a Nazarene."

3:1 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 3:2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" 3:3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying,

3:1 Back then, John the Baptizer showed up, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 3:2 "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!" 3:3 This is the one mentioned by the prophet Isaiah, who said,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
make ready the way of the Lord.
Make his paths straight."*

3:4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 3:5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him. 3:6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 3:8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance! 3:9 Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

3:4 Now John was wearing clothes made of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey. 3:5 People from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and the surrounding region near the Jordan came out to him. 3:6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, admitting their sins. 3:7 But when he noticed many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism,, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who alerted you to run from the coming wrath? 3:8 So produce fruit that shows you’ve truly repented! 3:9 Don’t think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' because I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

3:10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. 3:11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.* 3:12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire."

3:10 "Right now, the axe is ready to cut down the trees. So, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 3:11 I truly baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, and I’m not even worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.* 3:12 He has his winnowing fork in his hand, and he will clean up his threshing floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 3:14 But John would have hindered him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to see John, so he could be baptized by him. 3:14 But John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

3:15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, "Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. 3:16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 3:17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

3:15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it happen now, for it's the right way for us to carry out everything that's just." So he agreed. 3:16 After Jesus was baptized, he came up straight out of the water, and look, the heavens opened up for him. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on him. 3:17 Suddenly, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 4:2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. 4:3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

4:1 Then the Spirit took Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 4:2 After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was very hungry. 4:3 The tempter approached him and said, "If you're the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into bread."

4:4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"*

4:4 But he replied, "It says in the scriptures, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"*

4:5 Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 4:6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will put his angels in charge of you.' and,

4:5 Then the devil brought him to the holy city. He placed him at the top of the temple, 4:6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, jump off, because it's written, 'He will command his angels to protect you.' and,

'On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don't dash your foot against a stone.'"*

4:7 Jesus said to him, "Again, it is written, 'You shall not test the Lord, your God.'"*

4:7 Jesus said to him, "Once again, it is written, 'You must not put the Lord your God to the test.'"*

4:8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 4:9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."

4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 4:9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things if you bow down and worship me."

4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.'"*

4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! It's written, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'"*

4:11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him. 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee. 4:13 Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 4:14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

4:11 Then the devil left him, and look, angels came and took care of him. 4:12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he went away to Galilee. 4:13 Leaving Nazareth, he moved to Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali, 4:14 so that what was said by the prophet Isaiah would come true, saying,

4:15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
toward the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles,
4:16 the people who sat in darkness saw a great light,
to those who sat in the region and shadow of death,
to them light has dawned."*

4:17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

4:17 From that time, Jesus started preaching and saying, "Turn away from your sins! The Kingdom of Heaven is near."

4:18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 4:19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men."

4:18 Walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea, because they were fishermen. 4:19 He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people."

4:20 They immediately left their nets and followed him. 4:21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them. 4:22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.

4:20 They instantly dropped their nets and went after him. 4:21 As he moved on from there, he noticed two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in the boat with their father Zebedee, fixing their nets. He called to them. 4:22 They immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.

4:23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 4:24 The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. 4:25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

4:23 Jesus traveled all around Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, sharing the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and illness among the people. 4:24 News about him spread throughout all of Syria. They brought to him everyone who was sick, suffering from various diseases and torments, possessed by demons, epileptics, and paralyzed individuals; and he healed them. 4:25 Large crowds from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed him.

5:1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 5:2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

5:1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After sitting down, his disciples came to him. 5:2 He began to teach them, saying,

5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.*
5:4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.*
5:5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
5:7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
5:10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

5:11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

5:11 "You are blessed when people criticize you, harass you, and falsely accuse you of all kinds of wrongdoing because of me. 5:12 Celebrate and be really happy, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. That's how they treated the prophets who came before you.

5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. 5:15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 5:16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It's useless and will be thrown out and trampled by people. 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden. 5:15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but instead puts it on a stand so it shines for everyone in the house. 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others so they may see your good deeds and honor your Father in heaven.

5:17 "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill. 5:18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 5:19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

5:17 "Don’t think that I came to eliminate the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to eliminate, but to complete. 5:18 Truly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke will pass from the law until everything is accomplished. 5:19 So whoever breaks even the smallest of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;'* and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.' 5:22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

5:21 "You've heard it said to the people long ago, 'You must not kill;' * and 'Anyone who kills will face judgment.' 5:22 But I tell you, anyone who is angry with their brother without a cause will be in danger of judgment; and anyone who calls their brother, 'Raca!' will be in danger of the council; and anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

5:23 "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 5:26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.

5:23 "So if you are presenting your offering at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go be reconciled to your brother. Then come back and offer your gift. 5:25 Make peace with your opponent quickly while you are on the way to court; otherwise, your opponent might hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 5:26 I assure you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.."

5:27 "You have heard that it was said, * 'You shall not commit adultery;'* 5:28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 5:29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 5:30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

5:27 "You have heard it said, * 'You shall not commit adultery;'* 5:28 but I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Gehenna. 5:30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Gehenna.

5:31 "It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,'* 5:32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

5:31 "It was also said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce,'* 5:32 but I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries her after she has been divorced commits adultery.

5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' 5:34 but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 5:35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 5:36 Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. 5:37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

5:33 "You've heard it said in the past, 'You must not make false promises, but you should keep your commitments to the Lord,' 5:34 but I tell you, don't swear at all: not by heaven, because it's God's throne; 5:35 nor by the earth, because it's His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it's the city of the great King. 5:36 And don't swear by your head, because you can't make even one hair white or black. 5:37 Just let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Anything beyond that comes from the evil one.

5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'* 5:39 But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 5:40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 5:41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 5:42 Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

5:38 "You've heard it said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'* 5:39 But I’m telling you, don’t fight back against someone who does evil; if someone hits you on your right cheek, turn to him the other cheek too. 5:40 If someone takes you to court to take your shirt, give him your coat as well. 5:41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him for two. 5:42 Give to anyone who asks you, and don’t turn away anyone who wants to borrow from you.

5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor,* and hate your enemy.*' 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 5:45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

5:43 "You've heard it said, 'Love your neighbor,* and hate your enemy.*' 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat and persecute you, 5:45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 5:46 If you love only those who love you, what reward will you get? Do tax collectors not do the same? 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more are you doing than others? Do tax collectors not do the same? 5:48 Therefore, you should be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6:3 But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, 6:4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

6:1 "Be careful not to perform your charitable acts in front of others just to be seen by them, or you won’t receive any reward from your Father in heaven. 6:2 So when you do good deeds, don’t announce it with a trumpet like the hypocrites do in synagogues and on the streets, seeking praise from others. I assure you, they have already received their reward. 6:3 But when you do good deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 6:4 so that your good deeds may remain secret, and then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.

6:5 "When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 6:8 Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. 6:9 Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 6:10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 6:13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'

6:5 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They love to stand and pray in synagogues and on street corners so that other people can see them. Truly, I tell you, they have already received their reward. 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 6:7 When you pray, don't use meaningless repetition like the pagans, who think they will be heard because of their many words. 6:8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 6:9 Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. 6:10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 6:13 Don't let us fall into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'

6:14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 6:15 But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

6:14 "If you forgive others for what they’ve done wrong, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 6:15 But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive you for your wrongs.

6:16 "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6:17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; 6:18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

6:16 "When you fast, don’t act like the hypocrites who look gloomy. They mess up their faces to show others that they’re fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have already gotten their reward. 6:17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face; 6:18 so that it’s not obvious to others that you’re fasting, but only to your Father who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

6:19 "Don't store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves can break in and steal; 6:20 but store up treasures in heaven, where neither moths nor rust destroy, and where thieves can't break in and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. 6:23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 6:23 But if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is actually darkness, how deep is that darkness!

6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon. 6:25 Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

6:24 "No one can serve two masters. You'll either hate one and love the other, or you’ll be loyal to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and money. 6:25 So, I tell you, don’t worry about your life: what you’ll eat or what you’ll drink; or about your body, what you’ll wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 6:26 Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow or harvest or store food in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you much more valuable than they?

6:27 "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

6:27 "Which of you, by worrying, can add even a single moment to your life? 6:28 Why are you worried about clothes? Look at the lilies in the field, how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor wasn’t dressed like one of them. 6:30 If God takes care of the grass in the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, will he not much more care for you, you of little faith?

6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. 6:34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

6:31 "So don't worry, saying, 'What are we going to eat?', 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' 6:32 The people who don't know God run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 6:33 Instead, seek God's Kingdom and his righteousness first, and everything else will be given to you as well. 6:34 So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

7:1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged. 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

7:1 "Don't judge others, or you will be judged yourself. 7:2 The way you judge others is how you will be judged, and the way you measure things is how it will be measured back to you. 7:3 Why do you notice the small flaw in your brother's eye, but ignore the big problem in your own eye? 7:4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take that small flaw out of your eye,' when there's a big problem in your own eye? 7:5 You're being a hypocrite! First, deal with the big problem in your own eye, and then you'll be able to see clearly to help your brother with the small flaw in his eye.

7:6 "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

7:6 "Don't give what is sacred to dogs, and don't throw your pearls before pigs, or they might trample them underfoot and then turn on you and attack."

7:7 "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. 7:8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 7:9 Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 7:12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

7:7 "Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 7:8 For everyone who asks gets something. Whoever seeks finds what they’re looking for. To those who knock, the door will be opened. 7:9 Or who among you, if their child asks for bread, would give them a stone? 7:10 Or if they ask for a fish, who would give them a snake? 7:11 If you, despite being flawed, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 7:12 Therefore, treat others the way you want to be treated; this is the essence of the law and the prophets.

7:13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, and many are those who go through it. 7:14 How narrow is the gate, and limited is the path that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 7:16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 7:17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 7:18 A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 7:20 Therefore, by their fruits you will know them. 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' 7:23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

7:15 "Watch out for false prophets, who come to you looking innocent, but are really dangerous inside. 7:16 You will recognize them by what they produce. Do you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 7:17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a corrupt tree bears bad fruit. 7:18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a corrupt tree can't produce good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 7:20 So, you'll recognize them by what they produce. 7:21 Not everyone who calls me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and perform many mighty works in your name?' 7:23 Then I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who do evil.'

7:24 "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. 7:25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock. 7:26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. 7:27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."

7:24 "So everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise person who built their house on solid rock. 7:25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it didn’t collapse because it was built on rock. 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does nothing is like a foolish person who built their house on sand. 7:27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell— and its collapse was terrible."

7:28 It happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, 7:29 for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.

7:28 After Jesus finished saying all this, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 7:29 because he taught them with authority, not like the teachers of the law.

8:1 When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 8:2 Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean."

8:1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 8:2 Look, a man with leprosy came to him and bowed before him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can heal me."

8:3 Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8:4 Jesus said to him, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

8:3 Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be healed." Right away, his leprosy was gone. 8:4 Jesus told him, "Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses instructed, as proof to them."

8:5 When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him, 8:6 and saying, "Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented."

8:5 When he arrived in Capernaum, a centurion approached him, asking him, 8:6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is at home paralyzed and suffering terribly."

8:7 Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

8:7 Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8:9 For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and tell another, 'Come,' and he comes; and tell my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

8:8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I’m not worthy for you to enter my home. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8:9 For I am also a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, "Most certainly I tell you, I haven't found so great a faith, not even in Israel. 8:11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 8:12 but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 8:13 Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed in that hour.

8:10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed, and said to those who followed him, "I truly tell you, I haven't seen such great faith, not even in Israel. 8:11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, 8:12 but the heirs of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 8:13 Jesus said to the centurion, "Go on your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed that very hour.

8:14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. 8:15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him. 8:16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."* 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.

8:14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 8:15 He touched her hand, and the fever went away. She got up and began to serve him. 8:16 As evening came, they brought many people to him who were possessed by demons. He drove out the spirits with a command and healed all who were sick; 8:17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, saying: "He took on our weaknesses and carried our diseases."* 8:18 When Jesus saw the large crowds around him, he instructed his disciples to go to the other side.

8:19 A scribe came, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

8:19 A scribe came and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

8:20 Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens and birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man doesn't have a place to rest his head."

8:21 Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

8:21 Another one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and let the dead take care of their own dead."

8:23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 8:24 Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep. 8:25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!"

8:23 When he got into a boat, his followers went with him. 8:24 Suddenly, a fierce storm arose on the sea, so strong that the boat was being swamped by the waves, but he was asleep. 8:25 They went to him and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We're going to drown!"

8:26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

8:26 He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" Then he stood up, commanded the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

8:27 The men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

8:27 The men were amazed and said, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea listen to him?"

8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way. 8:29 Behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" 8:30 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them. 8:31 The demons begged him, saying, "If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs."

8:28 When he arrived on the other side, in the region of the Gergesenes,, two men possessed by demons confronted him as they came out of the tombs. They were extremely fierce, making it impossible for anyone to pass that way. 8:29 Look, they shouted, "What do you want with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time?" 8:30 There was a large herd of pigs feeding some distance away. 8:31 The demons pleaded with him, saying, "If you drive us out, let us go into the herd of pigs."

8:32 He said to them, "Go!"

8:32 He said, "Go!"

They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water. 8:33 Those who fed them fled, and went away into the city, and told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons. 8:34 Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.

They came out and entered the herd of pigs, and suddenly, the entire herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea and drowned. 8:33 The people who had been taking care of them ran away and went into the city, telling everyone everything, including what happened to those who were possessed by demons. 8:34 Everyone in the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their area.

9:1 He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city. 9:2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you."

9:1 He got into a boat, crossed over, and arrived in his hometown. 9:2 Look, they brought him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven."

9:3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man blasphemes."

9:3 Look, some of the scribes said to each other, "This man is speaking against God."

9:4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

9:4 Jesus, aware of their thoughts, asked, "Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? 9:5 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' 9:6 But so you know that the Son of Man has the power on earth to forgive sins..." (then he told the paralytic), "Get up, take your mat, and go home."

9:7 He arose and departed to his house. 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

9:7 He got up and went home. 9:8 But when the crowds saw it, they were amazed and praised God, who had given such authority to people.

9:9 As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him. 9:10 It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

9:9 As Jesus walked by, he spotted a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him. 9:10 Later, while he was sitting in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and his disciples. 9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

9:12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 9:13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,'* for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

9:12 When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. 9:13 Now go and figure out what this means: 'I want mercy, not sacrifice,'* because I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.."

9:14 Then John's disciples came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?"

9:14 Then John's disciples came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast regularly, but your disciples don’t fast?"

9:15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 9:16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made. 9:17 Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."

9:15 Jesus told them, "Can the friends of the groom be sad while he’s with them? But there will come a time when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 9:16 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth onto an old garment; the patch will pull away from the garment, making the hole even worse. 9:17 And people don't put new wine into old wineskins, because the skins would burst, the wine would spill, and the skins would be ruined. Instead, they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

9:18 While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live."

9:18 While he was sharing this with them, suddenly, a leader approached and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but if you come and lay your hand on her, she will live."

9:19 Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples. 9:20 Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; 9:21 for she said within herself, "If I just touch his garment, I will be made well."

9:19 Jesus got up and followed him, along with his disciples. 9:20 Suddenly, a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years approached him from behind and touched the fringe of his garment; 9:21 for she said to herself, "If I can just touch his garment, I will be healed."

9:22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, "Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.

9:22 But Jesus turned around and saw her and said, “Daughter, be happy! Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment.

9:23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder, 9:24 he said to them, "Make room, because the girl isn't dead, but sleeping."

9:23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd in chaos, 9:24 he said to them, "Clear out, because the girl isn't dead; she's just sleeping."

They were ridiculing him. 9:25 But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 9:26 The report of this went out into all that land. 9:27 As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, "Have mercy on us, son of David!"

They were making fun of him. 9:25 But when the crowd was sent away, he went in, took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 9:26 News of this spread throughout that region. 9:27 As Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him, shouting, "Have mercy on us, son of David!"

9:28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"

9:28 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him. Jesus asked them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"

They told him, "Yes, Lord."

They said, "Yes, Lord."

9:29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 9:30 Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, "See that no one knows about this." 9:31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

9:29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, "Your faith will determine what happens next." 9:30 Their eyes were opened. Jesus told them firmly, "Make sure no one hears about this." 9:31 But they left and shared his fame throughout the region.

9:32 As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him. 9:33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!"

9:32 As they were leaving, a man who couldn't speak and was possessed by a demon was brought to him. 9:33 When the demon was cast out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed, saying, "We've never seen anything like this in Israel!"

9:34 But the Pharisees said, "By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons."

9:34 But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the power of the prince of demons."

9:35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

9:35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, sharing the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and illness among the people. 9:36 But when he saw the crowds, he felt deep compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is truly abundant, but the workers are few. 9:38 Therefore, pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest."

10:1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; 10:3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 10:4 Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

10:1 He gathered his twelve disciples and gave them the power to drive out unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses. 10:2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: the first is Simon, known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee; his brother John; 10:3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 10:4 Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

10:5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, "Don't go among the Gentiles, and don't enter into any city of the Samaritans. 10:6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 10:7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!' 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers*, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. 10:9 Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts. 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. 10:11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. 10:12 As you enter into the household, greet it. 10:13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn't worthy, let your peace return to you. 10:14 Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. 10:15 Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

10:5 Jesus sent these twelve out and instructed them, saying, "Don't go among the Gentiles, and don't enter any city of the Samaritans. 10:6 Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 10:7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is near!' 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers*, and cast out demons. You have received freely, so give freely. 10:9 Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. 10:10 Don’t take a bag for your journey, or two coats, or shoes, or a staff, because a worker deserves his food. 10:11 In whatever city or village you enter, find out who is worthy there, and stay until you leave. 10:12 As you enter the house, greet it. 10:13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come on it; but if it’s not worthy, let your peace return to you. 10:14 If anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 10:15 I assure you, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on judgment day than for that city.

10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. 10:18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. 10:19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. 10:20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

10:16 "Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 10:17 But watch out for people: they will hand you over to their councils, and in their synagogues, they will flog you. 10:18 Yes, you will be taken before governors and kings because of me, to be a witness to them and to the nations. 10:19 But when they arrest you, don't worry about how or what to say, for it will be given to you at that moment what you should say. 10:20 For it's not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

10:21 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.

10:21 "Brothers will betray each other to death, and parents will turn against their children. Kids will rise up against their parents and have them killed. 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who holds on until the end will be saved. 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, escape to the next, because I truly tell you, you won't have gone through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

10:24 "A disciple isn’t above his teacher, and a servant isn’t above his master. 10:25 It's enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they label those in his household! 10:26 So don’t be afraid of them, for there’s nothing hidden that won’t be revealed; and nothing concealed that won’t be known. 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, shout from the rooftops. 10:28 Don’t be afraid of those who can kill the body but can’t kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.."

10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, 10:30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 10:31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. 10:32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for a small amount? Not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 10:30 In fact, even the hairs on your head are all counted. 10:31 So don't be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. 10:32 Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 10:33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

10:34 "Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword. 10:35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 10:36 A man's foes will be those of his own household.* 10:37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me. 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me. 10:39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward: and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."

10:34 "Don’t think I came to bring peace to the earth. I didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. 10:35 I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 10:36 A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.* 10:37 Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me isn’t worthy of me; and anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. 10:38 Whoever doesn’t take up their cross and follow me isn’t worthy of me. 10:39 Whoever seeks to save their life will lose it; and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 10:40 Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 10:41 Anyone who receives a prophet because they are a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and anyone who receives a righteous person because they are righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 10:42 Anyone who gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because they are my disciple, truly I tell you, will never lose their reward."

11:1 It happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?"

11:1 After Jesus wrapped up his instructions to the twelve disciples, he left to teach and preach in their cities. 11:2 Meanwhile, when John heard about the things Christ was doing while in prison, he sent two of his disciples 11:3 to ask him, "Are you the one we should expect, or should we look for someone else?"

11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,* the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.* 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

11:4 Jesus replied, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are healed, the deaf can hear,* the dead are brought back to life, and the poor have good news shared with them.* 11:6 Blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me."

11:7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 11:8 But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses. 11:9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'* 11:11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 11:14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

11:7 As these were on their way, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed blown by the wind? 11:8 But what did you actually go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes are in palaces. 11:9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I assure you, and much more than a prophet. 11:10 For this is the one about whom it is written, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'* 11:11 I truly tell you, among those born of women, there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet whoever is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violence, and the violent take it by force. 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 11:14 If you are willing to accept it, this is Elijah, who is to come. 11:15 Anyone who has ears to hear, let them hear.

11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.' 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

11:16 "But how can I describe this generation? It's like kids sitting in the town square, who call out to their friends 11:17 and say, 'We played music for you, and you didn’t dance. We sang a sad song for you, and you didn’t cry.' 11:18 John came without eating or drinking, and they say, 'He’s possessed by a demon.' 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, he’s a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is proved right by her children.."

11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

11:20 Then he started to criticize the cities where most of his amazing works took place, because they didn't change their ways. 11:21 "Shame on you, Chorazin! Shame on you, Bethsaida! If the amazing works that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have changed long ago, wearing sackcloth and ashes. 11:22 But I tell you, it will be easier for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 11:23 You, Capernaum, who are lifted up to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.. If the amazing works that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have lasted until today. 11:24 But I tell you that it will be easier for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."

11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. 11:27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

11:25 At that time, Jesus replied, "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from those who are wise and knowledgeable, and revealed them to little children. 11:26 Yes, Father, for it was your good pleasure. 11:27 Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; and no one knows the Father, except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

11:28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

11:28 "Come to me, all of you who are struggling and weighed down, and I will give you rest. 11:29 Take on my yoke, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble; and you will find rest for your souls. 11:30 My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

12:1 At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 12:2 But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, "Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath."

12:1 At that time, Jesus walked through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and started picking heads of grain to eat. 12:2 But the Pharisees saw this and said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not allowed on the Sabbath."

12:3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him; 12:4 how he entered into the house of God, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests?* 12:5 Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? 12:6 But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 12:7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,'* you would not have condemned the guiltless. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

12:3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, along with those who were with him? 12:4 He entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which wasn't lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests?* 12:5 Or haven't you read in the law that on the Sabbath, the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are not guilty? 12:6 But I tell you, there is one here who is greater than the temple. 12:7 If you had understood what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'* you would not have condemned the innocent. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

12:9 He departed there, and went into their synagogue. 12:10 And behold there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?" that they might accuse him.

12:9 He left that place and went into their synagogue. 12:10 And look, there was a man with a shriveled hand. They asked him, "Is it allowed to heal on the Sabbath?" so that they could accuse him.

12:11 He said to them, "What man is there among you, who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won't he grab on to it, and lift it out? 12:12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day." 12:13 Then he told the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other. 12:14 But the Pharisees went out, and conspired against him, how they might destroy him. 12:15 Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all, 12:16 and commanded them that they should not make him known: 12:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

12:11 He said to them, "Which one of you, if you have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t grab it and pull it out? 12:12 So a person is much more valuable than a sheep! Therefore, it’s okay to do good on the Sabbath." 12:13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did, and it was completely restored, just like the other one. 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, trying to figure out how to destroy him. 12:15 Jesus knew this and withdrew from there. Large crowds followed him, and he healed all of them, 12:16 but he warned them not to tell anyone about him: 12:17 so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, saying,

12:18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen;
my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased:
I will put my Spirit on him.
He will proclaim justice to the nations.
12:19 He will not strive, nor shout;
neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
12:20 He won't break a bruised reed.
He won't quench a smoking flax,
until he leads justice to victory.
12:21 In his name, the nations will hope."*

12:22 Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 12:23 All the multitudes were amazed, and said, "Can this be the son of David?" 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons."

12:22 Then a man who was possessed by a demon, unable to see or speak, was brought to him, and he healed him so that the man could speak and see. 12:23 Everyone was amazed and said, "Could this be the son of David?" 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man only drives out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons."

12:25 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 12:26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 12:27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 12:28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. 12:29 Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then he will plunder his house.

12:25 Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom that fights against itself will be destroyed, and any city or home divided against itself won’t survive. 12:26 If Satan is driving out Satan, he’s divided against himself. So how can his kingdom stand? 12:27 If I’m casting out demons by Beelzebul, who are your kids casting them out by? Therefore, they will be your judges. 12:28 But if I’m casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come to you. 12:29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his stuff, unless they first tie up the strong man? Then they can take over his house.

12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn't gather with me, scatters. 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 12:32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in that which is to come.

12:30 "Anyone who isn't with me is against me, and anyone who doesn't gather with me, scatters. 12:31 So I tell you, every sin and insult can be forgiven, but speaking against the Spirit won't be forgiven. 12:32 If someone speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven; but if someone speaks against the Holy Spirit, it won't be forgiven, neither now nor in the future."

12:33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. 12:34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 12:35 The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure* brings out evil things. 12:36 I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is recognized by its fruit. 12:34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 12:35 A good person brings good things out of their good stash, and an evil person brings evil things out of their evil stash.* 12:36 I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will have to give an account on the day of judgment. 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

12:38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."

12:38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees replied, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."

12:39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 12:41 The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here. 12:42 The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, someone greater than Solomon is here. 12:43 But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and doesn't find it. 12:44 Then he says, 'I will return into my house from which I came out,' and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 12:45 Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation."

12:39 But he replied, "An evil and unfaithful generation looks for a sign, but no sign will be given except for the sign of Jonah the prophet. 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. 12:41 The people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment alongside this generation and will condemn it, because they repented when Jonah preached to them; and look, someone greater than Jonah is here. 12:42 The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because she traveled from the far corners of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and look, someone greater than Solomon is here. 12:43 But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through dry places, looking for rest, but doesn’t find any. 12:44 Then it says, 'I will return to my home from which I came out,' and when it comes back, it finds the house empty, cleaned, and tidy. 12:45 Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and make a home there. The last state of that person becomes worse than the first. This is how it will also be for this evil generation."

12:46 While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. 12:47 One said to him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you."

12:46 While he was still talking to the crowds, his mother and brothers were outside, trying to talk to him. 12:47 Someone said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are outside, wanting to speak to you."

12:48 But he answered him who spoke to him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" 12:49 He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! 12:50 For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother."

12:48 But he replied to the one who spoke to him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" 12:49 He pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, here are my mother and my brothers! 12:50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

13:1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside. 13:2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach. 13:3 He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, "Behold, a farmer went out to sow. 13:4 As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. 13:5 Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn't have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. 13:6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. 13:7 Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them: 13:8 and others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 13:9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

13:1 On that day, Jesus left the house and sat by the sea. 13:2 A large crowd gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat down, while the crowd stood on the beach. 13:3 He taught them many things in parables, saying, "Listen, a farmer went out to plant seeds. 13:4 As he planted, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them. 13:5 Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil. They sprang up quickly because they had no depth of soil. 13:6 When the sun rose, they were scorched and since they had no roots, they dried up. 13:7 Others fell among thorns, which grew up and strangled them. 13:8 Still, others fell on good soil and produced a crop: some a hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 13:9 Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

13:10 The disciples came, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"

13:10 The disciples approached him and asked, "Why do you talk to them in parables?"

13:11 He answered them, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. 13:12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he has. 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand. 13:14 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says,

13:11 He replied, "It's given to you to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it's not given to them. 13:12 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have plenty, but whoever doesn't have will lose even what they do have. 13:13 That's why I speak to them in parables, because even though they see, they don't see; and though they hear, they don't hear or understand. 13:14 In them, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says,

'By hearing you will hear,
and will in no way understand;
Seeing you will see,
and will in no way perceive:
13:15 for this people's heart has grown callous,
their ears are dull of hearing,
they have closed their eyes;
or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and should turn again;
and I would heal them.'*

13:16 "But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. 13:17 For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them.

13:16 "But how fortunate are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. 13:17 Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but didn't have the chance; and to hear what you hear but never heard it.

13:18 "Hear, then, the parable of the farmer. 13:19 When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and doesn't understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. 13:20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 13:21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 13:22 What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 13:23 What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit, and brings forth, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty."

13:18 "Listen to the story of the farmer. 13:19 When someone hears the message of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and takes away what was planted in their heart. This represents what was planted by the roadside. 13:20 What was planted in the rocky areas is like someone who hears the message and immediately accepts it with joy; 13:21 but they have no deep roots and only last for a while. When trouble or harassment comes because of the message, they quickly fall away. 13:22 What was planted among the thorns represents someone who hears the message, but the worries of this life and the lure of wealth choke the message, making them unproductive. 13:23 What was planted on good soil represents someone who hears the message and understands it. They truly produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown."

13:24 He set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, 13:25 but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. 13:26 But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. 13:27 The servants of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?'

13:24 He shared another parable with them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who planted good seeds in his field, 13:25 but while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and planted darnel weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 13:26 But when the shoots grew and produced fruit, the darnel weeds appeared as well. 13:27 The servants of the landowner came to him and said, 'Master, didn't you plant good seeds in your field? Where did these darnel weeds come from?'

13:28 "He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.'

13:28 "He told them, 'An enemy has done this.'"

"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and gather them up?'

"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and collect them?'"

13:29 "But he said, 'No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, "First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"

13:29 "But he said, 'No, because while you’re pulling up the weeds, you might also pull up the wheat. 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I’ll tell the workers, "First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn."'"

13:31 He set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; 13:32 which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches."

13:31 He told them another story, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in his field; 13:32 it’s smaller than all the other seeds. But when it grows, it becomes larger than the plants and turns into a tree, so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches."

13:33 He spoke another parable to them. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened."

13:33 He told them another parable. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until it was all risen."

13:34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn't speak to them, 13:35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

13:34 Jesus shared all these things in stories with the crowds; and he didn’t say anything to them without using a story, 13:35 so what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,

"I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world."*

13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field."

13:36 Then Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and asked, "Can you explain the parable of the weeds in the field to us?"

13:37 He answered them, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 13:38 the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. 13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 13:40 As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. 13:41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, 13:42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

13:37 He told them, "The one who plants the good seed is the Son of Man, 13:38 the field is the world; and the good seed represents the children of the Kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one. 13:39 The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 13:40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 13:41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his Kingdom all things that cause people to stumble, along with those who do wrong, 13:42 and they will throw them into the fiery furnace. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13:43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

13:44 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

13:44 "Once more, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man discovers it, hides it again, and in his joy, he goes and sells everything he has to buy that field.

13:45 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, 13:46 who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

13:45 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant looking for beautiful pearls, 13:46 and when he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had to buy it.

13:47 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind, 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. 13:49 So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, 13:50 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth." 13:51 Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?"

13:47 "Once again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was thrown into the sea, catching fish of all kinds. 13:48 When it was full, they pulled it onto the shore. They sat down and collected the good fish in containers, but threw the bad ones away. 13:49 This is how it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, 13:50 and will throw them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and grinding of teeth." 13:51 Jesus asked them, "Do you understand all these things?"

They answered him, "Yes, Lord."

They replied, "Yes, Lord."

13:52 He said to them, "Therefore, every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure new and old things."

13:52 He said to them, "So, every scribe who has become a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who takes from his treasure both new and old things."

13:53 It happened that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there. 13:54 Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works? 13:55 Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 13:56 Aren't all of his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all of these things?" 13:57 They were offended by him.

13:53 When Jesus finished these parables, he left that place. 13:54 He returned to his hometown and taught in their synagogue, which amazed them, and they said, "Where did this guy get such wisdom and these miraculous powers? 13:55 Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother called Mary? And aren't his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 13:56 Aren't all his sisters here with us? So how did he get all this?" 13:57 They were offended by him.

But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house." 13:58 He didn't do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is only respected outside his hometown and in his own home." 13:58 He didn't perform many miracles there due to their lack of faith.

14:1 At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, 14:2 and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him." 14:3 For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 14:4 For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." 14:5 When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 14:6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. 14:7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. 14:8 She, being prompted by her mother, said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer."

14:1 At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, 14:2 and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead. That’s why these powers are at work in him." 14:3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 14:4 John had told him, "It’s not lawful for you to have her." 14:5 When Herod wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the people because they considered him a prophet. 14:6 But when Herod's birthday came, Herodias' daughter danced for them and pleased Herod. 14:7 He then vowed with an oath to give her anything she wanted. 14:8 She, prompted by her mother, said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

14:9 The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, 14:10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 14:11 His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. 14:12 His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. 14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

14:9 The king was sad, but for the sake of his promises and those who were dining with him, he ordered it to be done, 14:10 and he sent someone to behead John in the prison. 14:11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the young woman, who took it to her mother. 14:12 His disciples came, took the body, and buried it; then they went and informed Jesus. 14:13 When Jesus heard this, he got into a boat and went to a quiet place. When the crowds heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

14:14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 14:15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."

14:14 Jesus went out and saw a large crowd. He felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 14:15 When evening came, his disciples approached him and said, "This place is lonely, and it's getting late. Send the people away so they can go to the villages and buy themselves something to eat."

14:16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

14:16 But Jesus told them, "They don’t need to leave. You feed them."

14:17 They told him, "We only have here five loaves and two fish."

14:17 They told him, "We only have five loaves of bread and two fish."

14:18 He said, "Bring them here to me." 14:19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 14:20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 14:21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

14:18 He said, "Bring them to me." 14:19 He told the crowd to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke the loaves, and handed them to the disciples, who distributed them to the crowd. 14:20 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They collected twelve baskets full of leftover pieces. 14:21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not including women and children.

14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 14:23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 14:25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.* 14:26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid."

14:22 Right away, Jesus had the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. 14:23 After sending the crowds away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 14:24 Meanwhile, the boat was in the middle of the sea, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against them. 14:25 During the fourth watch of the night,, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.* 14:26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were scared and said, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 14:27 But immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying "Take courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid."

14:28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."

14:28 Peter replied, "Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water."

14:29 He said, "Come!"

He said, "Come!"

Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to get to Jesus. 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he got scared, and as he started to sink, he shouted, "Lord, save me!"

14:31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 14:32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 14:33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!"

14:31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand, grabbed him, and said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 14:32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 14:33 Those in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You really are the Son of God!"

14:34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 14:35 When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to him all who were sick, 14:36 and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

14:34 After they crossed over, they arrived in the land of Gennesaret. 14:35 When the people there recognized him, they sent word throughout the surrounding area and brought him all the sick, 14:36 and they pleaded with him to let them just touch the fringe of his garment. Everyone who touched it was healed.

15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, 15:2 "Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don't wash their hands when they eat bread."

15:1 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 15:2 "Why do your disciples ignore the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat."

15:3 He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? 15:4 For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,'* and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'* 15:5 But you say, 'Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," 15:6 he shall not honor his father or mother.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. 15:7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

15:3 He answered them, "Why do you ignore God's command because of your tradition? 15:4 For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,'* and, 'Anyone who speaks ill of their father or mother must be put to death.'* 15:5 But you say, 'Anyone who tells their father or mother, "The help you would have received from me is a gift dedicated to God," 15:6 doesn't have to honor their father or mother.' You have made God's command ineffective because of your tradition. 15:7 You hypocrites! Isaiah truly prophesied about you, saying,

15:8 'These people draw near to me with their mouth,
and honor me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me.
15:9 And in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrine rules made by men.'"*

15:10 He summoned the multitude, and said to them, "Hear, and understand. 15:11 That which enters into the mouth doesn't defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."

15:10 He called the crowd together and said, "Listen and understand. 15:11 What goes into the mouth doesn’t make a person unclean; rather, what comes out of the mouth is what makes a person unclean."

15:12 Then the disciples came, and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?"

15:12 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were upset when they heard this?"

15:13 But he answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father didn't plant will be uprooted. 15:14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."

15:13 But he replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father didn't plant will be pulled up. 15:14 Let them be. They are blind leaders of the blind. If the blind lead the blind, both will end up in a ditch."

15:15 Peter answered him, "Explain the parable to us."

15:15 Peter replied, "Can you explain the parable to us?"

15:16 So Jesus said, "Do you also still not understand? 15:17 Don't you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? 15:18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. 15:20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

15:16 So Jesus said, "Do you still not get it? 15:17 Don't you realize that whatever goes into your mouth goes into your stomach and then out of your body? 15:18 But the things that come out of your mouth come from the heart, and those are what make a person unclean. 15:19 From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 15:20 These are the things that make a person unclean; but eating with unwashed hands doesn't make a person unclean."

15:21 Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 15:22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!"

15:21 Jesus left that place and went to the area of Tyre and Sidon. 15:22 Then, a Canaanite woman came from that region and shouted, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is deeply troubled by a demon!"

15:23 But he answered her not a word.

15:23 But he didn't reply to her at all.

His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us."

His followers came and pleaded with him, saying, "Send her away; she keeps crying out after us."

15:24 But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

15:24 But he replied, "I wasn't sent to anyone except the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

15:25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me."

15:25 But she approached him and worshiped, saying, "Lord, please help me."

15:26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

15:26 But he replied, "It's not right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs."

15:27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

15:27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs get to eat the leftovers that fall from their masters' table."

15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, your faith is amazing! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed that very hour.

15:29 Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there. 15:30 Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, 15:31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing--and they glorified the God of Israel.

15:29 Jesus left that place and went near the Sea of Galilee; he climbed a mountain and sat there. 15:30 Huge crowds gathered around him, bringing their lame, blind, mute, crippled, and many others, and they laid them down at his feet. He healed them, 15:31 so that the crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing—and they praised the God of Israel.

15:32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way."

15:32 Jesus called his disciples and said, "I feel sorry for the crowd, because they have been with me for three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they might collapse on the way."

15:33 The disciples said to him, "Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?"

15:33 The disciples asked him, "Where are we going to find enough bread in this empty place to feed such a large crowd?"

15:34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?"

15:34 Jesus asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"

They said, "Seven, and a few small fish."

They said, "Seven and some small fish."

15:35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; 15:36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 15:37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 15:38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 15:39 Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.

15:35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground; 15:36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He thanked God, broke them, and handed them to the disciples, who then distributed them to the crowd. 15:37 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They collected seven baskets full of the leftover pieces. 15:38 Those who ate were about four thousand men, not including women and children. 15:39 After that, he dismissed the crowd, got into the boat, and went to the region of Magdala.

16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 16:2 But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 16:3 In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times! 16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah."

16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested him, asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 16:2 But he replied, "In the evening, you say, 'It will be nice weather because the sky is red.' 16:3 In the morning, you say, 'It will be bad weather today because the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the look of the sky, but you can't interpret the signs of the times! 16:4 An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it, except for the sign of the prophet Jonah."

He left them, and departed. 16:5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 16:6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

He left them and went away. 16:5 The disciples crossed to the other side and forgot to bring bread. 16:6 Jesus told them, "Be careful and watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

16:7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread."

16:7 They talked to each other, saying, "We didn't bring any bread."

16:8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, "Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, 'because you have brought no bread?' 16:9 Don't you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 16:10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 16:11 How is it that you don't perceive that I didn't speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

16:8 Jesus, noticing it, said, "Why are you thinking to yourselves, you of little faith, 'because you didn't bring any bread?' 16:9 Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you collected afterward? 16:10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 16:11 How do you not understand that I wasn't talking to you about bread? But be careful of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

16:12 Then they understood that he didn't tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

16:12 Then they realized that he wasn't warning them about the yeast in bread, but about the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 16:13 Now when Jesus arrived in the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say I, the Son of Man, am?"

16:14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

16:14 They said, "Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16:15 He asked them, "So, who do you say I am?"

16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

16:16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven." 16:20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he is Jesus the Christ. 16:21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

16:17 Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because this was not revealed to you by human insight, but by my Father in heaven. 16:18 I tell you that you are Peter,, and on this rock I will build my community, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 16:19 I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you free on earth will be freed in heaven." 16:20 Then he instructed the disciples not to tell anyone that he was Jesus the Christ. 16:21 From that point on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem, suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.

16:22 Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you."

16:22 Peter took him aside and started to scold him, saying, "No way, Lord! This can't happen to you."

16:23 But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men." 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 16:26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 16:28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

16:23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You’re a stumbling block to me because you’re not focused on the things of God, but on the things of people." 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 16:25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 16:26 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what can someone give in exchange for their life? 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward everyone according to their actions. 16:28 I truly tell you, there are some standing here who will never taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

17:1 After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 17:2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 17:3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.

17:1 After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 17:2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 17:3 Look, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him.

17:4 Peter answered, and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let's make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

17:4 Peter replied to Jesus, "Lord, it's great that we're here. If you want, let's set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him."

17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud suddenly covered them. Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him."

17:6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 17:7 Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up, and don't be afraid." 17:8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. 17:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Don't tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead."

17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, terrified. 17:7 Jesus came over, touched them, and said, "Get up, and don’t be afraid." 17:8 When they opened their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus. 17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don’t tell anyone what you’ve seen until the Son of Man has risen from the dead."

17:10 His disciples asked him, saying, "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

17:10 His followers asked him, saying, "So, why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?"

17:11 Jesus answered them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 17:12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn't recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them." 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

17:11 Jesus replied, "Elijah does come first and will set everything right, 17:12 but I’m telling you that Elijah has already come, and they didn’t recognize him; they did whatever they wanted to him. In the same way, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands." 17:13 Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptizer.

17:14 When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, saying, 17:15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 17:16 So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him."

17:14 When they reached the crowd, a man approached him, kneeling and saying, 17:15 "Lord, please have mercy on my son; he has epilepsy and is in a lot of pain. He often falls into the fire and also into the water. 17:16 I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn't heal him."

17:17 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me." 17:18 Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour.

17:17 Jesus replied, "You faithless and twisted generation! How long am I going to be with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring him here to me." 17:18 Jesus confronted him, the demon left him, and the boy was healed from that moment on.

17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren't we able to cast it out?"

17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

17:20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 17:21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

17:20 He said to them, "It's because of your lack of faith. Truly, I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 17:21 But this type only comes out through prayer and fasting."

17:22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 17:23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up."

17:22 While they were in Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is going to be handed over to people, 17:23 and they will kill him, but on the third day, he will rise again."

They were exceedingly sorry. 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" 17:25 He said, "Yes."

They were really sorry. 17:24 When they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the didrachma coins approached Peter and asked, "Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?" 17:25 He replied, "Yes."

When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?"

When he entered the house, Jesus addressed him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? Who do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes from? Their own kids, or from outsiders?"

17:26 Peter said to him, "From strangers."

17:26 Peter said to him, "From strangers."

Jesus said to him, "Therefore the children are exempt. 17:27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

Jesus said to him, "So the kids are off the hook. 17:27 But, to avoid causing any trouble for them, go to the lake, throw in a hook, and catch the first fish that swims up. When you open its mouth, you'll find a stater coin.. Take that and give it to them for me and you."

18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

18:1 At that moment, the disciples approached Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them, 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

18:2 Jesus called a little child over to him and placed the child in front of them, 18:3 and said, "I truly tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 18:5 And whoever welcomes one such little child in my name welcomes me, 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away, it would be better for them to have a large millstone tied around their neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

18:7 "Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes! 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. 18:9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. 18:10 See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 18:11 For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.

18:7 "Trouble for the world because of the things that make people stumble! It's inevitable that these things will happen, but trouble for the person who causes them! 18:8 If your hand or foot leads you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It's better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 18:9 If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It's better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the Gehenna of fire. 18:10 Make sure you don't look down on these little ones, because I tell you that their angels in heaven are always in the presence of my Father who is in heaven. 18:11 For the Son of Man came to save what was lost.

18:12 "What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? 18:13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

18:12 "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine and go up into the mountains to look for the one that wandered off? 18:13 And if he finds it, I assure you, he will be happier about it than about the ninety-nine that didn’t get lost. 18:14 In the same way, it's not the will of your Father in heaven that any of these little ones should be lost.

18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 18:16 But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.* 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18:18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 18:19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."

18:15 "If your brother wrongs you, go to him and point out what he did wrong, just the two of you. If he listens to you, you’ve won him back. 18:16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two others with you so that every matter may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.* 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the community. If he still refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. 18:18 Truly, I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven. 18:19 Again, I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them."

18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?"

18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

18:22 Jesus said to him, "I don't tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. 18:23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. 18:24 When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 18:25 But because he couldn't pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 18:26 The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!' 18:27 The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

18:22 Jesus said to him, "I’m not telling you to forgive just seven times, but seventy times seven. 18:23 So the Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 18:24 As he started the process, one servant was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 18:25 But since he couldn't pay, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, children, and all his possessions, and the debt to be collected. 18:26 The servant fell down and begged him, 'Master, be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back everything!' 18:27 The master felt compassion for that servant, released him, and forgave the debt.

18:28 "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'

18:28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii,, and he grabbed him, took him by the throat, and said, 'Give me back what you owe!'"

18:29 "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will repay you!' 18:30 He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. 18:31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. 18:32 Then his lord called him in, and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. 18:33 Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' 18:34 His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. 18:35 So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."

18:29 "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Please be patient with me, and I will pay you back!' 18:30 He refused and had him thrown into prison until he could pay back what he owed. 18:31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went and told their master everything that occurred. 18:32 Then his master called him in and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I canceled all that debt because you begged me. 18:33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?' 18:34 His master was angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he should pay back all he owed. 18:35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart for his offenses."

19:1 It happened when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan. 19:2 Great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there. 19:3 Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?"

19:1 After Jesus finished speaking, he left Galilee and went to the area of Judea, across the Jordan River. 19:2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 19:3 Some Pharisees approached him to test him, asking, "Is it okay for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?"

19:4 He answered, "Haven't you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,* 19:5 and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?'* 19:6 So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart."

19:4 He replied, "Haven't you read that the Creator made them male and female from the start?* 19:5 And he said, 'For this reason, a man will leave his parents and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh?'* 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."

19:7 They asked him, "Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?"

19:7 They asked him, "So why did Moses tell us to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?"

19:8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. 19:9 I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery."

19:8 He said to them, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard, but that’s not how it was meant to be from the start. 19:9 I tell you that anyone who divorces their wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries someone else, commits adultery; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

19:10 His disciples said to him, "If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry."

19:10 His disciples said to him, "If this is how it is for a man with his wife, it’s better not to marry."

19:11 But he said to them, "Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given. 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it."

19:11 But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by others; and there are eunuchs who chose to be celibate for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can accept this, accept it."

19:13 Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 19:14 But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these." 19:15 He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.

19:13 Then some children were brought to him so he could lay his hands on them and pray; but the disciples told them to stop. 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and don't stop them, because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to people like them." 19:15 He laid his hands on them and then left.

19:16 Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

19:16 Look, someone approached him and said, "Good teacher, what should I do to gain eternal life?"

19:17 He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

19:17 He said to him, "Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. But if you want to have eternal life, follow the commandments."

19:18 He said to him, "Which ones?"

19:18 He asked him, "Which ones?"

Jesus said, "'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.' 19:19 'Honor your father and mother.'* And, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"*

Jesus said, "'You must not murder.' 'You must not commit adultery.' 'You must not steal.' 'You must not give false testimony.' 19:19 'Honor your father and mother.'* And, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.'"*

19:20 The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?"

19:20 The young man said to him, "I've followed all these rules since I was young. What am I still missing?"

19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 19:22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. 19:23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 19:22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad because he had a lot of possessions. 19:23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it's hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 19:24 Again, I tell you, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."

19:25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were very surprised and asked, "Then who can be saved?"

19:26 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

19:26 Looking at them, Jesus said, "For people, this is impossible, but for God, anything is possible."

19:27 Then Peter answered, "Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?"

19:27 Then Peter replied, "Look, we’ve given up everything to follow you. So what will we get in return?"

19:28 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 19:29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. 19:30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

19:28 Jesus said to them, "I truly tell you, all of you who have followed me, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 19:29 Everyone who has given up houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 19:30 But many who are last will be first, and many who are first will be last."

20:1 "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 20:2 When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. 20:4 To them he said, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went their way. 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 20:6 About the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. He said to them, 'Why do you stand here all day idle?'

20:1 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was in charge of a household and went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 20:2 After he agreed with the workers on a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 He went out around the third hour, and saw others standing around doing nothing in the marketplace. 20:4 He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you what is fair.' So they went on their way. 20:5 Again, he went out around the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. 20:6 Later in the eleventh hour, he went out and found more people standing around doing nothing. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day doing nothing?'

20:7 "They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.'

20:7 "They told him, 'Because no one has given us a job.'"

"He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.' 20:8 When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.'

"He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is fair.' 20:8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard told his manager, 'Gather the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last hired and going to the first.'"

20:9 "When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 20:10 When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. 20:11 When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, 20:12 saying, 'These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!'

20:9 "When those who were hired around the eleventh hour arrived, they each got a denarius. 20:10 When the first ones came, they thought they would receive more; but they also each got a denarius. 20:11 When they received it, they complained to the master of the house, 20:12 saying, 'These last workers only put in an hour, and you made them equal to us, who have worked hard all day in the scorching heat!'

20:13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn't you agree with me for a denarius? 20:14 Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. 20:15 Isn't it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?' 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."

20:13 "But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I’m not doing you any wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius? 20:14 Take what is yours and go your way. I want to give this last one the same as I gave you. 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen."

20:17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 20:18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 20:19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up."

20:17 As Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 20:18 "Look, we’re heading to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death, 20:19 and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, beaten, and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again."

20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. 20:21 He said to her, "What do you want?"

20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons, kneeling and asking him for something. 20:21 He asked her, "What do you want?"

She said to him, "Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom."

She said to him, "Please let my two sons sit, one on your right and one on your left, in your Kingdom."

20:22 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"

20:22 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you're asking. Can you drink the cup I'm about to drink and be baptized with the baptism I'm going to undergo?"

They said to him, "We are able."

They said to him, "We can do it."

20:23 He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

20:23 He told them, "You will really share in my suffering and undergo the same kind of initiation I am going through, but granting you a place at my right or left isn’t up to me; it's for those whom my Father has chosen."

20:24 When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers.

20:24 When the ten heard this, they were upset with the two brothers.

20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 20:26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

20:25 But Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the leaders of the nations dominate them, and their important figures hold power over them. 20:26 It shouldn't be that way with you. Instead, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. 20:27 Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave, 20:28 just as the Son of Man didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a sacrifice for many."

20:29 As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 20:30 Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!" 20:31 The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, "Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!"

20:29 As they left Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 20:30 Look, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 20:31 The crowd told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"

20:32 Jesus stood still, and called them, and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"

20:32 Jesus stopped and called out to them, asking, "What do you want me to do for you?"

20:33 They told him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened."

20:33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened."

20:34 Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.

20:34 Jesus, filled with compassion, touched their eyes; and right away their sight was restored, and they followed him.

21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 21:2 saying to them, "Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me. 21:3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and immediately he will send them."

21:1 As they approached Jerusalem and reached Bethsphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 21:2 telling them, "Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a donkey tied up with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 21:3 If anyone asks you what you’re doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and they’ll let you take them right away."

21:4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

21:4 All this was done so that what was said by the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,

21:5 "Tell the daughter of Zion,
behold, your King comes to you,
humble, and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey."*

21:6 The disciples went, and did just as Jesus commanded them, 21:7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them. 21:8 A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road. 21:9 The multitudes who went before him, and who followed kept shouting, "Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"*

21:6 The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do, 21:7 and they brought the donkey and the colt, laying their clothes on them; and he sat on them. 21:8 A large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed kept shouting, "Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"*

21:10 When he had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?" 21:11 The multitudes said, "This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."

21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, asking, "Who is this?" 21:11 The crowds replied, "This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee."

21:12 Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers' tables and the seats of those who sold the doves. 21:13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,'* but you have made it a den of robbers!"*

21:12 Jesus went into the temple of God and kicked out everyone who was buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 21:13 He said to them, "It's written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,'* but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"*

21:14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 21:15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children who were crying in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the son of David!" they were indignant, 21:16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?"

21:14 The blind and the disabled came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 21:15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things he was doing, and the children who were shouting in the temple, "Hosanna to the son of David!" they were upset, 21:16 and said to him, "Do you hear what they’re saying?"

Jesus said to them, "Yes. Did you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have perfected praise?'"*

Jesus said to them, "Yes. Haven't you ever read, 'From the lips of children and infants you have called forth perfect praise?'"*

21:17 He left them, and went out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there. 21:18 Now in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry. 21:19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, "Let there be no fruit from you forever!"

21:17 He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he stayed. 21:18 The next morning, as he was returning to the city, he felt hungry. 21:19 Noticing a fig tree beside the road, he approached it but found only leaves. He said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!"

Immediately the fig tree withered away. 21:20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?"

Immediately, the fig tree dried up. 21:20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed and said, "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?"

21:21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done. 21:22 All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

21:21 Jesus replied, "I can assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you won't just do what happened to the fig tree, but even if you said to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' it would happen. 21:22 Whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive."

21:23 When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

21:23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders approached him while he was teaching and asked, "What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

21:24 Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 21:25 The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?"

21:24 Jesus replied, "I'll ask you one question too. If you answer it, I'll tell you by what authority I do these things. 21:25 The baptism of John, where did it come from? Was it from heaven or from people?"

They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 21:26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet." 21:27 They answered Jesus, and said, "We don't know."

They thought to themselves, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll ask us, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 21:26 But if we say, 'From people,' we're worried about the crowd, since everyone considers John a prophet." 21:27 They replied to Jesus, saying, "We don't know."

He also said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 21:28 But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.' 21:29 He answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went. 21:30 He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, 'I go, sir,' but he didn't go. 21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?"

He also said to them, "I won’t tell you by what authority I’m doing these things. 21:28 But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go work in my vineyard today.' 21:29 The son replied, 'I won’t,' but later he changed his mind and went. 21:30 He went to the second son and said the same thing. The second son answered, 'Sure, I will,' but he didn’t go. 21:31 Which of the two did what his father wanted?"

They said to him, "The first."

They said to him, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you. 21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him.

Jesus said to them, "I truly tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you. 21:32 John came to you showing the right path, but you didn't believe him; the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe him. And when you saw that, you didn't even change your ways afterward to believe in him."

21:33 "Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household, who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, dug a winepress in it, built a tower, leased it out to farmers, and went into another country. 21:34 When the season for the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit. 21:35 The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 21:36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they treated them the same way. 21:37 But afterward he sent to them his son, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 21:38 But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and seize his inheritance.' 21:39 So they took him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 21:40 When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?"

21:33 "Listen to another story. There was a man who owned a household, who planted a vineyard, put up a fence around it, dug a winepress, built a tower, rented it out to farmers, and went to another country. 21:34 When the time for the harvest came, he sent his servants to the farmers to collect his share of the produce. 21:35 The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 21:36 Again, he sent other servants, more than the first ones, and they treated them the same way. 21:37 But later, he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 21:38 But when the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.' 21:39 So they took him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 21:40 When the owner of the vineyard comes back, what will he do to those farmers?"

21:41 They told him, "He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the fruit in its season."

21:41 They told him, "He will completely ruin those unfortunate men and will rent out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the harvest when the time is right."

21:42 Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures,

21:42 Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read in the Scriptures,

'The stone which the builders rejected,
the same was made the head of the corner.
This was from the Lord.
It is marvelous in our eyes?'*

21:43 "Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation bringing forth its fruit. 21:44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whoever it will fall, it will scatter him as dust."

21:43 "So I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation that produces its fruits. 21:44 Anyone who stumbles over this stone will be shattered, but whoever it falls on will be crushed to dust."

21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them. 21:46 When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet.

21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his stories, they realized that he was talking about them. 21:46 When they tried to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowds because they viewed him as a prophet.

22:1 Jesus answered and spoke again in parables to them, saying, 22:2 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 22:3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. 22:4 Again he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "Behold, I have made ready my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!"' 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, 22:6 and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. 22:7 When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

22:1 Jesus replied and spoke to them again in parables, saying, 22:2 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who arranged a wedding feast for his son. 22:3 He sent out his servants to invite those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they refused to come. 22:4 He sent out more servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "Look, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fattened calves are slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast!"' 22:5 But they ignored it and went their own ways, one to his farm, another to his business, 22:6 and the rest seized his servants, treated them badly, and killed them. 22:7 When the king heard about this, he was furious; he sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

22:8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren't worthy. 22:9 Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.' 22:10 Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests. 22:11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn't have on wedding clothing, 22:12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?' He was speechless. 22:13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.' 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen."

22:8 "Then he told his servants, 'The wedding is all set, but those who were invited weren't worthy. 22:9 So go to the intersections of the roads, and invite as many people as you find to the wedding feast.' 22:10 The servants went out onto the roads and gathered as many as they could find, both bad and good. The wedding hall was filled with guests. 22:11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't dressed in wedding clothes, 22:12 and he asked him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. 22:13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Tie him up, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; that’s where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 22:14 For many are invited, but few are chosen."

22:15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone. 22:17 Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they could trap him in what he said. 22:16 They sent their followers to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know you're genuine and teach the way of God truthfully, regardless of who you’re talking to, since you don't show favoritism. 22:17 So tell us, what do you think? Is it okay to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 22:19 Show me the tax money."

22:18 But Jesus saw their evil intentions and said, "Why are you trying to trap me, you hypocrites? 22:19 Show me the tax money."

They brought to him a denarius.

They gave him a denarius.

22:20 He asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"

22:20 He asked them, "Whose image and inscription is this?"

22:21 They said to him, "Caesar's."

22:21 They told him, "For Caesar."

Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Then he said to them, "So give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

22:22 When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

22:22 When they heard it, they were amazed, left him, and walked away.

22:23 On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him, 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed for his brother.' 22:25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no seed left his wife to his brother. 22:26 In like manner the second also, and the third, to the seventh. 22:27 After them all, the woman died. 22:28 In the resurrection therefore, whose wife will she be of the seven? For they all had her."

22:23 On that day, some Sadducees (the ones who believe there’s no resurrection) came to him. They asked him, 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies and has no children, his brother should marry his wife and have children for him.' 22:25 We had seven brothers. The first married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 22:26 The same happened to the second and the third, and so on, all the way to the seventh. 22:27 Finally, the woman died. 22:28 So in the resurrection, whose wife will she be among the seven? All of them had her."

22:29 But Jesus answered them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like God's angels in heaven. 22:31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, 22:32 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?'* God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

22:29 But Jesus replied, "You’re wrong, because you don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God. 22:30 In the resurrection, they don’t marry or get married; they’re like God’s angels in heaven. 22:31 And about the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what God said to you: 22:32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' * God isn’t the God of the dead; He’s the God of the living."

22:33 When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching. 22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. 22:35 One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"

22:33 When the crowds heard this, they were amazed by his teachings. 22:34 But the Pharisees, upon hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together. 22:35 One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to challenge him. 22:36 "Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the law?"

22:37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'* 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'* 22:40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

22:37 Jesus said to him, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'* 22:38 This is the most important commandment. 22:39 A second one is similar: 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.'* 22:40 All the law and the prophets are based on these two commandments."

22:41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 22:42 saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?"

22:41 While the Pharisees were all together, Jesus asked them a question, 22:42 saying, "What do you think about the Messiah? Who is his father?"

They said to him, "Of David."

They said to him, "From David."

22:43 He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,

22:43 He said to them, "So how does David, speaking by the Spirit, refer to him as Lord, saying,

22:44 'The Lord said to my Lord,
sit on my right hand,
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?'*

22:45 "If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?"

22:45 "So if David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?"

22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forth.

22:46 No one could say a word in response, and no one dared to ask him any more questions from that day on.

23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 23:2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat. 23:3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do. 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. 23:5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, 23:6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 23:7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men. 23:8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 23:9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. 23:10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. 23:11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowd and to his disciples, 23:2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees hold an important position. 23:3 So, everything they tell you to observe, follow and do, but don’t imitate their actions; they say one thing and do another. 23:4 They put heavy burdens on people that are hard to bear, but they won’t lift a finger to help them. 23:5 Everything they do is so they can be seen by others. They make their phylacteries wide and lengthen the fringes of their robes, 23:6 and they love the places of honor at banquets, the best seats in the synagogues, 23:7 the greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by others. 23:8 But don’t let anyone call you 'Rabbi,' because you have one teacher, the Christ, and all of you are siblings. 23:9 Don’t call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. 23:10 And don’t be called leaders, because you have one leader, the Christ. 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 Whoever lifts themselves up will be brought down, and whoever lowers themselves will be raised up.

23:14 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don't enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter. 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehenna as yourselves.

23:14 "But shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You close off the Kingdom of Heaven to people; you don’t enter it yourselves, and you don’t let those who are trying to enter in. 23:15 Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You go to great lengths, traveling across land and sea to convert one person; and when you succeed, you make them twice as much of a son of Gehenna as you are.

23:16 "Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.' 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 23:18 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?' 23:19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 23:20 He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. 23:21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who was living in it. 23:22 He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.

23:16 "Shame on you, you blind guides, who say, 'If someone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if they swear by the gold of the temple, they’re bound by it.' 23:17 You blind fools! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 23:18 'If someone swears by the altar, it’s nothing; but if they swear by the gift on it, they’re obligated?' 23:19 You blind fools! Which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 23:20 So, whoever swears by the altar swears by it and everything on it. 23:21 Whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who lives in it. 23:22 Whoever swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.

23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 23:24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

23:23 "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, but neglect the more important things in the law: justice, mercy, and faith. You should have done these things and not ignored the others. 23:24 You blind guides! You filter out a gnat but swallow a camel!"

23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. 23:26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.

23:25 "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and unrighteousness. 23:26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and the plate so that the outside may also be clean."

23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 23:28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

23:27 "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You’re like painted tombs that look nice on the outside but are filled with dead bones and all kinds of filth on the inside. 23:28 Likewise, you seem righteous to people on the outside, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and wrongdoing.

23:29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, 23:30 and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' 23:31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. 23:32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 23:33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? 23:34 Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; 23:35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. 23:36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

23:29 "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, 23:30 and say, 'If we had lived in our ancestors' time, we wouldn't have shared in the blood of the prophets.' 23:31 So you prove that you are the descendants of those who killed the prophets. 23:32 Go ahead and fill up the measure of your ancestors. 23:33 You snakes, you children of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? 23:34 Therefore, look, I am sending you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will whip in your synagogues and chase from city to city; 23:35 so that on you will come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 23:36 Truly I tell you, all these things will happen to this generation.

23:37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! 23:38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"*

23:37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 23:38 Look, your house is left empty. 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"*

24:1 Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. 24:2 But he answered them, "Don't you see all of these things? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down."

24:1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away. His disciples approached him to point out the temple buildings. 24:2 But he replied, "Do you not see all these things? I assure you, not one stone here will be left standing on another; every one will be thrown down."

24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?"

24:3 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately and asked, "Can you tell us when these things will happen? What will be the sign of your return and the end of the age?"

24:4 Jesus answered them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray. 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren't troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. 24:7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of birth pains. 24:9 Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name's sake. 24:10 Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. 24:11 Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. 24:12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. 24:13 But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. 24:14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

24:4 Jesus replied, "Make sure no one deceives you. 24:5 Many will come claiming to be the Christ and will mislead many people. 24:6 You will hear about wars and rumors of wars. Don’t let this disturb you, because these things must happen, but it’s not the end yet. 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in different places. 24:8 But all these are just the beginning of the birth pains. 24:9 Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of me. 24:10 At that time, many will fall away and betray one another and hate each other. 24:11 Many false prophets will appear and deceive many. 24:12 Because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. 24:13 But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 24:14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the entire world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

24:15 "When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation,* which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 24:16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 24:17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. 24:18 Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. 24:19 But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! 24:20 Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath, 24:21 for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. 24:22 Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.

24:15 "So when you see the despicable thing that causes destruction,* mentioned by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader take note), 24:16 then those in Judea should flee to the mountains. 24:17 If you're on the rooftop, don’t go down to grab anything from your house. 24:18 If you’re in the field, don’t go back to get your clothes. 24:19 But it will be terrible for those who are pregnant or nursing babies in those days! 24:20 Pray that your escape doesn't happen in winter or on a Sabbath, 24:21 because there will be great suffering, worse than anything the world has seen since the beginning and never to be seen again. 24:22 If those days weren’t limited, no one would survive. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be cut short."

24:23 "Then if any man tells you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or, 'There,' don't believe it. 24:24 For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

24:23 "So if someone says to you, 'Look, here's the Christ,' or, 'Over there,' don't believe them. 24:24 Because false christs and false prophets will appear, performing impressive signs and miracles to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.

24:25 "Behold, I have told you beforehand. 24:26 If therefore they tell you, 'Behold, he is in the wilderness,' don't go out; 'Behold, he is in the inner chambers,' don't believe it. 24:27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 24:28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together. 24:29 But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken;* 24:30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 24:31 He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

24:25 "Look, I've warned you in advance. 24:26 So if they say to you, 'Look, he's in the wilderness,' don't go; 'Look, he's in the inner rooms,' don't believe it. 24:27 Just like lightning flashes from the east and can be seen all the way to the west, that's how the coming of the Son of Man will be. 24:28 Because wherever the dead body is, that's where the vultures will gather. 24:29 But right after those days of trouble, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly powers will be shaken;* 24:30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. All the nations of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 24:31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other."

24:32 "Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near. 24:33 Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 24:34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 24:36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

24:32 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree. When its branches start to get soft and it puts out leaves, you know that summer is near. 24:33 In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you know that it's close, right at the door. 24:34 I assure you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 24:35 The sky and the earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 24:36 However, no one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, only my Father."

24:37 "As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 24:38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, 24:39 and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 24:40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left; 24:41 two women grinding at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left. 24:42 Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Lord comes. 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 24:44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don't expect, the Son of Man will come.

24:37 "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 24:38 For in those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, right up until the day Noah entered the ark, 24:39 and they didn't realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away; that's how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 24:40 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left; 24:41 two women will be grinding grain at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left. 24:42 So, keep watch, because you don't know what time your Lord will return. 24:43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known what time of night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 24:44 Therefore, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."

24:45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. 24:47 Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. 24:48 But if that evil servant should say in his heart, 'My lord is delaying his coming,' 24:49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, 24:50 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn't expect it, and in an hour when he doesn't know it, 24:51 and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.

24:45 "So, who is the faithful and wise servant that his master has put in charge of his household to give them their food at the right time? 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing this when he arrives. 24:47 Truly, I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he has. 24:48 But if that wicked servant decides in his heart, 'My master is taking his time to return,' 24:49 and starts to beat his fellow servants and eat and drink with the drunks, 24:50 the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he doesn’t expect it, and at an hour he doesn’t know, 24:51 and will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. That is where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

25:1 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. 25:2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 25:3 Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, 25:4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 25:6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!' 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 25:8 The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, 'What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 25:10 While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 25:11 Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' 25:12 But he answered, 'Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you.' 25:13 Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

25:1 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten young women who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 25:2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 25:3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn't bring any oil with them, 25:4 while the wise ones took oil in their containers alongside their lamps. 25:5 While the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 25:6 But at midnight, there was a shout, 'Look! The groom is coming! Go out to meet him!' 25:7 Then all those young women woke up, and trimmed their lamps. 25:8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.' 25:9 But the wise replied, 'What if there's not enough for both us and you? You should go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 25:10 While they went away to buy, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 25:11 Later, the other young women came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' 25:12 But he replied, 'I truly tell you, I don't know you.' 25:13 So stay alert, because you don't know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come.

25:14 "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. 25:15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 25:16 Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 25:17 In like manner he also who got the two gained another two. 25:18 But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

25:14 "It's like a man going on a trip who called his servants and entrusted his belongings to them. 25:15 To one, he gave five coins, to another two, and to another one; each according to their ability. Then he went on his journey. 25:16 Right away, the one who received the five coins went and traded with them, making five more coins. 25:17 Similarly, the one who got the two earned another two. 25:18 But the one who received the one coin went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

25:19 "Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 25:20 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.'

25:19 "After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 25:20 The one who had received five talents came forward and said, 'Master, you entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have earned five more talents on top of them.'

25:21 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

25:21 "His master said to him, 'Great job, good and reliable servant. You’ve been responsible with a little, so I’ll put you in charge of much. Come and enjoy your master’s happiness.'"

25:22 "He also who got the two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.'

25:22 "The servant who received two talents came and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more on top of that.'"

25:23 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

25:23 "His master said to him, 'Great job, good and faithful servant. You've been trustworthy with a few things, so I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness.'"

25:24 "He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. 25:25 I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'

25:24 "The servant who had received one talent came and said, 'Master, I knew that you are a tough person, harvesting where you didn’t plant and gathering where you didn’t scatter seed. 25:25 I was afraid, so I went and buried your talent in the ground. Look, here’s what belongs to you.'”

25:26 "But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter. 25:27 You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. 25:28 Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. 25:29 For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away. 25:30 Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

25:26 "But his master replied, 'You lazy and worthless servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t plant and gather where I didn’t scatter. 25:27 You should have deposited my money with the bankers, and when I returned, I would have received my own plus interest. 25:28 So take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 25:29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have plenty, but from anyone who doesn’t have, even what they have will be taken away. 25:30 Throw the worthless servant out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'

25:31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 25:32 Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 25:33 He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 25:34 Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 25:35 for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; 25:36 naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.'

25:31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, just like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right side and the goats on his left. 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right side, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world; 25:35 for I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; 25:36 I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.'

25:37 "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? 25:38 When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?'

25:37 "Then the righteous will reply, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 25:38 When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and come to visit you?'"

25:40 "The King will answer them, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' 25:41 Then he will say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; 25:42 for I was hungry, and you didn't give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; 25:43 I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

25:40 "The King will reply to them, 'Truly, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers, you did for me.' 25:41 Then he will also say to those on his left, 'Away from me, you wicked people, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 25:42 for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me anything to eat; I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink; 25:43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me in; I was naked, and you didn’t give me any clothes; I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.'

25:44 "Then they will also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?'

25:44 "Then they will also respond, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?'"

25:45 "Then he will answer them, saying, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.' 25:46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

25:45 "Then he will respond to them, saying, 'I assure you, whatever you didn't do for one of the least of these, you didn't do for me.' 25:46 These will be sent away to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."

26:1 It happened, when Jesus had finished all these words, that he said to his disciples, 26:2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."

26:1 After Jesus had said all these things, he told his disciples, 26:2 "You know that in two days the Passover will be here, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

26:3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas. 26:4 They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit, and kill him. 26:5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people."

26:3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people came together in the courtyard of the high priest, named Caiaphas. 26:4 They conspired to capture Jesus through deceit and kill him. 26:5 But they said, "Not during the festival, or there might be a riot among the people."

26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 26:7 a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. 26:8 But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

26:6 While Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 26:7 a woman approached him with an alabaster jar filled with very expensive perfume, and she poured it on his head while he reclined at the table. 26:8 When his disciples saw this, they were upset and said, "Why this waste? 26:9 This perfume could have been sold for a lot and the money given to the poor."

26:10 However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. 26:11 For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me. 26:12 For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 26:13 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her."

26:10 But knowing this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering the woman? She has done something wonderful for me. 26:11 You will always have the poor among you, but you won't always have me. 26:12 By pouring this ointment on my body, she prepared me for burial. 26:13 I assure you, wherever this Good News is shared around the world, what this woman has done will also be remembered."

26:14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 26:15 and said, "What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?" They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. 26:16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

26:14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 26:15 and asked, "What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They gave him thirty pieces of silver. 26:16 From then on, he looked for a chance to betray him.

26:17 Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

26:17 On the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

26:18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'"

26:18 He said, "Go to the city to a specific person and tell him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is near. I will celebrate Passover at your place with my disciples."'"

26:19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover. 26:20 Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 26:21 As they were eating, he said, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

26:19 The disciples followed Jesus' orders and got everything ready for the Passover. 26:20 When evening came, he was sitting at the table with the twelve disciples. 26:21 While they were eating, he said, "I definitely tell you that one of you will betray me."

26:22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?"

26:22 They were very sad, and each one started to ask him, "It's not me, is it, Lord?"

26:23 He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me. 26:24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

26:23 He replied, "The one who shares this meal with me will betray me. 26:24 The Son of Man is on his way, just as it has been foretold, but tragedy will come to the one who betrays him! It would be better for that person if they had never been born."

26:25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?"

26:25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It's not me, is it, Teacher?"

He said to him, "You said it."

He said to him, "You got that right."

26:26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 26:27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "All of you drink it, 26:28 for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. 26:29 But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's Kingdom." 26:30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He handed it to the disciples and said, "Take and eat; this is my body." 26:27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and passed it to them, saying, "All of you drink from it, 26:28 because this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 26:29 But I tell you, I won’t drink from this fruit of the vine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom." 26:30 After they sang a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'* 26:32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee."

26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "Tonight, all of you will fall away because of me, as it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'* 26:32 But after I rise, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

26:33 But Peter answered him, "Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble."

26:33 But Peter replied, "Even if everyone else stumbles because of you, I will never stumble."

26:34 Jesus said to him, "Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

26:34 Jesus told him, "I truly assure you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

26:35 Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All of the disciples also said likewise.

26:35 Peter said to him, "Even if I have to die with you, I won't deny you." All the disciples said the same thing.

26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go there and pray." 26:37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. 26:38 Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me."

26:36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to his disciples, "Stay here while I go over there and pray." 26:37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him and started to feel sad and overwhelmed. 26:38 Then he told them, "My soul is deeply sad, even to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

26:39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire."

26:39 He moved a bit ahead, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it’s possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want."

26:40 He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour? 26:41 Watch and pray, that you don't enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

26:40 He went to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What, couldn’t you stay awake with me for just one hour? 26:41 Stay alert and pray so you don’t fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

26:42 Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done." 26:43 He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 26:44 He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 26:45 Then he came to his disciples, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 26:46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

26:42 Once again, he went away and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cup can't pass from me without me drinking it, your will be done." 26:43 He came back and found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 26:44 He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. 26:45 Then he returned to his disciples and said, "Sleep on now and take your rest. Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 26:46 Get up, let's go. Look, the one who betrays me is here."

26:47 While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the people. 26:48 Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him." 26:49 Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

26:47 While he was still talking, suddenly, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and the elders of the people. 26:48 The betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the one. Arrest him." 26:49 Immediately, he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

26:50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 26:51 Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. 26:53 Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? 26:54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?"

26:50 Jesus asked him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they approached and seized Jesus. 26:51 Look, one of those with Jesus reached for his sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 26:52 Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back where it belongs, because all who take the sword will die by the sword. 26:53 Or do you think that I can't ask my Father, and he would at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 26:54 But how would that fulfill the Scriptures that say it must happen this way?"

26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. 26:56 But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."

26:55 At that moment, Jesus said to the crowd, "Did you come out like you would against a thief, with swords and clubs to capture me? I was teaching in the temple every day, and you didn't arrest me. 26:56 But all of this has happened so that the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled."

Then all the disciples left him, and fled. 26:57 Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 26:58 But Peter followed him from a distance, to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end. 26:59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death; 26:60 and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward, 26:61 and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"

Then all the disciples left him and ran away. 26:57 Those who had taken Jesus brought him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 26:58 But Peter followed him from a distance, to the court of the high priest, and went in and sat with the officers, wanting to see how things would turn out. 26:59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could execute him; 26:60 however, they didn't find any. Even though many false witnesses stepped forward, they still didn't find any. But eventually, two false witnesses came forward, 26:61 and said, "This man claimed, 'I can destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'"

26:62 The high priest stood up, and said to him, "Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?" 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. The high priest answered him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."

26:62 The high priest got up and said to him, "Aren't you going to say anything? What are these people saying against you?" 26:63 But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest replied, "I charge you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."

26:64 Jesus said to him, "You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky."

26:64 Jesus said to him, "You’ve said it. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. 26:66 What do you think?"

26:65 Then the high priest ripped his clothes and said, "He's committed blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, you've just heard his blasphemy. 26:66 What do you think?"

They answered, "He is worthy of death!" 26:67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him, 26:68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?"

They replied, "He deserves to die!" 26:67 Then they spat in his face and punched him, and some slapped him, 26:68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit you?"

26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, "You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!"

26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a maid came up to him, saying, "You were with Jesus, the Galilean!"

26:70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I don't know what you are talking about."

26:70 But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

26:71 When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there, "This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth."

26:71 When he stepped out onto the porch, someone else spotted him and said to those present, "This guy was also with Jesus of Nazareth."

26:72 Again he denied it with an oath, "I don't know the man."

26:72 Again he swore, "I don't know the guy."

26:73 After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, "Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known."

26:73 After a while, those standing nearby came up to Peter and said, "You must be one of them, because your accent gives you away."

26:74 Then he began to curse and to swear, "I don't know the man!"

26:74 Then he started to curse and yell, "I don't know the guy!"

Immediately the rooster crowed. 26:75 Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and wept bitterly.

Immediately the rooster crowed. 26:75 Peter remembered what Jesus had told him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and cried hard.

27:1 Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 27:2 and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. 27:3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 27:4 saying, "I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood."

27:1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to have him executed: 27:2 they arrested him, led him away, and handed him over to Pontius Pilate, the governor. 27:3 Then Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned and was filled with regret. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 27:4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."

But they said, "What is that to us? You see to it."

But they said, "What do we care? You handle it."

27:5 He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself. 27:6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, "It's not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood." 27:7 They took counsel, and bought the potter's field with them, to bury strangers in. 27:8 Therefore that field was called "The Field of Blood" to this day. 27:9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,

27:5 He tossed the pieces of silver in the temple and left. He went away and hanged himself. 27:6 The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, "It's illegal to put this into the treasury, since it's blood money." 27:7 They met to discuss it and bought the potter's field with the money, to bury foreigners in. 27:8 That's why the field is still called "The Field of Blood" to this day. 27:9 Then what was said through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,

"They took the thirty pieces of silver,
the price of him upon whom a price had been set,
whom some of the children of Israel priced,
27:10 and they gave them for the potter's field,
as the Lord commanded me."*

27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Jesus said to him, "So you say."

Jesus replied, "That's what you say."

27:12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 27:13 Then Pilate said to him, "Don't you hear how many things they testify against you?"

27:12 When the chief priests and elders accused him, he said nothing in response. 27:13 Pilate then asked him, "Aren't you going to respond to all the things they're saying about you?"

27:14 He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 27:15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired. 27:16 They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 27:17 When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" 27:18 For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

27:14 He didn't respond at all, not even with a single word, which left the governor very surprised. 27:15 During the feast, the governor usually released one prisoner to the crowd, whoever they wanted. 27:16 They had a well-known prisoner named Barabbas. 27:17 So when they had all gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" 27:18 He was aware that they had handed him over out of envy.

27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him." 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 27:21 But the governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?"

27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message saying, "Stay away from that righteous man, because I've been through a lot today in a dream because of him." 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas and have Jesus killed. 27:21 But the governor replied, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?"

They said, "Barabbas!"

They shouted, "Barabbas!"

27:22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?"

27:22 Pilate asked them, "So, what should I do with Jesus, who is called the Christ?"

They all said to him, "Let him be crucified!"

They all shouted to him, "Crucify him!"

27:23 But the governor said, "Why? What evil has he done?"

27:23 But the governor said, "Why? What wrong has he done?"

But they cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let him be crucified!"

But they shouted loudly, saying, "Crucify him!"

27:24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it."

27:24 So when Pilate noticed that nothing was changing and that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am not responsible for the blood of this innocent man. You handle it."

27:25 All the people answered, "May his blood be on us, and on our children!"

27:25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and our kids!"

27:26 Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified. 27:27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him. 27:28 They stripped him, and put a scarlet robe on him. 27:29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 27:30 They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. 27:31 When they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

27:26 Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus whipped and handed over to be crucified. 27:27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the entire garrison around him. 27:28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 27:29 They wove a crown of thorns and placed it on his head, and gave him a reed in his right hand; then they knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 27:30 They spat on him and took the reed to hit him on the head. 27:31 After they had mocked him, they took the robe off him, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him away to be crucified.

27:32 As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross. 27:33 They came to a place called "Golgotha," that is to say, "The place of a skull." 27:34 They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink. 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,* 27:36 and they sat and watched him there. 27:37 They set up over his head the accusation against him written, "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27:32 As they left, they came across a man from Cyrene named Simon, and they forced him to go with them to carry the cross. 27:33 They arrived at a place called "Golgotha," which means "The place of a skull." 27:34 They offered him sour wine mixed with gall to drink. After tasting it, he refused to drink. 27:35 After they crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots,* 27:36 and they sat down and watched him there. 27:37 They put up a sign above his head that said, "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27:38 Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, 27:40 and saying, "You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!"

27:38 Then there were two thieves crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 27:39 Those who passed by mocked him, shaking their heads, 27:40 and saying, "You who destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!"

27:41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said, 27:42 "He saved others, but he can't save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 27:43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 27:44 The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.

27:41 Similarly, the chief priests, along with the scribes and the elders, started mocking him, saying, 27:42 "He saved others, but he can't save himself. If he's the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 27:43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he really wants him; after all, he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 27:44 The criminals who were crucified with him also mocked him in the same way.

27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?" That is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"*

27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus shouted with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?" That is, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"*

27:47 Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, "This man is calling Elijah."

27:47 Some of the people standing there, when they heard it, said, "This man is calling for Elijah."

27:48 Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him a drink. 27:49 The rest said, "Let him be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to save him."

27:48 Right away, one of them went, grabbed a sponge, soaked it in vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered him a drink. 27:49 The others said, "Leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

27:50 Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 27:51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 27:52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 27:53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. 27:54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."

27:50 Jesus shouted again loudly and gave up his spirit. 27:51 Look, the temple curtain was ripped in two from top to bottom. The ground shook, and the rocks split apart. 27:52 The graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had died were raised; 27:53 and coming out of the graves after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 27:54 Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the events that had happened, were extremely afraid, saying, "This truly was the Son of God."

27:55 Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him. 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. 27:57 When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus' disciple came. 27:58 This man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up. 27:59 Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 27:60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock, and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed. 27:61 Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. 27:62 Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, 27:63 saying, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: 'After three days I will rise again.' 27:64 Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, 'He is risen from the dead;' and the last deception will be worse than the first."

27:55 Many women were watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him. 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. 27:57 When evening came, a wealthy man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus, arrived. 27:58 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate then ordered that the body be handed over. 27:59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 27:60 and placed it in his own new tomb, which he had carved out of the rock. He rolled a large stone to the entrance of the tomb and left. 27:61 Mary Magdalene was there and the other Mary, sitting across from the tomb. 27:62 The next day, which was after the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate, 27:63 saying, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: 'After three days I will rise again.' 27:64 Therefore, command that the tomb be secured until the third day, otherwise his disciples might come at night and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception would be worse than the first."

27:65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can." 27:66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

27:65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can." 27:66 So they went with the guard and secured the tomb, sealing the stone.

28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 28:2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 28:4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men. 28:5 The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 28:7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."

28:1 Early on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 28:2 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled back the stone from the entrance, and sat on it. 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. 28:4 The guards trembled in fear and fell like dead men. 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 28:6 He isn't here; he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was laid. 28:7 Now go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Remember, I have told you."

28:8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 28:9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!"

28:8 They left the tomb quickly, feeling both afraid and extremely happy, and rushed to inform his disciples. 28:9 As they were on their way to tell the disciples, suddenly, Jesus met them and said, "Rejoice!"

They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

They approached him, grabbed his feet, and worshiped him.

28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should head to Galilee, and there they will see me."

28:11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 28:12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 28:13 saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry." 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

28:11 As they were leaving, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 28:12 They gathered with the elders, and after discussing it, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 28:13 telling them, "Say that his disciples came at night and stole him while we were sleeping. 28:14 If this gets back to the governor, we’ll convince him and ensure you don’t have to worry." 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. This story spread among the Jews and persists to this day.

28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 28:17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 28:18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 28:19 Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

28:16 But the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 28:17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some had doubts. 28:18 Jesus came to them and said, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 28:20 teaching them to follow everything I commanded you. Look, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:1 Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean "Anointed One"

[1] back to 1:1 Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean "Anointed One."

[2] back to 1:16 "Jesus" means "Salvation."

"Jesus" means "Salvation."

[3] back to 1:23 Isaiah 7:14

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 7:14

[4] back to 2:1 The word for "wise men" (magoi) can also mean teachers, scientists, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, or sorcerers.

[4] back to 2:1 The word for "wise men" (magoi) can also refer to teachers, scientists, doctors, astrologers, seers, dream interpreters, or sorcerers.

[5] back to 2:6 Micah 5:2

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Micah 5:2

[6] back to 2:15 Hosea 11:1

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 11:1

[7] back to 2:18 Jeremiah 31:15

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 31:15

[8] back to 3:3 Isaiah 40:3

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:3

[9] back to 3:6 or, immersed

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, engaged

[10] back to 3:7 or, immersion

or immersion

[11] back to 3:11 or, immerse

or, dive in

[12] back to 3:11 TR and NU add "and with fire"

[12] back to 3:11 TR and NU add "and with fire"

[13] back to 4:4 Deuteronomy 8:3

[13] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 8:3

[14] back to 4:6 Psalm 91:11-12

Psalm 91:11-12

[15] back to 4:7 Deuteronomy 6:16

[15] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:16

[16] back to 4:10 TR and NU read "Go away" instead of "Get behind me"

[16] back to 4:10 TR and NU read "Go away" instead of "Get behind me"

[17] back to 4:10 Deuteronomy 6:13

[17] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:13

[18] back to 4:16 Isaiah 9:1-2

[18] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 9:1-2

[19] back to 4:18 TR reads "Jesus" instead of "he"

[19] back to 4:18 TR says "Jesus" instead of "he"

[20] back to 5:3 Isaiah 57:15; 66:2

[20] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 57:15; 66:2

[21] back to 5:4 Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13

[22] back to 5:5 or, land. Psalm 37:11

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, land. Psalm 37:11

[23] back to 5:18 literally, iota

literally, iota

[24] back to 5:18 or, serif

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, serif

[25] back to 5:21 Exodus 20:13

[25] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:13

[26] back to 5:22 NU omits "without a cause".

[26] back to 5:22 NU leaves out "without a reason".

[27] back to 5:22 "Raca" is an Aramaic insult, related to the word for "empty" and conveying the idea of empty-headedness.

[27] back to 5:22 "Raca" is an Aramaic insult that relates to the word for "empty" and implies someone is empty-headed.

[28] back to 5:22 or, Hell

or, Hell

[29] back to 5:26 literally, kodrantes. A kodrantes was a small copper coin worth about 2 lepta (widow's mites)--not enough to buy very much of anything.

[29] back to 5:26 literally, kodrantes. A kodrantes was a small copper coin worth about 2 lepta (widow's mites)—not enough to buy very much of anything.

[30] back to 5:27 TR adds "to the ancients,"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "to the ancients,"

[31] back to 5:27 Exodus 20:14

[31] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:14

[32] back to 5:29 or, Hell

or, Hell

[33] back to 5:30 or, Hell

or, Hellscape

[34] back to 5:31 Deuteronomy 24:1

[34] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 24:1

[35] back to 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21

[35] back to 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21

[36] back to 5:43 Leviticus 19:18

[36] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[37] back to 5:43 not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26

[37] back to 5:43 not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26

[38] back to 6:13 NU omits "For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."

[38] back to 6:13 NU leaves out "For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."

[39] back to 6:27 literally, cubit

literally, elbow

[40] back to 7:14 TR reads "Because" instead of "How"

[40] back to 7:14 TR reads "Because" instead of "How"

[41] back to 8:15 TR reads "them" instead of "him"

[41] back to 8:15 TR reads "them" instead of "him"

[42] back to 8:17 Isaiah 53:4

[42] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:4

[43] back to 8:28 NU reads "Gadarenes"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ NU reads "Gadarenes"

[44] back to 9:13 Hosea 6:6

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 6:6

[45] back to 9:13 NU omits "to repentance".

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ NU skips "to repentance".

[46] back to 9:20 or, tassel

or, tassel

[47] back to 9:36 TR reads "weary" instead of "harassed"

[47] back to 9:36 TR reads "weary" instead of "harassed"

[48] back to 10:3 NU omits "Lebbaeus, whose surname was"

[48] back to 10:3 NU leaves out "Lebbaeus, whose last name was"

[49] back to 10:8 TR adds ", raise the dead"

[49] back to 10:8 TR adds ", bring the dead back to life"

[50] back to 10:28 or, Hell.

or, Hell.

[51] back to 10:29 An assarion is a small coin worth one tenth of a drachma or a sixteenth of a denarius (approximately the wages of one half hour of agricultural labor).

[51] back to 10:29 An assarion is a small coin worth one-tenth of a drachma or one-sixteenth of a denarius (approximately the earnings from half an hour of farm work).

[52] back to 10:36 Micah 7:6

[52] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Micah 7:6

[53] back to 11:5 Isaiah 35:5

[53] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 35:5

[54] back to 11:5 Isaiah 61:1-4

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 61:1-4

[55] back to 11:10 Malachi 3:1

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Malachi 3:1

[56] back to 11:12 or, plunder it.

or, loot it.

[57] back to 11:19 NU reads "actions" instead of "children"

[57] back to 11:19 NU reads "actions" instead of "children"

[58] back to 11:23 or, Hell

or, Hell

[59] back to 12:4 1 Samuel 21:3-6

[59] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 1 Samuel 21:3-6

[60] back to 12:7 Hosea 6:6

Hosea 6:6

[61] back to 12:21 Isaiah 42:1-4

[61] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 42:1-4

[62] back to 12:35 TR adds "of the heart"

[62] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "from the heart"

[63] back to 13:15 Isaiah 6:9-10

[63] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:9-10

[64] back to 13:25 darnel is a weed grass (probably bearded darnel or lolium temulentum) that looks very much like wheat until it is mature, when the difference becomes very apparent.

[64] back to 13:25 Darnel is a type of weed grass (likely bearded darnel or lolium temulentum) that resembles wheat closely until it matures, at which point the differences are very noticeable.

[65] back to 13:33 literally, three sata. 3 sata is about 39 litres or a bit more than a bushel

[65] back to 13:33 literally, three sata. 3 sata is around 39 liters or a little more than a bushel

[66] back to 13:35 Psalm 78:2

[66] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 78:2

[67] back to 13:55 or, Judah

or, Judah

[68] back to 14:25 The night was equally divided into four watches, so the fourth watch is approximately 3:00 A. M. to sunrise.

[68] back to 14:25 The night was split into four shifts, so the fourth shift is roughly from 3:00 A.M. to sunrise.

[69] back to 14:25 see Job 9:8

[69] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ see Job 9:8

[70] back to 14:27 or, I AM!

or, I AM!

[71] back to 14:36 or, tassel

or, tassel

[72] back to 15:4 Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16

[72] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16

[73] back to 15:4 Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9

[73] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9

[74] back to 15:9 Isaiah 29:13

[74] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 29:13

[75] back to 16:18 Peter's name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone.

[75] back to 16:18 Peter's name, Petros in Greek, means a specific rock or stone.

[76] back to 16:18 Greek, petra, a rock mass or bedrock.

[76] back to 16:18 Greek, petra, a rock mass or solid base.

[77] back to 16:18 or, Hell

or, Hell

[78] back to 17:24 A didrachma is a Greek silver coin worth 2 drachmas, about as much as 2 Roman denarii, or about 2 days' wages. It was commonly used to pay the half-shekel temple tax, because 2 drachmas were worth one half shekel of silver.

[78] back to 17:24 A didrachma is a Greek silver coin that equals 2 drachmas, which is roughly equivalent to 2 Roman denarii or about 2 days' pay. It was often used to cover the half-shekel temple tax since 2 drachmas were equal to one half shekel of silver.

[79] back to 17:27 A stater is a silver coin equivalent to four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, or a Jewish shekel: just exactly enough to cover the half-shekel temple tax for two people.

[79] back to 17:27 A stater is a silver coin worth four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, or a Jewish shekel: exactly enough to pay the half-shekel temple tax for two people.

[80] back to 18:9 or, Hell

or, Hell

[81] back to 18:16 Deuteronomy 19:15

[81] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 19:15

[82] back to 18:24 Ten thousand talents represents an extremely large sum of money, equivalent to about 60,000,000 denarii, where one denarius was typical of one day's wages for agricultural labor.

[82] back to 18:24 Ten thousand talents is an enormous amount of money, about 60,000,000 denarii, where one denarius was basically a day's pay for farm work.

[83] back to 18:28 100 denarii was about one sixtieth of a talent.

[83] back to 18:28 100 denarii was roughly one sixtieth of a talent.

[84] back to 19:4 Genesis 1:27

[84] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 1:27

[85] back to 19:5 Genesis 2:24

[85] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:24

[86] back to 19:19 Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[86] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[87] back to 19:19 Leviticus 19:18

Leviticus 19:18

[88] back to 20:2 A denarius is a silver Roman coin worth 1/25th of a Roman aureus. This was a common wage for a day of farm labor.

[88] back to 20:2 A denarius is a silver Roman coin worth 1/25th of a Roman aureus. This was a typical day’s wage for farm labor.

[89] back to 20:3 Time was measured from sunrise to sunset, so the third hour would be about 9:00 AM.

[89] back to 20:3 Time was counted from sunrise to sunset, so the third hour would be around 9:00 AM.

[90] back to 20:5 noon and 3:00 P. M.

noon to 3 PM.

[91] back to 20:6 5:00 PM

5:00 PM

[92] back to 20:26 TR reads "let him be" instead of "shall be"

[92] back to 20:26 TR reads "let him be" instead of "shall be"

[93] back to 21:1 TR & NU read "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[93] back to 21:1 TR & NU read "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[94] back to 21:5 Zechariah 9:9

[94] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 9:9

[95] back to 21:9 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, we pray."

[95] back to 21:9 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, please."

[96] back to 21:9 Psalm 118:26

[96] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:26

[97] back to 21:13 Isaiah 56:7

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 56:7

[98] back to 21:13 Jeremiah 7:11

[98] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 7:11

[99] back to 21:16 Psalm 8:2

[99] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 8:2

[100] back to 21:42 Psalm 118:22-23

[100] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:22-23

[101] back to 22:32 Exodus 3:6

[101] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 3:6

[102] back to 22:37 Deuteronomy 6:5

Deuteronomy 6:5

[103] back to 22:39 Leviticus 19:18

[103] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[104] back to 22:44 Psalm 110:1

[104] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:1

[105] back to 23:5 phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather pouches that some Jewish men wear on their forehead and arm in prayer. They are used to carry a small scroll with some Scripture in it. See Deuteronomy 6:8.

[105] back to 23:5 Phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather boxes that some Jewish men wear on their forehead and arm during prayer. They hold a small scroll with Scripture written on it. See Deuteronomy 6:8.

[106] back to 23:5 or, tassels

or, fringes

[107] back to 23:14 Some Greek manuscripts reverse the order of verses 13 and 14, and some omit verse 13, numbering verse 14 as 13.

[107] back to 23:14 Some Greek manuscripts switch the order of verses 13 and 14, and some skip verse 13, counting verse 14 as 13.

[108] back to 23:15 or, Hell

or, Hell

[109] back to 23:23 cumin is an aromatic seed from Cuminum cyminum, resembling caraway in flavor and appearance. It is used as a spice.

[109] back to 23:23 Cumin is a fragrant seed from Cuminum cyminum, similar to caraway in flavor and look. It is used as a spice.

[110] back to 23:25 TR reads "self-indulgence" instead of "unrighteousness"

[110] back to 23:25 TR reads "self-indulgence" instead of "unrighteousness"

[111] back to 23:33 or, Hell

or, Hell

[112] back to 23:39 Psalm 118:26

[112] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:26

[113] back to 24:15 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11

[113] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11

[114] back to 24:28 or, eagles

or eagles

[115] back to 24:29 Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

[115] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

[116] back to 24:34 The word for "generation" (genea) can also be translated as "race."

[116] back to 24:34 The word for "generation" (genea) can also mean "race."

[117] back to 25:7 The end of the wick of an oil lamp needs to be cut off periodically to avoid having it become clogged with carbon deposits. The wick height is also adjusted so that the flame burns evenly and gives good light without producing a lot of smoke.

[117] back to 25:7 The end of the wick of an oil lamp should be trimmed regularly to prevent it from getting blocked with carbon buildup. The height of the wick is also adjusted to ensure the flame burns evenly, provides ample light, and minimizes smoke production.

[118] back to 25:40 The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[118] back to 25:40 The term for "brothers" here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[119] back to 26:26 TR reads "blessed" instead of "gave thanks for"

[119] back to 26:26 TR reads "blessed" instead of "thanked"

[120] back to 26:31 Zechariah 13:7

[120] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 13:7

[121] back to 27:9 some manuscripts omit "Jeremiah"

some manuscripts skip "Jeremiah"

[122] back to 27:10 Zechariah 11:12-13; Jeremiah 19:1-13; 32:6-9

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 11:12-13; Jeremiah 19:1-13; 32:6-9

[123] back to 27:35 TR adds "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: 'They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots;'" [see Psalm 22:18 and John 19:24]

[123] back to 27:35 TR adds "that it might be fulfilled what was said by the prophet: 'They divided my clothes among them, and they cast lots for my clothing;'" [see Psalm 22:18 and John 19:24]

[124] back to 27:41 TR omits "the Pharisees"

TR omits "the Pharisees"

noon

[126] back to 27:45 3:00 P. M.

3:00 PM

[127] back to 27:46 TR reads "lama" instead of "lima"

[127] back to 27:46 TR reads "lama" instead of "lima"

[128] back to 27:46 Psalm 22:1

[128] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 22:1

[129] back to 28:10 The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[129] back to 28:10 The term for "brothers" here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."














The Good News According to Mark

1:1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1:2 As it is written in the prophets,

1:1 The start of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1:2 As it is written in the prophets,

"Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.*
1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord!
Make his paths straight!'"*

1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 1:5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. 1:6 John was clothed with camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 1:7 He preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. 1:8 I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit."

1:4 John appeared in the wilderness and preached about the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 1:5 People from all over Judea and Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 1:6 John wore clothes made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 1:7 He preached, saying, "Someone more powerful than me is coming after me, and I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandals. 1:8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

1:9 It happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 1:10 Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 1:11 A voice came out of the sky, "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

1:9 During that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 1:10 As soon as he came up from the water, he noticed the heavens opening up and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 1:11 A voice came from the sky, saying, "You are my beloved Son, whom I love dearly."

1:12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. 1:13 He was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.

1:12 Right away, the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness. 1:13 He was there in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were taking care of him.

1:14 Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News."

1:14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and began sharing the Good News of God's Kingdom, 1:15 telling people, "The time has come, and God's Kingdom is here! Turn away from your sins and believe in the Good News."

1:16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 1:17 Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men."

1:16 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, because they were fishermen. 1:17 Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people."

1:18 Immediately they left their nets, and followed him. 1:19 Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 1:20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him. 1:21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. 1:22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. 1:23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 1:24 saying, "Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"

1:18 Right away they left their fishing nets and followed him. 1:19 A little further along, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat fixing their nets. 1:20 He immediately called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired hands and went after him. 1:21 They entered Capernaum, and right on the Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and taught. 1:22 They were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with authority, not like the scribes. 1:23 Suddenly, there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 1:24 saying, "Hey! What do you want with us, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!"

1:25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"

1:25 Jesus told him firmly, "Shut up and get out of him!"

1:26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 1:27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!" 1:28 The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.

1:26 The evil spirit, throwing him into convulsions and shouting loudly, came out of him. 1:27 They were all astonished, so they started asking each other, "What is this? A new teaching? He commands even the evil spirits, and they obey him!" 1:28 The news about him spread quickly throughout the whole region of Galilee and the surrounding areas.

1:29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 1:30 Now Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 1:31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them. 1:32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. 1:33 All the city was gathered together at the door. 1:34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn't allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.

1:29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went to the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. 1:30 Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a fever, and they told him about her right away. 1:31 He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. 1:32 That evening, after the sun had set, they brought to him all the sick and those possessed by demons. 1:33 The whole town gathered at the door. 1:34 He healed many who were suffering from different diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. 1:36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him; 1:37 and they found him, and told him, "Everyone is looking for you."

1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up and went out to a quiet place, where he prayed. 1:36 Simon and the others with him searched for him; 1:37 and they found him, telling him, "Everyone is looking for you."

1:38 He said to them, "Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason." 1:39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

1:38 He said to them, "Let's move on to the next towns so I can preach there too, because that's why I came." 1:39 He went into their synagogues all over Galilee, preaching and driving out demons.

1:40 A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, "If you want to, you can make me clean."

1:40 A leper approached him, pleading and kneeling before him, and said, "If you want to, you can make me clean."

1:41 Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I want to. Be made clean." 1:42 When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean. 1:43 He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out, 1:44 and said to him, "See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

1:41 Filled with compassion, he reached out his hand, touched him, and said, "I want to. Be clean." 1:42 As soon as he said this, the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 1:43 He warned him strongly and immediately sent him away, 1:44 telling him, "Make sure you don't tell anyone, but go show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

1:45 But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.

1:45 But he went out and started telling everyone about it, spreading the news far and wide, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city but had to stay in remote areas. People came to him from all over.

2:1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. 2:2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. 2:3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. 2:4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. 2:5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."

2:1 When he went back to Capernaum after a few days, word spread that he was at home. 2:2 Immediately, a large crowd gathered, filling the space so much that there was no room left, not even outside the door; and he spoke to them. 2:3 Four men arrived, carrying a paralyzed man. 2:4 When they couldn’t get through the crowd to him, they took off the roof where he was. After breaking it up, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was on. 2:5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

2:6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 2:7 "Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

2:6 But some of the scribes were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 2:7 "Why is this guy saying such blasphemous things? Who can forgive sins except God?"

2:8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts? 2:9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?' 2:10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he said to the paralytic-- 2:11 "I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house."

2:8 Right away, Jesus, knowing in his spirit that they were thinking this way, said to them, "Why are you thinking about these things in your hearts? 2:9 What’s easier, to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat, and walk?' 2:10 But so you know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins”—he spoke to the paralyzed man— 2:11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home."

2:12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

2:12 He got up, rolled up the mat, and walked out in front of everyone; they were all stunned and praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"

2:13 He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them. 2:14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.

2:13 He went out to the beach again. All the crowds gathered around him, and he taught them. 2:14 As he walked by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." Levi got up and followed him.

2:15 It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. 2:16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"

2:15 One day, he was sitting at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were at the table with Jesus and his disciples, because there were a lot of them, and they followed him. 2:16 The scribes and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, and they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

2:17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

2:17 When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick ones do. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners to change their ways."

2:18 John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"

2:18 John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"

2:19 Jesus said to them, "Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can't fast. 2:20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day. 2:21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made. 2:22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins."

2:19 Jesus asked them, "Can the groomsmen go without food while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can't go without food. 2:20 But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. 2:21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk fabric onto an old garment, or else the patch will shrink and pull away from the old fabric, making an even bigger hole. 2:22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, causing the wine to spill out and ruin the skins; instead, they put new wine into new wineskins."

2:23 It happened that he was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain. 2:24 The Pharisees said to him, "Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"

2:23 It happened that he was walking through the grain fields on the Sabbath, and his disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked. 2:24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not allowed on the Sabbath?"

2:25 He said to them, "Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry--he, and those who were with him? 2:26 How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?" 2:27 He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 2:28 Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

2:25 He said to them, "Haven't you ever read what David did when he was in need and hungry—he and his companions? 2:26 How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was the high priest and ate the sacred bread, which is only legal for the priests to eat, and gave some to those who were with him?" 2:27 He continued, "The Sabbath was created for people, not people for the Sabbath. 2:28 So the Son of Man is in charge even of the Sabbath."

3:1 He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered. 3:2 They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him. 3:3 He said to the man who had his hand withered, "Stand up." 3:4 He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent. 3:5 When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other. 3:6 The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

3:1 He went back into the synagogue, and there was a man there with a deformed hand. 3:2 They were watching him to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath so they could accuse him. 3:3 He said to the man with the deformed hand, "Stand up." 3:4 He asked them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they remained silent. 3:5 When he looked around at them with anger, feeling sad about their hard hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored to health just like the other one. 3:6 The Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against him to figure out how to destroy him.

3:7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea, 3:8 from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came to him. 3:9 He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn't press on him. 3:10 For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him. 3:11 The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, "You are the Son of God!" 3:12 He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.

3:7 Jesus went out to the sea with his disciples, and a huge crowd followed him from Galilee, Judea, 3:8 Jerusalem, Idumaea, across the Jordan, and from around Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd, hearing about the amazing things he did, came to him. 3:9 He told his disciples to keep a small boat ready for him near the shore because of the crowd, so they wouldn't crowd in on him. 3:10 He had healed many people, so those who were sick pressed in to touch him. 3:11 The unclean spirits saw him and fell down in front of him, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" 3:12 He firmly ordered them not to make him known.

3:13 He went up into the mountain, and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they went to him. 3:14 He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach, 3:15 and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 3:16 Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; 3:17 James the son of Zebedee; John, the brother of James, and he surnamed them Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder; 3:18 Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; 3:19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

3:13 He climbed up the mountain and called the people he wanted to him, and they came to him. 3:14 He chose twelve of them so they could be with him and send them out to preach, 3:15 as well as give them the power to heal the sick and drive out demons: 3:16 Simon, whom he named Peter; 3:17 James, the son of Zebedee; John, the brother of James, and he called them Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder; 3:18 Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; 3:19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

He came into a house. 3:20 The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 3:21 When his friends heard it, they went out to seize him: for they said, "He is insane." 3:22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul," and, "By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons."

He entered a house. 3:20 The crowd gathered again, so much so that they couldn't even eat. 3:21 When his friends heard about it, they went out to take him away, saying, "He's out of his mind." 3:22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul," and, "It's by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

3:23 He summoned them, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? 3:24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 3:25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 3:26 If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can't stand, but has an end. 3:27 But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house. 3:28 Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; 3:29 but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 3:30 --because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

3:23 He called them together and spoke to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan? 3:24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot survive. 3:25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot survive. 3:26 If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he can't stand but is at an end. 3:27 But no one can enter the house of a strong man to steal, unless he first ties up the strong man; then he will loot his house. 3:28 Truly I tell you, all sins of humanity will be forgiven, including any blasphemies they may commit; 3:29 but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin." 3:30 --because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

3:31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. 3:32 A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, "Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside looking for you."

3:31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 3:32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside looking for you."

3:33 He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" 3:34 Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! 3:35 For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."

3:33 He replied to them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" 3:34 Looking around at those seated with him, he said, "Look, here are my mother and my brothers! 3:35 For whoever follows the will of God is my brother, and my sister, and my mother."

4:1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea. 4:2 He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching, 4:3 "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow, 4:4 and it happened, as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds* came and devoured it. 4:5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. 4:6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 4:7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 4:8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some brought forth thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much." 4:9 He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."

4:1 Again, he started teaching by the seaside. A large crowd gathered around him, so he got into a boat on the water and sat down. The whole crowd was on the land by the sea. 4:2 He taught them many things using parables, and as he taught, he said, 4:3 "Listen! Look, a farmer went out to sow. 4:4 As he was sowing, some seeds fell along the road, and the birds* came and ate them up. 4:5 Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil, and they sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. 4:6 But when the sun came up, they were scorched; and since they had no roots, they dried up. 4:7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them, so they didn’t produce any fruit. 4:8 Still, others fell on good soil and produced a crop, growing and increasing. Some produced thirty times as much, some sixty times, and some a hundred times as much." 4:9 He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

4:10 When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 4:11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, 4:12 that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'"*

4:10 When he was by himself, those with him, including the twelve, asked him about the parables. 4:11 He replied, "You have been given insight into the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but for those on the outside, everything comes in parables, 4:12 so that 'they may see but not perceive, and hear but not understand; otherwise, they might turn and have their sins forgiven.'" *

4:13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? 4:14 The farmer sows the word. 4:15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 4:16 These in like manner are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. 4:17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. 4:18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, 4:19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 4:20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."

4:13 He said to them, "Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 4:14 The farmer spreads the word. 4:15 Those by the road are the ones where the word is sown; when they hear it, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 4:16 These, similarly, are the ones sown on rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 4:17 They have no roots in themselves, but are short-lived. When trouble or persecution arises because of the word, they quickly stumble. 4:18 Others are those sown among thorns. These are the ones who hear the word, 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 4:20 But those sown on good soil are the ones who hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty times, some sixty, and some a hundred times."

4:21 He said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a stand? 4:22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. 4:23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear."

4:21 He told them, "Is a lamp meant to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it supposed to be placed on a stand? 4:22 Nothing is hidden that won’t be revealed; nothing is secret that won’t come to light. 4:23 If anyone has ears to hear, they should listen."

4:24 He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. 4:25 For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him."

4:24 He said to them, "Be careful about what you listen to. The way you judge others will be the way you are judged, and those who are open to hearing will receive even more. 4:25 For those who have, more will be given, but to those who don’t have, even what little they do have will be taken away."

4:26 He said, "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, 4:27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he doesn't know how. 4:28 For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 4:29 But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come."

4:26 He said, "The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground, 4:27 then goes to bed and gets up day and night, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he doesn't know how. 4:28 The earth produces crops: first the sprout, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 4:29 But when the fruit is ripe, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has arrived."

4:30 He said, "How will we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? 4:31 It's like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, 4:32 yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow."

4:30 He said, "What can we compare the Kingdom of God to? What parable can we use to explain it? 4:31 It's like a mustard seed, which, when planted in the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on the planet, 4:32 but when it's planted, it grows and becomes larger than all the other plants, producing big branches so that the birds in the sky can rest in its shade."

4:33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 4:34 Without a parable he didn't speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

4:33 He used many parables to share his message with them, as they were able to understand it. 4:34 He didn't speak to them without using a parable; however, he explained everything privately to his disciples.

4:35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side." 4:36 Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him. 4:37 A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. 4:38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?"

4:35 That evening, he said to them, "Let's go to the other side." 4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him just as he was in the boat. Other small boats followed along. 4:37 A fierce windstorm blew up, and the waves crashed against the boat, filling it with water. 4:38 He was at the back, sleeping on a cushion, and they woke him up, saying, "Teacher, don't you care that we're about to drown?"

4:39 He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 4:40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?"

4:39 He woke up, spoke to the wind, and said to the sea, "Calm down! Be still!" The wind stopped, and everything became very calm. 4:40 He asked them, "Why are you so scared? Why don’t you have any faith?"

4:41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

4:41 They were very afraid and said to each other, "Who is this guy that even the wind and the sea listen to him?"

5:1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 5:2 When he had come out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 5:3 who had his dwelling in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains, 5:4 because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him. 5:5 Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones. 5:6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, 5:7 and crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don't torment me." 5:8 For he said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!"

5:1 They arrived on the other side of the sea, in the region of the Gadarenes. 5:2 As soon as he stepped out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit met him right away, coming from the tombs. 5:3 He lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with chains, 5:4 because he had been frequently shackled with fetters and chains, and he had broken the chains apart and shattered the fetters. No one had the strength to control him. 5:5 Day and night, in the tombs and in the mountains, he would scream and cut himself with stones. 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell down before him, 5:7 and shouted loudly, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you by God, don’t torture me." 5:8 For Jesus had told him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!"

5:9 He asked him, "What is your name?"

5:9 He asked him, "What's your name?"

He said to him, "My name is Legion, for we are many." 5:10 He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 5:11 Now there was on the mountainside a great herd of pigs feeding. 5:12 All the demons begged him, saying, "Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them."

He said to him, "My name is Legion because there are many of us." 5:10 He begged him repeatedly not to send them away from the area. 5:11 On the mountainside, there was a large herd of pigs grazing. 5:12 All the demons pleaded with him, saying, "Send us into the pigs so we can enter them."

5:13 At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea. 5:14 Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country.

5:13 Immediately, Jesus allowed them to leave. The unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned. 5:14 The people who were feeding the pigs ran away and reported it in the city and the countryside.

The people came to see what it was that had happened. 5:15 They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid. 5:16 Those who saw it declared to them how it happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs. 5:17 They began to beg him to depart from their region.

The crowd gathered to find out what had happened. 5:15 They approached Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by demons sitting there, dressed, and totally sane—the one who had the legion. They were terrified. 5:16 Those who witnessed it told the others how this man was healed and what happened to the pigs. 5:17 They started begging him to leave their area.

5:18 As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. 5:19 He didn't allow him, but said to him, "Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you."

5:18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him to let him come along. 5:19 He didn’t let him, but said, “Go home to your family and friends and tell them all the amazing things that the Lord has done for you and how he showed you mercy.”

5:20 He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.

5:20 He went on his way and started telling everyone in Decapolis about all the amazing things Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.

5:21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. 5:22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 5:23 and begged him much, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live."

5:21 When Jesus got back in the boat and crossed over to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea. 5:22 Look, one of the synagogue leaders named Jairus came and, seeing him, fell at his feet, 5:23 and begged him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and place your hands on her so she will be healed and live."

5:24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides. 5:25 A certain woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years, 5:26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, 5:27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes. 5:28 For she said, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well." 5:29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.

5:24 He went with him, and a large crowd followed him, pressing in from all sides. 5:25 There was a woman who had been suffering from a blood condition for twelve years, 5:26 and she had endured many treatments from various doctors, spending all her money, but she didn’t get any better; in fact, her situation got worse. 5:27 After hearing about Jesus, she pushed her way through the crowd and touched his clothes from behind. 5:28 Because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 5:29 Immediately, her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed from her suffering.

5:30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

5:30 Immediately, Jesus realized that power had left him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

5:31 His disciples said to him, "You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

5:31 His followers said to him, "You see the crowd all around you, and you ask, 'Who touched me?'"

5:32 He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 5:33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

5:32 He looked around to find out who had done this. 5:33 But the woman, scared and shaking, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him, and told him everything.

5:34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease."

5:34 He told her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your illness."

5:35 While he was still speaking, they came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"

5:35 While he was still speaking, they came from the synagogue leader's house saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?"

5:36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Don't be afraid, only believe." 5:37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 5:38 He came to the synagogue ruler's house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. 5:39 When he had entered in, he said to them, "Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep."

5:36 But Jesus, when he heard the message, immediately said to the synagogue leader, "Don't be afraid, just believe." 5:37 He didn't let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John, James' brother. 5:38 He arrived at the synagogue leader's house and saw chaos, weeping, and loud mourning. 5:39 When he went inside, he said to them, "Why are you creating such a commotion and crying? The child isn't dead; she's just sleeping."

5:40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child and her mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 5:41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, "Talitha cumi;" which means, being interpreted, "Girl, I tell you, get up." 5:42 Immediately the girl rose up, and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. 5:43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.

5:40 They made fun of him. But he, after sending everyone out, took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 5:41 He took the girl by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Girl, I say to you, get up." 5:42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were completely astonished. 5:43 He told them strictly that no one should know about this and instructed that something should be given to her to eat.

6:1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. 6:2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 6:3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" They were offended at him.

6:1 He left there and returned to his hometown, with his disciples following him. 6:2 When the Sabbath came, he started teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed, saying, "Where did this guy get these things?" and "What is this wisdom that has been given to him, that such incredible things happen through his hands? 6:3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" They were offended by him.

6:4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house." 6:5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. 6:6 He marveled because of their unbelief.

6:4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not honored anywhere except in his hometown, with his own family, and in his own home." 6:5 He couldn't perform any miraculous works there, apart from laying his hands on a few sick people and healing them. 6:6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

He went around the villages teaching. 6:7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 6:8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, 6:9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. 6:10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. 6:11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"

He went around the villages teaching. 6:7 He called the twelve to himself and started sending them out two by two; he gave them authority over unclean spirits. 6:8 He instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a staff: no bread, no bag, no money in their pockets, 6:9 but to wear sandals and not to wear two tunics. 6:10 He told them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. 6:11 If any place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. Truly, I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city!"

6:12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 6:13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them. 6:14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." 6:15 But others said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets." 6:16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, "This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead." 6:17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her. 6:18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 6:19 Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn't, 6:20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

6:12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 6:13 They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil, and healed them. 6:14 King Herod heard about this, for his name had become well known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and that's why these powers are at work in him." 6:15 But others said, "He is Elijah." Some said, "He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets." 6:16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, "It's John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead." 6:17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and locked him up in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. 6:18 For John had said to Herod, "It's not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 6:19 Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him, but she couldn't, 6:20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things and liked to listen to him.

6:21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 6:22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you." 6:23 He swore to her, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

6:21 Then a convenient day came when Herod threw a dinner party for his nobles, the high officials, and the prominent people of Galilee to celebrate his birthday. 6:22 When Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she impressed Herod and the guests. The king said to her, "Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you." 6:23 He made a promise to her, saying, "Whatever you ask for, I will give you, even up to half of my kingdom."

6:24 She went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"

6:24 She stepped outside and asked her mother, "What should I ask?"

She said, "The head of John the Baptizer."

She said, "The head of John the Baptist."

6:25 She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter."

6:25 She rushed in to the king and said, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter, right now."

6:26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn't wish to refuse her. 6:27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 6:28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.

6:26 The king felt really bad, but because of his vows and his dinner guests, he didn't want to turn her down. 6:27 Right away, the king sent one of his guards and ordered him to bring John’s head. He went and executed him in prison, 6:28 then brought his head on a platter and handed it to the young woman; and she gave it to her mother.

6:29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

6:29 When his disciples heard this, they came, took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

6:30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught. 6:31 He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 6:32 They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 6:33 They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. 6:34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. 6:35 When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, "This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."

6:30 The apostles came together with Jesus and shared everything they had done and taught. 6:31 He said to them, "Let's go to a quiet place and rest for a while." There were so many people coming and going that they didn't even have time to eat. 6:32 They got into a boat and left for a solitary place. 6:33 They saw them leave, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the towns. They arrived ahead of them and gathered around him. 6:34 When Jesus stepped out, he saw a large crowd and felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He began teaching them many things. 6:35 As it got late, his disciples came to him and said, "This place is isolated, and it's getting late. 6:36 Send them away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages to buy themselves something to eat, because they have nothing."

6:37 But he answered them, "You give them something to eat."

6:37 But he replied to them, "You provide them with something to eat."

They asked him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?"

They asked him, "Should we go buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?"

6:38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go see."

6:38 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go check."

When they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."

When they figured it out, they said, "Five loaves and two fish."

6:39 He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. 6:40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. 6:41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. 6:42 They all ate, and were filled. 6:43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. 6:44 Those who ate the loaves were* five thousand men.

6:39 He instructed everyone to sit down in groups on the green grass. 6:40 They arranged themselves in rows, in groups of hundreds and fifties. 6:41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed the loaves, broke them, and distributed them to his disciples to serve to the crowd, while he divided the two fish among them all. 6:42 Everyone ate and was satisfied. 6:43 They collected twelve baskets of leftover pieces, along with the fish. 6:44 The people who ate the loaves were* five thousand men.

6:45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. 6:46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

6:45 Right away, he had his disciples get into the boat and head over to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away. 6:46 After he said goodbye to them, he went up the mountain to pray.

6:47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 6:48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea,* and he would have passed by them, 6:49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 6:50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid." 6:51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; 6:52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

6:47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on land. 6:48 Seeing them struggling to row because the wind was against them, around the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea,* and he would have passed by them, 6:49 but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought he was a ghost and cried out; 6:50 for they all saw him and were troubled. But he immediately spoke to them, saying, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid." 6:51 He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped, and they were amazed and marveled; 6:52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

6:53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. 6:54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 6:55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was. 6:56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.

6:53 After they crossed over, they arrived at Gennesaret and anchored by the shore. 6:54 When they stepped out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him, 6:55 and ran all over that area, bringing those who were sick on their mats to the places where they heard he was. 6:56 Wherever he went—into villages, cities, or the countryside—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him to let them touch just the fringe of his garment; and everyone who touched him was healed.

7:1 Then the Pharisees, and some of the scribes gathered together to him, having come from Jerusalem. 7:2 Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is, unwashed, hands, they found fault. 7:3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, don't eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. 7:4 They don't eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.) 7:5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?"

7:1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to him from Jerusalem. 7:2 When they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is, unwashed, hands, they criticized them. 7:3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, following the tradition of the elders. 7:4 They don’t eat when they come from the marketplace unless they wash themselves, and there are many other customs they observe: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.) 7:5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why don’t your disciples follow the tradition of the elders but eat their bread with unwashed hands?"

7:6 He answered them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

7:6 He responded, "Isaiah clearly prophesied about you hypocrites, just as it's written,

'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.
7:7 But in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'*

7:8 "For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things." 7:9 He said to them, "Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 7:10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother;'* and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'* 7:11 But you say, 'If a man tells his father or his mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban, that is to say, given to God;"' 7:12 then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, 7:13 making void the word of God by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this."

7:8 "You ignore God’s command and hold on to human traditions—like the washing of pitchers and cups. You do many other things like this." 7:9 He said to them, "You clearly reject God’s command to keep your tradition. 7:10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother;' * and, 'Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of their father or mother must be put to death.' * 7:11 But you say, 'If someone tells their father or mother, "Whatever I could have given to you is Corban, that is, devoted to God;"' 7:12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother, 7:13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition, which you have passed down. You do many things like this."

7:14 He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. 7:15 There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. 7:16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"

7:14 He gathered everyone around and said, "Listen up, everyone, and get this straight. 7:15 Nothing from outside a person can make them unclean; it’s the things that come out of a person that make them unclean. 7:16 If anyone is able to hear, let them listen!"

7:17 When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. 7:18 He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Don't you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can't defile him, 7:19 because it doesn't go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus making all foods clean?" 7:20 He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. 7:21 For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, 7:22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."

7:17 When he had gone into a house away from the crowd, his disciples asked him about the parable. 7:18 He said to them, "So you still don’t understand? Don’t you see that whatever enters a person from the outside cannot make them unclean, 7:19 because it doesn’t go into their heart, but into their stomach, and then into the toilet, making all foods clean?" 7:20 He continued, "What comes out of a person is what makes them unclean. 7:21 From within, out of the hearts of people, come evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual immorality, murders, thefts, 7:22 greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. 7:23 All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean."

7:24 From there he arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house, and didn't want anyone to know it, but he couldn't escape notice. 7:25 For a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, came and fell down at his feet. 7:26 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. She begged him that he would cast the demon out of her daughter. 7:27 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

7:24 He got up and left for the regions of Tyre and Sidon. He went into a house and didn't want anyone to know he was there, but he couldn't stay hidden. 7:25 A woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him and came and fell at his feet. 7:26 The woman was Greek, specifically a Syrophoenician. She asked him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 7:27 But Jesus replied to her, "Let the children be fed first, because it's not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

7:28 But she answered him, "Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

7:28 But she replied, "Yes, Lord. But even the dogs under the table get to eat the crumbs from the children."

7:29 He said to her, "For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter."

7:29 He said to her, "Because of what you just said, you can go. The demon has left your daughter."

7:30 She went away to her house, and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out.

7:30 She went home and found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left.

7:31 Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis. 7:32 They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him. 7:33 He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue. 7:34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" 7:35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. 7:36 He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it. 7:37 They were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!"

7:31 He left the area of Tyre and Sidon again and went to the Sea of Galilee, traveling through the region of Decapolis. 7:32 They brought a man to him who was deaf and had difficulty speaking. They urged him to place his hand on the man. 7:33 He took him away from the crowd, privately, and put his fingers in the man's ears, then he spat and touched his tongue. 7:34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha!" which means, "Be opened!" 7:35 Immediately, the man's ears were opened, and the speech impediment was removed, allowing him to speak clearly. 7:36 He instructed them not to tell anyone, but the more he told them to be quiet, the more they spread the news. 7:37 They were completely amazed, saying, "He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!"

8:1 In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, 8:2 "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. 8:3 If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way."

8:1 Back then, when there was a huge crowd and they had no food, Jesus gathered his disciples and said to them, 8:2 "I feel sorry for the crowd because they've been with me for three days and don’t have anything to eat. 8:3 If I send them home hungry, they might collapse on the way, since some of them have come from far away."

8:4 His disciples answered him, "From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?"

8:4 His disciples replied, "Where are we supposed to find enough bread to feed all these people in this remote area?"

8:5 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"

8:5 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"

They said, "Seven."

They said, "Seven."

8:6 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude. 8:7 They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also. 8:8 They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. 8:9 Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then he sent them away.

8:6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. After giving thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they served the crowd. 8:7 They had a few small fish. After blessing them, he instructed to distribute these as well. 8:8 They ate and were satisfied. They collected seven baskets of leftover pieces. 8:9 Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then he sent them away.

8:10 Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples, and came into the region of Dalmanutha. 8:11 The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him. 8:12 He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."

8:10 As soon as he got into the boat with his disciples, they arrived in the area of Dalmanutha. 8:11 The Pharisees came out and started questioning him, looking for a sign from heaven to test him. 8:12 He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? I assure you, no sign will be given to this generation."

8:13 He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side. 8:14 They forgot to take bread; and they didn't have more than one loaf in the boat with them. 8:15 He warned them, saying, "Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."

8:13 He left them and got back into the boat, heading to the other side. 8:14 They forgot to bring bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat. 8:15 He warned them, saying, "Be careful: watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."

8:16 They reasoned with one another, saying, "It's because we have no bread."

8:16 They talked among themselves, saying, "It's because we don't have any bread."

8:17 Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, "Why do you reason that it's because you have no bread? Don't you perceive yet, neither understand? Is your heart still hardened? 8:18 Having eyes, don't you see? Having ears, don't you hear? Don't you remember? 8:19 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?"

8:17 Jesus, noticing this, said to them, "Why are you thinking it’s because you don’t have bread? Don’t you understand yet? Is your heart still closed off? 8:18 With eyes, can’t you see? With ears, can’t you hear? Don’t you remember? 8:19 When I broke the five loaves to feed the five thousand, how many baskets of leftover pieces did you collect?"

They told him, "Twelve."

They told him, "12."

8:20 "When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?"

8:20 "When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets of leftovers did you gather?"

They told him, "Seven."

They told him, "Seven."

8:21 He asked them, "Don't you understand, yet?"

8:21 He asked them, "Don't you get it yet?"

8:22 He came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him, and begged him to touch him. 8:23 He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spit on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.

8:22 He arrived in Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. 8:23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on his eyes and laying his hands on him, he asked if he could see anything.

8:24 He looked up, and said, "I see men; for I see them like trees walking."

8:24 He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking."

8:25 Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly. 8:26 He sent him away to his house, saying, "Don't enter into the village, nor tell anyone in the village."

8:25 Then he placed his hands over his eyes again. He focused hard, was healed, and could see everything clearly. 8:26 He told him to go home, saying, "Don't go into the village, and don't tell anyone in the village."

8:27 Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?"

8:27 Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

8:28 They told him, "John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets."

8:28 They told him, "John the Baptist, and some say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets."

8:29 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

8:29 He asked them, "But who do you think I am?"

Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

Peter replied, "You are the Messiah."

8:30 He commanded them that they should tell no one about him. 8:31 He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 8:32 He spoke to them openly. Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 8:33 But he, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men."

8:30 He ordered them not to tell anyone about him. 8:31 He started teaching them that the Son of Man would have to go through a lot of suffering, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be killed, and after three days rise again. 8:32 He spoke to them clearly. Peter took him aside and began to correct him. 8:33 But he turned around and, seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but human ones."

8:34 He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it. 8:36 For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? 8:37 For what will a man give in exchange for his life? 8:38 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

8:34 He gathered the crowd and his disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 8:35 Whoever tries to save their life will lose it; but whoever loses their life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it. 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world but lose their life? 8:37 What can someone give in exchange for their life? 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my teachings in this sinful and corrupt generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

9:1 He said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power."

9:1 He told them, "I truly assure you, there are some people here who will not experience death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power."

9:2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 9:3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 9:4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

9:2 After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves, and he was transformed in front of them. 9:3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any bleach on earth could make them. 9:4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them and began talking with Jesus.

9:5 Peter answered Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 9:6 For he didn't know what to say, for they were very afraid.

9:5 Peter replied to Jesus, "Teacher, it's great that we're here. Let's set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 9:6 He didn't know what to say because they were really scared.

9:7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."

9:7 A cloud came, covering them, and a voice emerged from the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Pay attention to him."

9:8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.

9:8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them anymore, except for Jesus.

9:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 9:10 They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the "rising from the dead" meant.

9:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he told them not to share what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 9:10 They kept this saying to themselves, wondering what the "rising from the dead" meant.

9:11 They asked him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

9:11 They asked him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?"

9:12 He said to them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised? 9:13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him."

9:12 He said to them, "Elijah does come first and fixes everything. But what is written about the Son of Man, that he must go through a lot of suffering and be rejected? 9:13 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did to him whatever they wanted, just like it’s written about him."

9:14 Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. 9:15 Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him greeted him. 9:16 He asked the scribes, "What are you asking them?"

9:14 When he got to the disciples, he noticed a huge crowd surrounding them, and the scribes were questioning them. 9:15 As soon as the crowd saw him, they were really amazed and ran over to greet him. 9:16 He asked the scribes, "What are you asking them?"

9:17 One of the multitude answered, "Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; 9:18 and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren't able."

9:17 One of the crowd replied, "Teacher, I brought my son to you because he has a spirit that makes him mute; 9:18 and whenever it attacks him, it knocks him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and loses weight. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn't."

9:19 He answered him, "Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me."

9:19 He replied, "You faithless generation, how long do I have to be with you? How much longer do I have to put up with you? Bring him to me."

9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.

9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, the spirit immediately started to convulse him, and he fell to the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth.

9:21 He asked his father, "How long has it been since this has come to him?"

9:21 He asked his dad, "How long has it been since this happened to him?"

He said, "From childhood. 9:22 Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us."

He said, "Since childhood. 9:22 It has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, trying to destroy him. But if there's anything you can do, please have compassion for us and help us."

9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."

9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, everything is possible for the one who believes."

9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"

9:24 Right away, the child's father shouted with tears, "I believe. Help my lack of faith!"

9:25 When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!"

9:25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was gathering, he confronted the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never come back!"

9:26 Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, "He is dead." 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose.

9:26 After crying out and convulsing intensely, it left him. The boy appeared to be dead; so much so that most of them said, "He is dead." 9:27 But Jesus took his hand and lifted him up, and he got up.

9:28 When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we cast it out?" 9:29 He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting."

9:28 When he entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 9:29 He replied, "This kind can only be driven out by prayer and fasting."

9:30 They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know it. 9:31 For he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, "The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again."

9:30 They left there and traveled through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know. 9:31 He was teaching his disciples and told them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of people, and they will kill him; and after he is killed, he will rise again on the third day."

9:32 But they didn't understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

9:32 But they didn't get what he meant, and were too scared to ask him.

9:33 He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?"

9:33 He arrived in Capernaum, and when he was inside the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"

9:34 But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest.

9:34 But they were quiet, because they had argued with each other on the way about who was the greatest.

9:35 He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all." 9:36 He took a little child, and set him in the midst of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 9:37 "Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn't receive me, but him who sent me."

9:35 He sat down and called the twelve together; he said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, they must be last of all and a servant to everyone." 9:36 He took a small child and placed him among them. Holding him in his arms, he said to them, 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not just welcome me, but the one who sent me."

9:38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow us."

9:38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who isn't part of our group casting out demons in your name, and we stopped him because he doesn't follow us."

9:39 But Jesus said, "Don't forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 9:40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 9:41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. 9:42 Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he was thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck. 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, 9:44 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.' 9:45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched-- 9:46 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.' 9:47 If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire, 9:48 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'* 9:49 For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

9:39 But Jesus said, "Don't stop him, because no one who does a powerful act in my name can quickly turn around and speak ill of me. 9:40 Anyone who isn't against us is on our side. 9:41 If someone gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ, I assure you, he will not lose his reward. 9:42 If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck. 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It’s better to enter life disabled than to have both hands and go into Gehenna, the unquenchable fire, 9:44 'where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire isn’t quenched.' 9:45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It’s better to enter life lame than to have both feet and be thrown into Gehenna, the fire that will never be quenched-- 9:46 'where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire isn’t quenched.' 9:47 If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it away. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the Gehenna of fire, 9:48 'where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire isn’t quenched.'* 9:49 Because everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

10:1 He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them. 10:2 Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

10:1 He got up and went to the region of Judea and crossed over the Jordan. Large crowds gathered around him once more. As was his custom, he began teaching them again. 10:2 Pharisees approached him to test him and asked, "Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife?"

10:3 He answered, "What did Moses command you?"

10:3 He replied, "What did Moses tell you to do?"

10:4 They said, "Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her."

10:4 They said, "Moses permitted a divorce certificate to be issued, allowing her to be divorced."

10:5 But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female.* 10:7 For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, 10:8 and the two will become one flesh,* so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 10:9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

10:5 But Jesus told them, "Because of your hard hearts, he gave you this command. 10:6 But from the very beginning of creation, God made them male and female.* 10:7 For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, 10:8 and the two will become one body,* so they are no longer two, but one body. 10:9 Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."

10:10 In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. 10:11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her. 10:12 If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery."

10:10 In the house, his followers asked him again about the same topic. 10:11 He told them, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries someone else is committing adultery against her. 10:12 If a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery."

10:13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 10:15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." 10:16 He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

10:13 People were bringing little children to him so he could touch them, but the disciples told them to stop. 10:14 When Jesus saw this, he was upset and said to them, "Let the little children come to me! Don't stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. 10:15 I assure you, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 10:16 He gathered them in his arms, blessed them, and laid his hands on them.

10:17 As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

10:17 As he was on his way out, a man ran up to him, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what do I need to do to inherit eternal life?"

10:18 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one--God. 10:19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.'"*

10:18 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except for God. 10:19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not cheat,' 'Honor your father and mother.'"*

10:20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth."

10:20 He said to him, "Teacher, I've been following all these things since I was young."

10:21 Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."

10:21 Jesus looked at him with love and said, "You’re missing one thing. Go, sell everything you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; then come, follow me, taking up your cross."

10:22 But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. 10:23 Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!"

10:22 But his expression changed at that statement, and he left feeling sad, because he had a lot of wealth. 10:23 Jesus glanced around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God!"

10:24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

10:24 The disciples were astonished by what he said. But Jesus responded again, "Kids, how difficult is it for those who rely on their wealth to get into the Kingdom of God! 10:25 It's easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the Kingdom of God."

10:26 They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, "Then who can be saved?"

10:26 They were really shocked and asked him, "So who can be saved?"

10:27 Jesus, looking at them, said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God."

10:27 Jesus, looking at them, said, "It's impossible for humans, but not for God; everything is possible with God."

10:28 Peter began to tell him, "Behold, we have left all, and have followed you."

10:28 Peter started to say to him, "Look, we’ve given up everything and followed you."

10:29 Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, 10:30 but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. 10:31 But many who are first will be last; and the last first."

10:29 Jesus said, "I assure you, no one who has given up their house, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or property for my sake and for the sake of the Good News 10:30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. 10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

10:32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him. 10:33 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles. 10:34 They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again."

10:32 They were on their way to Jerusalem, and Jesus was leading the way in front of them. The group was amazed, while those following were afraid. He took the twelve disciples aside again and started to explain what was going to happen to him. 10:33 "Look, we're heading to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and turn him over to the Gentiles. 10:34 They will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again."

10:35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask."

10:35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask."

10:36 He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

10:36 He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

10:37 They said to him, "Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory."

10:37 They asked him, "Let us sit, one at your right side and one at your left side, in your glory."

10:38 But Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"

10:38 But Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you're asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"

10:39 They said to him, "We are able."

10:39 They told him, "We can do it."

Jesus said to them, "You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; 10:40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared."

Jesus said to them, "You will definitely drink the same cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I go through; 10:40 but it's not up to me to decide who sits at my right or left; that's for those prepared for it."

10:41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards James and John.

10:41 When the ten heard this, they got pretty angry at James and John.

10:42 Jesus summoned them, and said to them, "You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 10:43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 10:44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. 10:45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

10:42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are seen as rulers over the nations dominate them, and their leaders exercise power over them. 10:43 But that’s not how it should be among you. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. 10:44 And whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all. 10:45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

10:46 They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, "Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!" 10:48 Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, "You son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:46 They arrived in Jericho. As he was leaving Jericho, along with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he started shouting, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" 10:48 Many people told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:49 Jesus stood still, and said, "Call him."

10:49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."

They called the blind man, saying to him, "Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!"

They called out to the blind man, saying, "Hey! Get up. He’s calling for you!"

10:50 He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

10:50 He threw off his coat, jumped up, and went to Jesus.

10:51 Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?"

10:51 Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?"

The blind man said to him, "Rhabboni, that I may see again."

The blind man said to him, "Rhabboni, so I can see again."

10:52 Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your faith has made you well." Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

10:52 Jesus said to him, "Go ahead. Your faith has healed you." Right away, he could see and followed Jesus on the path.

11:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 11:2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. 11:3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs him;' and immediately he will send him back here."

11:1 As they got closer to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. 11:2 He told them, "Go into the village in front of you. As soon as you enter, you'll find a young donkey tied up, one that nobody has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 11:3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it;' and they will send it back right away."

11:4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. 11:5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?" 11:6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.

11:4 They left and found a young donkey tied at the door in the street, so they untied it. 11:5 Some bystanders asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?" 11:6 They replied as Jesus had instructed, and the people let them go.

11:7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. 11:8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road. 11:9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!* 11:10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

11:7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, put their clothes on it, and Jesus sat on it. 11:8 Many spread their clothes on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and laying them on the path. 11:9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!* 11:10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

11:11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

11:11 Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem. After looking around at everything and seeing that it was now evening, he left for Bethany with the twelve.

11:12 The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry. 11:13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 11:14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it.

11:12 The next day, when they left Bethany, he was hungry. 11:13 Seeing a fig tree in the distance with leaves, he went to check if he might find anything on it. When he got there, he found only leaves because it wasn’t the season for figs. 11:14 Jesus said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard him.

11:15 They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves. 11:16 He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple. 11:17 He taught, saying to them, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?'* But you have made it a den of robbers!"*

11:15 They arrived in Jerusalem, and Jesus went into the temple. He started to drive out those who were selling and buying in the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 11:16 He wouldn’t let anyone carry anything through the temple. 11:17 He taught them, saying, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'?* But you have made it a den of thieves!"*

11:18 The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.

11:18 The chief priests and the scribes heard this and looked for a way to get rid of him. They were afraid of him because the crowd was amazed by his teaching.

11:19 When evening came, he went out of the city. 11:20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. 11:21 Peter, remembering, said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away."

11:19 When evening arrived, he left the city. 11:20 As they walked by in the morning, they noticed the fig tree had dried up from the roots. 11:21 Peter, recalling this, said to him, "Teacher, look! The fig tree you cursed has dried up."

11:22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. 11:26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions."

11:22 Jesus replied, "Have faith in God. 11:23 I truly assure you, whoever tells this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, they will receive whatever they say. 11:24 So, I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 11:25 When you pray, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your wrongs. 11:26 But if you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your wrongs."

11:27 They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to him, 11:28 and they began saying to him, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?"

11:27 They returned to Jerusalem, and while he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him, 11:28 and they started asking him, "What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you the right to do them?"

11:29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 11:30 The baptism of John--was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."

11:29 Jesus said to them, "I have one question for you. Answer me, and I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things. 11:30 Was John’s baptism from heaven or from humans? Answer me."

11:31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 11:32 If we should say, 'From men'"--they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. 11:33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know."

11:31 They talked among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 11:32 If we say, 'From people'"--they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought John was genuinely a prophet. 11:33 They replied to Jesus, "We don't know."

Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Jesus said to them, "I’m not telling you what authority I have to do these things."

12:1 He began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country. 12:2 When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard. 12:3 They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty. 12:4 Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. 12:5 Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some. 12:6 Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 12:7 But those farmers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 12:8 They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. 12:9 What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others. 12:10 Haven't you even read this Scripture:

12:1 He started telling them stories. "A man planted a vineyard, put up a fence around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went to another country. 12:2 When the time came, he sent a servant to the farmer to get his share of the fruit from the vineyard. 12:3 They grabbed him, beat him up, and sent him away empty-handed. 12:4 He sent another servant; they threw stones at him, hurt him in the head, and sent him away humiliated. 12:5 He sent yet another one; they killed him, and they did the same to many others, beating some and killing others. 12:6 Since he still had one left, his beloved son, he sent him to them last, saying, 'They will honor my son.' 12:7 But the farmers said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come on, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 12:8 They took him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 12:9 So what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those farmers and give the vineyard to others. 12:10 Haven't you even read this Scripture:

'The stone which the builders rejected,
the same was made the head of the corner.
12:11 This was from the Lord,
it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

*

12:12 They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away. 12:13 They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words. 12:14 When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?"

12:12 They tried to grab him, but they were scared of the crowd; they realized he was telling the story about them. So, they left him and went away. 12:13 They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to try to trap him with his words. 12:14 When they arrived, they asked him, "Teacher, we know you are sincere and don’t play favorites; you truly teach the way of God. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 12:15 Should we pay, or should we not pay?"

But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."

But he, aware of their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are you trying to trap me? Bring me a denarius so I can take a look at it."

12:16 They brought it.

They delivered it.

He said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"

He asked them, "Whose image and inscription is this?"

They said to him, "Caesar's."

They told him, "Caesar's."

12:17 Jesus answered them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

12:17 Jesus answered them, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

They marveled greatly at him.

They were amazed by him.

12:18 There came to him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection. They asked him, saying, 12:19 "Teacher, Moses wrote to us, 'If a man's brother dies, and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.' 12:20 There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring. 12:21 The second took her, and died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise; 12:22 and the seven took her and left no children. Last of all the woman also died. 12:23 In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be of them? For the seven had her as a wife."

12:18 Some Sadducees came to him, who don’t believe in the resurrection. They asked him, saying, 12:19 "Teacher, Moses told us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no kids, his brother should marry her to have children for him.' 12:20 There were seven brothers. The first married her, and when he died, he left no kids. 12:21 The second married her and also died, leaving no children. The third did the same; 12:22 and all seven married her and left no children. Finally, the woman died too. 12:23 In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? Because all seven had her as a wife."

12:24 Jesus answered them, "Isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God? 12:25 For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 12:26 But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'*? 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken."

12:24 Jesus replied, "Isn't this because you're mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God? 12:25 When people rise from the dead, they don't marry or get married; they are like angels in heaven. 12:26 But concerning the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'*? 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You're seriously mistaken."

12:28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?"

12:28 One of the scribes came up and heard them discussing. Realizing that he had answered them well, he asked him, "What is the greatest commandment of all?"

12:29 Jesus answered, "The greatest is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: 12:30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'* This is the first commandment. 12:31 The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'* There is no other commandment greater than these."

12:29 Jesus replied, "The most important command is, 'Listen, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: 12:30 you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.'* This is the first commandment. 12:31 The second is similar: 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.'* There are no commandments greater than these."

12:32 The scribe said to him, "Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he, 12:33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

12:32 The scribe said to him, "Honestly, teacher, you’ve made a great point that he is the only one, 12:33 and to love him with all your heart, all your understanding, all your soul, and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices."

12:34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

12:34 When Jesus noticed that he responded wisely, he said to him, "You are close to the Kingdom of God."

No one dared ask him any question after that. 12:35 Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit,

No one dared to ask him anything after that. 12:35 Jesus replied, while teaching in the temple, "Why do the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit,

'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."'*

12:37 Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?"

12:37 So, David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?

The common people heard him gladly. 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, 12:39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: 12:40 those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."

The common people were happy to listen to him. 12:38 In his teaching, he told them, "Watch out for the scribes, who love to wear long robes and get greetings in the marketplaces, 12:39 and want the best seats in the synagogues and the most honored places at banquets: 12:40 they are the ones who exploit widows' homes and make long prayers just to show off. They will be punished more severely."

12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. 12:42 A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. 12:43 He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, 12:44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on."

12:41 Jesus sat down across from the treasury and noticed how the crowd was putting money into it. Many rich people were giving a lot. 12:42 A poor widow came and dropped in two small brass coins, which is equal to a quadrans coin. 12:43 He called his disciples over and said to them, "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all those contributing to the treasury, 12:44 because they all gave out of their excess, but she, in her poverty, gave everything she had to live on."

13:1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!"

13:1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look at these stones and the buildings!"

13:2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down."

13:2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these amazing buildings? Not one stone here will be left on top of another; they'll all be torn down."

13:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 13:4 "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?"

13:3 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 13:4 "Can you tell us when these things will happen? What will be the sign that they are about to take place?"

13:5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. 13:6 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and will lead many astray.

13:5 Jesus responded and said to them, "Make sure that no one deceives you. 13:6 Many will come claiming to represent me, saying, 'I am he!' and will mislead many people.

13:7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. 13:9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. 13:10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. 13:11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

13:7 "When you hear about wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things need to happen, but the end is not yet. 13:8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in different places. There will be famines and troubles. These are just the beginning of birth pains. 13:9 But be on your guard, for they will hand you over to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. 13:10 The Good News must first be shared with all nations. 13:11 When they take you away and hand you over, don’t worry in advance about what to say; just say whatever is given to you at that time. For it’s not you who speaks, but the Holy Spirit.

13:12 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 13:13 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. 13:14 But when you see the abomination of desolation,* spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, 13:15 and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house. 13:16 Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak. 13:17 But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days! 13:18 Pray that your flight won't be in the winter. 13:19 For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. 13:20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days. 13:21 Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there!' don't believe it. 13:22 For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. 13:23 But you watch.

13:12 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will turn against their parents and have them killed. 13:13 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 13:14 But when you see the awful thing that causes desolation, as mentioned by Daniel the prophet, standing where it shouldn't (let the reader understand), then let those in Judea escape to the mountains, 13:15 and let the person on the rooftop not go down or enter the house to grab anything. 13:16 And let the one in the field not go back to get their coat. 13:17 But disaster will come to those who are pregnant and to those nursing babies in those days! 13:18 Pray that your escape doesn't happen in winter. 13:19 Because in those days there will be suffering like nothing that has happened since the beginning of creation that God made until now, and never will be again. 13:20 If the Lord hadn't cut those days short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones he has cut those days short. 13:21 So if anyone says to you, 'Look, here's the Messiah!' or, 'Look, there he is!' don’t believe it. 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the chosen ones. 13:23 But you be on guard.

"Behold, I have told you all things beforehand. 13:24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, 13:25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.* 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 13:27 Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

"Look, I've told you everything in advance. 13:24 But in those days, after that hardship, the sun will be darkened, the moon won't shine, 13:25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the forces in the heavens will be disturbed.* 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with amazing power and glory. 13:27 Then he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from the four corners of the earth to the farthest reaches of the sky."

13:28 "Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near; 13:29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors. 13:30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 13:32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 13:33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don't know when the time is.

13:28 "Now learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branches get tender and it puts out leaves, you know that summer is near; 13:29 in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that it is near, right at the door. 13:30 Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 13:32 But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 13:33 Stay awake, be alert, and pray; for you do not know when the time will come.

13:34 "It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. 13:35 Watch therefore, for you don't know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; 13:36 lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. 13:37 What I tell you, I tell all: Watch."

13:34 "It's like a man who went on a trip to another country. He left his house, gave responsibilities to his servants, assigned each of them their tasks, and instructed the doorkeeper to stay alert. 13:35 So stay alert, because you don’t know when the owner of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. 13:36 If he comes unexpectedly, he might find you asleep. 13:37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: Stay alert."

14:1 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. 14:2 For they said, "Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people."

14:1 It was now two days before the Passover feast and the festival of unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to capture him secretly and kill him. 14:2 They said, "Not during the feast, or there might be a riot among the people."

14:3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard--very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. 14:4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted? 14:5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against her.

14:3 While he was at Bethany, in the home of Simon the leper, he was sitting at the table when a woman showed up with an alabaster jar filled with expensive pure nard ointment. She broke the jar and poured it over his head. 14:4 But some of the people present were upset and said to each other, "Why was this ointment wasted? 14:5 It could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." They were criticizing her.

14:6 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. 14:7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me. 14:8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. 14:9 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her."

14:6 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a wonderful thing for me. 14:7 You will always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can help them; but you won’t always have me. 14:8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body in preparation for burial. 14:9 I assure you, wherever this Good News is proclaimed throughout the world, what this woman has done will also be talked about as a tribute to her."

14:10 Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them. 14:11 They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him. 14:12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make ready that you may eat the Passover?"

14:10 Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests so he could hand Jesus over to them. 14:11 They were pleased when they heard this and promised to pay him money. He was looking for a way to hand him over conveniently. 14:12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they were sacrificing the Passover, his disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

14:13 He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, 14:14 and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 14:15 He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make ready for us there."

14:13 He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, 14:14 and wherever he goes in, tell the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 14:15 He will show you a large upper room that is furnished and ready. Prepare it for us there."

14:16 His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

14:16 His followers went out, entered the city, found everything just as he had told them, and they got ready for the Passover.

14:17 When it was evening he came with the twelve. 14:18 As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me--he who eats with me."

14:17 When evening came, he arrived with the twelve. 14:18 While they were sitting and eating, Jesus said, "I truly tell you, one of you will betray me—someone who is eating with me."

14:19 They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, "Surely not I?" And another said, "Surely not I?"

14:19 They started to feel sad and asked him one by one, "It’s not me, is it?" And another said, "It’s not me, right?"

14:20 He answered them, "It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish. 14:21 For the Son of Man goes, even as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

14:20 He replied, "It's one of the twelve, the one who shares this bowl with me. 14:21 The Son of Man will go just as it's written about him, but how terrible for the person who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for that person if they had never been born."

14:22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body."

14:22 While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and after he blessed it, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "Take, eat. This is my body."

14:23 He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. 14:24 He said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. 14:25 Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God." 14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

14:23 He took the cup, and after giving thanks, he handed it to them. They all drank from it. 14:24 He said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. 14:25 I truly tell you, I will not drink from the vine again until the day I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God." 14:26 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

14:27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'* 14:28 However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee."

14:27 Jesus told them, "All of you are going to fall away because of me tonight, as it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'* 14:28 But after I rise, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

14:29 But Peter said to him, "Although all will be offended, yet I will not."

14:29 But Peter told him, "Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t."

14:30 Jesus said to him, "Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."

14:30 Jesus said to him, "I assure you, tonight, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."

14:31 But he spoke all the more, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all said the same thing.

14:31 But he insisted even more, "If I have to die with you, I won't deny you." They all said the same thing.

14:32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." 14:33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 14:34 He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch."

14:32 They arrived at a place called Gethsemane. He told his disciples, "Stay here while I pray." 14:33 He brought Peter, James, and John with him and became very troubled and anxious. 14:34 He said to them, "My soul is deeply sorrowful, even to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch."

14:35 He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 14:36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."

14:35 He moved a bit further and fell to the ground, praying that, if it were possible, the hour might be taken away from him. 14:36 He said, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup away from me. But not what I want, but what you want."

14:37 He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you watch one hour? 14:38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

14:37 He came and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for even one hour? 14:38 Stay alert and pray, so you don't fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

14:39 Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 14:40 Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn't know what to answer him. 14:41 He came the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 14:42 Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

14:39 He went away again to pray, saying the same things. 14:40 When he returned, he found them asleep, as their eyes were very heavy, and they didn't know how to respond to him. 14:41 He came back a third time and said to them, "Just sleep now and take your rest. That's enough. The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 14:42 Get up, let’s go. Look, the one who betrays me is here."

14:43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came--and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 14:44 Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, "Whoever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely." 14:45 When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, "Rabbi! Rabbi!" and kissed him. 14:46 They laid their hands on him, and seized him. 14:47 But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

14:43 Right away, while he was still talking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived—and with him a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 14:44 The man who betrayed him had told them in advance, “The one I kiss is the one you want. Grab him and take him away safely.” 14:45 As soon as he got there, he went straight to him and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. 14:46 They grabbed him and arrested him. 14:47 But one of the people standing nearby drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

14:48 Jesus answered them, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled."

14:48 Jesus replied, "Did you come out to get me like I’m a criminal, with swords and clubs? 14:49 I was with you every day in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me then. But this is all happening to fulfill the Scriptures."

14:50 They all left him, and fled. 14:51 A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself, over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, 14:52 but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. 14:53 They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him.

14:50 Everyone abandoned him and ran away. 14:51 A young man followed him, wearing only a linen cloth over his bare body. The young men tried to grab him, 14:52 but he escaped, leaving the linen cloth behind, and ran away naked. 14:53 They took Jesus to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes gathered with him.

14:54 Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. 14:55 Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. 14:56 For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn't agree with each other. 14:57 Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying, 14:58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'" 14:59 Even so, their testimony did not agree.

14:54 Peter had followed him from a distance until he reached the high priest's courtyard. He was sitting with the officers and keeping warm by the fire. 14:55 Meanwhile, the chief priests and the entire council were trying to find witnesses against Jesus to have him executed, but they couldn't find any. 14:56 Many gave false testimonies against him, but their stories didn't match. 14:57 Some stood up and lied about him, saying, 14:58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made by human hands, and in three days, I will build another one not made by hands.'" 14:59 Even then, their testimonies didn't align.

14:60 The high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?" 14:61 But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

14:60 The high priest got up and asked Jesus, "Aren't you going to answer? What are these people testifying against you?" 14:61 But Jesus remained silent and didn’t answer anything. The high priest then asked him again, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"

14:62 Jesus said, "I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky."

14:62 Jesus said, "I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God’s power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

14:63 The high priest tore his clothes, and said, "What further need have we of witnesses? 14:64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" They all condemned him to be worthy of death. 14:65 Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, "Prophesy!" The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.

14:63 The high priest ripped his clothes and said, "What more do we need from witnesses? 14:64 You’ve heard the blasphemy! What’s your verdict?" They all declared him deserving of death. 14:65 Some started to spit on him, cover his face, hit him with their fists, and taunted him, "Prophesy!" The officers slapped him.

14:66 As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came, 14:67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!"

14:66 While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest's maids came up, 14:67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You were with the Nazarene, Jesus!"

14:68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know, nor understand what you are saying." He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.

14:68 But he denied it, saying, "I don’t know what you’re talking about." He went out onto the porch, and the rooster crowed.

14:69 The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, "This is one of them." 14:70 But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, "You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it." 14:71 But he began to curse, and to swear, "I don't know this man of whom you speak!" 14:72 The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." When he thought about that, he wept.

14:69 The maid saw him and started telling those nearby, "This is one of them." 14:70 But he denied it again. After a little while, those standing by said to Peter, "You really are one of them, because you're a Galilean, and your accent gives you away." 14:71 But he started to curse and swear, "I don’t know this man you’re talking about!" 14:72 The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." When he thought about it, he wept.

15:1 Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. 15:2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

15:1 Right in the morning, the chief priests, along with the elders and scribes, and the entire council, met together, arrested Jesus, and took him away, handing him over to Pilate. 15:2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

He answered, "So you say."

He replied, "That's what you say."

15:3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 15:4 Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!"

15:3 The high priests charged him with many things. 15:4 Pilate asked him again, "Aren't you going to say anything? Look at all the things they are saying about you!"

15:5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.

15:5 But Jesus didn't respond anymore, which amazed Pilate.

15:6 Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. 15:7 There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. 15:8 The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. 15:9 Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" 15:10 For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. 15:12 Pilate again asked them, "What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?"

15:6 At the feast, he would release one prisoner to them, whoever they requested. 15:7 There was a prisoner named Barabbas, who was tied up with others who had participated in a rebellion, men who had committed murder during the uprising. 15:8 The crowd shouted, asking him to do what he usually did for them. 15:9 Pilate replied, "Do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?" 15:10 For he realized that the chief priests had handed him over out of envy. 15:11 But the chief priests incited the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released instead. 15:12 Pilate asked them again, "What should I do with the one you call the King of the Jews?"

15:13 They cried out again, "Crucify him!"

They shouted again, "Crucify him!"

15:14 Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?"

15:14 Pilate asked them, "What wrong has he done?"

But they cried out exceedingly, "Crucify him!"

But they shouted loudly, "Crucify him!"

15:15 Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified. 15:16 The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. 15:17 They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 15:18 They began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. 15:20 When they had mocked him, they took the purple off of him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him. 15:21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. 15:22 They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, "The place of a skull." 15:23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn't take it.

15:15 Pilate, wanting to please the crowd, released Barabbas to them and handed over Jesus, after having him flogged, to be crucified. 15:16 The soldiers took him into the Praetorium courtyard and called together the entire cohort. 15:17 They dressed him in purple and made a crown of thorns to place on his head. 15:18 They began to mock him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 15:19 They struck him on the head with a reed, spat on him, and knelt down in homage. 15:20 After they finished mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 15:21 They forced a man named Simon of Cyrene, who was passing by from the countryside and was the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 15:22 They brought him to a place called Golgotha, which means "The place of a skull." 15:23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he refused it.

15:24 Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. 15:25 It was the third hour, and they crucified him. 15:26 The superscription of his accusation was written over him, "THE KING OF THE JEWS." 15:27 With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left. 15:28 The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, "He was numbered with transgressors."

15:24 As they crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves, throwing dice to see who would get what. 15:25 It was the third hour, and they nailed him to the cross. 15:26 The charge against him was written above him: "THE KING OF THE JEWS." 15:27 They also crucified two criminals with him; one on his right and one on his left. 15:28 This fulfilled the Scripture that says, "He was counted among lawbreakers."

15:29 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, 15:30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!"

15:29 People walking by mocked him, shaking their heads and saying, "Ha! You who tear down the temple and rebuild it in three days, 15:30 save yourself and come down from the cross!"

15:31 Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, "He saved others. He can't save himself. 15:32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him." Those who were crucified with him insulted him.

15:31 In the same way, the chief priests, mocking each other with the scribes, said, "He saved others. He can’t save himself. 15:32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now so we can see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also hurled insults at him.

15:33 When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 15:34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"*

15:33 When the sixth hour had arrived, darkness covered the entire land until the ninth hour. 15:34 At the ninth hour, Jesus shouted loudly, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"*

15:35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, "Behold, he is calling Elijah."

15:35 Some of the people nearby, when they heard this, said, "Look, he's calling for Elijah."

15:36 One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Let him be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to take him down."

15:36 One person ran, filled a sponge with vinegar, put it on a reed, and offered it to him to drink, saying, "Leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down."

15:37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. 15:38 The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 15:39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

15:37 Jesus shouted loudly and died. 15:38 The temple's curtain was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 15:39 When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw how he cried out and took his last breath, he said, "This man was truly the Son of God!"

15:40 There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; 15:41 who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

15:40 There were also women watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome; 15:41 who, when he was in Galilee, followed him and supported him; along with many other women who came with him to Jerusalem.

15:42 When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body. 15:44 Pilate marveled if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long. 15:45 When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 15:46 He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.

15:42 When evening came, since it was the Preparation Day, which is the day before the Sabbath, 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council who was also seeking the Kingdom of God, approached. He confidently went to Pilate and requested Jesus' body. 15:44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead, so he called for the centurion and asked how long Jesus had been dead. 15:45 After learning from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 15:46 Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Jesus down, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and placed him in a tomb that had been carved out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, watched where he was laid.

16:1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. 16:2 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 16:3 They were saying among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" 16:4 for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.

16:1 After the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint him. 16:2 Early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb just after sunrise. 16:3 They were discussing among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?" 16:4 because it was really large. When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.

16:5 Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. 16:6 He said to them, "Don't be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him! 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.'"

16:5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, wearing a white robe, and they were astonished. 16:6 He told them, "Don't be surprised. You’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen. He isn’t here. Look at the spot where they laid him! 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"

16:8 They went out,* and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid. 16:9 Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 16:10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 16:11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved. 16:12 After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. 16:13 They went away and told it to the rest. They didn't believe them, either.

16:8 They left,* and ran from the tomb, overwhelmed with trembling and amazement. They told no one because they were scared. 16:9 When he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. 16:10 She went and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and crying. 16:11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they didn’t believe it. 16:12 Afterward, he appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking into the countryside. 16:13 They went back and told the others, but they didn’t believe them either.

16:14 Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn't believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. 16:17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages; 16:18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

16:14 Later, he appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table, and he scolded them for their lack of faith and stubbornness because they didn't believe those who had seen him after his resurrection. 16:15 He told them, "Go into all the world and share the Good News with everyone. 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned. 16:17 These signs will follow those who believe: in my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 16:18 they will handle snakes; and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't harm them at all; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well."

16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

16:19 After speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 16:20 They went out and preached everywhere, with the Lord working alongside them and confirming their message through the signs that followed. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:2 Malachi 3:1

[1] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Malachi 3:1

[2] back to 1:3 Isaiah 40:3

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:3

[3] back to 1:4 or, immersing

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, diving in

[4] back to 1:8 The Greek word (en) translated here as "in" could also be translated as "with" in some contexts.

[4] back to 1:8 The Greek word (en) translated here as "in" could also be translated as "with" in some situations.

[5] back to 3:32 TR omits "your sisters"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "your sisters"

[6] back to 4:4 TR adds "of the air"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "of the air"

[7] back to 4:12 Isaiah 6:9-10

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:9-10

[8] back to 4:21 literally, a modion, a dry measuring basket containing about a peck (about 9 litres)

[8] back to 4:21 literally, a modion, a dry measuring basket that holds around a peck (about 9 liters)

[9] back to 6:33 TR reads "The multitudes" instead of "They"

[9] back to 6:33 TR reads "The crowds" instead of "They"

[10] back to 6:37 200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer.

[10] back to 6:37 200 denarii was around 7 or 8 months' salary for a farmworker.

[11] back to 6:44 TR adds "about"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "about"

[12] back to 6:48 see Job 9:8

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ see Job 9:8

[13] back to 6:50 or, "I AM!"

"I am!"

[14] back to 6:56 or, tassel

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassel

[15] back to 7:7 Isaiah 29:13

[15] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 29:13

[16] back to 7:10 Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16

[16] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16

[17] back to 7:10 Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9

[17] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9

[18] back to 7:11 Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering devoted to God.

[18] back to 7:11 Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering dedicated to God.

[19] back to 8:12 The word translated "generation" here (genea) could also be translated "people," "race," or "family."

[19] back to 8:12 The word translated as "generation" here (genea) could also mean "people," "race," or "family."

[20] back to 9:43 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[21] back to 9:45 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[22] back to 9:47 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[23] back to 9:48 Isaiah 66:24

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 66:24

[24] back to 10:6 Genesis 1:27

[24] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 1:27

[25] back to 10:8 Genesis 2:24

[25] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:24

[26] back to 10:19 Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[26] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[27] back to 10:51 Rhabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "great teacher."

[27] back to 10:51 Rhabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew term for "great teacher."

[28] back to 11:1 TR & NU read "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[28] back to 11:1 TR & NU read "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[29] back to 11:9 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, we pray."

[29] back to 11:9 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "please help us."

[30] back to 11:9 Psalm 118:25-26

[30] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:25-26

[31] back to 11:17 Isaiah 56:7

[31] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 56:7

[32] back to 11:17 Jeremiah 7:11

[32] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 7:11

[33] back to 12:11 Psalm 118:22-23

[33] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:22-23

[34] back to 12:26 Exodus 3:6

[34] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 3:6

[35] back to 12:30 Deuteronomy 6:4-5

[35] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:4-5

[36] back to 12:31 Leviticus 19:18

[36] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[37] back to 12:36 Psalm 110:1

[37] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:1

[38] back to 12:42 literally, lepta (or widow's mites). Lepta are very small brass coins worth half a quadrans each, which is a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of an agricultural worker's daily wages.

[38] back to 12:42 literally, lepta (or widow's mites). Lepta are tiny brass coins worth half a quadrans each, which is a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of what an agricultural worker earns in a day.

[39] back to 12:42 A quadrans is a coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius is about one day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

[39] back to 12:42 A quadrans is a coin worth roughly 1/64 of a denarius, which is about one day's pay for a farmworker.

[40] back to 13:6 or, "I AM!"

"I am!"

[41] back to 13:14 Daniel 9:17; 11:31; 12:11

[41] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 9:17; 11:31; 12:11

[42] back to 13:25 Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

[42] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

[43] back to 13:30 The word translated "generation" (genea) could also be translated "race," "family," or "people."

[43] back to 13:30 The word translated as "generation" (genea) could also mean "race," "family," or "people."

[44] back to 14:5 300 denarii was about a years wages for an agricultural laborer.

[44] back to 14:5 300 denarii was roughly a year's salary for a farm worker.

[45] back to 14:27 Zechariah 13:7

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 13:7

[46] back to 15:25 9:00 A. M.

9:00 AM

[47] back to 15:32 TR omits "him"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "him"

[48] back to 15:33 or, noon

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, midday

[49] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 3:00 PM

[50] back to 15:34 Psalm 22:1

[50] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 22:1

[51] back to 16:8 TR adds "quickly"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "fast"














The Good News According to Luke

1:1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 1:2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, 1:3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; 1:4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

1:1 Since many have tried to put together a story about the events that have taken place among us, 1:2 just as those who were there from the start and served the message shared them with us, 1:3 I thought it would be helpful, after carefully examining everything from the beginning, to write to you in an organized way, most excellent Theophilus; 1:4 so that you can be sure about the things you’ve been taught.

1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 1:6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 1:7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. 1:8 Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division, 1:9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 1:10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

1:5 During the time of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias from the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 1:6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 1:7 However, they had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both getting older. 1:8 It happened that while he was serving as a priest before God in his division, 1:9 following the custom of the priestly office, his lot fell to enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense. 1:10 Meanwhile, the whole crowd of people was praying outside during the hour of incense.

1:11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 1:12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 1:14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 1:16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 1:17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

1:11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 1:12 Zacharias was startled when he saw him, and fear overcame him. 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your prayer has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will have a son, and you will name him John. 1:14 You will have joy and happiness; and many will celebrate his birth. 1:15 For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord, and he will not drink wine or strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 1:16 He will turn many of the people of Israel back to the Lord, their God. 1:17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; to prepare a people ready for the Lord."

1:18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

1:18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I'm an old man, and my wife is getting up there in age."

1:19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 1:20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

1:19 The angel replied, "I am Gabriel, who stands in God's presence. I was sent to talk to you and deliver this good news. 1:20 Listen, you will be unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the right time."

1:21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 1:22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 1:23 It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 1:24 After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 1:25 "Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

1:21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they were amazed that he was taking so long in the temple. 1:22 When he finally came out, he couldn't speak to them, and they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making gestures to them and remained silent. 1:23 When his days of service were completed, he went home. 1:24 After some time, Elizabeth, his wife, became pregnant, and she hid away for five months, saying, 1:25 "The Lord has done this for me during the time he looked upon me, to remove my disgrace among people."

1:26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 1:27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 1:28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

1:26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 1:27 to a young woman who was engaged to a man named Joseph, from the lineage of David. The young woman's name was Mary. 1:28 When the angel entered, he said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one! The Lord is with you. You are blessed among women!"

1:29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 1:30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 1:31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.' 1:32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

1:29 But when she saw him, she was very disturbed by what he said and wondered what kind of greeting this could be. 1:30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 1:31 Look, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you will name him 'Jesus.' 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David, 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His Kingdom will never end."

1:34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

1:34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this happen, since I'm a virgin?"

1:35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 1:36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 1:37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

1:35 The angel replied to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. So, the holy one born from you will be called the Son of God. 1:36 Look, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month for her who was considered barren. 1:37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible."

1:38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."

1:38 Mary said, "Look, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me as you have said."

The angel departed from her. 1:39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 1:40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 1:41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 1:42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 1:43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 1:44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 1:45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!"

The angel left her. 1:39 Mary got up during those days and quickly went into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 1:40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby jumped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 1:42 She shouted loudly, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 1:43 Why am I so honored that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 1:44 For look, when your greeting reached my ears, the baby jumped in my womb for joy! 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord will keep His promises!"

1:46 Mary said,

Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord.
1:47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
1:48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid.
For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
1:49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
1:50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.
1:51 He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
1:52 He has put down princes from their thrones.
And has exalted the lowly.
1:53 He has filled the hungry with good things.
He has sent the rich away empty.
1:54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
1:55 As he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and his seed forever."

1:56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. 1:57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 1:58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 1:59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. 1:60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John."

1:56 Mary stayed with her for about three months, and then went back to her home. 1:57 The time had come for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. 1:58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they celebrated with her. 1:59 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they wanted to name him Zacharias, after his father. 1:60 His mother said, "No, he will be called John."

1:61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 1:62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.

1:61 They told her, "None of your relatives have that name." 1:62 They made gestures to his father, asking what he wanted him to be called.

1:63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John."

1:63 He asked for a tablet to write on and wrote, "His name is John."

They all marveled. 1:64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. 1:65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 1:66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him. 1:67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,

They were all amazed. 1:64 His mouth opened right away, his tongue was set free, and he started speaking, praising God. 1:65 Fear fell over everyone living nearby, and all these events were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 1:66 Everyone who heard them stored them in their hearts, saying, "What will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him. 1:67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

1:68 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited and worked redemption for his people;
1:69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
1:70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),
1:71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;
1:72 to show mercy towards our fathers,
to remember his holy covenant,
1:73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father,
1:74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
should serve him without fear,
1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways,
1:77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,
1:78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the dawn from on high will visit us,
1:79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death;
to guide our feet into the way of peace."

1:80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

1:80 The child was growing strong in spirit and stayed in the desert until the day he publicly appeared before Israel.

2:1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2:2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 2:3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 2:4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 2:5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.

2:1 During those days, a decree was issued by Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken throughout the entire world. 2:2 This was the first census conducted while Quirinius was the governor of Syria. 2:3 Everyone went to register, each to their own city. 2:4 Joseph also went from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, known as Bethlehem, because he belonged to the house and lineage of David; 2:5 to register with Mary, who was engaged to him and was expecting a child.

2:6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. 2:7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 2:8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 2:9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 2:10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 2:11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 2:12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." 2:13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,

2:6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 2:7 She had her firstborn son, wrapped him in cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. 2:8 Nearby, there were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 2:9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them, and they were terrified. 2:10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 2:11 Today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 2:12 Here’s how you will know: you’ll find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." 2:13 Suddenly, a large group of the heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

2:14 "Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men."

2:15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 2:16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 2:17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 2:18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

2:15 When the angels left them and went up into the sky, the shepherds said to each other, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has shown us." 2:16 They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 2:17 After they saw it, they shared the message they had been told about this child. 2:18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds said. 2:19 But Mary treasured all these things and kept them in her heart. 2:20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, exactly as it had been told to them.

2:21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2:21 When the eight days for the child's circumcision were complete, he was named Jesus, a name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2:22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 2:23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),* 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."*

2:22 When their time of purification according to the law of Moses was over, they took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 2:23 (as it says in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),* 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice as mentioned in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."*

2:25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 2:27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 2:28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

2:25 Look, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was with him. 2:26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he wouldn't die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 2:27 He came into the temple in the Spirit. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, to do for him what the law required, 2:28 he took him in his arms, praised God, and said,

2:29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
according to your word, in peace;
2:30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
2:31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
2:32 a light for revelation to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel."

2:33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 2:34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 2:35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

2:33 Joseph and his mother were amazed at what was said about him, 2:34 and Simeon blessed them, saying to Mary, his mother, "Look, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be opposed. 2:35 Yes, a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

2:36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 2:37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. 2:38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

2:36 There was a woman named Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher (she was quite old, having lived with her husband for seven years after her virginity, 2:37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years). She didn’t leave the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayers day and night. 2:38 When she approached at that very moment, she thanked the Lord and talked about him to everyone who was waiting for redemption in Jerusalem.

2:39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 2:40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 2:41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

2:39 After they had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their hometown, Nazareth. 2:40 The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him. 2:41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover festival.

2:42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 2:43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn't know it, 2:44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 2:45 When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 2:46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 2:47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 2:48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

2:42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the festival, 2:43 and after they had completed the days, as they were heading back, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t realize it, 2:44 but thinking he was in their group, they traveled for a day and started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 2:45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 2:46 After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting with the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 2:47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his responses. 2:48 When they saw him, they were shocked, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

2:49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" 2:50 They didn't understand the saying which he spoke to them. 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

2:49 He asked them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 2:50 They didn’t understand what he meant. 2:51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was respectful to them, and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3:3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign, with Pontius Pilate serving as governor of Judea, Herod as tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip as tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias as tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3:3 He went into all the area around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord.
Make his paths straight.
3:5 Every valley will be filled.
Every mountain and hill will be brought low.
The crooked will become straight,
and the rough ways smooth.
3:6 All flesh will see God's salvation.'"*

3:7 He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don't begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father;' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 3:9 Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

3:7 He addressed the crowd that came out to be baptized by him, saying, "You offspring of snakes, who warned you to escape the coming judgment? 3:8 Produce fruit that reflects true repentance, and don’t start saying to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor;' because I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 3:9 Even now the axe is laid at the root of the trees. Every tree that doesn’t bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

3:10 The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?"

3:10 The crowd asked him, "So what should we do?"

3:11 He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

3:11 He replied to them, "If someone has two coats, they should give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If someone has food, they should do the same."

3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?"

3:13 He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

3:13 He told them, "Don’t take more than what you’re supposed to."

3:14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"

3:14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What should we do?"

He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

He said to them, "Don't use violence to take from anyone, and don’t make false accusations. Be satisfied with your pay."

3:15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 3:16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 3:17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

3:15 As the people were eager to know, everyone wondered in their hearts about John, asking if he might be the Messiah. 3:16 John addressed them all, saying, "I baptize you with water, but someone more powerful than I is coming. I'm not even worthy to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 3:17 He has a winnowing fork in his hand to clear the threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."

3:18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, 3:19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 3:20 added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison. 3:21 Now it happened, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying "You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased."

3:18 So, along with many other encouragements, he shared the good news with the people; 3:19 but Herod the tetrarch, being criticized by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the wrongs that Herod had done, 3:20 added to all of that by imprisoning John. 3:21 Now, it happened that when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and he was praying. The sky opened up, 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a physical form like a dove on him; and a voice came from heaven, saying, "You are my beloved Son. I am very pleased with you."

3:23 Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 3:25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 3:26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 3:27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 3:28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 3:29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 3:31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 3:32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 3:33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 3:34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 3:35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 3:36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 3:37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 3:38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

3:23 Jesus began teaching when he was about thirty years old, being the supposed son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 3:25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 3:26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 3:27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 3:28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 3:29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 3:31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 3:32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 3:33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 3:34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 3:35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 3:36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 3:37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 3:38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 4:2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, he was hungry. 4:3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

4:1 Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was guided by the Spirit into the wilderness 4:2 for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil. He didn’t eat anything during those days. After they were over, he was hungry. 4:3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to turn into bread."

4:4 Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"*

4:4 Jesus replied, "It's written, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word from God.'"*

4:5 The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 4:6 The devil said to him, "I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want. 4:7 If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours."

4:5 The devil took him up to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. 4:6 The devil said to him, "I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose. 4:7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours."

4:8 Jesus answered him, "Get behind me Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.'"*

4:8 Jesus replied, "Get behind me, Satan! It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'"*

4:9 He led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here, 4:10 for it is written,

4:9 He took him to Jerusalem, placed him on the highest point of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, jump off from here, 4:10 because it is written,

'He will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you;'

4:11 and,

4:11 and,

'On their hands they will bear you up,
lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.'"*

4:12 Jesus answering, said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'"*

4:12 Jesus replied, "It’s been said, 'You shall not test the Lord your God.'"*

4:13 When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time.

4:13 When the devil had finished all the temptations, he left him until a later time.

4:14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 4:15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

4:14 Jesus came back to Galilee empowered by the Spirit, and word about him spread across the entire region. 4:15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

4:16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 4:17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

4:16 He arrived in Nazareth, where he grew up. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his usual practice, and stood up to read. 4:17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He opened it and found the passage that was written,

4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind,
to deliver those who are crushed,
4:19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."*

4:20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 4:21 He began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

4:20 He closed the book, handed it back to the attendant, and took a seat. Everyone in the synagogue was focused on him. 4:21 He started to say, "Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your presence."

4:22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

4:22 Everyone spoke about him and were amazed by the kind words that came from his mouth, and they said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

4:23 He said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'" 4:24 He said, "Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 4:25 But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. 4:26 Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 4:27 There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."

4:23 He said to them, "You’ll probably tell me this saying, 'Doctor, heal yourself! Whatever we’ve heard you did in Capernaum, do it here in your hometown too.'" 4:24 He replied, "I can guarantee you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 4:25 But honestly, I tell you, there were a lot of widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when the sky was closed for three years and six months, and a severe famine struck the whole land. 4:26 Elijah wasn’t sent to any of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a widow. 4:27 There were many lepers in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but not one of them was healed, except for Naaman, the Syrian."

4:28 They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things. 4:29 They rose up, threw him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw him off the cliff. 4:30 But he, passing through the midst of them, went his way.

4:28 Everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger when they heard these things. 4:29 They got up, threw him out of the city, and took him to the edge of the hill their city was built on, planning to throw him off the cliff. 4:30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

4:31 He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, 4:32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 4:33 In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 4:34 saying, "Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"

4:31 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath, 4:32 and they were amazed by his teaching because his words had authority. 4:33 In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and he shouted loudly, 4:34 saying, "Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!"

4:35 Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.

4:35 Jesus shouted at him, "Shut up and get out of him!" When the demon threw him down in front of everyone, it left him without causing any harm.

4:36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" 4:37 News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.

4:36 Everyone was amazed, and they talked to each other, saying, "What is this message? With authority and power, he orders unclean spirits, and they leave!" 4:37 News about him spread throughout the entire area.

4:38 He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. 4:39 He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them. 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 4:41 Demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Rebuking them, he didn't allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

4:38 He got up from the synagogue and went into Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him to help her. 4:39 He stood over her and spoke to the fever, and it left her. Right away, she got up and served them. 4:40 When the sun was setting, everyone who had sick people with different illnesses brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each one and healed them. 4:41 Demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" He rebuked them and didn't let them speak because they knew he was the Christ.

4:42 When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn't go away from them. 4:43 But he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent." 4:44 He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

4:42 During the day, he left and went to a deserted place. The crowds searched for him, found him, and tried to keep him from leaving. 4:43 But he said to them, "I need to share the good news of the Kingdom of God in other towns as well. That’s why I was sent." 4:44 He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

5:1 Now it happened, while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. 5:2 He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 5:3 He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch."

5:1 While the crowd crowded around him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. 5:2 He noticed two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 5:3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to move a little away from the shore. He sat down and taught the crowd from the boat. 5:4 When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

5:5 Simon answered him, "Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net." 5:6 When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. 5:7 They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 5:8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord." 5:9 For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; 5:10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.

5:5 Simon replied, "Master, we worked all night and caught nothing; but because you say so, I will drop the net." 5:6 When they did this, they caught a huge number of fish, and their net started to break. 5:7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats to the point that they began to sink. 5:8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell at Jesus' knees, saying, "Leave me, for I am a sinful man, Lord." 5:9 For he was amazed, and all those with him were amazed at the amount of fish they had caught; 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were also partners with Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive."

Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on, you'll be catching people for life."

5:11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him. 5:12 It happened, while he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean."

5:11 When they brought their boats ashore, they left everything behind and followed him. 5:12 While he was in one of the cities, a man with severe leprosy came to him. When he saw Jesus, he fell face down and begged, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

5:13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean."

5:13 He reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I'm willing. Be clean."

Immediately the leprosy left him. 5:14 He commanded him to tell no one, "But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." 5:15 But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 5:16 But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.

Immediately, the leprosy left him. 5:14 He told him not to say anything to anyone, "But go on your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifices for your cleansing as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 5:15 However, the news about him spread even more, and huge crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses. 5:16 But he went away to a deserted place and prayed.

5:17 It happened on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. 5:18 Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. 5:19 Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus. 5:20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."

5:17 One day while he was teaching, Pharisees and experts in the law were sitting nearby, having come from every village in Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. 5:18 Some men brought a paralyzed man on a stretcher and tried to get him in to lay before Jesus. 5:19 Unable to find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up to the roof and lowered him down through the tiles on his stretcher right in front of Jesus. 5:20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

5:21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

5:21 The scribes and the Pharisees started to reason among themselves, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, except for God alone?"

5:22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? 5:23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?' 5:24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."

5:22 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, answered them, "Why are you debating this in your hearts? 5:23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up and walk?' 5:24 But so you know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home."

5:25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. 5:26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

5:25 He immediately got up in front of them, took what he had been lying on, and went home, praising God. 5:26 Everyone was amazed and praised God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We've seen some unusual things today."

5:27 After these things he went out, and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me!"

5:27 After this, he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth, and said to him, "Follow me!"

5:28 He left everything, and rose up and followed him. 5:29 Levi made a great feast for him in his house. There was a great crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them. 5:30 Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?" 5:31 Jesus answered them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

5:28 He left everything behind and got up to follow him. 5:29 Levi threw a big party for him at his house. There was a large crowd of tax collectors and others eating with them. 5:30 The scribes and Pharisees complained to his disciples, asking, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 5:31 Jesus responded to them, "Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. 5:32 I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

5:33 They said to him, "Why do John's disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?"

5:33 They asked him, "Why do John's disciples often fast and pray, and why do the Pharisees' disciples do the same, but yours just eat and drink?"

5:34 He said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 5:35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days." 5:36 He also told a parable to them. "No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else he will tear the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old. 5:37 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 5:38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved. 5:39 No man having drunk old wine immediately desires new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"

5:34 He said to them, "Can you have the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 5:35 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast during those days." 5:36 He also shared a parable with them. "Nobody patches an old garment with a piece from a new one, or else the new fabric will tear, and the patch won't match the old. 5:37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the old skins, causing the wine to spill and the skins to be ruined. 5:38 New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins, and both will be preserved. 5:39 No one who has been drinking old wine wants new right away, because they say, 'The old is better.'"

6:1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first, that he was going through the grain fields. His disciples plucked the heads of grain, and ate, rubbing them in their hands. 6:2 But some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why do you do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?"

6:1 It was the second Sabbath after the first when he was walking through the grain fields. His disciples picked some heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 6:2 But some of the Pharisees asked them, "Why are you doing what isn't allowed on the Sabbath?"

6:3 Jesus, answering them, said, "Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, he, and those who were with him; 6:4 how he entered into the house of God, and took and ate the show bread, and gave also to those who were with him, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests alone?" 6:5 He said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."

6:3 Jesus replied, "Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, along with those who were with him? 6:4 He went into the house of God, took the consecrated bread, and shared it with his companions, even though it's not lawful to eat it except for the priests." 6:5 He added, "The Son of Man is the master of the Sabbath."

6:6 It also happened on another Sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and taught. There was a man there, and his right hand was withered. 6:7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. 6:8 But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Rise up, and stand in the middle." He arose and stood. 6:9 Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" 6:10 He looked around at them all, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other. 6:11 But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus.

6:6 It also happened on another Sabbath that he went into the synagogue and taught. There was a man there with a shriveled right hand. 6:7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath so they could find a reason to accuse him. 6:8 But he knew what they were thinking, so he said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in the middle." The man got up and stood there. 6:9 Then Jesus asked them, "Let me ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil? To save a life or to kill?" 6:10 He looked around at everyone and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did, and his hand was completely restored. 6:11 But they were filled with rage and began discussing what they might do to Jesus.

6:12 It happened in these days, that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. 6:13 When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: 6:14 Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; 6:15 Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; 6:16 Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. 6:17 He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; 6:18 as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed. 6:19 All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

6:12 During these days, he went up to the mountain to pray, and he prayed all night to God. 6:13 When morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 6:14 Simon, also known as Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; 6:15 Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, called the Zealot; 6:16 Judas, the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. 6:17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, surrounded by a crowd of his disciples and a large number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal areas of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and be healed of their illnesses; 6:18 along with those suffering from unclean spirits, and they were being healed. 6:19 All the people tried to touch him because healing power was coming from him, and it healed everyone.

6:20 He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said,

6:20 He looked up at his disciples and said,

"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.
6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
6:22 Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.
6:24 "But woe to you who are rich!
For you have received your consolation.
6:25 Woe to you, you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
6:26 Woe,* when* men speak well of you,
for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.

6:27 "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 6:28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 6:29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again.

6:27 "But I say to you who are listening: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 6:28 bless those who insult you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 6:29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer them the other as well; and if someone takes your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask for your things back from the person who takes them.

6:31 "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. 6:32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 6:33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 6:34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

6:31 "Treat others the way you want to be treated. 6:32 If you love those who love you, what’s so special about that? Even bad people love those who love them. 6:33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what’s so special about that? Even bad people do the same. 6:34 If you lend to those who you expect will pay you back, what’s so special about that? Even bad people lend to bad people, hoping to get back just as much. 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return; then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

6:36 Therefore be merciful,
even as your Father is also merciful.
6:37 Don't judge,
and you won't be judged.
Don't condemn,
and you won't be condemned.
Set free,
and you will be set free.

6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."

6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: a full measure, packed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be given to you. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

6:39 He spoke a parable to them. "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit? 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 6:41 Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye? 6:42 Or how can you tell your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye. 6:43 For there is no good tree that brings forth rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that brings forth good fruit. 6:44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 6:45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.

6:39 He told them a story. "Can the blind lead the blind? Won't they both fall into a hole? 6:40 A student isn't better than his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 6:41 Why do you notice the tiny speck in your brother's eye, but ignore the huge plank in your own eye? 6:42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Hey, let me take that speck out of your eye,' when you don't see the plank in your own eye? You're a hypocrite! First, take the plank out of your own eye, and then you'll be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6:43 A good tree doesn't produce bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit. 6:44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People don't pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. 6:45 A good person brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and an evil person brings out evil things from the evil stored up in his heart, for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things which I say? 6:47 Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. 6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. 6:49 But he who hears, and doesn't do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say? 6:47 Everyone who comes to me, listens to my words, and puts them into practice, I will show you who he is like. 6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When a flood came, the river struck that house, but it couldn't shake it because it was built on the rock. 6:49 But whoever hears my words and doesn't put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river struck it, and immediately it collapsed, and its destruction was complete."

7:1 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 7:2 A certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 7:3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. 7:4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy for you to do this for him, 7:5 for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us." 7:6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7:7 Therefore I didn't even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 7:8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to another, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

7:1 After he finished speaking to the crowd, he entered Capernaum. 7:2 A certain centurion had a servant who was dear to him and was sick, close to death. 7:3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and save his servant. 7:4 When they came to Jesus, they urgently requested, "He deserves this from you, 7:5 because he loves our nation and built our synagogue." 7:6 Jesus went with them. As he was getting close to the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, don’t bother coming, for I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7:7 That’s why I didn’t think I was worthy to come to you myself; just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 7:8 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to another, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel." 7:10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.

7:9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and turned to the crowd following him, saying, "I assure you, I haven't seen such great faith, not even in Israel." 7:10 Those who were sent back to the house found that the servant who had been ill was now well.

7:11 It happened soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. 7:12 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. 7:13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, "Don't cry." 7:14 He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" 7:15 He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

7:11 Soon after that, he went to a town called Nain. A lot of his followers, along with a large crowd, went with him. 7:12 As he got close to the gate of the town, they were carrying out a dead man, the only son of his mother, who was a widow. Many people from the town were with her. 7:13 When the Lord saw her, he felt sorry for her and said, "Don’t cry." 7:14 He went up to the coffin and touched it, and the people carrying it stopped. He said, "Young man, I tell you, get up!" 7:15 The dead man sat up and began to speak. And he gave him back to his mother.

7:16 Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited his people!" 7:17 This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.

7:16 Everyone was filled with fear, and they praised God, saying, "A great prophet has come among us!" and, "God has visited his people!" 7:17 News about him spread throughout all of Judea and the surrounding area.

7:18 The disciples of John told him about all these things. 7:19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?" 7:20 When the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?'"

7:18 John's disciples reported everything that had happened. 7:19 John called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus, asking, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we be looking for someone else?" 7:20 When the men arrived, they said, "John the Baptizer sent us to you, asking, 'Are you the one who comes, or should we be looking for someone else?'"

7:21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight. 7:22 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 7:23 Blessed is he who is not offended by me."

7:21 During that hour, he healed many people of illnesses and plagues and cast out evil spirits; he gave sight to many who were blind. 7:22 Jesus replied to them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind can see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news." 7:23 "Blessed is anyone who doesn’t take offense at me."

7:24 When John's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 7:25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 7:26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 7:27 This is he of whom it is written,

7:24 After John's messengers left, he started telling the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 7:25 But what did you really go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Look, those who dress in luxury and live a lavish lifestyle are in royal palaces. 7:26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and even more than a prophet. 7:27 This is the one of whom it is written,

'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'*

7:28 "For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."

7:28 "I tell you, among everyone born of women, there is no greater prophet than John the Baptizer. However, the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him."

7:29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John's baptism. 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.

7:29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they affirmed that God was just, having been baptized with John's baptism. 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's guidance because they hadn't been baptized by him themselves.

7:31 *"To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like? 7:32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call one to another, saying, 'We piped to you, and you didn't dance. We mourned, and you didn't weep.' 7:33 For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 7:35 Wisdom is justified by all her children."

7:31 *"So, how can I describe the people of this generation? What are they like? 7:32 They're like kids sitting in the marketplace, calling out to each other, saying, 'We played music for you, but you didn't dance. We cried, but you didn't weep.' 7:33 John the Baptizer came, not eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 7:34 The Son of Man comes eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunk; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 7:35 Wisdom is proved right by all her children."

7:36 One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat at the table. 7:37 Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 7:38 Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 7:39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner."

7:36 One of the Pharisees invited him to dinner. He entered the Pharisee's house and sat at the table. 7:37 Then, a woman in the city who was known to be a sinner heard that he was reclining in the Pharisee's house, so she brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 7:38 Standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 7:39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman is touching him, that she is a sinner."

7:40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

7:40 Jesus replied, "Simon, I have something to share with you."

He said, "Teacher, say on."

He said, "Teacher, go ahead."

7:41 "A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 7:42 When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?"

7:41 "A certain lender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 7:42 When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?"

7:43 Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most."

7:43 Simon answered, "I guess it's the one he forgave the most."

He said to him, "You have judged correctly." 7:44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. 7:45 You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. 7:46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." 7:48 He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

He said to him, "You've judged correctly." 7:44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house, and you didn’t give me any water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 7:45 You didn’t give me a kiss, but she hasn't stopped kissing my feet since I arrived. 7:46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, because she loved deeply. But whoever is forgiven little loves little." 7:48 He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

7:49 Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

7:49 Those who were sitting at the table with him started to think to themselves, "Who is this guy who even forgives sins?"

7:50 He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

7:50 He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

8:1 It happened soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God. With him were the twelve, 8:2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 8:3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod's steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions. 8:4 When a great multitude came together, and people from every city were coming to him, he spoke by a parable. 8:5 "The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 8:6 Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 8:7 Other fell amid the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. 8:8 Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit one hundred times." As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

8:1 Soon after, he traveled through cities and villages, sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 8:2 along with some women who had been healed from evil spirits and illnesses: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been cast out; 8:3 Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod's steward; Susanna; and many others who supported them with their own resources. 8:4 When a large crowd gathered and people from every city came to him, he spoke in a parable. 8:5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path, which was trampled down, and the birds of the air ate it up. 8:6 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, and as soon as they sprouted, they withered because they had no moisture. 8:7 Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with them and choked them. 8:8 Other seeds fell on good soil, where they grew and produced a crop a hundred times as much." As he said these things, he shouted, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!"

8:9 Then his disciples asked him, "What does this parable mean?"

8:9 Then his disciples asked him, "What does this story mean?"

8:10 He said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables; that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'* 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 8:12 Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. 8:13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. 8:14 That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 8:15 That in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience.

8:10 He said, "You have been given the privilege to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but the others receive it in parables; so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'* 8:11 Now here’s the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, but then the devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts so they won’t believe and be saved. 8:13 The ones on the rocky ground are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but they have no root. They believe for a while, but then they fall away in times of temptation. 8:14 The seeds that fell among thorns are those who have heard; as they go on their way, they are choked by worries, wealth, and pleasures of life, and they don’t produce mature fruit. 8:15 But the seed that fell on good soil represents those with honest and good hearts. They hear the word, hold onto it tightly, and produce fruit with patience.

8:16 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light. 8:17 For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light. 8:18 Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has."

8:16 "No one lights a lamp and then covers it up or hides it under the bed; instead, they place it on a stand so that everyone who comes in can see the light. 8:17 Nothing is concealed that won't be revealed; and nothing is secret that won't be made known and brought to light. 8:18 So be careful how you listen. To those who have, more will be given; but from those who don’t have, even what they think they have will be taken away."

8:19 His mother and brothers came to him, and they could not come near him for the crowd. 8:20 It was told him by some saying, "Your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to see you."

8:19 His mother and brothers came to him, and they couldn't get close because of the crowd. 8:20 Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside wanting to see you."

8:21 But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God, and do it."

8:21 But he replied, "My mother and my brothers are those who listen to the word of God and put it into practice."

8:22 Now it happened on one of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out. 8:23 But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water. 8:24 They came to him, and awoke him, saying, "Master, master, we are dying!" He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm. 8:25 He said to them, "Where is your faith?" Being afraid they marveled, saying one to another, "Who is this, then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" 8:26 They arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.

8:22 One day, he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, "Let’s go to the other side of the lake." So they set sail. 8:23 While they were sailing, he fell asleep. A fierce storm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling up with water. 8:24 They went to him and woke him up, saying, "Master, Master, we’re going to drown!" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and calmed the raging waters, and it became completely calm. 8:25 He asked them, "Where is your faith?" They were afraid and amazed, asking each other, "Who is this man that even commands the winds and the water, and they obey him?" 8:26 They reached the region of the Gadarenes, which is across from Galilee.

8:27 When Jesus stepped ashore, a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He wore no clothes, and didn't live in a house, but in the tombs. 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torment me!" 8:29 For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For the unclean spirit had often seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bands apart, he was driven by the demon into the desert.

8:27 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man from a nearby city who had been possessed by demons for a long time came to meet him. He was naked and didn’t live in a house but in the tombs. 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he shouted, fell down in front of him, and said loudly, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!" 8:29 This was because Jesus was ordering the unclean spirit to come out of the man. The spirit had often taken control of him. He had been kept under guard, chained and shackled. Breaking free from his chains, he was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

8:30 Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"

8:30 Jesus asked him, "What's your name?"

He said, "Legion," for many demons had entered into him. 8:31 They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss. 8:32 Now there was there a herd of many pigs feeding on the mountain, and they begged him that he would allow them to enter into those. He allowed them. 8:33 The demons came out from the man, and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned. 8:34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country.

He said, "Legion," because many demons had taken control of him. 8:31 They pleaded with him not to send them into the abyss. 8:32 There was a large herd of pigs grazing on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter the pigs. He agreed. 8:33 The demons left the man and entered the pigs, and the herd charged down the steep slope into the lake and drowned. 8:34 When the caretakers saw what had happened, they ran off and reported it in the city and the countryside.

8:35 People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 8:36 Those who saw it told them how he who had been possessed by demons was healed. 8:37 All the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them, for they were very much afraid. He entered into the boat, and returned. 8:38 But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged him that he might go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 8:39 "Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you." He went his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

8:35 People went out to see what had happened. They approached Jesus and found the man who had been possessed by demons, sitting at Jesus' feet, fully clothed and clear-headed; and they were afraid. 8:36 Those who had witnessed it explained to them how the man who had been possessed was healed. 8:37 All the people from the surrounding area of the Gadarenes asked him to leave, because they were very afraid. He got into the boat and left. 8:38 But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 8:39 "Return to your home and tell everyone what amazing things God has done for you." He went off and spread the word throughout the whole city about the great things Jesus had done for him.

8:40 It happened, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 8:41 Behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus' feet, and begged him to come into his house, 8:42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as he went, the multitudes pressed against him. 8:43 A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living on physicians, and could not be healed by any, 8:44 came behind him, and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately the flow of her blood stopped. 8:45 Jesus said, "Who touched me?"

8:40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him because they were all waiting for him. 8:41 Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house, 8:42 because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed around him. 8:43 A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and had spent all her money on doctors but could not be healed by any of them 8:44 came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 8:45 Jesus said, "Who touched me?"

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

When everyone denied it, Peter and the others with him said, "Master, the crowds are pushing and bumping into you, and you ask, 'Who touched me?'"

8:46 But Jesus said, "Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me." 8:47 When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 8:48 He said to her, "Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

8:46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me, because I felt power go out of me." 8:47 When the woman realized she couldn't stay hidden, she came forward, trembling and fell at his feet, telling him in front of everyone why she had touched him and how she was immediately healed. 8:48 He said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged. Your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

8:49 While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue's house came, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Don't trouble the Teacher."

8:49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler of the synagogue's house came and said to him, "Your daughter is dead. Don't bother the Teacher."

8:50 But Jesus hearing it, answered him, "Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed."

8:50 But Jesus heard this and replied, "Don’t be afraid. Just believe, and she will be healed."

8:51 When he came to the house, he didn't allow anyone to enter in, except Peter, John, James, the father of the child, and her mother. 8:52 All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, "Don't weep. She isn't dead, but sleeping."

8:51 When he arrived at the house, he didn't let anyone in except Peter, John, James, the child's father, and her mother. 8:52 Everyone was crying and mourning her, but he said, "Stop crying. She's not dead, just sleeping."

8:53 They were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead. 8:54 But he put them all outside, and taking her by the hand, he called, saying, "Child, arise!" 8:55 Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat. 8:56 Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done.

8:53 They were making fun of him, aware that she was dead. 8:54 But he sent them all outside, and taking her by the hand, he said, "Child, get up!" 8:55 Her spirit came back, and she stood up right away. He instructed that she be given something to eat. 8:56 Her parents were astonished, but he told them not to share what had happened.

9:1 He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 9:2 He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey--neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. 9:4 Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. 9:5 As many as don't receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them."

9:1 He gathered the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases. 9:2 He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 9:3 He told them, "Don't take anything for your journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money; don’t bring two coats. 9:4 When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 9:5 If people don't welcome you, when you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."

9:6 They departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere. 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 9:8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9:9 Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" He sought to see him. 9:10 The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done.

9:6 They left and traveled through the villages, sharing the Good News and healing people everywhere. 9:7 Meanwhile, Herod the tetrarch heard about everything happening; he was really confused because some people were saying that John had come back to life, 9:8 others claimed that Elijah had appeared, and some believed that one of the old prophets had come back. 9:9 Herod said, "I beheaded John, but who is this that I keep hearing about?" He wanted to see him. 9:10 When the apostles returned, they reported to him everything they had done.

He took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida. 9:11 But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing. 9:12 The day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said to him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place."

He took them and went off to a quiet spot in a town called Bethsaida. 9:11 But the crowds saw where he was going and followed him. He welcomed them and talked to them about the Kingdom of God, healing those who were sick. 9:12 As the day started to fade, the twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the nearby villages and farms to find a place to stay and get something to eat, because we’re in a remote area."

9:13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat."

9:13 But he said to them, "You feed them."

They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people." 9:14 For they were about five thousand men.

They said, "We only have five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people." 9:14 There were about five thousand men.

He said to his disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 9:15 They did so, and made them all sit down. 9:16 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 9:17 They ate, and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.

He said to his followers, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 9:15 They did this and had everyone sit down. 9:16 He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to the sky, blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the crowd. 9:17 They ate and were all satisfied. They collected twelve baskets of leftover broken pieces.

9:18 It happened, as he was praying alone, that the disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"

9:18 While he was praying by himself, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"

9:19 They answered, "'John the Baptizer,' but others say, 'Elijah,' and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again."

9:19 They answered, "'John the Baptizer,' but some say, 'Elijah,' and others think one of the old prophets has come back to life."

9:20 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

9:20 He asked them, "But who do you think I am?"

Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

Peter answered, "The Messiah of God."

9:21 But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one, 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."

9:21 But he warned them and instructed them to keep this to themselves, 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man has to go through a lot, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and on the third day rise again."

9:23 He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross,* and follow me. 9:24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it. 9:25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self? 9:26 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels. 9:27 But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God."

9:23 He said to everyone, "If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross,* and follow me. 9:24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will save it. 9:25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit their own self? 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and the holy angels. 9:27 Truly, I tell you: Some of those standing here will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God."

9:28 It happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. 9:30 Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, 9:31 who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

9:28 About eight days after these things, he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on a mountain to pray. 9:29 While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 9:30 Suddenly, two men appeared, talking with him; they were Moses and Elijah, 9:31 who appeared in glory and spoke about his departure, that he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem.

9:32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. 9:33 It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he said.

9:32 Now Peter and the others with him were really sleepy, but when they finally woke up, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him. 9:33 As they were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it's great for us to be here. Let's set up three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not realizing what he was saying.

9:34 While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 9:35 A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!" 9:36 When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

9:34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and covered them, and they were frightened as they entered the cloud. 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" 9:36 When the voice spoke, Jesus was there alone. They kept quiet and didn't tell anyone about what they had seen during those days.

9:37 It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. 9:38 Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 9:39 Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely. 9:40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn't."

9:37 The next day, after they came down from the mountain, a large crowd gathered around him. 9:38 Someone from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, please look at my son; he’s my only child. 9:39 A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams. It throws him into convulsions, causing him to foam at the mouth, and it hardly leaves him alone, making him suffer greatly. 9:40 I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

9:41 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here."

9:41 Jesus replied, "You faithless and twisted generation, how long do I have to be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."

9:42 While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 9:43 They were all astonished at the majesty of God.

9:42 As he was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and caused severe convulsions. But Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to leave, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 9:43 Everyone was amazed by the greatness of God.

But while all were marveling at all the things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 9:44 "Let these words sink into your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men." 9:45 But they didn't understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

But while everyone was amazed at all the things Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 9:44 "Let these words sink in: the Son of Man will be handed over to people." 9:45 But they didn't understand what he meant. It was hidden from them so they wouldn't grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

9:46 There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest. 9:47 Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, 9:48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great."

9:46 They started arguing about who was the greatest among them. 9:47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a small child and placed him beside him, 9:48 and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you is the greatest."

9:49 John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow with us."

9:49 John said, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we stopped him because he isn't one of us."

9:50 Jesus said to him, "Don't forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us."

9:50 Jesus said to him, "Don't stop him, because whoever isn't against us is with us."

9:51 It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem, 9:52 and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. 9:53 They didn't receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. 9:54 When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?"

9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up, he firmly decided to head to Jerusalem, 9:52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. They went on ahead and entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for him. 9:53 However, they did not welcome him because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 9:54 When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them, just like Elijah did?"

9:55 But he turned and rebuked them, "You don't know of what kind of spirit you are. 9:56 For the Son of Man didn't come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

9:55 But he turned and said to them, "You don't realize what spirit you're from. 9:56 The Son of Man didn't come to take away people's lives, but to save them."

They went to another village. 9:57 As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord."

They traveled to another village. 9:57 As they were on their way, a man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord."

9:58 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

9:58 Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."

9:59 He said to another, "Follow me!"

9:59 He said to another, "Come with me!"

But he said, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

9:60 But Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God."

9:60 But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God."

9:61 Another also said, "I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to bid farewell to those who are at my house."

9:61 Another said, "I want to follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those at my home."

9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one who starts plowing and looks back is suited for the Kingdom of God."

10:1 Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come. 10:2 Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. 10:3 Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 10:4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. 10:5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' 10:6 If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 10:7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don't go from house to house. 10:8 Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you. 10:9 Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10:10 But into whatever city you enter, and they don't receive you, go out into its streets and say, 10:11 'Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10:12 I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.

10:1 After this, the Lord chose seventy others and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every city and place he planned to visit. 10:2 He then said to them, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers into his harvest. 10:3 Go on your way. Look, I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves. 10:4 Don’t take a purse, bag, or sandals, and don’t greet anyone on the road. 10:5 When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 10:6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 10:7 Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they provide, because a worker deserves their wages. Don’t move from house to house. 10:8 When you enter a city and they welcome you, eat what is served to you. 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10:10 But if you enter a city and they don’t welcome you, go out into the streets and say, 10:11 'Even the dust from your city that sticks to our feet, we wipe off against you. Yet know this: the Kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that city.

10:13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 10:14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 10:15 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me."

10:13 "Shame on you, Chorazin! Shame on you, Bethsaida! Because if the amazing things that happened to you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have changed their ways long ago, wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes. 10:14 But it will be easier for Tyre and Sidon on judgment day than for you. 10:15 You, Capernaum, who have been lifted up to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever ignores you ignores me. Whoever ignores me ignores the one who sent me."

10:17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"

10:17 The seventy came back filled with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are under our control in your name!"

10:18 He said to them, "I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. 10:19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. 10:20 Nevertheless, don't rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

10:18 He told them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 10:19 Look, I’m giving you the authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and to have power over all the enemy’s strength. Nothing will hurt you at all. 10:20 But don’t be happy because the spirits obey you; be happy because your names are written in heaven."

10:21 In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight."

10:21 At that same hour, Jesus celebrated in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you’ve kept these things hidden from the wise and educated, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for it was pleasing in your sight."

10:22 Turning to the disciples, he said, "All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him."

10:22 Turning to the disciples, he said, "Everything has been given to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except for the Father, and who the Father is, except for the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

10:23 Turning to the disciples, he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, 10:24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them."

10:23 Turning to the disciples, he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see, 10:24 because I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but didn’t see it, and to hear what you hear, but didn’t hear it."

10:25 Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

10:25 Look, a lawyer stood up and challenged him, asking, "Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?"

10:26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

10:26 He asked him, "What does the law say? How do you interpret it?"

10:27 He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind;* and your neighbor as yourself."*

10:27 He answered, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind;* and love your neighbor as yourself."*

10:28 He said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."

10:28 He said to him, "You answered correctly. Do this, and you'll live."

10:29 But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

10:29 But he, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

10:30 Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 10:31 By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 10:32 In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 10:34 came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 10:35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' 10:36 Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?"

10:30 Jesus replied, "A certain man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and left him half dead. 10:31 By chance, a priest was going down that same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 10:32 Similarly, a Levite came to the spot, saw him, and passed by on the other side. 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he was on his journey, came to where the man was. When he saw him, he was filled with compassion, 10:34 went to him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He placed the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 10:35 The next day, when he was ready to leave, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him. If you spend any more than that, I’ll repay you when I return.' 10:36 So, which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

10:37 He said, "He who showed mercy on him."

10:37 He said, "The one who had compassion on him."

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

10:38 It happened as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 10:39 She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me."

10:38 As they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 10:39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to his teaching. 10:40 But Martha was overwhelmed with all the work, and she approached him and said, "Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving? Tell her to help me."

10:41 Jesus answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 10:42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her."

10:41 Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha, you're worried and stressed about so many things, 10:42 but there's only one thing that really matters. Mary has picked the best option, and that won’t be taken from her."

11:1 It happened, that when he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples."

11:1 After he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just like John taught his disciples."

11:2 He said to them, "When you pray, say,

11:2 He told them, "When you pray, say,

'Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come.
May your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.
11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
11:4 Forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
Bring us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"

11:5 He said to them, "Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 11:6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,' 11:7 and he from within will answer and say, 'Don't bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give it to you'? 11:8 I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.

11:5 He said to them, "Which of you, if you went to a friend at midnight and said, 'Hey, can you lend me three loaves of bread? 11:6 A friend of mine has arrived from a trip, and I have nothing to offer him,' 11:7 and your friend inside replies, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked, and my kids are in bed with me. I can't get up and help you'? 11:8 I tell you, even if he won’t get up and help just because he’s your friend, he will eventually get up and give you as much as you need because you kept asking."

11:9 "I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 11:10 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.

11:9 "I tell you, keep asking, and you will receive. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. 11:10 Because everyone who asks gets an answer. Whoever searches will find. To those who knock, the door will be opened.

11:11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won't give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 11:12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won't give him a scorpion, will he? 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

11:11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a rock? Or if he asks for a fish, will you give him a snake instead of a fish? 11:12 Or if he asks for an egg, will you give him a scorpion? 11:13 If you then, being flawed, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

11:14 He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. It happened, when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. 11:15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons." 11:16 Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. 11:18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 11:19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges. 11:20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you.

11:14 He was casting out a demon, and it was unable to speak. When the demon left, the mute man could talk, and the crowd was amazed. 11:15 But some said, "He casts out demons with the help of Beelzebul, the leader of the demons." 11:16 Others, wanting to test him, asked for a sign from heaven. 11:17 But he, knowing what they were thinking, said to them, "Every kingdom that is divided against itself will be destroyed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. 11:18 If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom survive? You say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 11:19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, then by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. 11:20 But if I cast out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has come to you.

11:21 "When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. 11:22 But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

11:21 "When a strong man, completely armed, protects his home, his belongings are secure. 11:22 But when a stronger person comes along and defeats him, they take away all his armor that he relied on and share the loot.

11:23 "He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn't gather with me scatters. 11:24 The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, 'I will turn back to my house from which I came out.' 11:25 When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. 11:26 Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first."

11:23 "Anyone who isn't with me is against me. Anyone who doesn’t gather with me scatters. 11:24 When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it roams through dry places looking for rest, but when it finds none, it says, 'I’ll return to the home I left.' 11:25 When it comes back, it finds the place clean and in order. 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits even worse than itself, and they all enter and live there. The final state of that person is worse than the first."

11:27 It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!"

11:27 As he was saying these things, a woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the mother who gave birth to you, and the breasts that nursed you!"

11:28 But he said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it."

11:28 But he said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who listen to the word of God and follow it."

11:29 When the multitudes were gathering together to him, he began to say, "This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign. No sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophet. 11:30 For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will also the Son of Man be to this generation. 11:31 The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and will condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, one greater than Solomon is here. 11:32 The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, one greater than Jonah is here.

11:29 As the crowds were gathering around him, he began to say, "This is a wicked generation. It seeks a sign. No sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah, the prophet. 11:30 Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. 11:31 The Queen of the South will rise up in judgment alongside the people of this generation and will condemn them; for she traveled from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and look, one greater than Solomon is here. 11:32 The people of Nineveh will stand up in judgment with this generation and will condemn it; for they repented when Jonah preached, and look, one greater than Jonah is here.

11:33 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light. 11:34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. 11:35 Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn't darkness. 11:36 If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light."

11:33 "No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in a basement or under a basket, but on a stand so that anyone entering can see the light. 11:34 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body is also full of light; but if it is unhealthy, your body is also full of darkness. 11:35 Therefore, check to see if the light within you is actually darkness. 11:36 If your whole body is full of light, with no part dark, it will be completely illuminated, just as when a brightly shining lamp gives you light."

11:37 Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table. 11:38 When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner. 11:39 The Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. 11:40 You foolish ones, didn't he who made the outside make the inside also? 11:41 But give for gifts to the needy those things which are within, and behold, all things will be clean to you. 11:42 But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 11:43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. 11:44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them don't know it."

11:37 While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dinner. He went in and sat at the table. 11:38 When the Pharisee noticed this, he was surprised that he didn’t wash his hands before the meal. 11:39 The Lord said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil. 11:40 You can’t be so foolish—didn’t the one who made the outside also make the inside? 11:41 But give what is inside as gifts to the poor, and then everything will be clean for you. 11:42 But woe to you Pharisees! You tithe mint, rue, and every herb, yet you ignore justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 11:43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the best seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. 11:44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it."

11:45 One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying this you insult us also."

11:45 One of the lawyers replied to him, "Teacher, by saying this, you also insult us."

11:46 He said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won't even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. 11:47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 11:48 So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. 11:49 Therefore also the wisdom of God said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute, 11:50 that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 11:52 Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn't enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered."

11:46 He said, "How miserable you lawyers are! You put heavy burdens on people that are hard to bear, and you won’t even lift a finger to help them carry those burdens. 11:47 How miserable you are! You build the tombs of the prophets, while your ancestors killed them. 11:48 So you testify and agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 11:49 That's why the wisdom of God said, 'I will send them prophets and messengers; and some of them they will kill and persecute, 11:50 so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the foundation of the world, will be demanded from this generation; 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to answer for it. 11:52 How miserable you lawyers are! You took away the key of knowledge. You didn't enter yourselves, and you prevented those who were trying to enter."

11:53 As he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of him; 11:54 lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch him in something he might say, that they might accuse him.

11:53 As he spoke to them, the scribes and the Pharisees became really angry and began to question him aggressively; 11:54 lying in wait for him and trying to trap him with his words so that they could accuse him.

12:1 Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 12:2 But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known. 12:3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner chambers will be proclaimed on the housetops.

12:1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of thousands had gathered, so much so that they were stepping on one another, he began to speak to his disciples first, saying, "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 12:2 But nothing that is hidden will stay hidden, and nothing concealed will not be revealed. 12:3 Therefore, whatever you’ve said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you’ve whispered in private rooms will be shouted from the rooftops.

12:4 "I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 12:5 But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

12:4 "I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who can kill the body, because that's all they can do. 12:5 But let me warn you about who you should really fear. Fear the one who, after killing, has the authority to throw you into Gehenna. Yes, I’m telling you, fear him.

12:6 "Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. 12:7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

12:6 "Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not a single one is forgotten by God. 12:7 But every hair on your head is counted. So don't be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."

12:8 "I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; 12:9 but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 12:10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 12:11 When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don't be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say."

12:8 "I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me in front of others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God; 12:9 but anyone who rejects me in front of others will be rejected in front of the angels of God. 12:10 Everyone who says something against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but those who insult the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 12:11 When they take you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t worry about how or what you should respond or say; 12:12 because the Holy Spirit will guide you at that moment on what to say."

12:13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

12:13 One of the many said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me."

12:14 But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" 12:15 He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."

12:14 But he replied, "Who appointed me as your judge or mediator?" 12:15 He warned them, "Watch out! Stay away from greed, because a person's life isn't defined by how much they own."

12:16 He spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. 12:17 He reasoned within himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I don't have room to store my crops?' 12:18 He said, 'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 12:19 I will tell my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry."'

12:16 He told them a story, saying, "The land of a certain wealthy man produced a huge harvest. 12:17 He thought to himself, saying, 'What should I do? I don't have enough space to store my crops.' 12:18 He said, 'This is what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I'll store all my grain and goods. 12:19 I'll say to my soul, "Soul, you have plenty of good stuff saved up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."'

12:20 "But God said to him, 'You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared--whose will they be?' 12:21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

12:20 "But God said to him, 'You fool, tonight your life will be taken from you. The things you've saved up—who will they belong to?' 12:21 That’s how it is for those who store up wealth for themselves but aren’t rich toward God."

12:22 He said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. 12:23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 12:24 Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! 12:25 Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? 12:26 If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 12:28 But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? 12:29 Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. 12:30 For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. 12:31 But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. 12:32 Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. 12:33 Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

12:22 He said to his disciples, "So I tell you, don't worry about your life, what you'll eat, or about your body, what you'll wear. 12:23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. 12:24 Look at the ravens: they don’t plant or harvest, they have no storeroom or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! 12:25 Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 12:26 If you can’t do even the smallest things, why worry about the rest? 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t work or spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. 12:28 But if that’s how God clothes the grass in the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? 12:29 Don't worry about what you will eat or drink; don’t be anxious. 12:30 The nations of the world seek after all these things, but your Father knows that you need them. 12:31 Instead, seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well. 12:32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. 12:33 Sell what you have and give to those in need. Make for yourselves bags that won’t wear out, a treasure in heaven that never fails, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

12:35 "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning. 12:36 Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. 12:38 They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. 12:39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. 12:40 Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don't expect him."

12:35 "Keep your waist tight and your lamps lit. 12:36 Be like servants waiting for their master to come back from the wedding feast; so that when he arrives and knocks, they can open the door for him right away. 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds alert when he arrives. I truly tell you, he will dress himself, have them lounge, and will come and serve them. 12:38 They’ll be blessed if he comes during the second or third watch and finds them ready. 12:39 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 12:40 So be prepared, because the Son of Man will come at a time you don't expect."

12:41 Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?"

12:41 Peter asked him, "Lord, are you sharing this parable with us, or with everyone?"

12:42 The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. 12:44 Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. 12:45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, 12:46 then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn't expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn't know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. 12:47 That servant, who knew his lord's will, and didn't prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, 12:48 but he who didn't know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.

12:42 The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will put in charge of his household to give them their share of food at the right times? 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he arrives. 12:44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 12:45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time to come,' and begins to beat the other servants and to eat and drink and get drunk, 12:46 then the master of that servant will come on a day when he doesn't expect him, and at an hour he doesn't know, and will cut him in two and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 12:47 That servant who knew his master's will and didn't prepare or act according to his wishes will be beaten severely, 12:48 but the one who didn't know and did things deserving punishment will be beaten lightly. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

12:49 "I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 12:51 Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. 12:52 For from now on, there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 12:53 They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

12:49 "I came to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning. 12:50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and I'm so stressed until it's done! 12:51 Do you think I've come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 12:52 From now on, there will be five people in one house divided: three against two and two against three. 12:53 They will be divided—father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

12:54 He said to the multitudes also, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens. 12:55 When a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens. 12:56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don't interpret this time? 12:57 Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? 12:58 For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 12:59 I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."

12:54 He said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, you immediately say, 'A rainstorm is coming,' and it happens. 12:55 When a south wind blows, you say, 'It’s going to be really hot,' and it happens. 12:56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the signs of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you can't interpret this moment? 12:57 Why don’t you decide for yourselves what is right? 12:58 Because when you are on your way with your opponent to appear before the judge, make an effort along the way to settle with him, or else he might drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 12:59 I tell you, you won't get out of there until you have paid the very last penny."

13:1 Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 13:2 Jesus answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 13:3 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 13:4 Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? 13:5 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way."

13:1 At that moment, some people were present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 13:2 Jesus replied, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered like this? 13:3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 13:4 And what about those eighteen people the tower in Siloam fell on and killed? Do you think they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 13:5 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way."

13:6 He spoke this parable. "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. 13:7 He said to the vine dresser, 'Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?' 13:8 He answered, 'Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it. 13:9 If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.'"

13:6 He told this story. "There was a man who had a fig tree in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. 13:7 He said to the gardener, 'Look, for three years I've come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and haven't found any. Cut it down. Why let it take up space in the ground?' 13:8 The gardener replied, 'Sir, give it one more year. Let me dig around it and add some fertilizer. 13:9 If it produces fruit, great; but if not, then you can cut it down.'"

13:10 He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. 13:11 Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and she was bent over, and could in no way straighten herself up. 13:12 When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." 13:13 He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight, and glorified God.

13:10 He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 13:11 Look, there was a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years; she was hunched over and couldn’t straighten up at all. 13:12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are free from your sickness." 13:13 He placed his hands on her, and instantly she stood up straight and praised God.

13:14 The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, "There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!"

13:14 The leader of the synagogue, angry because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, "There are six days for people to work. So come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath!"

13:15 Therefore the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead him away to water? 13:16 Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?"

13:15 So the Lord replied to him, "You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you untie your ox or donkey from the stall on the Sabbath and take it to water? 13:16 Shouldn't this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be set free from this bondage on the Sabbath?"

13:17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed, and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

13:17 As he said this, all his opponents were let down, and the crowd celebrated all the amazing things he had done.

13:18 He said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it? 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and put in his own garden. It grew, and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky lodged in its branches."

13:18 He said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I explain it? 13:19 It's like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his own garden. It grew and became a big tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches."

13:20 Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 13:21 It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

13:20 Again he said, "What can I compare the Kingdom of God to? 13:21 It's like yeast that a woman mixed into three measures of flour, until everything was risen."

13:22 He went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and traveling on to Jerusalem. 13:23 One said to him, "Lord, are they few who are saved?"

13:22 He traveled through towns and villages, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 13:23 One person asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"

He said to them, 13:24 "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. 13:25 When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' then he will answer and tell you, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' 13:26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 13:27 He will say, 'I tell you, I don't know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.' 13:28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets, in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves being thrown outside. 13:29 They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in the Kingdom of God. 13:30 Behold, there are some who are last who will be first, and there are some who are first who will be last."

He said to them, 13:24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to get in and won't be able to. 13:25 Once the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' he will answer you, 'I don't know you or where you’re from.' 13:26 Then you will start to say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' 13:27 He will reply, 'I tell you, I don't know where you’re from. Get away from me, all you evildoers.' 13:28 There will be weeping and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, while you are thrown outside. 13:29 People will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will take their places at the feast in the Kingdom of God. 13:30 Look, there are some who are last who will be first, and some who are first who will be last."

13:31 On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to him, "Get out of here, and go away, for Herod wants to kill you."

13:31 On that same day, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get out of here and leave, because Herod wants to kill you."

13:32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission. 13:33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can't be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.'

13:32 He told them, "Go and inform that fox, 'Look, I'm casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I’ll finish my work. 13:33 But I have to keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, because it’s not right for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'

13:34 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused! 13:35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"*

13:34 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How many times I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen brings her chicks under her wings, but you didn’t want that! 13:35 Look, your house is left empty. I tell you, you won’t see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"*

14:1 It happened, when he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching him. 14:2 Behold, a certain man who had dropsy was in front of him. 14:3 Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

14:1 It happened that when he entered the house of one of the Pharisee leaders on a Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching him closely. 14:2 Look, a man with dropsy was right in front of him. 14:3 Jesus, responding, asked the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?"

14:4 But they were silent.

But they stayed quiet.

He took him, and healed him, and let him go. 14:5 He answered them, "Which of you, if your son or an ox fell into a well, wouldn't immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?"

He took him, healed him, and let him go. 14:5 He answered them, "Which of you, if your son or an ox fell into a well, wouldn't immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?"

14:6 They couldn't answer him regarding these things.

14:6 They couldn't respond to him about these things.

14:7 He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them, 14:8 "When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, don't sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him, 14:9 and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, 'Make room for this person.' Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. 14:10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

14:7 He shared a story with those who were invited, noticing how they chose the best seats, and said to them, 14:8 "When you get invited to a wedding, don’t take the best seat, because someone more important than you might also be invited by the host. 14:9 If that happens, the host will come over and tell you, 'Make room for this person.' Then you would have to awkwardly move to the lowest place. 14:10 Instead, when you get invited, go sit in the lowest seat, so when the host comes, he might say, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in front of everyone else at the table. 14:11 Because everyone who lifts themselves up will be brought down, and whoever lowers themselves will be lifted up."

14:12 He also said to the one who had invited him, "When you make a dinner or a supper, don't call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back. 14:13 But when you make a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind; 14:14 and you will be blessed, because they don't have the resources to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous."

14:12 He also said to the one who had invited him, "When you throw a dinner or a party, don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors, because they might just invite you back in return. 14:13 Instead, when you host a feast, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, or the blind; 14:14 and you will be blessed, since they can’t repay you. You will be rewarded in the resurrection of the righteous."

14:15 When one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will feast in the Kingdom of God!"

14:15 When one of the people sitting at the table with him heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the Kingdom of God!"

14:16 But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people. 14:17 He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, 'Come, for everything is ready now.' 14:18 They all as one began to make excuses.

14:16 But he said to him, "A man hosted a big dinner and invited a lot of people. 14:17 He sent his servant out at dinner time to tell the guests, 'Come, everything is ready now.' 14:18 They all started making excuses.

"The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.'

"The first said to him, 'I bought a field, and I need to go take a look at it. Please excuse me.'"

14:19 "Another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go try them out. Please have me excused.'

14:19 "Another said, 'I’ve bought five teams of oxen, and I need to go test them out. Please excuse me.'"

14:20 "Another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I can't come.'

14:20 "Another said, 'I got married, so I can't come.'"

14:21 "That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, maimed, blind, and lame.'

14:21 "That servant came and told his master these things. Then the head of the house, feeling angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, disabled, blind, and lame.'"

14:22 "The servant said, 'Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.'

14:22 "The servant said, 'Master, it's done as you instructed, and there's still space.'"

14:23 "The lord said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 14:24 For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.'"

14:23 "The master said to the servant, 'Go out on the roads and in the back alleys, and make sure they come in so my house can be full. 14:24 I assure you that none of the men who were invited will get to enjoy my dinner.'"

14:25 Now great multitudes were going with him. He turned and said to them, 14:26 "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple. 14:27 Whoever doesn't bear his own cross, and come after me, can't be my disciple. 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? 14:29 Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, 14:30 saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.' 14:31 Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace. 14:33 So therefore whoever of you who doesn't renounce all that he has, he can't be my disciple. 14:34 Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it? 14:35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

14:25 Large crowds were following him. He turned and said to them, 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and doesn’t hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—yes, even his own life—he can’t be my disciple. 14:27 Anyone who doesn’t carry his own cross and follow me can’t be my disciple. 14:28 Which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and figure out the cost to see if he has enough to finish it? 14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and can’t finish, everyone who sees it will start to mock him, 14:30 saying, 'This man started building and wasn’t able to finish.' 14:31 Or what king, as he goes to confront another king in battle, won’t sit down first and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 14:32 Or else, while the other is still a long way off, he sends a message to ask for terms of peace. 14:33 So, in the same way, anyone who doesn’t give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. 14:34 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? 14:35 It’s not useful for the soil or for the manure pile; it’s thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him. 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them."

15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around him to listen. 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes complained, saying, "This man celebrates sinners and shares meals with them."

15:3 He told them this parable. 15:4 "Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? 15:5 When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 15:6 When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. 15:8 Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma coin, wouldn't light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it? 15:9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.' 15:10 Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."

15:3 He shared this story with them. 15:4 "Which of you, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until you found it? 15:5 When you find it, you carry it on your shoulders, celebrating. 15:6 When you get home, you call your friends and neighbors together, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, because I found my lost sheep!' 15:7 I tell you, there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need to repent. 15:8 Or what woman, if she has ten coins and loses one, wouldn’t light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 15:9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, because I found the coin I lost.' 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there’s joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

15:11 He said, "A certain man had two sons. 15:12 The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of your property.' He divided his livelihood between them. 15:13 Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. 15:14 When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. 15:15 He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 15:16 He wanted to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any. 15:17 But when he came to himself he said, 'How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough to spare, and I'm dying with hunger! 15:18 I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. 15:19 I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants."'

15:11 He said, "A certain man had two sons. 15:12 The younger one said to his father, 'Dad, give me my share of your estate.' So, he divided his wealth between them. 15:13 Not long after, the younger son gathered everything and traveled to a distant country. There he squandered his wealth in wild living. 15:14 After he had spent it all, a severe famine hit that country, and he began to be in need. 15:15 He went and found a job with one of the locals, who sent him into the fields to feed pigs. 15:16 He was so hungry that he wished he could eat the pods the pigs were feeding on, but no one gave him anything. 15:17 Finally, he came to his senses and said, 'How many hired hands at my father's place have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 15:18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, "Dad, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired hands."'

15:20 "He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 15:21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

15:20 "He got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, hugged him, and kissed him. 15:21 The son said to him, 'Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and against you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.'

15:22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 15:23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate; 15:24 for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.' They began to celebrate.

15:22 "But the father told his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 15:23 Bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; 15:24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.' They started to celebrate.

15:25 "Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 15:26 He called one of the servants to him, and asked what was going on. 15:27 He said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.' 15:28 But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him. 15:29 But he answered his father, 'Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 15:30 But when this, your son, came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'

15:25 "Now his older son was in the fields. As he got closer to the house, he heard music and dancing. 15:26 He called one of the servants over and asked what was happening. 15:27 The servant said, 'Your brother has come home, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 15:28 But he was angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 15:29 But he replied to his father, 'Look, all these years I’ve worked for you, and I never disobeyed any of your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 15:30 But when this son of yours came back, who wasted your money on prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'

15:31 "He said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 15:32 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.'"

15:31 "He said to him, 'Son, you’re always with me, and everything I have is yours. 15:32 But it’s right to celebrate and be happy, because this brother of yours was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.'"

16:1 He also said to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 16:2 He called him, and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'

16:1 He also said to his disciples, "There was a wealthy man who had a manager. Someone reported to him that this manager was wasting his assets. 16:2 He called him in and said, 'What is this I hear about you? Give me a report on your management, because you can no longer be the manager.'"

16:3 "The manager said within himself, 'What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don't have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. 16:4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.' 16:5 Calling each one of his lord's debtors to him, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe to my lord?' 16:6 He said, 'A hundred batos of oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 16:7 Then said he to another, 'How much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred cors of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

16:3 "The manager thought to himself, 'What am I going to do now that my boss is removing me from my position? I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m too embarrassed to beg. 16:4 I know what I’ll do so that when I lose my job, I’ll have people to welcome me into their homes.' 16:5 He called in each of his boss’s debtors and asked the first one, 'How much do you owe my boss?' 16:6 The debtor replied, 'A certain amount of oil.' The manager said, 'Take your bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 16:7 Then he asked another, 'How much do you owe?' The debtor answered, 'A certain amount of wheat.' The manager said, 'Take your bill and write eighty.'

16:8 "His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. 16:9 I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents. 16:10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 16:11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 16:12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and mammon."

16:8 "His master praised the dishonest manager because he had acted wisely, for the people of this world are, in their own generation, smarter than the people of the light. 16:9 I tell you, make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth, so that when it runs out, they may welcome you into eternal dwellings. 16:10 Whoever is faithful in small matters is also faithful in large ones. Whoever is dishonest in small matters is also dishonest in larger ones. 16:11 So if you haven't been trustworthy with worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 16:12 If you haven't been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for he will either hate the one and love the other; or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

16:14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him. 16:15 He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John. From that time the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 16:17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall. 16:18 Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.

16:14 The Pharisees, who loved money, also heard all these things and mocked him. 16:15 He said to them, "You justify yourselves in front of others, but God knows what’s in your hearts. What people value is detestable to God. 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John. From that point on, the Good News of the Kingdom of God is being shared, and everyone is trying to get in. 16:17 But it’s easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for a single stroke of a pen in the law to change. 16:18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. Anyone who marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery.

16:19 "Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. 16:20 A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 16:22 It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. 16:23 In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. 16:24 He cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.'

16:19 "There was a wealthy man who dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 16:20 At his gate, a beggar named Lazarus was laid, covered in sores, 16:21 longing to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 16:22 Eventually, the beggar died and was carried away by angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 16:23 In Hades, he looked up in agony and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 16:24 He shouted, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I’m suffering in this fire!'"

16:25 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. 16:26 Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.'

16:25 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that during your life you had good things, while Lazarus had bad things. Now he is being comforted here, and you are in pain. 16:26 Plus, there’s a huge gap between us, so those who want to move from here to you can’t, and none can cross over from there to us.'"

16:27 "He said, 'I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; 16:28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won't also come into this place of torment.'

16:27 "He said, 'So, I’m asking you, dad, to send him to my dad’s place; 16:28 because I have five brothers, and he should warn them so they don’t end up in this place of suffering.'

16:29 "But Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.'

16:29 "But Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets. They should listen to them.'"

16:30 "He said, 'No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'

16:30 "He said, 'No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will change their minds.'"

16:31 "He said to him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.'"

16:31 "He said to him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be convinced even if someone comes back from the dead.'"

17:1 He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come! 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 17:4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."

17:1 He said to the disciples, "It's inevitable that people will stumble, but how terrible it will be for the one who causes it! 17:2 It would be better for that person to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea than to make one of these little ones stumble. 17:3 Be cautious. If your brother wrongs you, confront him. If he changes his ways, forgive him. 17:4 If he wrongs you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Make our faith stronger."

17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 17:7 But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down at the table,' 17:8 and will not rather tell him, 'Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink'? 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. 17:10 Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.'"

17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a tiny mustard seed, you could tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would listen to you. 17:7 But which of you, having a servant who is plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, 'Come right in and sit at the table,' 17:8 instead of saying, 'Fix my dinner, get yourself ready, and serve me while I eat and drink. Afterward, you can eat and drink'? 17:9 Does he thank that servant for doing what he was told? I don’t think so. 17:10 Likewise, you also, when you have done everything that you were commanded, should say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.'"

17:11 It happened as he was on his way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. 17:12 As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance. 17:13 They lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

17:11 While he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing through the areas of Samaria and Galilee. 17:12 When he entered a certain village, ten men with leprosy met him, standing at a distance. 17:13 They shouted, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

17:14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." It happened that as they went, they were cleansed. 17:15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 17:16 He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. 17:17 Jesus answered, "Weren't the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 17:18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?" 17:19 Then he said to him, "Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you."

17:14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As they went, they were healed. 17:15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 17:16 He fell at Jesus' feet, thanking him; and he was a Samaritan. 17:17 Jesus asked, "Weren't ten of you healed? Where are the other nine? 17:18 Was there no one found to return and give praise to God except this outsider?" 17:19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well."

17:20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation; 17:21 neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you."

17:20 When the Pharisees asked him when the Kingdom of God would arrive, he replied, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with signs to be observed; 17:21 nor will they say, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' because the Kingdom of God is within you."

17:22 He said to the disciples, "The days will come, when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 17:23 They will tell you, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' Don't go away, nor follow after them, 17:24 for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in his day. 17:25 But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 17:26 As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. 17:27 They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 17:28 Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 17:29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. 17:30 It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 17:31 In that day, he who will be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back. 17:32 Remember Lot's wife! 17:33 Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. 17:34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left. 17:35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left." 17:36 *

17:22 He said to the disciples, "The days will come when you will wish to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. 17:23 They will say to you, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' Don’t go away or follow them, 17:24 because just as lightning flashes from one side of the sky to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 17:25 But first, he must suffer a lot and be rejected by this generation. 17:26 Just like in the days of Noah, it will be the same in the days of the Son of Man. 17:27 They were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage, until the day Noah went into the ark, and then the flood came and destroyed them all. 17:28 Similarly, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building; 17:29 but on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from the sky and destroyed them all. 17:30 It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 17:31 On that day, if someone is on the roof, with their belongings in the house, they shouldn’t go down to get them. And if someone is in the field, they shouldn’t turn back. 17:32 Remember Lot's wife! 17:33 Whoever tries to preserve their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will save it. 17:34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken, and the other will be left. 17:35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left." 17:36 *

17:37 They, answering, asked him, "Where, Lord?"

17:37 They replied, asking him, "Where, Lord?"

He said to them, "Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together."

He said to them, "Where the body is, there will the vultures be gathered."

18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, 18:2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. 18:3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' 18:4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, 18:5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"

18:1 He also told them a story to show that they should always pray and not lose hope, 18:2 saying, "In a certain city, there was a judge who didn't care about God and didn't respect people. 18:3 There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Check this out, I need you to help me against my opponent!' 18:4 For a while, he refused, but eventually he said to himself, 'Even though I don't care about God or people, 18:5 because this widow keeps bothering me, I'll help her; otherwise, she’ll keep coming and eventually annoy me to death.'"

18:6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

18:6 The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the unfair judge says. 18:7 Won't God take revenge for his chosen people, who are calling out to him day and night, while he remains patient with them? 18:8 I assure you, he will bring justice for them swiftly. But when the Son of Man arrives, will he find faith on the earth?"

18:9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. 18:10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 18:12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

18:9 He told this parable to some people who were sure of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else. 18:10 "Two men went to the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 18:11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed like this: 'God, I thank you that I’m not like the other people—crooks, evildoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 18:12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I earn.' 18:13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, wouldn't even look up to heaven, but beat his chest and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner!' 18:14 I tell you, this man went home justified rather than the other; for everyone who lifts themselves up will be brought low, but whoever humbles themselves will be lifted up."

18:15 They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 18:16 Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 18:17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

18:15 People were also bringing their babies to him so he could touch them. But when the disciples saw this, they told them off. 18:16 Jesus called them to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to those like them. 18:17 I assure you, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

18:18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?"

18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one--God. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"*

18:19 Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. 18:20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't lie,' 'Honor your father and mother.'" *

18:21 He said, "I have observed all these things from my youth up."

18:21 He said, "I've seen all these things since I was young."

18:22 When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me."

18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still have one thing missing. Sell everything you own and give it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me."

18:23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.

18:23 But when he heard this, he became very sad, because he was really wealthy.

18:24 Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

18:24 Jesus, noticing how upset he was, said, "It's really difficult for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God! 18:25 It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."

18:26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"

18:26 Those who heard it asked, "So who can be saved?"

18:27 But he said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

18:27 But he said, "What seems impossible for people is possible for God."

18:28 Peter said, "Look, we have left everything, and followed you."

18:28 Peter said, "Look, we've left everything to follow you."

18:29 He said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God's sake, 18:30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life."

18:29 He said to them, "I truly tell you, there is no one who has given up their home, spouse, siblings, parents, or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 18:30 who won't receive much more in this life, and in the age to come, eternal life."

18:31 He took the twelve aside, and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed. 18:32 For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on. 18:33 They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again."

18:31 He gathered the twelve together and said to them, "Look, we're heading to Jerusalem, and everything that the prophets have written about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 18:32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, humiliated, and spat on. 18:33 They will whip him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again."

18:34 They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn't understand the things that were said. 18:35 It happened, as he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging. 18:36 Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant. 18:37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 18:38 He cried out, "Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!" 18:39 Those who led the way rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "You son of David, have mercy on me!"

18:34 They didn't understand any of this. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t grasp what was being said. 18:35 As he was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging. 18:36 Hearing a crowd passing by, he asked what was happening. 18:37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 18:38 He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 18:39 Those in front told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

18:40 Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him, 18:41 "What do you want me to do?"

18:40 Standing still, Jesus told him to come over. When he got close, he asked him, 18:41 "What do you want me to do?"

He said, "Lord, that I may see again."

He said, "Lord, I want to see again."

18:42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."

18:42 Jesus said to him, "Get your sight back. Your faith has made you well."

18:43 Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.

18:43 Instantly, he could see again and followed him, praising God. Everyone who saw this praised God as well.

19:1 He entered and was passing through Jericho. 19:2 There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short. 19:4 He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. 19:5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." 19:6 He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. 19:7 When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, "He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner."

19:1 He entered and was passing through Jericho. 19:2 There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was wealthy. 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn't because of the crowd, since he was short. 19:4 He ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." 19:6 He hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. 19:7 When the crowd saw this, they all began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."

19:8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."

19:8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I’m giving half of my possessions to the poor. If I’ve cheated anyone, I’ll give them back four times what I took."

19:9 Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost."

19:9 Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this house because he too is a son of Abraham. 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost."

19:11 As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God would be revealed immediately. 19:12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 19:13 He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, 'Conduct business until I come.' 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to reign over us.'

19:11 When they heard this, he went on to tell a parable because he was close to Jerusalem, and they thought the Kingdom of God would show up right away. 19:12 He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return. 19:13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten mina coins, and said, 'Do business until I get back.' 19:14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to rule over us.'

19:15 "It happened when he had come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by conducting business. 19:16 The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.'

19:15 "It happened when he returned, having received the kingdom, that he summoned the servants he had given the money to, so he could find out what they had earned through their business dealings. 19:16 The first one came to him and said, 'Master, your mina has earned ten more minas.'

19:17 "He said to him, 'Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

19:17 "He said to him, 'Great job, you good servant! Since you were trustworthy with a small amount, you will be in charge of ten cities.'"

19:18 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.'

19:18 "The second came and said, 'Your mina, Lord, has earned five more minas.'"

19:19 "So he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' 19:20 Another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief, 19:21 for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.'

19:19 "So he said to him, 'You will be in charge of five cities.' 19:20 Another one came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina that I kept wrapped up in a handkerchief, 19:21 because I was afraid of you, since you are a tough manager. You take what you didn't put in and harvest what you didn't plant.'

19:22 "He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow. 19:23 Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?' 19:24 He said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.'

19:22 "He said to him, 'I'm judging you based on your own words, you wicked servant! You knew I'm a tough master, taking what I didn't put down and harvesting what I didn't plant. 19:23 So why didn't you put my money in the bank? When I returned, I could have received interest on it!' 19:24 He told those standing nearby, 'Take the mina from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.'"

19:25 "They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' 19:26 'For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him. 19:27 But bring those enemies of mine who didn't want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.'" 19:28 Having said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

19:25 "They said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas!' 19:26 'I assure you that to everyone who has, more will be given; but from those who don’t have, even what they do have will be taken away. 19:27 But bring those enemies of mine who didn't want me to be their king here, and execute them in my presence.'" 19:28 After saying this, he moved ahead, heading to Jerusalem.

19:29 It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, 19:30 saying, "Go your way into the village on the other side, in which, as you enter, you will find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat. Untie it, and bring it. 19:31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say to him: 'The Lord needs it.'"

19:29 As he got closer to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, 19:30 saying, "Go to the village on the other side. When you enter, you’ll find a colt tied up that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 19:31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell them, 'The Lord needs it.'"

19:32 Those who were sent went away, and found things just as he had told them. 19:33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 19:34 They said, "The Lord needs it." 19:35 They brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them. 19:36 As he went, they spread their cloaks in the way. 19:37 As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, 19:38 saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!* Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!"

19:32 The people who were sent went off and found everything just as he had said. 19:33 While they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 19:34 They replied, "The Lord needs it." 19:35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and placed Jesus on them. 19:36 As he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 19:37 As he was approaching the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly for all the amazing things they had seen, 19:38 saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!* Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!"

19:39 Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

19:39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell your disciples to stop!"

19:40 He answered them, "I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out."

19:40 He replied, "I promise you that if these people were quiet, the stones would shout out."

19:41 When he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, 19:42 saying, "If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. 19:43 For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side, 19:44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn't know the time of your visitation."

19:41 As he got closer, he saw the city and cried over it, 19:42 saying, "If only you had recognized what would bring you peace today! But now, it's all hidden from you. 19:43 The days are coming when your enemies will build a barricade against you, surround you, and trap you on all sides, 19:44 and they will crush you and your children to the ground. They won't leave a single stone standing on another because you didn't realize when I was visiting you."

19:45 He entered into the temple, and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, 19:46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,'* but you have made it a 'den of robbers'!"*

19:45 He walked into the temple and started to push out those who were buying and selling there, 19:46 telling them, "It's written, 'My house is a house of prayer,'* but you have turned it into a 'den of thieves'!"*

19:47 He was teaching daily in the temple, but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people sought to destroy him. 19:48 They couldn't find what they might do, for all the people hung on to every word that he said.

19:47 He was teaching every day in the temple, but the chief priests, the scribes, and the prominent leaders among the people were trying to get rid of him. 19:48 They couldn't figure out what to do because everyone was captivated by everything he said.

20:1 It happened on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, that the *priests and scribes came to him with the elders. 20:2 They asked him, "Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?"

20:1 One day, while he was teaching the people in the temple and sharing the Good News, the *priests and scribes came to him with the elders. 20:2 They asked him, "Tell us: what authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

20:3 He answered them, "I also will ask you one question. Tell me: 20:4 the baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?"

20:3 He replied, "I'll ask you one question too. Tell me: 20:4 Was John's baptism from heaven or from humans?"

20:5 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why didn't you believe him?' 20:6 But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 20:7 They answered that they didn't know where it was from.

20:5 They talked it over, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' 20:6 But if we say, 'From people,' everyone will stone us, because they're convinced that John was a prophet." 20:7 They replied that they didn't know where it was from.

20:8 Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

20:8 Jesus said to them, "I won't tell you what gives me the authority to do these things either."

20:9 He began to tell the people this parable. "A *man planted a vineyard, and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time. 20:10 At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat him, and sent him away empty. 20:11 He sent yet another servant, and they also beat him, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 20:12 He sent yet a third, and they also wounded him, and threw him out. 20:13 The lord of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.'

20:9 He started to share this parable with the people. "A *man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some farmers, and went away to another country for a long time. 20:10 At harvest time, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the vineyard’s produce. But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 20:11 He sent another servant, and they also beat him, treated him disgracefully, and sent him away empty. 20:12 He sent a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 20:13 The owner of the vineyard said, 'What should I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe they will respect him when they see him.'”

20:14 "But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' 20:15 They threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them? 20:16 He will come and destroy these farmers, and will give the vineyard to others."

20:14 "But when the farmers saw him, they talked among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Let's kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.' 20:15 They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. So what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 20:16 He will come and destroy those farmers and give the vineyard to others."

When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"

When they heard it, they said, "No way!"

20:17 But he looked at them, and said, "Then what is this that is written,

20:17 But he looked at them and said, "Then what does this say,

'The stone which the builders rejected,
the same was made the chief cornerstone?'*
20:18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces,
but it will crush whomever it falls on to dust."

20:19 The chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on him that very hour, but they feared the people--for they knew he had spoken this parable against them. 20:20 They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. 20:21 They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. 20:22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

20:19 The chief priests and the scribes wanted to arrest him right then, but they were afraid of the crowd because they knew he had told that parable against them. 20:20 They kept a close watch on him and sent out spies who pretended to be honest, hoping to catch him in something he said so they could hand him over to the governor's authority. 20:21 They asked him, "Teacher, we know you always speak and teach what is right, you don't show favoritism, but genuinely teach God's ways. 20:22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

20:23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test me? 20:24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?"

20:23 But he saw through their trickery, and said to them, "Why are you trying to test me? 20:24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?"

They answered, "Caesar's."

They replied, "Caesar's."

20:25 He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

20:25 He said to them, "So give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God."

20:26 They weren't able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent. 20:27 Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection. 20:28 They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. 20:29 There were therefore seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died childless. 20:30 The second took her as wife, and he died childless. 20:31 The third took her, and likewise the seven all left no children, and died. 20:32 Afterward the woman also died. 20:33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them will she be? For the seven had her as a wife."

20:26 They couldn't pin him down with his words in front of the crowd. They were amazed by his response and became silent. 20:27 Some of the Sadducees approached him, those who deny the resurrection. 20:28 They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife without children, his brother must marry her and raise children for him. 20:29 There were seven brothers in total. The first married a woman, and he died without kids. 20:30 The second married her, and he also died childless. 20:31 The third took her as well, and similarly, all seven died without leaving any children. 20:32 Eventually, the woman also died. 20:33 So, in the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven had married her."

20:34 Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry, and are given in marriage. 20:35 But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage. 20:36 For they can't die any more, for they are like the angels, and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 20:37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'* 20:38 Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him."

20:34 Jesus said to them, "People in this age get married and are given in marriage. 20:35 But those who are seen as worthy to reach that age and the resurrection from the dead neither get married nor are given in marriage. 20:36 They can’t die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 20:37 And that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the burning bush, when he called the Lord 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'* 20:38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him."

20:39 Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you speak well." 20:40 They didn't dare to ask him any more questions.

20:39 Some of the scribes replied, "Teacher, you're making good points." 20:40 They were too afraid to ask him any more questions.

20:41 He said to them, "Why do they say that the Christ is David's son? 20:42 David himself says in the book of Psalms,

20:41 He asked them, "Why do they say that the Messiah is the son of David? 20:42 David himself says in the book of Psalms,

'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand,
20:43 until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."'*

20:44 "David therefore calls him Lord, so how is he his son?"

20:44 "David calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?"

20:45 In the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, 20:46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts; 20:47 who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation."

20:45 In front of everyone, he said to his disciples, 20:46 "Watch out for the scribes, who like to wear fancy robes, enjoy being greeted in the marketplaces, sit in the best seats in the synagogues, and occupy the best spots at meals; 20:47 who exploit widows' homes, and pretend to pray for a long time: these will face harsher judgment."

21:1 He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 21:2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. 21:3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, 21:4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on."

21:1 He looked up and saw wealthy people putting their donations into the treasury. 21:2 He noticed a poor widow putting in two small brass coins. 21:3 He said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all of them, 21:4 because all these others gave gifts to God from their surplus, but she, in her poverty, gave everything she had to live on."

21:5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said, 21:6 "As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down."

21:5 While some were discussing the temple and its gorgeous stonework and offerings, he said, 21:6 "Regarding what you see here, there will come a time when not a single stone will be left standing on another; everything will be destroyed."

21:7 They asked him, "Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?"

21:7 They asked him, "Teacher, when is this going to happen? What sign will we see that these things are about to take place?"

21:8 He said, "Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them. 21:9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."

21:8 He said, "Be careful not to be misled, because many will come claiming to speak for me, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The end is near.' So, don’t follow them. 21:9 When you hear about wars and unrest, don’t panic, because these things must happen first, but the end won't come right away."

21:10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 21:12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name's sake. 21:13 It will turn out as a testimony for you. 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict. 21:16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death. 21:17 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake. 21:18 And not a hair of your head will perish.

21:10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 21:11 There will be huge earthquakes, famines, and plagues in many places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 21:12 But before all these things happen, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, taking you to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors because of my name. 21:13 It will turn out to be a testimony for you. 21:14 So make up your minds not to worry beforehand about how to respond, 21:15 for I will give you the words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. 21:16 You will be betrayed even by parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. They will put some of you to death. 21:17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. 21:18 But not a single hair on your head will be lost.

21:19 "By your endurance you will win your lives.

21:19 "By staying strong, you will save your lives.

21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand. 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein. 21:22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people. 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 21:26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 21:27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 21:28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its destruction is imminent. 21:21 Then let those in Judea escape to the mountains. Those in the city should leave. Those in the countryside should not enter it. 21:22 For these are days of revenge, so that everything written can be fulfilled. 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those nursing babies during those days! For there will be tremendous hardship in the land and anger toward this people. 21:24 They will fall by the sword and be taken captive to all nations. Jerusalem will be overrun by non-Jews until the time for them is fulfilled. 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth, nations will be anxious, confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves; 21:26 people will faint from fear and anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 21:27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 21:28 But when these things start happening, look up and lift your heads because your redemption is near."

21:29 He told them a parable. "See the fig tree, and all the trees. 21:30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 21:31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. 21:32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

21:29 He shared a story with them. "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 21:30 When they start to grow buds, you can see it and know for yourselves that summer is approaching. 21:31 Likewise, when you see these events occurring, understand that the Kingdom of God is near. 21:32 I assure you, this generation will not disappear until everything has happened. 21:33 Heaven and earth will fade away, but my words will never fade away.

21:34 "So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 21:35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 21:36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man."

21:34 "So be cautious, or your hearts will get weighed down with partying, drinking, and worries about life, and that day will catch you off guard. 21:35 It will come like a trap for everyone living on the earth. 21:36 So stay alert all the time, praying that you will be deemed worthy to avoid all these things that are coming and to stand before the Son of Man."

21:37 Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet. 21:38 All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.

21:37 Every day, Jesus taught in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain called Olivet. 21:38 All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to listen.

22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near. 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people. 22:3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve. 22:4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them. 22:5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money. 22:6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude. 22:7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 22:8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."

22:1 The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, was approaching. 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes were plotting how they could have him killed because they were afraid of the people. 22:3 Satan entered Judas, who was called Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples. 22:4 He left and spoke with the chief priests and captains about how he could betray him to them. 22:5 They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. 22:6 He agreed and looked for a chance to betray him when the crowd wasn’t around. 22:7 The day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 22:8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, so we can eat."

22:9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"

22:9 They asked him, "Where do you want us to set things up?"

22:10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 22:11 Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."

22:10 He told them, "Look, as soon as you enter the city, you’ll meet a man carrying a jug of water. Follow him to the house he goes into. 22:11 Tell the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Get everything ready there."

22:13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 22:14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles. 22:15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 22:16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." 22:17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves, 22:18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."

22:13 They went, found everything as he had said, and they got ready for the Passover. 22:14 When the time came, he sat down with the twelve apostles. 22:15 He said to them, "I really wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 22:16 because I tell you, I won’t eat it again until it’s fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." 22:17 He took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves, 22:18 because I tell you, I won’t drink from the fruit of the vine again until the Kingdom of God comes."

22:19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me." 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 22:21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22:22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"

22:19 He took bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 22:20 In the same way, he took the cup after dinner, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 22:21 But look, the hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table. 22:22 The Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!"

22:23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 22:24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 22:25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 22:26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 22:27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. 22:28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. 22:29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, 22:30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

22:23 They started to wonder among themselves which one of them would be the one to do this. 22:24 There was also an argument about who among them was the greatest. 22:25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations dominate over them, and those who have power over them are called 'benefactors.' 22:26 But that’s not how it should be with you. Instead, the greater among you should be like the younger, and the leader should be like one who serves. 22:27 For who is greater, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? Isn’t it the one who sits at the table? But I am here among you as one who serves. 22:28 Yet you are the ones who have stayed with me through my challenges. 22:29 I grant you a kingdom just as my Father granted me, 22:30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."

22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, look, Satan has asked to take you so he can test you like wheat, 22:32 but I prayed for you so that your faith won't fail. Once you've turned back, strengthen your brothers."

22:33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"

22:33 He said to him, "Lord, I'm ready to go with you to prison and even to death!"

22:34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."

22:34 He said, "I’m telling you, Peter, the rooster won’t crow today before you deny that you know me three times."

22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?"

22:35 He asked them, "When I sent you out without money, a bag, or shoes, did you miss anything?"

They said, "Nothing."

They said, "Nothing."

22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 22:37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with the lawless.'* For that which concerns me has an end."

22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, anyone who has a purse should take it, and if you have a wallet, grab that too. If you don’t have either, sell your coat and buy a sword. 22:37 For I tell you, what’s written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with the lawless.'* What concerns me has an end."

22:38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords."

22:38 They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."

He said to them, "That is enough."

He said, "That's enough."

22:39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. 22:40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."

22:39 He walked out and, as was his usual practice, headed to the Mount of Olives. His disciples followed him. 22:40 When he reached the location, he said to them, "Pray that you don't fall into temptation."

22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 22:42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

22:41 He was a short distance away from them, and he knelt down and prayed, 22:42 saying, "Father, if you’re willing, take this cup away from me. However, not my will, but yours, be done."

22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 22:44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, giving him strength. 22:44 In his agony, he prayed even harder. His sweat was like large drops of blood falling to the ground.

22:45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, 22:46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

22:45 When he got up from his prayer, he went to his disciples and found them sleeping because they were so sad, 22:46 and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you won’t fall into temptation."

22:47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him. 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

22:47 While he was still talking, suddenly, a crowd appeared, and Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him. 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you really going to betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 22:50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

22:49 When those around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, should we use our swords?" 22:50 One of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

22:51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"--and he touched his ear, and healed him. 22:52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 22:53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

22:51 But Jesus replied, "Let me at least do this"—and he touched his ear and healed him. 22:52 Jesus said to the chief priests, the temple guards, and the elders who had come to arrest him, "Have you come out against me like I’m a criminal, with swords and clubs? 22:53 When I was with you in the temple every day, you didn’t try to harm me. But this is your moment, and the power of darkness."

22:54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance. 22:55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. 22:56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him."

22:54 They grabbed him and took him away, bringing him to the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance. 22:55 After they had started a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 22:56 A servant girl noticed him as he sat in the light and, looking closely at him, said, "This man was also with him."

22:57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

22:57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

22:58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!"

22:58 After a short time, someone else saw him and said, "You’re one of them too!"

But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!"

But Peter replied, "No way, I'm not!"

22:59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!"

22:59 After about an hour had passed, another person confidently said, "This man was definitely with him, because he’s a Galilean!"

22:60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 22:61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord's word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times." 22:62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

22:60 But Peter said, "I have no idea what you're talking about!" Just then, as he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 22:61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered what the Lord had told him: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." 22:62 He went outside and cried hard.

22:63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him. 22:64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?" 22:65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

22:63 The men who were holding Jesus mocked him and hit him. 22:64 They blindfolded him and struck him on the face, asking him, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" 22:65 They said many other things against him, insulting him.

22:66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying, 22:67 "If you are the Christ, tell us."

22:66 As soon as it was morning, the group of elders from the people came together, including the chief priests and scribes, and they brought him to their council, saying, 22:67 "If you are the Messiah, tell us."

But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe, 22:68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go. 22:69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe, 22:68 and if I ask you, you definitely won't answer me or let me go. 22:69 From now on, the Son of Man will be sitting at the right hand of the power of God."

22:70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?"

22:70 They all asked, "So, are you the Son of God?"

He said to them, "You say it, because I am."

He said to them, "You say it because I am."

22:71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"

22:71 They said, "Why do we need any more witnesses? We've heard it directly from him!"

23:1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 23:2 They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."

23:1 The entire group stood up and took him to Pilate. 23:2 They started to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading the people, telling them not to pay taxes to Caesar, and claiming that he is Christ, a king."

23:3 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

23:3 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

He answered him, "So you say."

He replied, "That's what you think."

23:4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

23:4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I don't see any reason to charge this man."

23:5 But they insisted, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place." 23:6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 23:7 When he found out that he was in Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

23:5 But they insisted, saying, "He incites the crowds, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee right up to here." 23:6 When Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 23:7 After confirming that he was under Herod's authority, he sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time.

23:8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 23:9 He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 23:10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 23:11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 23:12 Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

23:8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was thrilled because he had wanted to see him for a long time, having heard many things about him. He was hoping to witness some miracle performed by him. 23:9 He asked him many questions, but Jesus didn’t reply. 23:10 The chief priests and the scribes stood there, accusing him fiercely. 23:11 Herod and his soldiers mocked and humiliated him. They dressed him in fancy clothes and sent him back to Pilate. 23:12 That day, Herod and Pilate became friends because they had been enemies before.

23:13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 23:14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 23:15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 23:16 I will therefore chastise him and release him."

23:13 Pilate gathered the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 23:14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me, claiming he is misleading the people. I've examined him in front of you and found no reason to charge him with the things you accuse him of. 23:15 Neither did Herod, since I sent you to him, and clearly, he hasn't done anything deserving of death. 23:16 So, I will punish him and release him."

23:17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. 23:18 But they all cried out together, saying, "Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!"-- 23:19 one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder.

23:17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. 23:18 But they all shouted together, saying, "Get rid of this man! Set free Barabbas!"-- 23:19 who had been imprisoned for a rebellion in the city and for murder.

23:20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, 23:21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify him!"

23:20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, 23:21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify him!"

23:22 He said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him." 23:23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. 23:24 Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. 23:25 He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.

23:22 He said to them for the third time, "Why? What has this man done that's so wrong? I haven't found any serious crime in him. So, I'll punish him and let him go." 23:23 But they kept shouting loudly, demanding that he be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests won out. 23:24 Pilate decided to do what they asked. 23:25 He released the prisoner who had been jailed for rebellion and murder, the one they wanted, but he handed Jesus over to their wishes.

23:26 When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. 23:27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 23:28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 23:29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 23:30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and tell the hills, 'Cover us.'* 23:31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"

23:26 As they led him away, they picked out a man named Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the countryside, and placed the cross on him to carry it behind Jesus. 23:27 A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were also mourning and crying for him. 23:28 But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me; cry for yourselves and for your children. 23:29 For look, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never gave birth, and the breasts that never nursed.' 23:30 Then they will start saying to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'* 23:31 For if they do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it's dry?"

23:32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 23:33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

23:32 There were also two other criminals who were taken with him to be executed. 23:33 When they arrived at the location known as The Skull, they crucified him there along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.

23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't understand what they're doing."

Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 23:35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!"

Dividing his clothes among them, they threw dice to decide who would get what. 23:35 The crowd stood by, watching. The leaders mocked him too, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself if he's really the Christ of God, his chosen one!"

23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 23:37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"

23:36 The soldiers also made fun of him, approaching him and giving him vinegar, 23:37 and saying, "If you're the King of the Jews, save yourself!"

23:38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

23:38 There was also a sign above him in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew that read: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

23:39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!"

23:39 One of the criminals who was executed mocked him, saying, "If you're the Messiah, save yourself and us!"

23:40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don't you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 23:41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 23:42 He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

23:40 But the other one replied and said, "Don’t you even fear God, since you’re facing the same punishment? 23:41 We deserve it because we're getting what we earned with our actions, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." 23:42 He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you enter your Kingdom."

23:43 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

23:43 Jesus said to him, "I promise you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

23:44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 23:45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 23:46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, he breathed his last.

23:44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness covered the whole land until the ninth hour. 23:45 The sun was shaded, and the curtain of the temple was ripped in two. 23:46 Jesus shouted with a loud voice, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" After saying this, he took his last breath.

23:47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man." 23:48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 23:49 All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

23:47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he praised God, saying, "This man was certainly innocent." 23:48 All the crowds that gathered to watch this, after seeing what had occurred, went home beating their chests. 23:49 All his friends and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching everything that was happening.

23:50 Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 23:51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for the Kingdom of God: 23:52 this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body. 23:53 He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 23:54 It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 23:55 The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 23:56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

23:50 There was a man named Joseph, a member of the council, who was good and righteous 23:51 (he had not agreed with their plan or actions). He was from Arimathaea, a Jewish city, and he was also waiting for the Kingdom of God. 23:52 This man went to Pilate and requested Jesus' body. 23:53 He took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been carved in stone, where no one had ever been laid before. 23:54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was approaching. 23:55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 23:56 They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath, they rested as the commandment instructed.

24:1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 24:3 They entered in, and didn't find the Lord Jesus' body. 24:4 It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 24:5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth.

24:1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others went to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 24:3 They went inside and didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. 24:4 While they were confused about this, suddenly, two men appeared next to them in bright clothing. 24:5 They became terrified and bowed their faces to the ground.

They said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 24:6 He isn't here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 24:7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?"

They said to them, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 24:6 He’s not here, but has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 24:7 saying that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people, be crucified, and on the third day rise again?"

24:8 They remembered his words, 24:9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. 24:10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 24:11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn't believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

24:8 They remembered his words, 24:9 came back from the tomb, and shared everything with the eleven and everyone else. 24:10 The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 24:11 These words sounded like nonsense to them, and they didn’t believe it. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Leaning in to look, he saw the strips of linen lying there by themselves, and he went home, wondering what had happened.

24:13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 24:14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 24:15 It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 24:17 He said to them, "What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?"

24:13 Look, two of them were heading to a village called Emmaus that was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 24:14 They were discussing everything that had happened. 24:15 While they were talking and debating, Jesus himself came up and walked with them. 24:16 But they were kept from recognizing him. 24:17 He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along, and why are you so sad?"

24:18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things which have happened there in these days?"

24:18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only person in Jerusalem who doesn't know what's been going on there lately?"

24:19 He said to them, "What things?"

He asked them, "What stuff?"

They said to him, "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 24:20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 24:21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 24:22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 24:23 and when they didn't find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24:24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn't see him."

They said to him, "The things about Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a powerful prophet in actions and words before God and all the people; 24:20 and how the chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death and crucified him. 24:21 But we were hoping he would be the one to save Israel. Yeah, and on top of all this, it's now the third day since these things happened. 24:22 Also, some women from our group surprised us; they went to the tomb early and 24:23 when they didn't find his body, they came back saying they had seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. 24:24 Some of us went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said, but they didn't see him."

24:25 He said to them, "Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 24:26 Didn't the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?" 24:27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 24:28 They drew near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.

24:25 He said to them, "You foolish people, and so slow to believe what the prophets have said! 24:26 Wasn't it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 24:27 Starting with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them everything in the Scriptures that was said about himself. 24:28 As they approached the village they were heading to, he acted as if he would go on further.

24:29 They urged him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over."

24:29 They begged him, saying, "Stay with us, because it's getting late and the day is nearly over."

He went in to stay with them. 24:30 It happened, that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 24:31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 24:32 They said one to another, "Weren't our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?" 24:33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 24:34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 24:35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

He went in to stay with them. 24:30 When he sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them. 24:31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and then he disappeared from their sight. 24:32 They said to each other, "Weren't our hearts burning within us while he talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures for us?" 24:33 They got up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, along with those who were with them, 24:34 saying, "The Lord has truly risen and has appeared to Simon!" 24:35 They shared what had happened on the road and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

24:36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

24:36 While they were talking, Jesus himself appeared among them and said, "Peace be with you."

24:37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

24:37 But they were scared and filled with fear, thinking that they had seen a ghost.

24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41 While they still didn't believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"

24:38 He said to them, "Why are you feeling troubled? Why do doubts come up in your hearts? 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s really me. Touch me and see, because a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones like I do." 24:40 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41 Even though they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything to eat?"

24:42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 24:43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled."

24:42 They offered him a piece of grilled fish and some honeycomb. 24:43 He took them and ate in front of them. 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you when I was still with you, that everything written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms about me has to be fulfilled."

24:45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 24:46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. 24:49 Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."

24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 24:46 He said to them, "This is what was written, and this is how it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 24:47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, starting in Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. 24:49 Look, I am sending the promise of my Father to you. But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are empowered from on high."

24:50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 24:51 It happened, while he blessed them, that he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. 24:52 They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 24:53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

24:50 He took them out to Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was lifted up into heaven. 24:52 They worshiped him and went back to Jerusalem filled with joy, 24:53 and they stayed in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12

Exodus 13:2,12

[2] back to 2:24 Leviticus 12:8

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 12:8

[3] back to 2:26 "Christ" (Greek) and "Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "Anointed One"

[3] back to 2:26 "Christ" (Greek) and "Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "Anointed One"

[4] back to 3:6 Isaiah 40:3-5

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:3-5

[5] back to 3:19 TR reads "brother Philip's" instead of "brother's"

[5] back to 3:19 TR reads "brother Philip's" instead of "brother's"

[6] back to 3:33 NU reads "Admin, the son of Arni" instead of "Aram"

[6] back to 3:33 NU reads "Admin, Arni's son" instead of "Aram"

[7] back to 4:4 Deuteronomy 8:3

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 8:3

[8] back to 4:8 Deuteronomy 6:13

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:13

[9] back to 4:11 Psalm 91:11-12

[9] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 91:11-12

[10] back to 4:12 Deuteronomy 6:16

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:16

[11] back to 4:18 NU omits "to heal the brokenhearted"

[11] back to 4:18 NU leaves out "to heal the brokenhearted"

[12] back to 4:19 Isaiah 61:1-2

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 61:1-2

[13] back to 6:26 TR adds "to you"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "for you"

[14] back to 6:26 TR adds "all"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "all"

[15] back to 6:38 literally, into your bosom.

literally, into your heart.

[16] back to 7:27 Malachi 3:1

[16] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Malachi 3:1

[17] back to 7:31 TR adds "But the Lord said,"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "But God said,"

[18] back to 8:3 TR reads "him" instead of "them"

[18] back to 8:3 TR reads "him" instead of "them"

[19] back to 8:10 Isaiah 6:9

[19] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:9

[20] back to 8:44 or, tassel

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, tassel

[21] back to 9:1 TR reads "his twelve disciples" instead of "the twelve"

[21] back to 9:1 TR reads "his twelve disciples" instead of "the twelve"

[22] back to 9:23 TR, NU add "daily"

add "daily"

[23] back to 9:31 literally, "exodus"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ literally, "exit"

[24] back to 10:1 literally, "before his face"

literally, "in front of him"

[25] back to 10:15 Hades is the lower realm of the dead, or Hell.

[25] back to 10:15 Hades is the underworld where the dead go, often referred to as Hell.

[26] back to 10:27 Deuteronomy 6:5

[26] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 6:5

[27] back to 10:27 Leviticus 19:18

[27] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[28] back to 12:5 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[29] back to 12:6 An assarion was a small copper coin worth about an hour's wages for an agricultural laborer.

[29] back to 12:6 An assarion was a small copper coin worth roughly an hour's pay for a farm worker.

[30] back to 12:59 literally, lepton. A lepton is a very small brass Jewish coin worth half a Roman quadrans each, which is worth a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of an agricultural worker's daily wages.

[30] back to 12:59 literally, lepton. A lepton is a tiny brass Jewish coin worth half a Roman quadrans each, which is worth a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of a farm worker's daily wages.

[31] back to 13:21 literally, three sata. 3 sata is about 39 litres or a bit more than a bushel

[31] back to 13:21 literally, three sata. 3 sata is around 39 liters or just over a bushel.

[32] back to 13:35 Psalm 118:26

[32] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:26

[33] back to 14:5 TR reads "donkey" instead of "son"

[33] back to 14:5 TR says "donkey" instead of "son"

[34] back to 15:8 A drachma coin was worth about 2 days wages for an agricultural laborer.

[34] back to 15:8 A drachma coin was roughly equal to two days' pay for a farmworker.

[35] back to 16:6 100 batos is about 395 litres, 104 U. S. gallons, or 87 imperial gallons.

[35] back to 16:6 100 A batos is about 395 liters, 104 U.S. gallons, or 87 imperial gallons.

[36] back to 16:7 100 cors = about 3,910 litres or 600 bushels.

[36] back to 16:7 100 cors = about 3,910 liters or 600 bushels.

[37] back to 16:13 "Mammon" refers to riches or a false god of wealth.

[37] back to 16:13 "Mammon" refers to wealth or a false idol of money.

[38] back to 16:23 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[39] back to 17:36 Some Greek manuscripts add: "Two will be in the field: the one taken, and the other left."

[39] back to 17:36 Some Greek manuscripts add: "Two people will be in the field: one will be taken, and the other will be left."

[40] back to 18:20 Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[40] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20

[41] back to 19:13 10 minas was more than 3 years' wages for an agricultural laborer.

[41] back to 19:13 10 Ten minas was over three years' pay for a farmworker.

[42] back to 19:29 TR, NU read "Bethpage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[42] back to 19:29 TR, NU read "Bethpage" instead of "Bethsphage"

[43] back to 19:38 Psalm 118:26

[43] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:26

[44] back to 19:46 Isaiah 56:7

[44] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 56:7

[45] back to 19:46 Jeremiah 7:11

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 7:11

[46] back to 20:1 TR adds "chief"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "head"

[47] back to 20:9 NU (in brackets) and TR add "certain"

[47] back to 20:9 NU (in brackets) and TR add "certain"

[48] back to 20:17 Psalm 118:22

[48] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:22

[49] back to 20:37 Exodus 3:6

[49] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 3:6

[50] back to 20:43 Psalm 110:1

[50] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:1

[51] back to 21:2 literally, "two lepta." 2 lepta was about 1% of a day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

[51] back to 21:2 literally, "two lepta." 2 lepta was about 1% of a day's pay for a farm worker.

[52] back to 21:8 or, I AM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, I AM

[53] back to 22:32 The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[53] back to 22:32 The word for "brothers" here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[54] back to 22:37 Isaiah 53:12

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:12

[55] back to 23:30 Hosea 10:8

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 10:8

[56] back to 23:44 Time was counted from sunrise, so the sixth hour was about noon.

[56] back to 23:44 Time was measured from sunrise, making the sixth hour roughly noon.

[57] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 3:00 PM

[58] back to 24:13 60 stadia = about 11 kilometers or about 7 miles.

[58] back to 24:13 60 stadia = approximately 11 kilometers or about 7 miles.














The Good News According to John

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. 1:6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 1:7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 1:8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 1:9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 Everything was created through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of humanity. 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 1:7 He came as a witness to testify about the light so that everyone might believe through him. 1:8 He was not the light, but he was sent to testify about the light. 1:9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him. 1:11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him. 1:12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: 1:13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 1:14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1:15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'" 1:16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 1:17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, but the world didn’t recognize him. 1:11 He came to his own, yet those who were his own didn’t receive him. 1:12 But to everyone who did receive him, he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: 1:13 who were born not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. 1:14 The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1:15 John testified about him. He called out, saying, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’" 1:16 From his fullness, we all received grace upon grace. 1:17 The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, he has made him known.

1:19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

1:19 This is John's testimony when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

1:20 He confessed, and didn't deny, but he confessed, "I am not the Christ."

1:20 He admitted it, not denying it, but he confessed, "I am not the Messiah."

1:21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?"

1:21 They asked him, "So what’s the deal? Are you Elijah?"

He said, "I am not."

He said, "I'm not."

"Are you the prophet?"

"Are you the prophet?"

He answered, "No."

He replied, "No."

1:22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

1:22 They asked him, "Who are you? What should we say to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

1:23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'* as Isaiah the prophet said."

1:23 He said, "I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord,'* just like the prophet Isaiah said."

1:24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 1:25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?"

1:24 The people who were sent were from the Pharisees. 1:25 They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing if you're not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet?"

1:26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know. 1:27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen." 1:28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

1:26 John replied, "I baptize with water, but there's someone among you whom you don't recognize. 1:27 He is the one who comes after me, who is greater than me, and I'm not even worthy to untie his sandal." 1:28 These events took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

1:29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1:30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.' 1:31 I didn't know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel." 1:32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. 1:33 I didn't recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' 1:34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

1:29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1:30 This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, for he was before me.' 1:31 I didn’t know him, but that’s why I came to baptize with water: so he could be revealed to Israel.” 1:32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit coming down like a dove from heaven, and it stayed on him. 1:33 I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize in water told me, 'The one you see the Spirit descending and remaining on is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 1:34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

1:35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 1:36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 1:37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 1:38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?"

1:35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 1:36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked by and said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" 1:37 The two disciples heard him and followed Jesus. 1:38 Jesus turned, saw them following, and asked, "What are you looking for?"

They said to him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?"

They asked him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

1:39 He said to them, "Come, and see."

1:39 He said to them, "Come and take a look."

They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 1:40 One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 1:41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter). 1:43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." 1:44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 1:45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 1:40 One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 1:41 He first found his brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which means Christ). 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon, son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas" (which means Peter). 1:43 The next day, he was determined to go into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." 1:44 Now, Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found the one that Moses wrote about in the law and the prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

1:46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

1:46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

Philip said to him, "Come and check it out."

1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael approaching and said about him, "Look, here’s a true Israelite, someone in whom there is no deceit!"

1:48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"

1:48 Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?"

Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

Jesus replied, "Before Philip called you, I saw you while you were sitting under the fig tree."

1:49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!"

1:49 Nathanael replied, "Teacher, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

1:50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" 1:51 He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

1:50 Jesus responded, "You believe just because I told you, 'I saw you under the fig tree'? You're going to see even greater things than that!" 1:51 He continued, "I assure you, you will see heaven open up, and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man."

2:1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2:2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 2:3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine."

2:1 On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2:2 Jesus was also invited, along with his disciples, to the wedding. 2:3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They don't have any wine."

2:4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come."

2:4 Jesus told her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time hasn’t come yet."

2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it." 2:6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 2:7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim. 2:8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it. 2:9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 2:10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!" 2:11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 2:6 There were six stone water jars there, used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding two or three metretes gallons. 2:7 Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." They filled them to the top. 2:8 He said, "Now draw some out and take it to the head waiter." So they did. 2:9 When the head waiter tasted the water that had been turned into wine, he didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom over 2:10 and said, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior after the guests have had too much to drink. But you have saved the best wine until now!" 2:11 This was the first of the signs Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and it revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

2:12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2:14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 2:15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. 2:16 To those who sold the doves, he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace!" 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up."*

2:12 After this, he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there for a few days. 2:13 The Jewish Passover was approaching, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2:14 He found people in the temple selling oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as money changers sitting there. 2:15 He made a whip out of cords and drove everyone out of the temple, including the sheep and the oxen; he scattered the money of the changers and overturned their tables. 2:16 To those selling doves, he said, "Get these things out of here! Don’t turn my Father’s house into a marketplace!" 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."*

2:18 The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?"

2:18 The Jews replied to him, "What sign do you show us since you’re doing these things?"

2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

2:19 Jesus answered them, "Tear down this temple, and in three days I’ll rebuild it."

2:20 The Jews therefore said, "Forty-six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days?" 2:21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 2:22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

2:20 The Jews then said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?" 2:21 But he was talking about the temple of his body. 2:22 So when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the message that Jesus had delivered.

2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 2:24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 2:25 and because he didn't need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

2:23 While he was in Jerusalem for Passover, many people believed in him during the festival, witnessing the miracles he performed. 2:24 However, Jesus didn't fully trust them because he knew all people, 2:25 and he didn't need anyone to tell him about human nature; he understood what was in a person’s heart.

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 3:2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him."

3:1 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader among the Jews. 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, because no one can perform the signs that you do unless God is with him."

3:3 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God."

3:3 Jesus answered him, "I truly tell you, unless someone is born anew, they can't see the Kingdom of God."

3:4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"

3:4 Nicodemus asked him, "How can someone be born when they're old? Can they go back into their mother's womb and be born again?"

3:5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3:7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 3:8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

3:5 Jesus replied, "I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, they can’t enter the Kingdom of God! 3:6 What is born of the flesh is flesh. What is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3:7 Don’t be surprised that I told you, 'You must be born again.' 3:8 The wind blows wherever it wants, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. That’s how it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

3:9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"

3:9 Nicodemus replied, "How can this be?"

3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 3:11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 3:12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 3:14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 3:15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 3:19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 3:20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 3:21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

3:10 Jesus replied, "Are you the teacher of Israel and still don’t understand these things? 3:11 I assure you, we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don't accept our testimony. 3:12 If I tell you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 3:13 No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 3:15 that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 3:16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 3:17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned. But whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 3:19 This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it for fear their deeds will be exposed. 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

3:22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 3:23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. 3:24 For John was not yet thrown into prison. 3:25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with some Jews about purification. 3:26 They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him."

3:22 After these events, Jesus went with his disciples into Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized people. 3:23 John was also baptizing in Enon near Salim because there was plenty of water there. People came and were baptized. 3:24 This was before John was imprisoned. 3:25 So, a discussion arose between John's disciples and some Jews about purification. 3:26 They came to John and said, "Rabbi, the man who was with you across the Jordan, whom you testified about, is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

3:27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. 3:28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' 3:29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 3:32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 3:33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 3:34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 3:35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 3:36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

3:27 John answered, "A person can receive nothing unless it has been given to them from heaven. 3:28 You yourself testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah,' but, 'I have been sent ahead of him.' 3:29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; and the friend who stands by and listens to him is filled with joy at the bridegroom's voice. This is why my joy is now complete. 3:30 He must become greater, and I must become less. 3:31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 3:32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. 3:33 The one who accepts his testimony has confirmed that God is true. 3:34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, and God's wrath remains on them."

4:1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 4:2 (although Jesus himself didn't baptize, but his disciples), 4:3 he left Judea, and departed into Galilee. 4:4 He needed to pass through Samaria. 4:5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. 4:6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 4:7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 4:8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

4:1 When the Lord found out that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 4:2 (even though Jesus wasn’t the one baptizing, but his disciples were), 4:3 he left Judea and went to Galilee. 4:4 He had to go through Samaria. 4:5 So he arrived at a city in Samaria called Sychar, near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 4:6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 4:7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 4:8 His disciples had gone into the city to buy food.

4:9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "Why are you, a Jew, asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (Because Jews don’t interact with Samaritans.)

4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water? 4:12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?"

4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you don't have anything to draw water with, and the well is deep. So where do you get that living water? 4:12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, along with his children and livestock?"

4:13 Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

4:13 Jesus replied to her, "Anyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 4:14 but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again; the water I provide will become a well within them, springing up to eternal life."

4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I don't get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw."

4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so I won’t get thirsty and have to come all the way here to draw it."

4:16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

4:16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back."

4:17 The woman answered, "I have no husband."

4:17 The woman replied, "I don’t have a husband."

Jesus said to her, "You said well, 'I have no husband,' 4:18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly."

Jesus said to her, "You’re right when you say, 'I have no husband,' 4:18 because you've had five husbands, and the man you're with now isn’t your husband. You’ve spoken the truth."

4:19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 4:20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."

4:19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I can tell you’re a prophet. 4:20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place to worship is in Jerusalem."

4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father. 4:22 You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. 4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers. 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the time is coming when you won’t worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 4:22 You worship what you don’t know. We worship what we know, because salvation comes from the Jews. 4:23 But the time is coming, and it’s now here, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, because the Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must do so in spirit and truth."

4:25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things."

4:25 The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming," (the one called Christ). "When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

4:26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who speaks to you." 4:27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you speak with her?" 4:28 So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people, 4:29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?"

4:26 Jesus said to her, "I am the one you're talking to." 4:27 At that moment, his disciples arrived. They were surprised that he was talking to a woman, but nobody asked, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you talking to her?" 4:28 So the woman left her water jug, went back to the city, and told the people, 4:29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?"

4:30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him. 4:31 In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

4:30 They left the city and were coming to him. 4:31 In the meantime, the disciples encouraged him, saying, "Teacher, eat."

4:32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you don't know about."

4:32 But he told them, "I have food to eat that you are unaware of."

4:33 The disciples therefore said one to another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?"

4:33 The disciples said to each other, "Has anyone given him something to eat?"

4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. 4:35 Don't you say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. 4:36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 4:37 For in this the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.' 4:38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven't labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

4:34 Jesus told them, "My nourishment comes from doing the will of the one who sent me and completing his work. 4:35 Don't you say, 'There are still four months until the harvest?' Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see that the fields are already ripe for harvest. 4:36 The one who harvests receives a paycheck and gathers fruit for eternal life, so both the one who sows and the one who harvests can celebrate together. 4:37 For in this, the saying holds true: 'One sows, and another reaps.' 4:38 I sent you to harvest what you didn’t work for. Others have done the hard work, and you have benefited from their labor."

4:39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, "He told me everything that I did." 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days. 4:41 Many more believed because of his word. 4:42 They said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

4:39 Many of the Samaritans from that city believed in him because of what the woman said when she told them, "He told me everything I ever did." 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them. He stayed for two days. 4:41 Many more people became believers because of his message. 4:42 They said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you said; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Christ, the Savior of the world."

4:43 After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee. 4:44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 4:45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast. 4:46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 4:48 Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe."

4:43 After two days, he left that place and went to Galilee. 4:44 Jesus himself said that a prophet is not respected in his own country. 4:45 So when he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all the things he did in Jerusalem during the festival, as they also attended the festival. 4:46 Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee, where he turned water into wine. There was a certain royal official whose son was sick in Capernaum. 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and begged him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. 4:48 Jesus then said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe."

4:49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 4:50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 4:51 As he was now going down, his servants met him and reported, saying "Your child lives!" 4:52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him." 4:53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." He believed, as did his whole house. 4:54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

4:49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, please come down before my child dies." 4:50 Jesus told him, "Go ahead. Your son is alive." The man took Jesus at his word and went on his way. 4:51 While he was on his way down, his servants met him and reported, "Your child is alive!" 4:52 He asked them what time he started to get better. They replied, "Yesterday at seventh hour, the fever left him." 4:53 So the father realized that it was at that moment when Jesus told him, "Your son is alive." He and his entire household believed. 4:54 This was the second sign that Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

5:1 After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 5:2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Bethesda," having five porches. 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; 5:4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was made whole of whatever disease he had. 5:5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be made well?"

5:1 After all this, there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 5:2 Now in Jerusalem, near the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Bethesda," with five covered porches. 5:3 In these lay a large crowd of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the water to be stirred; 5:4 for an angel of the Lord would come down at certain times into the pool and stir up the water. The first person to step in after the water was stirred would be healed of whatever illness they had. 5:5 One man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

5:7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, another steps down before me."

5:7 The sick man replied, "Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred, and while I'm trying to get there, someone else jumps in ahead of me."

5:8 Jesus said to him, "Arise, take up your mat, and walk."

5:8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, grab your mat, and walk."

5:9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked.

5:9 Right away, the man was healed, picked up his mat, and walked.

Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 5:10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."

Now it was the Sabbath that day. 5:10 So the Jews said to the man who was healed, "It's the Sabbath. You're not allowed to carry your mat."

5:11 He answered them, "He who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"

5:11 He replied to them, "The person who healed me told me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'"

5:12 Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"

5:12 Then they asked him, "Who told you, 'Pick up your mat and walk'?"

5:13 But he who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.

5:13 But the person who was healed didn't know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away, with a crowd in the area.

5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you."

5:14 Later, Jesus saw him in the temple and said, "Look, you’re healed. Don’t sin anymore, or something worse might happen to you."

5:15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 5:16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 5:17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is still working, so I am working, too." 5:18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 5:19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise. 5:20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 5:21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. 5:22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 5:23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn't honor the Son doesn't honor the Father who sent him.

5:15 The man left and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him. 5:16 Because of this, the Jewish leaders were persecuting Jesus and trying to kill him because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 5:17 But Jesus replied, "My Father is still working, and so I am working too." 5:18 Because of this, the Jewish leaders were even more determined to kill him, not only because he broke the Sabbath, but also because he called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 5:19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. 5:20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does. He will show him even greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to whoever he wants. 5:22 For the Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, 5:23 so that everyone may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

5:24 "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 5:25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God's voice; and those who hear will live. 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. 5:27 He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 5:28 Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, 5:29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 5:30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

5:24 "I assure you, whoever hears my message and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not face judgment, but has crossed over from death to life. 5:25 Truly, I tell you, the time is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 5:26 For just as the Father has life in himself, he has granted the Son to have life in himself as well. 5:27 He has also given him the authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 5:28 Don’t be surprised at this, for the time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice, 5:29 and will come out; those who have done good will rise to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil will rise to a resurrection of judgment. 5:30 I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just because I seek not my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

5:31 "If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. 5:32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. 5:33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 5:34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved. 5:35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 5:36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me. 5:37 The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. 5:38 You don't have his word living in you; because you don't believe him whom he sent.

5:31 "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony isn't valid. 5:32 It's someone else who testifies about me, and I know that what he shares is true. 5:33 You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. 5:34 But the testimony I receive isn't from humans. I mention these things so that you can be saved. 5:35 He was a blazing and shining light, and you were willing to find joy for a while in his light. 5:36 But my testimony is more significant than John's, because the works that the Father gave me to do, the very works I'm doing, testify about me that the Father has sent me. 5:37 The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have never heard his voice or seen his form. 5:38 You don't have his word living in you because you don't believe the one he sent."

5:39 "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. 5:40 Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life. 5:41 I don't receive glory from men. 5:42 But I know you, that you don't have God's love in yourselves. 5:43 I have come in my Father's name, and you don't receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 5:44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don't seek the glory that comes from the only God?

5:39 "You look through the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life; but they are the very ones that testify about me. 5:40 Yet you refuse to come to me so that you can have life. 5:41 I don’t seek honor from people. 5:42 But I know you; you don’t have God’s love within you. 5:43 I came in my Father’s name, and you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you’ll welcome him. 5:44 How can you believe when you seek glory from each other and don’t pursue the glory that comes from the only God?

5:45 "Don't think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 5:46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. 5:47 But if you don't believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

5:45 "Don’t think that I will bring you up to the Father. There’s someone who does that, and it’s Moses, the one you’re counting on. 5:46 If you really believed Moses, you’d believe me too because he wrote about me. 5:47 But if you don’t trust what he wrote, how are you going to trust what I say?"

6:1 After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias. 6:2 A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick. 6:3 Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. 6:4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 6:5 Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" 6:6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

6:1 After this, Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 6:2 A large crowd followed him because they saw the miracles he performed on sick people. 6:3 Jesus went up on a mountain and sat there with his disciples. 6:4 Now, the Passover, the Jewish festival, was approaching. 6:5 Jesus looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming toward him, and he asked Philip, "Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6:6 He asked this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do.

6:7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may receive a little."

6:7 Philip replied, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread isn't enough for them, so that everyone can have a little."

6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 6:9 "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?"

6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 6:9 "There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but how can that feed so many people?"

6:10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 6:11 Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. 6:12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost." 6:13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 6:14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, "This is truly the prophet who comes into the world." 6:15 Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

6:10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was a lot of grass in that area. So the men sat down, around five thousand of them. 6:11 Jesus took the loaves and, after giving thanks, he distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples passed them out to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish, giving them as much as they wanted. 6:12 When they were all full, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing is wasted." 6:13 They gathered the leftovers and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over from those who had eaten. 6:14 When the people saw the miracle that Jesus performed, they said, "This is definitely the prophet who is to come into the world." 6:15 Jesus, realizing that they intended to come and take him by force to make him king, went back to the mountain by himself.

6:16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 6:17 and they entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 6:18 The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing. 6:19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea,* and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. 6:20 But he said to them, "It is I. Don't be afraid." 6:21 They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

6:16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 6:17 and they got into the boat, heading across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not joined them. 6:18 The sea was rough because a strong wind was blowing. 6:19 After they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia,, they saw Jesus walking on the sea,* approaching the boat; and they were afraid. 6:20 But he told them, "It is I. Don’t be afraid." 6:21 They were eager to take him into the boat. Instantly, the boat was at the shore where they were headed.

6:22 On the next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one in which his disciples had embarked, and that Jesus hadn't entered with his disciples into the boat, but his disciples had gone away alone. 6:23 However boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 6:24 When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus wasn't there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"

6:22 The next day, the crowd that was on the other side of the sea noticed that there were no other boats there, except for the one the disciples had taken, and that Jesus hadn't gone with his disciples in the boat; they had left on their own. 6:23 However, boats from Tiberias arrived at the spot where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 6:24 When the crowd saw that Jesus wasn't there and neither were his disciples, they got into the boats themselves and went to Capernaum, looking for Jesus. 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

6:26 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. 6:27 Don't work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him."

6:26 Jesus replied, "I'm telling you the truth; you’re looking for me, not because you saw miracles, but because you ate the bread and were satisfied. 6:27 Don’t put your effort into food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For God the Father has marked him."

6:28 They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?"

6:28 They asked him, "What should we do to do the works of God?"

6:29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

6:29 Jesus replied, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

6:30 They said therefore to him, "What then do you do for a sign, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you do? 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'"*

6:30 They said to him, "So what sign are you going to perform so we can see and believe in you? What work are you doing? 6:31 Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness. As it's written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"*

6:32 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven. 6:33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."

6:32 Jesus said to them, "I assure you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father provides you with the true bread from heaven. 6:33 The bread of God is what comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

6:34 They said therefore to him, "Lord, always give us this bread."

6:34 They said to him, "Lord, always give us this bread."

6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 6:36 But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don't believe. 6:37 All those who the Father gives me will come to me. Him who comes to me I will in no way throw out. 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 6:39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 6:40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 6:36 But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don’t believe. 6:37 Everyone the Father gives me will come to me. I won’t reject anyone who comes to me. 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of the one who sent me. 6:39 This is the will of my Father who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me, but raise them up on the last day. 6:40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day."

6:41 The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, "I am the bread which came down out of heaven." 6:42 They said, "Isn't this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, 'I have come down out of heaven?'"

6:41 The Jews started complaining about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 6:42 They asked, "Isn't this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose parents we know? So how can he say, 'I have come down from heaven?'"

6:43 Therefore Jesus answered them, "Don't murmur among yourselves. 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 6:45 It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.'* Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me. 6:46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father. 6:47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life. 6:48 I am the bread of life. 6:49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 6:50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. 6:51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

6:43 So Jesus said to them, "Stop complaining among yourselves. 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up on the last day. 6:45 It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.'* So everyone who hears from the Father and has learned comes to me. 6:46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father. 6:47 Truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me has eternal life. 6:48 I am the bread of life. 6:49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness and they died. 6:50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat it and not die. 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, they will live forever. Yes, the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

6:52 The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

6:52 The Jews argued with one another, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

6:53 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don't have life in yourselves. 6:54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 6:55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 6:56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. 6:57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. 6:58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven--not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will live forever." 6:59 These things he said in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

6:53 Jesus then said to them, "I truly tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. 6:54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day. 6:55 For my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink. 6:56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 6:57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so the one who feeds on me will also live because of me. 6:58 This is the bread that came down from heaven—not like the manna our ancestors ate and died. Whoever eats this bread will live forever." 6:59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

6:60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?"

6:60 So many of his followers, when they heard this, said, "This is a tough statement! Who can accept it?"

6:61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 6:62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 6:63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. 6:64 But there are some of you who don't believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn't believe, and who it was who would betray him. 6:65 He said, "For this cause have I said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father."

6:61 But Jesus, aware that his disciples were complaining about this, said to them, "Does this offend you? 6:62 What if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh has no value. The words I speak to you are spirit and are life. 6:64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the start who did not believe and who would betray him. 6:65 He said, "That's why I told you that no one can come to me unless my Father has allowed it."

6:66 At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 6:67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?"

6:66 At this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 6:67 Jesus then said to the twelve, "You don't want to leave too, do you?"

6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 6:69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

6:68 Simon Peter replied, "Lord, where else could we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 6:69 We believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

6:70 Jesus answered them, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 6:71 Now he spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.

6:70 Jesus answered them, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve of you, and one of you is a devil?" 6:71 He was talking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, because he would be the one to betray him, even though he was one of the twelve.

7:1 After these things, Jesus was walking in Galilee, for he wouldn't walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. 7:2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand. 7:3 His brothers therefore said to him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do. 7:4 For no one does anything in secret, and himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world." 7:5 For even his brothers didn't believe in him.

7:1 After this, Jesus was walking in Galilee because he didn’t want to go to Judea, since the Jews were trying to kill him. 7:2 The Jewish festival, the Feast of Booths, was coming up. 7:3 His brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see the works you’re doing. 7:4 No one does anything in secret if they want to be known publicly. If you’re doing these things, show yourself to the world." 7:5 Even his brothers didn’t believe in him.

7:6 Jesus therefore said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7:7 The world can't hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil. 7:8 You go up to the feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled."

7:6 Jesus said to them, "My time hasn't come yet, but your time is always right. 7:7 The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I point out that its actions are evil. 7:8 You go to the festival. I'm not going to this festival yet because my time hasn't come."

7:9 Having said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee. 7:10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret. 7:11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, "Where is he?" 7:12 There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "Not so, but he leads the multitude astray." 7:13 Yet no one spoke openly of him for fear of the Jews. 7:14 But when it was now the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 7:15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How does this man know letters, having never been educated?"

7:9 After saying this to them, he stayed in Galilee. 7:10 But when his brothers went up to the festival, he also went up, not openly, but more like in secret. 7:11 The Jews were looking for him at the festival and said, "Where is he?" 7:12 There was a lot of murmuring among the crowds about him. Some said, "He's a good man." Others said, "No, he misleads the people." 7:13 Still, no one spoke openly about him for fear of the Jews. 7:14 But when the festival was halfway over, Jesus went up to the temple and began teaching. 7:15 The Jews were amazed and said, "How does this man know so much, having never been educated?"

7:16 Jesus therefore answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 7:17 If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself. 7:18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 7:19 Didn't Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?"

7:16 Jesus replied, "My teaching isn’t mine; it’s from the one who sent me. 7:17 If anyone wants to do his will, they will understand my teaching, whether it’s from God or if I’m speaking on my own. 7:18 Those who speak on their own seek their own approval, but those who seek the approval of the one who sent them are genuine, and there’s no wrongdoing in them. 7:19 Didn’t Moses give you the law, and yet none of you follows it? Why are you trying to kill me?"

7:20 The multitude answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?"

7:20 The crowd responded, "You have a demon! Who wants to kill you?"

7:21 Jesus answered them, "I did one work, and you all marvel because of it. 7:22 Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy. 7:23 If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath? 7:24 Don't judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

7:21 Jesus replied, "I performed one act, and you're all amazed by it. 7:22 Moses gave you circumcision (though it didn't originate with him, but from our ancestors), and on the Sabbath, you perform circumcision on a boy. 7:23 If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath to uphold the law of Moses, why are you upset with me for making a man completely well on the Sabbath? 7:24 Don't judge by what you see, but make fair judgments."

7:25 Therefore some of them of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this he whom they seek to kill? 7:26 Behold, he speaks openly, and they say nothing to him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is truly the Christ? 7:27 However we know where this man comes from, but when the Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from."

7:25 So some people in Jerusalem said, "Isn't this the guy they're trying to kill? 7:26 Look, he's speaking openly, and they're not saying anything to him. Could it be that the leaders actually know this is the Messiah? 7:27 But we know where this man is from, and when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he comes from."

7:28 Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, whom you don't know. 7:29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me."

7:28 Jesus then shouted in the temple, teaching and saying, "You know me and you know where I come from. I didn't come on my own; the one who sent me is real, and you don't know him. 7:29 I know him because I came from him, and he sent me."

7:30 They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 7:31 But of the multitude, many believed in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, he won't do more signs than those which this man has done, will he?" 7:32 The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.

7:30 They tried to seize him, but no one touched him because his time hadn't come yet. 7:31 However, many people in the crowd believed in him. They said, "When the Messiah comes, won't he perform more miracles than this man has done?" 7:32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering about him, and the chief priests along with the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.

7:33 Then Jesus said, "I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to him who sent me. 7:34 You will seek me, and won't find me; and where I am, you can't come."

7:33 Then Jesus said, "I’ll be with you for a little longer, then I’m going to the one who sent me. 7:34 You will look for me, but you won’t find me; and where I’m going, you can’t come."

7:35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, "Where will this man go that we won't find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 7:36 What is this word that he said, 'You will seek me, and won't find me; and where I am, you can't come'?"

7:35 The Jews started talking among themselves, "Where is this man going that we can't find him? Is he going to the Diaspora among the Greeks to teach them? 7:36 What does he mean when he says, 'You will look for me, but you won't find me; and where I am, you can't come'?"

7:37 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! 7:38 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water." 7:39 But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn't yet glorified.

7:37 On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and shouted, "If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink! 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture says, will have rivers of living water flowing from within them." 7:39 He was referring to the Spirit, which those who believed in him were going to receive. The Holy Spirit had not been given yet because Jesus had not been glorified.

7:40 Many of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, "This is truly the prophet." 7:41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "What, does the Christ come out of Galilee? 7:42 Hasn't the Scripture said that the Christ comes of the seed of David,* and from Bethlehem,* the village where David was?" 7:43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him. 7:44 Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him. 7:45 The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why didn't you bring him?"

7:40 Many of the crowd, when they heard these words, said, "This is definitely the prophet." 7:41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some questioned, "What, does the Christ come from Galilee? 7:42 Didn't the Scriptures say that the Christ comes from the line of David,* and from Bethlehem,* the town where David was?" 7:43 So a division arose among the crowd because of him. 7:44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one actually laid a hand on him. 7:45 The officers came back to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they asked, "Why didn't you bring him?"

7:46 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this man!"

7:46 The officers replied, "No one has ever spoken like this guy!"

7:47 The Pharisees therefore answered them, "You aren't also led astray, are you? 7:48 Have any of the rulers believed in him, or of the Pharisees? 7:49 But this multitude that doesn't know the law is accursed."

7:47 The Pharisees then replied to them, "You aren't being misled too, are you? 7:48 Have any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in him? 7:49 But this crowd that doesn't understand the law is cursed."

7:50 Nicodemus (he who came to him by night, being one of them) said to them, 7:51 "Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does?"

7:50 Nicodemus (the one who visited him at night, being one of them) said to them, 7:51 "Does our law judge a person without first hearing from them directly and understanding what they do?"

7:52 They answered him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.*"

7:52 They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Look into it and you'll find that no prophet comes from Galilee.*"

7:53 Everyone went to his own house, 8:1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 8:2 Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down, and taught them. 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the midst, 8:4 they told him, "Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. 8:5 Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such.* What then do you say about her?" 8:6 They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of.

7:53 Everyone went home, 8:1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 8:2 Very early in the morning, he returned to the temple, and all the people gathered around him. He sat down and taught them. 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. They placed her in front of everyone, 8:4 and said to him, "Teacher, we found this woman in the act of committing adultery. 8:5 In our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What do you say?" 8:6 They were trying to trap him so they could have something to bring against him.

But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger. 8:7 But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her." 8:8 Again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.

But Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 8:7 When they kept asking him, he looked up and said to them, "Let anyone here who is without sin throw the first stone at her." 8:8 He then bent down again and wrote on the ground with his finger.

8:9 They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle. 8:10 Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?"

8:9 When they heard this, they felt guilty and left one by one, starting with the oldest and continuing to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman in the middle. 8:10 Jesus stood up, saw her, and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?"

8:11 She said, "No one, Lord."

She said, "No one, Lord."

Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more."

Jesus said, "I don't condemn you either. Go on your way. From now on, don't sin anymore."

8:12 Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world.* He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

8:12 Again, Jesus said to them, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

8:13 The Pharisees therefore said to him, "You testify about yourself. Your testimony is not valid."

8:13 The Pharisees said to him, "You're speaking for yourself. Your statement isn't valid."

8:14 Jesus answered them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from, and where I am going; but you don't know where I came from, or where I am going. 8:15 You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one. 8:16 Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. 8:17 It's also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid.* 8:18 I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me."

8:14 Jesus replied, "Even if I speak for myself, my statement is true because I know where I came from and where I'm going; but you don't know where I came from or where I’m going. 8:15 You judge based on human standards. I don’t judge anyone. 8:16 But if I do judge, my judgment is accurate because I’m not alone; I’m with the Father who sent me. 8:17 Your law also states that the testimony of two witnesses is valid.* 8:18 I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me also testifies about me."

8:19 They said therefore to him, "Where is your Father?"

8:19 They asked him, "Where is your dad?"

Jesus answered, "You know neither me, nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 8:20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple. Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. 8:21 Jesus said therefore again to them, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can't come."

Jesus replied, "You don’t know me or my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father too." 8:20 Jesus said this in the treasury while he was teaching in the temple. But no one arrested him because his time had not yet come. 8:21 Jesus then said to them again, "I am leaving, and you will look for me, but you will die in your sins. Where I’m going, you can't follow."

8:22 The Jews therefore said, "Will he kill himself, that he says, 'Where I am going, you can't come?'"

8:22 The Jews therefore said, "Is he going to kill himself, since he says, 'Where I'm going, you can't follow?'"

8:23 He said to them, "You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. 8:24 I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins."

8:23 He told them, "You come from below. I come from above. You belong to this world. I do not belong to this world. 8:24 That's why I said to you that you will die in your sins; because unless you believe that I am he is, you will die in your sins."

8:25 They said therefore to him, "Who are you?"

8:25 So they asked him, "Who are you?"

Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 8:26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world."

Jesus said to them, "Just what I’ve been telling you from the start. 8:26 I have a lot to discuss and to decide about you. But the one who sent me is genuine; and the things I heard from him, these are what I share with the world."

8:27 They didn't understand that he spoke to them about the Father. 8:28 Jesus therefore said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. 8:29 He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn't left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."

8:27 They didn't get that he was talking to them about the Father. 8:28 So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, you'll realize that I am who I say I am, and I don't act on my own; I say what my Father taught me. 8:29 He who sent me is with me. The Father has not abandoned me because I always do what pleases him."

8:30 As he spoke these things, many believed in him. 8:31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."*

8:30 While he was saying this, many people put their faith in him. 8:31 Jesus then told the Jews who had faith in him, "If you stick to my teachings, you are really my followers. 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."*

8:33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, 'You will be made free?'"

8:33 They replied, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved by anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free?'"

8:34 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. 8:35 A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 8:36 If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 8:37 I know that you are Abraham's seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. 8:38 I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father."

8:34 Jesus replied, "I truly tell you, anyone who sins is a slave to sin. 8:35 A slave doesn’t stay in the house forever, but a son belongs there forever. 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be genuinely free. 8:37 I know you're descendants of Abraham, but you still want to kill me because my message has no place in you. 8:38 I speak about what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father."

8:39 They answered him, "Our father is Abraham."

8:39 They replied, "Our father is Abraham."

Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 8:40 But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this. 8:41 You do the works of your father."

Jesus said to them, "If you were really Abraham's children, you would act like Abraham. 8:40 But now you want to kill me, a man who has shared the truth that I heard from God. Abraham didn't behave like this. 8:41 You're acting like your father."

They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God."

They said to him, "We weren’t born out of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God."

8:42 Therefore Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven't come of myself, but he sent me. 8:43 Why don't you understand my speech? Because you can't hear my word. 8:44 You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father. 8:45 But because I tell the truth, you don't believe me. 8:46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 8:47 He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don't hear, because you are not of God."

8:42 So Jesus said to them, "If God were really your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and I’m here because He sent me. 8:43 Why can't you understand what I'm saying? It's because you can't accept my message. 8:44 You’re following your true father, the devil, and you want to do what he desires. He was a murderer from the start and doesn’t hold onto the truth, because there’s no truth in him. When he lies, he’s just being himself, because he’s a liar and the origin of lies. 8:45 But because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. 8:46 Which one of you can prove me guilty of sin? If I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 8:47 Those who are from God listen to God’s words. That’s why you don’t listen, because you don’t belong to God."

8:48 Then the Jews answered him, "Don't we say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon?"

8:48 Then the Jews replied, "Aren't we right in saying that you're a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?"

8:49 Jesus answered, "I don't have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 8:50 But I don't seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. 8:51 Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death."

8:49 Jesus replied, "I’m not possessed by a demon; I honor my Father, and you disrespect me. 8:50 However, I’m not after my own glory. There is someone who seeks and judges. 8:51 Truly, I assure you, if someone follows my teaching, they will never experience death."

8:52 Then the Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and you say, 'If a man keeps my word, he will never taste of death.' 8:53 Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The prophets died. Who do you make yourself out to be?"

8:52 Then the Jews said to him, "Now we know you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; and you say, 'If someone keeps my word, they will never experience death.' 8:53 Are you greater than our ancestor, Abraham, who died? The prophets died too. Who do you think you are?"

8:54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. 8:55 You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, 'I don't know him,' I would be like you, a liar. But I know him, and keep his word. 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad."

8:54 Jesus replied, "If I promote myself, my praise means nothing. It's my Father who praises me, the one you claim is our God. 8:55 You don't really know him, but I do. If I said, 'I don't know him,' I would be just like you, a liar. But I know him and follow his word. 8:56 Your ancestor Abraham was thrilled to see my day. He saw it and was happy."

8:57 The Jews therefore said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"

8:57 The Jews said to him, "You’re not even fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"

8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."

8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I tell you, before Abraham existed, I AM."

8:59 Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the temple, having gone through the midst of them, and so passed by.

8:59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden and left the temple, walking right through the crowd and passing by.

9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 9:2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

9:1 As he walked by, he noticed a man who had been blind from birth. 9:2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him. 9:4 I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work. 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 9:6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man's eyes with the mud, 9:7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing. 9:8 The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was blind before, said, "Isn't this he who sat and begged?" 9:9 Others were saying, "It is he." Still others were saying, "He looks like him."

9:3 Jesus replied, "This man didn't sin, nor did his parents; but this happened so that God's works could be shown in him. 9:4 I must do the work of the one who sent me while it’s still day. Night is coming when no one can work. 9:5 While I'm in the world, I am the light of the world." 9:6 After he said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and put it on the blind man's eyes. 9:7 Then he told him, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he went, washed, and came back able to see. 9:8 The neighbors and those who had seen him blind before said, "Isn’t this the one who sat and begged?" 9:9 Others said, "It’s him." Still others said, "He looks like him."

He said, "I am he." 9:10 They therefore were asking him, "How were your eyes opened?"

He said, "I am him." 9:10 They were asking him, "How did you get your sight back?"

9:11 He answered, "A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.' So I went away and washed, and I received sight."

9:11 He replied, "A man named Jesus made mud, put it on my eyes, and told me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went, washed, and got my sight back."

9:12 Then they asked him, "Where is he?"

9:12 Then they asked him, "Where is he?"

He said, "I don't know."

He said, "I don't know."

9:13 They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees. 9:14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 9:15 Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see."

9:13 They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. 9:14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 9:15 So the Pharisees asked him again how he had been healed. He replied, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I can see."

9:16 Some therefore of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, because he doesn't keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was division among them. 9:17 Therefore they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?"

9:16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man isn't from God because he doesn't observe the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a sinner perform such miracles?" There was a division among them. 9:17 So they asked the blind man again, "What do you think about him, since he opened your eyes?"

He said, "He is a prophet."

He said, "He's a prophet."

9:18 The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight, 9:19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"

9:18 The Jews didn’t believe that he had been blind and had regained his sight until they called his parents, 9:19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you claim was born blind? How is he now able to see?"

9:20 His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 9:21 but how he now sees, we don't know; or who opened his eyes, we don't know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself." 9:22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 9:23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age. Ask him."

9:20 His parents replied, "We know this is our son and that he was born blind; 9:21 but how he can see now, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He’s an adult. You can ask him. He can speak for himself." 9:22 They said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders; for the Jewish leaders had already decided that anyone who acknowledged him as the Messiah would be thrown out of the synagogue. 9:23 That’s why his parents said, "He’s an adult. Ask him."

9:24 So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner."

9:24 So they called the blind man back in and said, "Give praise to God. We know that this guy is a sinner."

9:25 He therefore answered, "I don't know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see."

9:25 He replied, "I don’t know if he’s a sinner. One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I can see."

9:26 They said to him again, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

9:26 They asked him again, "What did he do to you? How did he make you see?"

9:27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't also want to become his disciples, do you?"

9:27 He replied, "I already told you, and you didn't pay attention. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't want to become his disciples too, do you?"

9:28 They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 9:29 We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don't know where he comes from."

9:28 They mocked him, saying, "You're his follower, but we're followers of Moses. 9:29 We know that God spoke to Moses. But about this guy, we have no idea where he’s from."

9:30 The man answered them, "How amazing! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 9:31 We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, he listens to him.* 9:32 Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind. 9:33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

9:30 The man replied, "That's incredible! You don’t even know where he’s from, and yet he gave me my sight. 9:31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships him and does his will.* 9:32 Since the beginning of the world, no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. 9:33 If this man weren’t from God, he couldn’t do anything."

9:34 They answered him, "You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?" They threw him out.

9:34 They replied, "You were totally born in sin, and do you think you can teach us?" Then they kicked him out.

9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"

9:35 Jesus heard that they had kicked him out, and when he found him, he asked, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"

9:36 He answered, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?"

9:36 He replied, "Who is he, Lord, that I can believe in him?"

9:37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you."

9:37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and he is the one who is talking to you."

9:38 He said, "Lord, I believe!" and he worshiped him.

9:38 He said, "Lord, I believe!" and he worshiped Him.

9:39 Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, that those who don't see may see; and that those who see may become blind."

9:39 Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who don’t see can see; and those who see can become blind."

9:40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?"

9:40 Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, "Are we blind too?"

9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.

9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains.

10:1 "Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn't enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 10:2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 10:4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 10:5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don't know the voice of strangers." 10:6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn't understand what he was telling them.

10:1 "I'm telling you for sure, anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen through the door but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. 10:2 But the one who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls each of his sheep by name and leads them out. 10:4 When he has brought out all his own sheep, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 10:5 They won’t follow a stranger; they’ll run away from him because they don’t recognize the voice of strangers." 10:6 Jesus told them this parable, but they didn’t understand what he was saying.

10:7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep's door. 10:8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them. 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. 10:10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. 10:11 I am the good shepherd.* The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 10:12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn't own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. 10:13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn't care for the sheep. 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own; 10:15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 10:16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.* I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 10:17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,* that I may take it again. 10:18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."

10:7 Jesus said to them again, "I assure you, I am the door for the sheep. 10:8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them. 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters through me, they will be saved, and will go in and out, finding pasture. 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so they could have life and have it to the fullest. 10:11 I am the good shepherd.* The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 10:12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and runs away. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 10:13 The hired hand runs away because he is just a hired hand and doesn’t care for the sheep. 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me; 10:15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 10:16 I have other sheep that are not from this fold.* I must bring them too, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 10:17 That’s why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,* so I can take it back again. 10:18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and the authority to take it back again. I received this command from my Father."

10:19 Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words. 10:20 Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to him?" 10:21 Others said, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn't possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?"*

10:19 So, there was another split among the Jews because of what he said. 10:20 Many of them said, "He has a demon and is out of his mind! Why are you listening to him?" 10:21 Others replied, "These aren't the words of someone possessed by a demon. It can't be that a demon opens the eyes of the blind, right?"*

10:22 It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem. 10:23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon's porch. 10:24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

10:22 It was the Feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. 10:23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon's porch. 10:24 The Jews gathered around him and asked, "How long will you keep us guessing? If you are the Messiah, just say so clearly."

10:25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, these testify about me. 10:26 But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 10:28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and the Father are one."

10:25 Jesus replied, "I already told you, but you don't believe. The things I do in my Father's name are what testify about me. 10:26 But you don’t believe because you aren’t part of my flock, as I mentioned. 10:27 My sheep recognize my voice, I know them, and they follow me. 10:28 I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one can take them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than anyone. No one can take them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 The Father and I are one."

10:31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. 10:32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?"

10:31 So the Jews picked up stones again to throw at him. 10:32 Jesus replied, "I’ve performed many good deeds from my Father. For which of those deeds are you stoning me?"

10:33 The Jews answered him, "We don't stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God."

10:33 The Jews replied, "We're not stoning you for doing good things, but for blasphemy because you, as a man, are claiming to be God."

10:34 Jesus answered them, "Isn't it written in your law, 'I said, you are gods?'* 10:35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can't be broken), 10:36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You blaspheme,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God?' 10:37 If I don't do the works of my Father, don't believe me. 10:38 But if I do them, though you don't believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

10:34 Jesus replied, "Isn't it written in your law, 'I said, you are gods?' * 10:35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and Scripture cannot be broken), 10:36 are you saying about him whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God?' 10:37 If I don't do the works of my Father, then don’t believe me. 10:38 But if I do them, even if you don’t believe me, believe the works; so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father."

10:39 They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand. 10:40 He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and there he stayed. 10:41 Many came to him. They said, "John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true." 10:42 Many believed in him there.

10:39 They tried to grab him again, but he got away from them. 10:40 He left and went back across the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and he stayed there. 10:41 Many people came to him. They said, "John didn't perform any miracles, but everything he said about this man is true." 10:42 Many believed in him there.

11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha. 11:2 It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick. 11:3 The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, "Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection is sick." 11:4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God's Son may be glorified by it." 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 11:6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he stayed two days in the place where he was. 11:7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let's go into Judea again."

11:1 A man named Lazarus, from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha, was sick. 11:2 This is the same Mary who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was sick. 11:3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." 11:4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness will not end in death; it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 11:5 Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. 11:6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. 11:7 After that, he said to his disciples, "Let's go back to Judea."

11:8 The disciples told him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?"

11:8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews just tried to stone you, and are you really going back there?"

11:9 Jesus answered, "Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 11:10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light isn't in him." 11:11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep."

11:9 Jesus replied, "Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? If someone walks during the day, they won’t trip because they can see the light of this world. 11:10 But if someone walks at night, they will stumble because they don't have the light inside them." 11:11 He said this, and then added, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I'm going to wake him up."

11:12 The disciples therefore said, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover."

11:12 The disciples then said, "Lord, if he’s just sleeping, he’ll get better."

11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. 11:14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead. 11:15 I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let's go to him."

11:13 Now Jesus had talked about his death, but they believed he was just referring to resting in sleep. 11:14 So Jesus said to them directly, "Lazarus is dead. 11:15 I'm glad for your sake that I wasn't there, so you can believe. But let's go to him now."

11:16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go also, that we may die with him."

11:16 Thomas, also known as Didymus,, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go too, so we can die with him."

11:17 So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already. 11:18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. 11:19 Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 11:20 Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house. 11:21 Therefore Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn't have died. 11:22 Even now I know that, whatever you ask of God, God will give you." 11:23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

11:17 So when Jesus arrived, he found that he had already been in the tomb for four days. 11:18 Bethany was close to Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. 11:19 Many of the Jews had come to comfort Martha and Mary about their brother. 11:20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died. 11:22 But I know that even now, whatever you ask of God, God will give you." 11:23 Jesus replied, "Your brother will rise again."

11:24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

11:24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will come back to life in the resurrection on the last day."

11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. 11:26 Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if they die. 11:26 Those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

11:27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God's Son, he who comes into the world."

11:27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, God's Son, who has come into the world."

11:28 When she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying, "The Teacher is here, and is calling you."

11:28 After she said this, she went away and secretly called her sister Mary, saying, "The Teacher is here and wants to see you."

11:29 When she heard this, she arose quickly, and went to him. 11:30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. 11:31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 11:32 Therefore when Mary came to where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn't have died."

11:29 When she heard this, she quickly got up and went to him. 11:30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village but was at the spot where Martha met him. 11:31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, comforting her, saw that Mary got up quickly and went out, and they followed her, saying, "She's going to the tomb to cry there." 11:32 When Mary reached where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died."

11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 11:34 and said, "Where have you laid him?"

11:33 When Jesus saw her crying, along with the Jews who had come with her, he felt a deep pain in his spirit and was disturbed, 11:34 and asked, “Where have you put him?”

They told him, "Lord, come and see."

They said to him, "Lord, come and see."

11:35 Jesus wept.

11:35 Jesus cried.

11:36 The Jews therefore said, "See how much affection he had for him!" 11:37 Some of them said, "Couldn't this man, who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have also kept this man from dying?"

11:36 The Jews said, "Look how much he cared for him!" 11:37 Some of them said, "Couldn’t this guy, who made the blind see, have also prevented this man from dying?"

11:38 Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 11:39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone."

11:38 Jesus, feeling deeply moved again, arrived at the tomb. It was a cave, and there was a stone blocking the entrance. 11:39 Jesus said, "Roll the stone away."

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."

Martha, the sister of the man who had died, said to him, "Lord, there’s a bad smell now, because he has been dead for four days."

11:40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"

11:40 Jesus said to her, "Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"

11:41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 11:42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me." 11:43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

11:41 So they removed the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you for hearing me. 11:42 I know that you always hear me, but I said this for the sake of the people standing here, so they may believe that you sent me." 11:43 After he said this, he shouted, "Lazarus, come out!"

11:44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.

11:44 The man who had died came out, tied up hand and foot with strips of cloth, and his face was covered with a cloth.

Jesus said to them, "Free him, and let him go."

Jesus said to them, "Release him, and let him go."

11:45 Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. 11:46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done. 11:47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we doing? For this man does many signs. 11:48 If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

11:45 So many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did believed in him. 11:46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 11:47 The chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a meeting and said, "What are we going to do? This man performs many signs. 11:48 If we let him continue like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

11:49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 11:50 nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." 11:51 Now he didn't say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 11:52 and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 11:53 So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death. 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples.

11:49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, said to them, "You don’t know anything at all, 11:50 nor do you realize that it's better for us that one man die for the people rather than the whole nation perish." 11:51 He didn’t say this on his own; as the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 11:52 and not only for the nation but also to unite all the children of God who are scattered everywhere. 11:53 From that day on, they planned to have him killed. 11:54 So, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews but went away into the area near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples.

11:55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 11:56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that he isn't coming to the feast at all?" 11:57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.

11:55 The Passover of the Jews was approaching. Many people traveled from the countryside to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 11:56 They were looking for Jesus and discussing among themselves while standing in the temple, "What do you think—do you think he’s not coming to the feast at all?" 11:57 The chief priests and the Pharisees had ordered that if anyone knew where he was, they should report it so they could capture him.

12:1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 12:2 So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. 12:3 Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 12:4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, 12:5 "Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?" 12:6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it. 12:7 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. 12:8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don't always have me."

12:1 Six days before Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany, where Lazarus was, the one he had raised from the dead. 12:2 They prepared a dinner there for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 12:3 Mary then took a jar of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and anointed Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. The house was filled with the scent of the perfume. 12:4 But Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, one of his disciples who would betray him, said, 12:5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold for a lot of money and the proceeds given to the poor?" 12:6 He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he was in charge of the money bag and used to take what was in it. 12:7 Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She intended this for the day of my burial. 12:8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

12:9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 12:10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, 12:11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

12:9 A big crowd of Jews heard that he was there, and they came, not just for Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 12:10 However, the chief priests plotted to have Lazarus killed too, 12:11 because many Jews were leaving them and putting their faith in Jesus because of him.

12:12 On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 12:13 they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,* the King of Israel!"

12:12 The next day, a huge crowd had gathered for the feast. When they heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, 12:13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,* the King of Israel!"

12:14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 12:15 "Don't be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt."* 12:16 His disciples didn't understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. 12:17 The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it. 12:18 For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him."

12:14 Jesus found a young donkey and got on it. As it’s written, 12:15 "Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey's colt."* 12:16 His disciples didn’t understand this at first, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 12:17 The crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead was telling others about it. 12:18 For this reason, the crowd went and met him because they heard he had performed this miracle. 12:19 The Pharisees said to each other, "Look, you’re getting nowhere. The whole world is going after him."

12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast. 12:21 These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 12:22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus. 12:23 Jesus answered them, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 12:24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 12:25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 12:26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

12:20 There were some Greeks among those who went to worship at the festival. 12:21 They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 12:22 Philip went and told Andrew, and together they went to tell Jesus. 12:23 Jesus replied, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 12:24 I assure you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces a lot of fruit. 12:25 Whoever loves their life will lose it, and whoever hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 12:26 If anyone serves me, they should follow me; where I am, my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor them.

12:27 "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time. 12:28 Father, glorify your name!"

12:27 "Now my soul is troubled. What should I say? 'Father, save me from this moment?' But I came for this reason. 12:28 Father, glorify your name!"

Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

Then a voice came from the sky, saying, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."

12:29 The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."

12:29 The crowd that was standing there and heard it said it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."

12:30 Jesus answered, "This voice hasn't come for my sake, but for your sakes. 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 12:33 But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die. 12:34 The multitude answered him, "We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever.* How do you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up?' Who is this Son of Man?"

12:30 Jesus replied, "This voice wasn't for my benefit, but for yours. 12:31 The time for judging this world has come. Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out. 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to myself." 12:33 He said this to indicate the type of death he was going to face. 12:34 The crowd responded, "We've heard from the law that the Messiah lasts forever.* How can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

12:35 Jesus therefore said to them, "Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn't overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn't know where he is going. 12:36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light." Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them. 12:37 But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn't believe in him, 12:38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke,

12:35 Jesus said to them, "The light will be with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness doesn't catch up with you. Anyone who walks in the dark doesn’t know where they're going. 12:36 While you have the light, trust in the light, so you can become children of light." After Jesus said this, he left and hid from them. 12:37 Despite the many signs he performed in front of them, they still didn't believe in him, 12:38 so that the message of the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, which he said,

"Lord, who has believed our report?
To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"*

12:39 For this cause they couldn't believe, for Isaiah said again,

12:39 For this reason, they couldn't believe, as Isaiah said again,

12:40 "He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart,
lest they should see with their eyes,
and perceive with their heart,
and would turn,
and I would heal them."*

12:41 Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.* 12:42 Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn't confess it, so that they wouldn't be put out of the synagogue, 12:43 for they loved men's praise more than God's praise.

12:41 Isaiah said this when he saw his glory and spoke about him.* 12:42 Even among the leaders, many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they didn't admit it, fearing they would be expelled from the synagogue. 12:43 They valued human approval more than the approval of God.

12:44 Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 12:45 He who sees me sees him who sent me. 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 12:47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn't believe, I don't judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 12:48 He who rejects me, and doesn't receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. 12:49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 12:50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."

12:44 Jesus shouted, "Anyone who believes in me is not just believing in me, but in the one who sent me. 12:45 Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that anyone who believes in me won’t stay in darkness. 12:47 If anyone hears my words and doesn’t believe, I’m not here to judge them. I didn’t come to judge the world, but to save it. 12:48 The person who rejects me and doesn’t accept my words has someone to judge them. The word I spoke will be what judges them on the last day. 12:49 Because I didn’t speak on my own authority, but the Father who sent me gave me a command about what to say and how to speak. 12:50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So what I say is what the Father told me to say."

13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 13:2 After supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, 13:4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 13:5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 13:6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"

13:1 Before the Passover feast, Jesus, knowing that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father, loved those who were his own in the world and loved them fully. 13:2 After dinner, the devil had already influenced Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him. 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had put everything in his hands, that he had come from God, and was returning to God, 13:4 got up from the meal and took off his outer clothing. He wrapped a towel around his waist. 13:5 Then he poured water into a basin and started to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel wrapped around him. 13:6 When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

13:7 Jesus answered him, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later."

13:7 Jesus replied, "You don't know what I'm doing right now, but you'll understand later."

13:8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!"

13:8 Peter said to him, "You'll never wash my feet!"

Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me."

Jesus replied, "If I don't wash you, you won't belong to me."

13:9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"

13:9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not just my feet, but also my hands and my head!"

13:10 Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." 13:11 For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean." 13:12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13:13 You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am. 13:14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 13:16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 13:18 I don't speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.'* 13:19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he. 13:20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me."

13:10 Jesus said to him, "Someone who has taken a bath only needs to wash their feet to be completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." 13:11 For he knew who would betray him, so he said, "You are not all clean." 13:12 After he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13:13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you're right, because that’s who I am. 13:14 If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet. 13:15 I have set an example for you, so you should do as I have done for you. 13:16 Truly, I tell you, a servant is not greater than their master, nor is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent them. 13:17 If you understand these things, blessed are you if you put them into practice. 13:18 I’m not talking about all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But to fulfill Scripture, 'The one who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.'* 13:19 From now on, I’m telling you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe that I am he. 13:20 Truly, I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives the one who sent me."

13:21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

13:21 When Jesus said this, he was troubled in spirit and declared, "I tell you for sure that one of you will betray me."

13:22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast. 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks."

13:22 The disciples exchanged confused glances, wondering whom he was talking about. 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was sitting at the table, resting against Jesus' chest. 13:24 So Simon Peter motioned to him and asked, "Can you tell us who he's talking about?"

13:25 He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast, asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

13:25 He, reclining on Jesus' chest, asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

13:26 Jesus therefore answered, "It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 13:27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him.

13:26 Jesus answered, "It's the one I give this piece of bread to after I've dipped it." So, when he dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 13:27 After receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered into him.

Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

Then Jesus said to him, "Do what you're going to do, do it quickly."

13:28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him. 13:29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 13:30 Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.

13:28 No one at the table understood why he said this to him. 13:29 Some thought that since Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him to "Buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 13:30 So, after receiving that piece of bread, he left right away. It was night.

13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 13:32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately. 13:33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you can't come,' so now I tell you. 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

13:31 After leaving, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been honored, and God has been honored in him. 13:32 If God has been honored in him, God will also honor him in himself, and he will honor him right away. 13:33 Little children, I will be with you just a little longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I am going, you can't follow,' so now I say to you. 13:34 A new command I give you: love one another, just as I have loved you; so you must love one another. 13:35 By this everyone will recognize that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

13:36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?"

13:36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"

Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you can't follow now, but you will follow afterwards."

Jesus answered, "You can't follow me where I'm going right now, but you will follow later."

13:37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

13:37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you right now? I would give my life for you."

13:38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times.

13:38 Jesus answered him, "Are you really willing to give up your life for me? I tell you for sure, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times."

14:1 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. 14:2 In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 14:3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. 14:4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."

14:1 "Don't let your hearts be stressed. Trust in God. Trust also in me. 14:2 In my Father's house, there are many places to live. If that weren't the case, I would have told you. I'm going to get a place ready for you. 14:3 If I go and make a place for you, I will come back and take you with me, so that where I am, you can be there too. 14:4 You know where I'm going, and you know the way."

14:5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

14:5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?"

14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 14:7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him."

14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can get to the Father except through me. 14:7 If you had really known me, you would have known my Father too. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

14:8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

14:8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

14:9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, 'Show us the Father?' 14:10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake. 14:12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. 14:13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14:14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,-- 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can't receive; for it doesn't see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. 14:18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 14:21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him."

14:9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long, and you still don't know me, Philip? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father?' 14:10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you aren't my own; they come from the Father who lives in me and does his work. 14:11 Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe me because of the miracles I do. 14:12 I assure you, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I do, and even greater works, because I am going to the Father. 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified through the Son. 14:14 If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it. 14:15 If you love me, follow my commands. 14:16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever -- 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it doesn't see him or know him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. 14:19 In a little while, the world will see me no longer; but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live. 14:20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 14:21 Those who have my commands and keep them are the ones who love me. Anyone who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?"

14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) asked him, "Lord, what’s going on that you’re about to show yourself to us, and not to the rest of the world?"

14:23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. 14:24 He who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Father's who sent me. 14:25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you. 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. 14:27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. 14:28 You heard how I told you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Father;' for the Father is greater than I. 14:29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. 14:30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me. 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

14:23 Jesus replied, "If someone loves me, they will follow my teachings. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 14:24 Anyone who doesn't love me doesn't follow my teachings. The message you hear isn't mine, but belongs to the Father who sent me. 14:25 I've shared these things with you while I’m still here with you. 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I've said to you. 14:27 I leave you with peace. I give you my peace, not as the world gives. Don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 14:28 You heard me say, 'I’m going away and coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would have celebrated because I said, 'I’m going to my Father,' for the Father is greater than I. 14:29 I've told you this before it happens so that when it does happen, you will believe. 14:30 I won’t be speaking much longer with you because the ruler of this world is coming, and he has no hold on me. 14:31 But I do this so the world may know that I love the Father, and I do exactly what the Father has commanded me. Get up, let's leave this place.

15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. 15:2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 15:3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 15:4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 15:5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 15:6 If a man doesn't remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 15:2 Every branch in me that doesn’t produce fruit, he cuts off. Every branch that produces fruit, he prunes so it can produce even more. 15:3 You are already pruned and clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 15:4 Stay connected to me, and I will stay connected to you. Just like a branch can’t produce fruit by itself unless it stays attached to the vine, you can’t do anything unless you stay connected to me. 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever stays connected to me and I to them will produce a lot of fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 15:6 If someone doesn’t stay connected to me, they are thrown away like a branch and wither; people gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 15:7 If you stay connected to me and my words stay in you, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be done for you.

15:8 "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. 15:9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love. 15:11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

15:8 "This is how my Father is honored: by you bearing a lot of fruit; and that’s how you’ll be my followers. 15:9 Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Stay in my love. 15:10 If you follow my commands, you will stay in my love; just like I have followed my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 15:11 I have told you these things so that my joy can be in you and your joy can be complete."

15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 15:16 You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

15:12 "This is my command: love each other the way I have loved you. 15:13 There’s no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for friends. 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15:15 I no longer call you servants because a servant doesn’t know what their master is doing. I’ve called you friends because I’ve told you everything I heard from my Father. 15:16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would last; whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

15:17 "I command these things to you, that you may love one another. 15:18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his lord.'* If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 15:21 But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they don't know him who sent me. 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 15:23 He who hates me, hates my Father also. 15:24 If I hadn't done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn't have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father. 15:25 But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.'*

15:17 "I command you to love one another. 15:18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before it hated you. 15:19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own. But because you do not belong to the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world hates you. 15:20 Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.'* If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they followed my teaching, they will follow yours as well. 15:21 But they will do all these things to you because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they wouldn't have been guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 15:23 The person who hates me also hates my Father. 15:24 If I hadn't performed the works among them that no one else did, they wouldn't be guilty of sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 15:25 But this happened so that the word written in their law would be fulfilled: 'They hated me without a reason.'*

15:26 "When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. 15:27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

15:26 "When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who comes from the Father, will testify about me. 15:27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the start.

16:1 "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble. 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. 16:3 They will do these things* because they have not known the Father, nor me. 16:4 But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. 16:5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 16:6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 16:8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; 16:9 about sin, because they don't believe in me; 16:10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won't see me any more; 16:11 about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.

16:1 "I've said these things to you so that you won't be led astray. 16:2 They will expel you from the synagogues. In fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they're serving God. 16:3 They'll do this because they don't know the Father or me. 16:4 But I've told you these things so that when the time comes, you will remember I warned you. I didn't mention these things from the beginning because I was with you. 16:5 Now, however, I'm going to the one who sent me, and none of you is asking me, 'Where are you going?' 16:6 But because I've told you this, your hearts are filled with sorrow. 16:7 Nevertheless, I assure you that it's for your benefit that I go away. If I don't go away, the Helper won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 16:8 When he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; 16:9 about sin because they don't believe in me; 16:10 about righteousness because I am going to my Father, and you won't see me anymore; 16:11 about judgment because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

16:12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now. 16:13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you. 16:15 All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine, and will declare it to you. 16:16 A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."

16:12 "I have a lot more to share with you, but you're not ready for it right now. 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He won't speak on his own; he will share what he hears. He will tell you about things that are coming. 16:14 He will honor me by taking what is mine and sharing it with you. 16:15 Everything the Father has belongs to me; that's why I said that he takes of mine and will share it with you. 16:16 In a little while, you won't see me. But after a little while, you will see me."

16:17 Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Father?'" 16:18 They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?' We don't know what he is saying."

16:17 Some of his disciples said to each other, "What does he mean when he says, 'In a little while, you won’t see me, and then in a little while, you will see me;' and, 'Because I’m going to the Father?'" 16:18 They asked, "What does he mean by 'a little while?' We have no idea what he’s talking about."

16:19 Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?' 16:20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 16:21 A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

16:19 So Jesus realized they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a little while, you won't see me, and then again, in a little while, you will see me?' 16:20 I assure you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy. 16:21 A woman has pain when she gives birth, because her time has come. But once she has the baby, she forgets the pain because of the joy of bringing a new person into the world. 16:22 So right now you are sad, but I will see you again, and your heart will be filled with joy, and no one will take that joy from you.

16:23 "In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 16:24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full. 16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. 16:26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don't say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you, 16:27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 16:28 I came out from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."

16:23 "On that day, you won’t ask me any questions. Truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you. 16:24 Up until now, you haven’t asked anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. 16:25 I have talked to you using figures of speech. But the time is coming when I won’t use figures of speech anymore, but will tell you clearly about the Father. 16:26 On that day, you will ask in my name; and I’m not saying that I will pray to the Father for you, 16:27 because the Father himself loves you, since you have loved me and believed that I came from God. 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world. Now, I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

16:29 His disciples said to him, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech. 16:30 Now we know that you know all things, and don't need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came forth from God."

16:29 His disciples said to him, "Look, now you’re speaking clearly and not using any vague language. 16:30 Now we know that you know everything and don’t need anyone to ask you questions. Because of this, we believe you came from God."

16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 16:32 Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 16:33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do you really believe now? 16:32 Look, the time is coming, and it’s already here, when you will all be scattered, each of you to your own place, and you will leave me alone. But I’m not alone, because the Father is with me. 16:33 I’ve told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In the world, you will face troubles; but take heart! I have overcome the world."

17:1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; 17:2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 17:3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 17:4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. 17:5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. 17:6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. 17:7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, 17:8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 17:9 I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 17:10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 17:11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 17:13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 17:14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17:15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. 17:16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.* 17:18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. 17:19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 17:20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, 17:21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. 17:22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; 17:23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. 17:24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. 17:25 Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. 17:26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."

17:1 Jesus said these things, and looking up to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may also glorify you; 17:2 just as you gave him authority over all humanity, he will give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 17:3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. 17:4 I have glorified you on earth; I have completed the work you gave me to do. 17:5 Now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory I had with you before the world was created. 17:6 I revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me. They have kept your word. 17:7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you, 17:8 because the words you gave me I have given to them, and they accepted them, and they truly knew that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 17:9 I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 17:10 All that is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine, and I am glorified in them. 17:11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them safe by the name you have given me, so that they may be one, just as we are one. 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them by your name. Those you gave me I have kept safe. None of them is lost, except the one destined for destruction, so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 17:13 Now I am coming to you, and I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have my joy completed in themselves. 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17:15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the evil one. 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth.* 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 17:19 For their sake, I sanctify myself, so that they may also be sanctified in truth. 17:20 Not just for these only do I pray, but also for those who will believe in me through their message, 17:21 so that they may all be one; just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 17:22 The glory you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, just as we are one; 17:23 I in them, and you in me, so that they may be perfectly united; then the world will know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me. 17:24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, which you have given me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 17:25 Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 17:26 I made your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."

18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. 18:2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 18:3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"

18:1 When Jesus finished talking, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to a garden where he and his disciples entered. 18:2 Judas, who was betraying him, knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 18:3 So, Judas showed up with a group of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. 18:4 Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, stepped forward and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

18:5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth."

They replied, "Jesus from Nazareth."

Jesus said to them, "I am he."

Jesus said to them, "I am the one."

Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 18:6 When therefore he said to them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Judas, the one who betrayed him, was standing with them. 18:6 So when he said to them, "I am he," they stumbled back and fell to the ground.

18:7 Again therefore he asked them, "Who are you looking for?"

18:7 Again he asked them, "Who are you searching for?"

They said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

They said, "Jesus from Nazareth."

18:8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way," 18:9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none."*

18:8 Jesus replied, "I already told you I'm the one you're looking for. So if you're here for me, let these people go," 18:9 so that what he said would be fulfilled, "I haven't lost any of those you gave me."*

18:10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 18:11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"

18:10 Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 18:11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword away. Shouldn't I drink from the cup that the Father has given me?"

18:12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 18:13 and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 18:14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people. 18:15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; 18:16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter. 18:17 Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are you also one of this man's disciples?"

18:12 So the soldiers, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews grabbed Jesus and tied him up, 18:13 and took him to Annas first because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. 18:14 Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jews that it was better for one man to die for the people. 18:15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, along with another disciple. This disciple was known to the high priest and went in with Jesus to the high priest's courtyard; 18:16 but Peter was standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was keeping the door, and brought Peter in. 18:17 The girl at the door then asked Peter, "Are you also one of this man's disciples?"

He said, "I am not."

He said, "I'm not."

18:18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself. 18:19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching. 18:20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret. 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said."

18:18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, making a fire of coals because it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself. 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 18:20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to everyone. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. Look, they know what I said."

18:22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?"

18:22 When he said this, one of the officers nearby slapped Jesus, asking, "Is that how you respond to the high priest?"

18:23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"

18:23 Jesus answered him, "If I've said something wrong, prove it; but if not, why are you hitting me?"

18:24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest. 18:25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, "You aren't also one of his disciples, are you?"

18:24 Annas sent him tied up to Caiaphas, the high priest. 18:25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, "You aren't one of his disciples too, are you?"

He denied it, and said, "I am not."

He denied it and said, "I'm not."

18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"

18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, who was related to the guy whose ear Peter had chopped off, said, "Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?"

18:27 Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.

18:27 Peter denied it again, and right away, the rooster crowed.

18:28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn't enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 18:29 Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"

18:28 They took Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early, and they didn’t go into the Praetorium themselves to avoid becoming unclean so they could eat the Passover. 18:29 Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charge are you bringing against this man?"

18:30 They answered him, "If this man weren't an evildoer, we wouldn't have delivered him up to you."

18:30 They replied, "If this man wasn't a criminal, we wouldn't have brought him to you."

18:31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law."

18:31 Pilate said to them, "You take him and judge him by your own law."

Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death," 18:32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die.

Therefore the Jews said to him, "It's not legal for us to put anyone to death," 18:32 so that what Jesus said would be fulfilled, indicating the kind of death he would die.

18:33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

18:33 Pilate went back into the Praetorium, called for Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

18:34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

18:34 Jesus answered him, "Are you saying this on your own, or did someone else tell you about me?"

18:35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"

18:35 Pilate replied, "I'm not a Jew, right? Your own people and the high priests handed you over to me. What have you done?"

18:36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

18:36 Jesus replied, "My Kingdom isn't from this world. If it were, my followers would be fighting to prevent me from being handed over to the Jews. But my Kingdom is not from here."

18:37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?"

18:37 Pilate asked him, "So, are you a king?"

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

Jesus answered, "You say I’m a king. That's why I was born and why I came into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

18:38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"

18:38 Pilate asked him, "What is truth?"

When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 18:39 But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

When he said this, he went back out to the Jews and told them, "I don't see any reason to charge him. 18:39 But you have a tradition that I should release someone to you during Passover. So, do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?"

18:40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

18:40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

19:1 So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him. 19:2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping him.

19:1 So Pilate then had Jesus flogged. 19:2 The soldiers wove thorns into a crown and placed it on his head, dressing him in a purple robe. 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and continued to hit him.

19:4 Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him."

19:4 Then Pilate went out again and said to them, "Look, I’m bringing him out to you so that you can see I find no reason to accuse him."

19:5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the man!"

19:5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Look, the man!"

19:6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify!"

19:6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"

Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him."

Pilate said to them, "You take him and crucify him, because I see no reason to charge him."

19:7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."

19:7 The Jews responded, "We have a law, and according to our law, he deserves to die because he claimed to be the Son of God."

19:8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid. 19:9 He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 19:10 Pilate therefore said to him, "Aren't you speaking to me? Don't you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?"

19:8 When Pilate heard this, he became even more afraid. 19:9 He went back into the Praetorium and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus didn’t respond. 19:10 So Pilate said to him, "Aren't you going to talk to me? Don't you realize that I have the power to free you or to have you crucified?"

19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin."

19:11 Jesus replied, "You wouldn't have any power over me at all if it hadn't been given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has a greater sin."

19:12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you aren't Caesar's friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!"

19:12 Upon hearing this, Pilate was trying to set him free, but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you let this man go, you’re no friend of Caesar! Anyone who claims to be a king is opposing Caesar!"

19:13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha." 19:14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!"

19:13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha." 19:14 It was the day of preparation for Passover, around the sixth hour.. He said to the Jews, "Look, your King!"

19:15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!"

19:15 They shouted, "Get rid of him! Get rid of him! Crucify him!"

Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?"

Pilate asked them, "Should I crucify your King?"

The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"

The chief priests replied, "We have no king except Caesar!"

19:16 So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away. 19:17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha," 19:18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle. 19:19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." 19:20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 19:21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.'"

19:16 So then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away. 19:17 He went out, carrying his cross, to a place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called "Golgotha" in Hebrew. 19:18 There they crucified him, along with two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19:19 Pilate also wrote a sign and put it on the cross. It read, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." 19:20 Many of the Jews read this sign because the spot where Jesus was crucified was close to the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 19:21 The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but instead, write, 'He said, I am King of the Jews.'"

19:22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

19:22 Pilate replied, "What I've written, I've written."

19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 19:24 Then they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says,

19:23 After the soldiers crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes into four parts, giving each soldier a part; and they also took the coat. The coat was seamless, woven from the top all the way through. 19:24 Then they said to each other, "Let's not rip it, but cast lots to see who gets it," so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, which says,

"They parted my garments among them.
For my cloak they cast lots."*

Therefore the soldiers did these things. 19:25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 19:26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 19:27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

Therefore, the soldiers did these things. 19:25 But there were some people standing near the cross of Jesus: his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 19:26 So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son!" 19:27 Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother!" From that moment on, the disciple took her into his home.

19:28 After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 19:29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth. 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

19:28 After this, Jesus, seeing that everything was now complete, so that the Scripture could be fulfilled, said, "I'm thirsty." 19:29 There was a jar full of vinegar there; so they soaked a sponge in the vinegar, placed it on a stalk of hyssop, and held it up to his mouth. 19:30 When Jesus had taken the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

19:31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 19:32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him; 19:33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs. 19:34 However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 19:35 He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe. 19:36 For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "A bone of him will not be broken."* 19:37 Again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they pierced."*

19:31 So, because it was Preparation Day, the Jews requested Pilate to break the legs of those crucified so that their bodies wouldn't remain on the cross during the Sabbath (since that Sabbath was an important one). 19:32 The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other man who was crucified with him; 19:33 but when they got to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs. 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 19:35 The person who witnessed this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth so that you may believe. 19:36 These events occurred so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, "Not one of his bones will be broken."* 19:37 Additionally, another Scripture says, "They will look upon the one they pierced."*

19:38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body. 19:39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 19:40 So they took Jesus' body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid. 19:42 Then because of the Jews' Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.

19:38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he was afraid of the Jews, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. Pilate granted him permission. So he came and took away the body. 19:39 Nicodemus, who had initially come to Jesus at night, also came bringing a mix of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 19:40 They took Jesus' body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews for burial. 19:41 Now, where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden, there was a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. 19:42 So, because it was the Jews' Preparation Day (and the tomb was close by), they laid Jesus there.

20:1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. 20:2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid him!"

20:1 Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark and noticed that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 20:2 So she ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and said to them, "They've taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they've put him!"

20:3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. 20:4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. 20:5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn't enter in. 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, 20:7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. 20:8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. 20:9 For as yet they didn't know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 20:10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

20:3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and headed toward the tomb. 20:4 They both ran together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. 20:5 He bent down and looked in, and saw the linen cloths laying there, but he didn't go in. 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 20:7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a separate place. 20:8 Then the other disciple who had arrived at the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. 20:9 For at that point, they didn't understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. 20:10 So the disciples went back to their own homes.

20:11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, 20:12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 20:13 They told her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"

20:11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down and looked inside the tomb, 20:12 and she saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been. 20:13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they have laid him." 20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus.

She said to them, "Because they've taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they've put him." 20:14 When she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but didn't realize it was him.

20:15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?"

20:15 Jesus asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who are you searching for?"

She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away."

She, thinking he was the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you’ve taken him away, please tell me where you’ve put him, and I’ll take him away."

20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."

20:16 Jesus said, "Mary."

She turned and said to him, "Rhabbouni!" which is to say, "Teacher!"

She turned and said to him, "Rabbi!" which means, "Teacher!"

20:17 Jesus said to her, "Don't touch me, for I haven't yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

20:17 Jesus said to her, "Don't touch me, because I haven't gone up to my Father yet; but go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. 20:19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. 20:19 So, on that evening, the first day of the week, with the doors locked where the disciples had gathered for fear of the Jews, Jesus appeared and stood among them, saying, "Peace be with you."

20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. 20:21 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit! 20:23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."

20:20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. 20:21 Jesus then said to them again, "Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 20:22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit! 20:23 If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came. 20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord!"

20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came. 20:25 The other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

But he told them, "Unless I see the marks from the nails in his hands and put my hand in his side, I won't believe."

20:26 After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you." 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don't be unbelieving, but believing."

20:26 After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, even though the doors were locked, and stood among them, saying, "Peace be with you." 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

20:28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

20:28 Thomas replied, "My Lord and my God!"

20:29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me,* you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."

20:29 Jesus said to him, "You believe because you have seen me.* Blessed are those who haven't seen and yet believe."

20:30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 20:31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

20:30 So, Jesus performed many other signs in front of his disciples that aren’t recorded in this book; 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name.

21:1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing."

21:1 After these things, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He showed himself in this way. 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing."

They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 21:4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus. 21:5 Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?"

They said to him, "We're coming with you too." They quickly went out and got into the boat. That night, they didn't catch anything. 21:4 But when morning came, Jesus stood on the beach, though the disciples didn't realize it was him. 21:5 Jesus then asked them, "Hey kids, do you have any food?"

They answered him, "No."

They replied, "No."

21:6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."

21:6 He told them, "Throw the net on the right side of the boat, and you'll catch some fish."

They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 21:7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!"

They threw the net out, but now they couldn’t pull it in because there were so many fish. 21:7 The disciple whom Jesus loved told Peter, "It's the Lord!"

So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 21:8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 21:9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 21:10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."

So when Simon Peter realized it was the Lord, he put on his coat (because he was naked) and jumped into the sea. 21:8 But the other disciples came in the small boat (since they were not far from the shore, about two hundred cubits away), pulling the net full of fish. 21:9 When they got ashore, they saw a coal fire with fish on it and bread. 21:10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."

21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn't torn.

21:11 Simon Peter went up, pulled the net to shore, and it was full of big fish—one hundred fifty-three in total; and even with so many, the net didn’t break.

21:12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast."

21:12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."

None of the disciples dared inquire of him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord.

None of the disciples felt brave enough to ask him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord.

21:13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead. 21:15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?"

21:13 Then Jesus showed up, took the bread, gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 21:14 This is now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he had risen from the dead. 21:15 Once they had finished their breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?"

He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you."

He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I care about you."

He said to him, "Feed my lambs." 21:16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?"

He said to him, "Take care of my lambs." 21:16 He asked him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?"

He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you."

He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I care about you."

He said to him, "Tend my sheep." 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?"

He said to him, "Take care of my sheep." 21:17 He asked him a third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?"

Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you."

Peter was upset because he asked him for the third time, "Do you care about me?" He replied, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I care about you."

Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 21:18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."

Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 21:18 I truly tell you, when you were young, you put on your own clothes and went where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and take you where you don't want to go."

21:19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

21:19 Now he said this, indicating the kind of death by which he would honor God. After saying this, he told him, "Follow me."

21:20 Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' breast at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?" 21:21 Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

21:20 Then Peter turned around and saw a disciple following them. This was the disciple whom Jesus truly loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' chest at the dinner and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?" 21:21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." 21:23 This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to him that he wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?" 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. 21:25 There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.

21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you? You follow me." 21:23 So this rumor spread among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn't die. But Jesus didn't say he wouldn't die; he said, "If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you?" 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 21:25 There are also many other things that Jesus did. If they were all written down, I think the world wouldn't have enough space for all the books that would be written.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:5 The word translated "overcome" (katelaben) can also be translated "comprehended." It refers to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him.

[1] back to 1:5 The word translated as "overcome" (katelaben) can also mean "comprehended." It refers to gaining an understanding of an enemy to defeat them.

[2] back to 1:18 NU reads "God"

"God"

[3] back to 1:23 Isaiah 40:3

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:3

[4] back to 1:39 4:00 PM.

4:00 PM.

[5] back to 1:41 "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) both mean "Anointed One".

[5] back to 1:41 "Messiah" (in Hebrew) and "Christ" (in Greek) both mean "Anointed One".

[6] back to 2:6 2 to 3 metretes is about 20 to 30 U. S. Gallons, 16 to 25 imperial gallons, or 75 to 115 litres.

[6] back to 2:6 2 to 3 meters is approximately 20 to 30 U.S. gallons, 16 to 25 imperial gallons, or 75 to 115 liters.

[7] back to 2:17 Psalm 69:9

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 69:9

[8] back to 3:3 The word translated "anew" here and in John 3:7 (anothen) also means "again" and "from above".

[8] back to 3:3 The word translated “anew” here and in John 3:7 (anothen) also means “again” and “from above.”

[9] back to 3:8 The same Greek word (pneuma) means wind, breath, and spirit.

[9] back to 3:8 The same Greek word (pneuma) means wind, breath, and spirit.

[10] back to 3:36 The same word can be translated "disobeys" or "disbelieves" in this context.

[10] back to 3:36 The same word can mean "disobeys" or "disbelieves" in this context.

noon

[12] back to 4:52 1:00 P. M.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 1:00 PM.

[13] back to 6:19 25 to 30 stadia is about 5 to 6 kilometers or about 3 to 4 miles

[13] back to 6:19 25 to 30 stadia is roughly 5 to 6 kilometers or about 3 to 4 miles

[14] back to 6:19 see Job 9:8

see Job 9:8

[15] back to 6:20 or, I AM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, I AM

[16] back to 6:31 Greek and Hebrew use the same word for "heaven", "the heavens", "the sky", and "the air".

[16] back to 6:31 Greek and Hebrew use the same term for "heaven," "the heavens," "the sky," and "the air."

[17] back to 6:31 Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24-25

[17] back to 6:31 Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24-25

[18] back to 6:45 Isaiah 54:13

[18] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 54:13

[19] back to 7:42 2 Samuel 7:12

[19] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 2 Samuel 7:12

[20] back to 7:42 Micah 5:2

[20] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Micah 5:2

[21] back to 7:52 See Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:13-16.

[21] back to 7:52 See Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:13-16.

[22] back to 8:5 Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22

[22] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22

[23] back to 8:12 Isaiah 60:1

[23] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 60:1

[24] back to 8:17 Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15

[24] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15

[25] back to 8:24 or, I AM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, I AM

[26] back to 8:32 Psalm 119:45

[26] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 119:45

[27] back to 8:58 or, I am

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, I’m

[28] back to 9:31 Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 15:29; 28:9

[28] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 15:29; 28:9

[29] back to 10:11 Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22

[29] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15, 22

[30] back to 10:16 Isaiah 56:8

[30] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 56:8

[31] back to 10:17 Isaiah 53:7-8

[31] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:7-8

[32] back to 10:21 Exodus 4:11

[32] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 4:11

[33] back to 10:22 The "Feast of the Dedication" is the Greek name for "Hanukkah," a celebration of the rededication of the Temple.

[33] back to 10:22 The "Feast of the Dedication" is the Greek term for "Hanukkah," a celebration of the rededication of the Temple.

[34] back to 10:34 Psalm 82:6

[34] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 82:6

[35] back to 11:16 "Didymus" means "Twin"

"Didymus" means "Twin"

[36] back to 11:18 15 stadia is about 2.8 kilometers or 1.7 miles

[36] back to 11:18 15 15 stadia is roughly 2.8 kilometers or 1.7 miles

[37] back to 11:41 NU omits "from the place where the dead man was lying."

[37] back to 11:41 NU leaves out "from the spot where the body was."

[38] back to 12:3 a Roman pound of 12 ounces, or about 340 grams

[38] back to 12:3 a Roman pound of 12 ounces, or about 340 grams

[39] back to 12:5 300 denarii was about a year's wages for an agricultural laborer.

[39] back to 12:5 300 denarii was roughly equivalent to a year’s salary for a farmworker.

[40] back to 12:13 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, we pray."

[40] back to 12:13 "Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, we ask."

[41] back to 12:13 Psalm 118:25-26

[41] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:25-26

[42] back to 12:15 Zechariah 9:9

[42] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 9:9

[43] back to 12:34 Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44 (but see also Isaiah 53:8)

[43] back to 12:34 Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44 (but see also Isaiah 53:8)

[44] back to 12:38 Isaiah 53:1

[44] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:1

[45] back to 12:40 Isaiah 6:10

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:10

[46] back to 12:41 Isaiah 6:1

[46] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:1

[47] back to 13:18 Psalm 41:9

[47] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 41:9

[48] back to 14:16 Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comfortor.

[48] back to 14:16 Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comforter.

[49] back to 15:20 John 13:16

[49] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ John 13:16

[50] back to 15:25 Psalms 35:19; 69:4

[50] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalms 35:19; 69:4

[51] back to 15:26 Greek Parakletos: Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Comfortor.

[51] back to 15:26 Greek Parakletos: Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Comforter.

[52] back to 16:3 TR adds "to you"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "for you"

[53] back to 16:15 TR reads "will take" instead of "takes"

[53] back to 16:15 TR reads "will take" instead of "takes"

[54] back to 17:17 Psalm 119:142

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 119:142

[55] back to 18:9 John 6:39

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ John 6:39

noon

[57] back to 19:24 Psalm 22:18

[57] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 22:18

[58] back to 19:28 NU, TR read "knowing" instead of "seeing"

[58] back to 19:28 NU, TR read "knowing" instead of "seeing"

[59] back to 19:36 Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20

[59] back to 19:36 Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20

[60] back to 19:37 Zechariah 12:10

[60] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Zechariah 12:10

[61] back to 19:39 100 Roman pounds of 12 ounces each, or about 72 pounds, or 33 Kilograms.

[61] back to 19:39 100 Roman pounds of 12 ounces each, or around 72 pounds, or 33 kilograms.

[62] back to 20:29 TR adds " Thomas,"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "Thomas,"

[63] back to 21:8 200 cubits is about 100 yards or about 91 meters

[63] back to 21:8 200 cubits is roughly 100 yards or about 91 meters.

[64] back to 21:23 The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[64] back to 21:23 The word for "brothers" here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."














The Acts of the Apostles

1:1 The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 1:2 until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 1:3 To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom. 1:4 Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. 1:5 For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

1:1 The first book I wrote, Theophilus, was about everything Jesus began to do and teach, 1:2 until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 1:3 He also showed himself alive to them after his suffering, with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a span of forty days and talking about God's Kingdom. 1:4 While he was together with them, he instructed them, "Don't leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. 1:5 John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in just a few days."

1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"

1:6 So, when they gathered together, they asked him, "Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?"

1:7 He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."

1:7 He told them, "It's not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by His own authority. 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

1:9 When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 1:10 While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, 1:11 who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."

1:9 After he said this, as they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud hid him from their view. 1:10 As they stared intently into the sky, two men in white clothes stood beside them, 1:11 and they said, "You people from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into the sky, will return in the same way you saw him go."

1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 1:13 When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 1:14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is close to Jerusalem, about a Sabbath day's journey away. 1:13 When they arrived, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; those included were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 1:14 All these individuals, united in purpose, continued to pray and seek help, along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

1:15 In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 1:16 "Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry. 1:18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. 1:19 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called 'Akeldama,' that is, 'The field of blood.' 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms,

1:15 At that time, Peter stood up among the disciples (and there were about one hundred twenty of them) and said, 1:16 "Brothers, it was necessary for this Scripture to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke through David about Judas, who was the one that guided those who arrested Jesus. 1:17 He was one of us and had a share in this ministry. 1:18 This man acquired a field with the money he earned from his wrongdoing, and as he fell headfirst, his body split open, and his intestines spilled out. 1:19 Everyone living in Jerusalem came to know that this field was called 'Akeldama' in their language, which means 'The field of blood.' 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms,

'Let his habitation be made desolate.
Let no one dwell therein;'*

and,

and,

'Let another take his office.'*

1:21 "Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

1:21 "So, of the men who have been with us all the time the Lord Jesus was among us, 1:22 starting from John’s baptism to the day he was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

1:23 They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 1:24 They prayed, and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 1:25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place." 1:26 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1:23 They nominated two candidates: Joseph, also known as Barsabbas (or Justus), and Matthias. 1:24 They prayed, saying, "Lord, you know the hearts of everyone, please show us which of these two you have chosen 1:25 to join this ministry and apostleship that Judas left behind to go to his own place." 1:26 They drew lots for them, and the lot selected Matthias, so he was counted among the eleven apostles.

2:1 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2:2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 2:3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. 2:4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. 2:6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans? 2:8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 2:11 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!" 2:12 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?" 2:13 Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine."

2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all gathered together in one place. 2:2 Suddenly, there was a sound from the sky like a strong wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 2:3 Tongues that looked like fire appeared and rested on each of them. 2:4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. 2:5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 2:6 When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered, and they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 They were all amazed and astonished, saying to each other, "Aren't these all Galileans? 2:8 How is it that we each hear them in our own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the regions of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts, 2:11 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things God has done!" 2:12 They were all amazed and confused, asking each other, "What does this mean?" 2:13 Others mocked them, saying, "They are just drunk."

2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, "You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 2:15 For these aren't drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. 2:16 But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, pay attention to this and listen to my words. 2:15 These people aren't drunk, as you think, because it's only the third hour of the day. 2:16 This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

2:17 'It will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions.
Your old men will dream dreams.
2:18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
2:19 I will show wonders in the sky above,
and signs on the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
2:20 The sun will be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
2:21 It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'*

2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know, 2:23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; 2:24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. 2:25 For David says concerning him,

2:22 "People of Israel, listen to these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God through powerful acts, wonders, and signs that God performed through him among you, as you yourselves know. 2:23 This man, betrayed by God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge, you arrested with the help of wicked men, nailed to a cross, and killed. 2:24 But God raised him up, freeing him from the pain of death, because it was impossible for death to hold him. 2:25 For David says about him,

'I saw the Lord always before my face,
For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.
2:26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced.
Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;
2:27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades,
neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.
2:28 You made known to me the ways of life.
You will make me full of gladness with your presence.'*

2:29 "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 2:30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 2:31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. 2:32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. 2:33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. 2:34 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself,

2:29 "Brothers, I want to be clear with you about the patriarch David: he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us today. 2:30 Therefore, since he was a prophet and knew that God had made a promise to him with an oath—that from his descendants, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne—2:31 he, seeing this in advance, spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his body experience decay. 2:32 This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of that. 2:33 Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you now see and hear. 2:34 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand,
2:35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'*

2:36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

2:36 "So, let the entire house of Israel know for sure that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

2:37 When they heard this, they were deeply moved, and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"

2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2:39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." 2:40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"

2:38 Peter said to them, "Change your ways and get baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2:39 This promise is for you, your children, and everyone far away—everyone whom the Lord our God will call." 2:40 He used many other words to strongly urge them, saying, "Get away from this corrupt generation!"

2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 2:42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 2:43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 2:44 All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 2:45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 2:46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 2:47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

2:41 Then those who eagerly accepted his message were baptized. About three thousand people joined them that day. 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. 2:43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles. 2:44 All who believed were united and shared everything they had. 2:45 They sold their possessions and goods and distributed the proceeds to anyone in need. 2:46 Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple and broke bread in their homes, enjoying their food with glad hearts and sincerity, 2:47 praising God and gaining the favor of all the people. The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

3:1 Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 3:2 A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. 3:3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. 3:4 Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, "Look at us." 3:5 He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. 3:6 But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" 3:7 He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. 3:8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. 3:9 All the people saw him walking and praising God. 3:10 They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 3:11 As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

3:1 Peter and John were on their way to the temple for the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 3:2 A man who had been lame from birth was being carried to the temple gates, known as Beautiful, where he was placed every day to beg for money from those entering the temple. 3:3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 3:4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 3:5 The man looked at them, expecting to get something. 3:6 But Peter said, "I don’t have any silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" 3:7 He took him by the right hand and helped him up. Immediately, the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 3:8 He jumped up, stood, and began to walk. He entered the temple with them, walking, jumping, and praising God. 3:9 Everyone saw him walking and praising God. 3:10 They recognized him as the beggar who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 3:11 As the healed man clung to Peter and John, all the people rushed toward them in the area called Solomon's porch, amazed at what had taken place.

3:12 When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, "You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. 3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses. 3:16 By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

3:12 When Peter saw it, he addressed the crowd, "People of Israel, why are you amazed at this man? Why are you staring at us, as if it’s our own power or piety that made him walk? 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has honored his Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in front of Pilate, even though he wanted to release him. 3:14 But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be set free instead. 3:15 You killed the author of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses to this. 3:16 It is through faith in his name that this man, whom you see and know, has been made strong. Yes, the faith that comes through him has given him complete health in front of all of you.

3:17 "Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 3:18 But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.

3:17 "Now, brothers, I understand that you acted out of ignorance, just like your leaders did. 3:18 But what God declared through all his prophets about the suffering of Christ has been fulfilled."

3:19 "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, 3:20 and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. 3:22 For Moses indeed said to the fathers, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you. 3:23 It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.'* 3:24 Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. 3:25 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'In your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.'* 3:26 God, having raised up his servant, Jesus, sent him to you first, to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your wickedness."

3:19 "So repent and turn back, so your sins can be wiped away, and then times of refreshing may come from the Lord’s presence, 3:20 and He may send Christ Jesus, who was appointed for you long ago, 3:21 whom heaven must keep until the time comes for the restoration of everything that God announced through His holy prophets. 3:22 For Moses indeed said to your ancestors, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your fellow Israelites, like me. You must listen to him in everything he tells you. 3:23 Anyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from their people.'* 3:24 Yes, and all the prophets who came after Samuel, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 3:25 You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, 'Through your offspring, all the families of the earth will be blessed.'* 3:26 God, having raised up His servant Jesus, sent Him to you first to bless you by turning each of you from your wickedness."

4:1 As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, 4:2 being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 4:3 They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening. 4:4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

4:1 While they were talking to the crowd, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees showed up, 4:2 upset because they were teaching the people and preaching about the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. 4:3 They seized them and put them in jail until the next day since it was already evening. 4:4 However, many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

4:5 It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. 4:6 Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. 4:7 When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"

4:5 In the morning, their leaders, elders, and scribes gathered in Jerusalem. 4:6 Annas the high priest was present, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were related to the high priest. 4:7 After bringing them to the center, they asked, "By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?"

4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 4:9 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 4:10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. 4:11 He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.'* 4:12 There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"

4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You leaders of the people and elders of Israel, 4:9 if we are being questioned today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means this man has been healed, 4:10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead, this man stands here before you completely healed. 4:11 He is 'the stone that you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'* 4:12 There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!"

4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. 4:14 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 4:16 saying, "What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it. 4:17 But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak to anyone in this name." 4:18 They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

4:13 When they saw the confidence of Peter and John, and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. 4:14 Seeing the healed man standing with them, they had nothing to argue against it. 4:15 But after they ordered them to step outside the council, they discussed among themselves, 4:16 saying, "What should we do with these men? A significant miracle has happened through them, which everyone in Jerusalem can clearly see, and we can't deny it. 4:17 But to prevent this from spreading further among the people, let's warn them not to speak to anyone in this name anymore." 4:18 They called them in and instructed them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

4:19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 4:20 for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."

4:19 But Peter and John replied to them, "You decide if it's right in God's eyes to listen to you instead of God. 4:20 We can’t stop speaking about what we’ve seen and heard."

4:21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. 4:22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

4:21 After they threatened them more, they let them go because they couldn't find a way to punish them due to the crowd; everyone praised God for what had happened. 4:22 The man who was healed was over forty years old.

4:23 Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 4:24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 4:25 who by the mouth of your servant, David, said,

4:23 After being released, they went back to their own group and shared everything the chief priests and elders had told them. 4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Lord, you are God, who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; 4:25 who spoke through your servant, David, saying,

'Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot a vain thing?
4:26 The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take council together,
against the Lord, and against his Christ.'*

4:27 "For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. 4:29 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 4:30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."

4:27 "Truly, in this city, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, came together against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predetermined. 4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and empower your servants to speak your word with complete boldness, 4:30 while you extend your hand to heal, and let signs and wonders be performed in the name of your holy servant Jesus."

4:31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 4:32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 4:33 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. 4:34 For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 4:35 and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. 4:36 Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 4:37 having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

4:31 After they prayed, the place where they had gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God’s word with confidence. 4:32 The large group of believers was united in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions were their own; they shared everything. 4:33 The apostles testified powerfully about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s grace was on them all. 4:34 There wasn’t anyone among them who was in need, because those who owned land or homes sold them and brought the proceeds 4:35 to the apostles' feet, and they distributed it to everyone as needed. 4:36 Joses, called Barnabas by the apostles (which means Son of Encouragement), a Levite from Cyprus, 4:37 sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles' feet.

5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, 5:2 and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 5:4 While you kept it, didn't it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn't it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven't lied to men, but to God."

5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, 5:2 and kept some of the money for himself, with his wife's knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the money from the sale of the land? 5:4 While you had it, didn't it belong to you? After it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why have you thought of this in your heart? You haven't lied to people, but to God."

5:5 Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. 5:6 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him. 5:7 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. 5:8 Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much."

5:5 Ananias heard these words, fell down, and died. A great fear came over everyone who heard about it. 5:6 The young men got up, wrapped him up, and took him out to bury him. 5:7 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, walked in. 5:8 Peter asked her, "Did you sell the land for that amount?"

She said, "Yes, for so much."

She said, "Yes, for that much."

5:9 But Peter asked her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."

5:9 But Peter asked her, "Why have you two decided to challenge the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of the people who buried your husband are at the door, and they will take you out."

5:10 She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. 5:11 Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things. 5:12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 5:13 None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them. 5:14 More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. 5:16 Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed.

5:10 She collapsed right at his feet and died. The young men came in, found her dead, and took her out to bury her next to her husband. 5:11 A deep fear fell over the entire assembly and everyone who heard about these events. 5:12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and they were all united in Solomon's porch. 5:13 However, none of the others dared to join them, but the people respected them. 5:14 More believers were added to the Lord, including large numbers of both men and women. 5:15 They even brought out the sick into the streets, laying them on cots and mattresses, so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 5:16 Crowds also gathered from the surrounding cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

5:17 But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 5:18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, 5:20 "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."

5:17 But the high priest stood up, along with everyone who was with him (which is the group of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 5:18 and arrested the apostles, putting them in public custody. 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors at night, brought them out, and said, 5:20 "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."

5:21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 5:22 But the officers who came didn't find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 5:23 "We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"

5:21 When they heard this, they went into the temple at daybreak and started teaching. But the high priest and those with him gathered the council and all the leaders of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. 5:22 However, the officers who went didn't find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 5:23 "We found the prison shut and locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, there was no one inside!"

5:24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this. 5:25 One came and told them, "Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people." 5:26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

5:24 When the high priest, the temple captain, and the chief priests heard this, they were really confused about what it meant and what might happen next. 5:25 Someone came and told them, "Look, the men you locked up are in the temple, standing and teaching the people." 5:26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them in without using force, because they were worried that the people might stone them.

5:27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 5:28 saying, "Didn't we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood on us."

5:27 When they brought them in, they placed them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 5:28 saying, "Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you plan to make us responsible for this man's death."

5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 5:31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 5:32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

5:29 But Peter and the apostles replied, "We have to follow God instead of people. 5:30 The God of our ancestors brought Jesus back to life, the one you killed by hanging him on a tree. 5:31 God lifted him up with his right hand to be a leader and a Savior, to offer repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins. 5:32 We are His witnesses to these events; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who follow him."

5:33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them. 5:34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while. 5:35 He said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. 5:36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. 5:37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 5:38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. 5:39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"

5:33 But when they heard this, they were deeply upset and decided to kill them. 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, stood up in the council and ordered that the apostles be taken outside for a bit. 5:35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, be cautious about what you’re planning to do with these men. 5:36 Some time ago, Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody important; about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing. 5:37 After him, Judas of Galilee arose in the days of the census and led people away after him. He also died, and all who followed him were dispersed. 5:38 So my advice is to let these men go and leave them alone. If this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail. 5:39 But if it is from God, you won’t be able to stop it, and you might find yourselves fighting against God!”

5:40 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 5:41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus' name.

5:40 They agreed with him. Calling the apostles together, they beat them and ordered them not to speak in Jesus' name, and then released them. 5:41 So they left the council, joyful that they were considered worthy to be dishonored for the sake of Jesus' name.

5:42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

5:42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they kept teaching and sharing the message of Jesus, the Christ.

6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 6:2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 6:3 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 6:4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

6:1 During those days, as the number of disciples was growing, a complaint came from the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily care. 6:2 The twelve gathered the whole group of disciples and said, "It’s not right for us to stop preaching the word of God to take care of tables. 6:3 So, choose seven men from among you, brothers, who are well-respected, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to handle this issue. 6:4 But we will continue to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word."

6:5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6:6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 6:7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

6:5 These words made everyone happy. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch; 6:6 whom they presented to the apostles. After praying, they laid their hands on them. 6:7 The message of God spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew significantly. A large number of the priests accepted the faith.

6:8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 6:9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 6:10 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 6:11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 6:12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council, 6:13 and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 6:14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us." 6:15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

6:8 Stephen, filled with faith and power, performed amazing wonders and signs among the people. 6:9 But some individuals from the synagogue known as "The Libertines," along with those from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia, rose up to argue with Stephen. 6:10 They couldn't match the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 6:11 So they secretly persuaded people to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 6:12 They incited the crowd, the elders, and the scribes, then confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council, 6:13 and arranged for false witnesses who declared, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 6:14 For we've heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses delivered to us." 6:15 Everyone in the council, fixing their eyes on him, saw his face shine like that of an angel.

7:1 The high priest said, "Are these things so?"

7:1 The high priest asked, "Is that true?"

7:2 He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 7:3 and said to him, 'Get out of your land, and from your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.'* 7:4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land, where you are now living. 7:5 He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. He promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when he still had no child. 7:6 God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. 7:7 'I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,' said God, 'and after that will they come out, and serve me in this place.'* 7:8 He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

7:2 He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 7:3 and told him, 'Leave your country and your relatives, and go to the land I will show you.'* 7:4 So he left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. After his father died, God brought him to this land where you are now living. 7:5 He didn’t give him any inheritance in it, not even enough to put his foot on. He promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child at that time. 7:6 God said that his descendants would live as foreigners in a different land, and they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. 7:7 'I will judge the nation that enslaves them,' said God, 'and afterward they will come out and worship me in this place.'* 7:8 He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

7:9 "The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him, 7:10 and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 7:11 Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food. 7:12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers the first time. 7:13 On the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's race was revealed to Pharaoh. 7:14 Joseph sent, and summoned Jacob, his father, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls. 7:15 Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, himself and our fathers, 7:16 and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem.

7:9 "The patriarchs, filled with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him, 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles, giving him favor and wisdom in front of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He made him the governor of Egypt and in charge of his household. 7:11 Then a famine struck the entire land of Egypt and Canaan, causing great distress. Our ancestors couldn't find any food. 7:12 But when Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there for the first time. 7:13 During their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family line was disclosed to Pharaoh. 7:14 Joseph sent for Jacob, his father, and all his relatives, a total of seventy-five people. 7:15 Jacob went down to Egypt, where he died, along with our ancestors. 7:16 They were brought back to Shechem and buried in the tomb that Abraham purchased for silver from the descendants of Hamor in Shechem.

7:17 "But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 7:18 until there arose a different king, who didn't know Joseph. 7:19 The same took advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive. 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father's house. 7:21 When he was thrown out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and reared him as her own son. 7:22 Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works. 7:23 But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 7:24 Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian. 7:25 He supposed that his brothers understood that God, by his hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn't understand.

7:17 "As the time for God's promise to Abraham drew near, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 7:18 until a new king, who didn’t know Joseph, came to power. 7:19 He exploited our people and mistreated our ancestors, forcing them to throw out their babies so they wouldn’t survive. 7:20 At that time, Moses was born, and he was incredibly handsome. He was cared for by his family for three months. 7:21 When he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter found him and raised him as her own son. 7:22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. 7:23 However, when he turned forty, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He thought that his brothers would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they didn’t understand."

7:26 "The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, 'Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?' 7:27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 7:28 Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'* 7:29 Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

7:26 "The next day, he showed up while they were fighting and encouraged them to make peace, saying, 'Guys, you’re brothers. Why are you hurting each other?' 7:27 But the one who was in the wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you our leader and judge? 7:28 Are you planning to kill me like you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'* 7:29 That made Moses run away, and he ended up living in Midian, where he became the father of two sons."

7:30 "When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 7:31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close to see, a voice of the Lord came to him, 7:32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'* Moses trembled, and dared not look. 7:33 The Lord said to him, 'Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 7:34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.'*

7:30 "After forty years had passed, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire within a bush. 7:31 When Moses saw this, he was amazed by the sight. As he approached to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord spoke to him, 7:32 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'* Moses was terrified and did not dare to look. 7:33 The Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing on is holy ground. 7:34 I have definitely seen the suffering of my people in Egypt and have heard their cries. I have come down to rescue them. Now, go, I am sending you to Egypt.'*

7:35 "This Moses, whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'--God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 7:36 This man led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 7:37 This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord our God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me.*'* 7:38 This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us, 7:39 to whom our fathers wouldn't be obedient, but rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, 7:40 saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods that will go before us, for as for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.'* 7:41 They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. 7:42 But God turned, and gave them up to serve the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets,

7:35 "This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, 'Who appointed you as our ruler and judge?'—God sent him to be both a ruler and a deliverer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 7:36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 7:37 This is the same Moses who said to the Israelites, 'The Lord our God will raise up a prophet for you from among your own people, like me.*'* 7:38 He was with the assembly in the wilderness, along with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, who received living words to pass on to us, 7:39 but our ancestors did not obey him; instead, they rejected him and turned back to Egypt in their hearts, 7:40 saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods to lead us, for this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.'* 7:41 They made a calf during those days, brought sacrifices to the idol, and celebrated the works of their own hands. 7:42 But God turned away from them and let them worship the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets,

'Did you offer to me slain animals and sacrifices
forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
7:43 You took up the tent of Moloch,
the star of your god Rephan,
the figures which you made to worship.
I will carry you away* beyond Babylon.'

7:44 "Our fathers had the tent of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen; 7:45 which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David, 7:46 who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob. 7:47 But Solomon built him a house. 7:48 However, the Most High doesn't dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,

7:44 "Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, just as the one who spoke to Moses instructed him to make it according to the pattern he had seen; 7:45 our ancestors later brought it with Joshua when they entered the land and took possession of the nations that God drove out before them, up until the time of David, 7:46 who found favor with God and asked to build a dwelling for the God of Jacob. 7:47 But Solomon built him a house. 7:48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands, as the prophet says,

7:49 'heaven is my throne,
and the earth a footstool for my feet.
What kind of house will you build me?' says the Lord;
'or what is the place of my rest?
7:50 Didn't my hand make all these things?'*

7:51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. 7:52 Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. 7:53 You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn't keep it!"

7:51 "You stubborn people, with hardened hearts and deaf ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! Just like your ancestors did. 7:52 Which of the prophets didn't your ancestors persecute? They killed those who predicted the arrival of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become traitors and murderers. 7:53 You received the law as given by angels, and you haven’t followed it!"

7:54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 7:56 and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"

7:54 When they heard this, they were deeply disturbed and gritted their teeth at him. 7:55 But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up confidently to heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 7:56 He said, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"

7:57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. 7:58 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 7:59 They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 7:60 He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.

7:57 But they shouted loudly, covered their ears, and rushed at him all together. 7:58 They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 7:59 They stoned Stephen while he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 7:60 He knelt down and shouted with a loud voice, "Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!" After he said this, he fell asleep.

8:1 Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 8:2 Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him. 8:3 But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison. 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. 8:5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 8:6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did. 8:7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8:8 There was great joy in that city.

8:1 Saul agreed to his death. A huge persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem at that time. Everyone was scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 8:2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 8:3 But Saul attacked the church, going from house to house, and dragged both men and women off to prison. 8:4 As a result, those who were scattered went around sharing the message. 8:5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached about the Messiah to them. 8:6 The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said as they heard and saw the miraculous signs he performed. 8:7 Unclean spirits came out of many people, shouting loudly. Many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8:8 There was great joy in that city.

8:9 But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, 8:10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of God." 8:11 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 8:13 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.

8:9 There was a man named Simon who practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, presenting himself as someone important. 8:10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, listened to him, saying, "This man is the great power of God." 8:11 They were drawn to him because he had amazed them with his magic for a long time. 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 8:13 Even Simon believed. After being baptized, he stayed close to Philip and was amazed by the signs and great miracles he witnessed.

8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 8:15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 8:16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 8:17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 8:18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 8:19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit." 8:20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn't right before God. 8:22 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 8:23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."

8:14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the message of God, they sent Peter and John to visit them, 8:15 who, after arriving, prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit; 8:16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. 8:17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 8:18 When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 8:19 saying, "Give me also this power, so that anyone I lay my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit." 8:20 But Peter replied, "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 8:21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and trapped in sin."

8:24 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me."

8:24 Simon answered, "Please pray to the Lord for me, so that none of the things you mentioned happen to me."

8:25 They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans. 8:26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert."

8:25 So, after they had shared their testimony and delivered the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem and spread the Good News in many Samaritan villages. 8:26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Get up and head south on the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. It's a desert area."

8:27 He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. 8:28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

8:27 He got up and went, and look, there was a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch with high authority under Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her wealth. He had come to Jerusalem to worship. 8:28 He was on his way back, sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah.

8:29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot."

8:29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go up to that chariot and join it."

8:30 Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

8:30 Philip ran to him and heard him reading from the book of Isaiah, and he asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"

8:31 He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. 8:32 Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this,

8:31 He said, "How can I understand it unless someone explains it to me?" He asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 8:32 The part of the Scripture he was reading was this,

"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter.
As a lamb before his shearer is silent,
so he doesn't open his mouth.
8:33 In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.
Who will declare His generation?
For his life is taken from the earth."*

8:34 The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?"

8:34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about? Himself or someone else?"

8:35 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus. 8:36 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?"

8:35 Philip began to speak, starting with this Scripture, and shared the message of Jesus with him. 8:36 As they continued on their way, they came across some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What's preventing me from being baptized?"

8:37 * 8:38 He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

8:37 * 8:38 He ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see him anymore, as he went on his way celebrating. 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus. As he traveled through, he shared the Good News in all the cities until he reached Caesarea.

9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 9:2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 9:3 As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 9:4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

9:1 But Saul, still full of threats and violence against the followers of the Lord, went to the high priest, 9:2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found anyone belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could take them as prisoners back to Jerusalem. 9:3 As he was traveling, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky surrounded him. 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

9:5 He said, "Who are you, Lord?"

9:5 He asked, "Who are you, sir?"

The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.* 9:6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

The Lord said, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.* 9:6 But get up, go into the city, and you will be told what you need to do."

9:7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. 9:8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9:9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.

9:7 The men traveling with him were speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 9:8 Saul got up from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9:9 He was blind for three days and didn’t eat or drink anything.

9:10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

9:10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord."

He said, "Look, it's me, Lord."

9:11 The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 9:12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."

9:11 The Lord told him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight. Ask in the house of Judah for a man named Saul, who is from Tarsus. Look, he is praying, 9:12 and he has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight."

9:13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. 9:14 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

9:13 But Ananias replied, "Lord, I've heard a lot about this guy, how much harm he caused to your followers in Jerusalem. 9:14 Now he has permission from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name."

9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel. 9:16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake."

9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go on your way, for he is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the nations and their kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 9:16 For I will show him how much he will have to endure for my name."

9:17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 9:18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. 9:19 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus. 9:20 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. 9:21 All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn't this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!"

9:17 Ananias went on his way and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road you were traveling has sent me so you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 9:18 Right away, something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 9:19 He ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 9:20 Right away, he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 9:21 Everyone who heard him was amazed and said, "Isn’t this the man who caused trouble for those who called on this name in Jerusalem? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"

9:22 But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. 9:23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him, 9:24 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him, 9:25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. 9:26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 9:28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem, 9:29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. 9:30 When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus. 9:31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

9:22 But Saul grew stronger and confused the Jews living in Damascus, proving that he is the Christ. 9:23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 9:24 but their plan became known to Saul. They watched the gates day and night, hoping to kill him, 9:25 but his disciples took him at night and lowered him through the wall in a basket. 9:26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to connect with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him because they didn't believe he was a disciple. 9:27 However, Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, explaining how Saul had seen the Lord on his way and that he had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 9:28 He stayed with them in Jerusalem, 9:29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued against the Hellenists, but they were trying to kill him. 9:30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 9:31 So the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced peace and were strengthened. They multiplied as they lived in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

9:32 It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 9:33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. 9:34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose. 9:35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

9:32 As Peter traveled through those areas, he also visited the believers living in Lydda. 9:33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years due to paralysis. 9:34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately, he got up. 9:35 Everyone living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. 9:37 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 9:38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 9:39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 9:40 Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 9:41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 9:42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 9:43 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.

9:36 There was a disciple named Tabitha in Joppa, which means Dorcas. when translated. This woman was full of good deeds and acts of kindness. 9:37 In those days, she got sick and died. After washing her, they laid her in an upper room. 9:38 Since Lydda was close to Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there, and they sent two men to him, asking him to come without delay. 9:39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing the tunics and garments Dorcas had made while she was with them. 9:40 Peter sent them all out, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 9:41 He took her by the hand and helped her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 9:42 This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 9:43 He stayed many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.

10:1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 10:2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. 10:3 At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius!"

10:1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion from what was known as the Italian Regiment. 10:2 He was a devout man who respected God along with his entire household. He generously helped those in need and prayed to God regularly. 10:3 Around the ninth hour of the day, he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God approaching him and saying, "Cornelius!"

10:4 He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, "What is it, Lord?"

10:4 He, staring at him in fear, said, "What is it, Lord?"

He said to him, "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. 10:5 Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is surnamed Peter. 10:6 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.*"

He said to him, "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have been remembered by God. 10:5 Now send some men to Joppa to find Simon, who is called Peter. 10:6 He is staying with a man named Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.*"

10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually. 10:8 Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 10:9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10:10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 10:11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, 10:12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 10:13 A voice came to him, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat!"

10:7 After the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devoted soldier who served him regularly. 10:8 He explained everything to them and sent them to Joppa. 10:9 The next day, while they were on their journey and nearing the city, Peter went up on the rooftop to pray around noon. 10:10 He got hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were getting the food ready, he fell into a trance. 10:11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container coming down to him, like a large sheet lowered by its four corners to the earth, 10:12 in which were all kinds of four-legged animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 10:13 A voice called to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!"

10:14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

10:14 But Peter said, "No way, Lord; for I've never eaten anything that's ordinary or unclean."

10:15 A voice came to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean." 10:16 This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into heaven. 10:17 Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, 10:18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, was lodging there. 10:19 While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men seek you. 10:20 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."

10:15 A voice spoke to him again, saying for the second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call unclean." 10:16 This happened three times, and then the vessel was taken up into heaven. 10:17 While Peter was still confused about what the vision could mean, the men sent by Cornelius arrived, having asked about Simon's house, and stood at the gate. 10:18 They called out and asked if Simon, also known as Peter, was staying there. 10:19 As Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look, three men are looking for you. 10:20 Get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation, for I have sent them."

10:21 Peter went down to the men, and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?"

10:21 Peter approached the men and said, "Look, I'm the one you're looking for. Why are you here?"

10:22 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say." 10:23 So he called them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 10:24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. 10:25 When it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. 10:26 But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am also a man." 10:27 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. 10:28 He said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn't call any man unholy or unclean. 10:29 Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?"

10:22 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a good man who fears God and is well respected by all the Jewish people, was told by a holy angel to invite you to his home and to listen to what you have to say." 10:23 So he welcomed them and gave them a place to stay. The next day, Peter got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along too. 10:24 The following day, they arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having gathered his relatives and close friends. 10:25 When Peter arrived, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Get up! I’m just a man like you." 10:27 As he talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered. 10:28 He said to them, "You know it's against the law for a Jew to associate with or visit someone from another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call anyone unholy or unclean. 10:29 So I came without hesitation when I was sent for. Now, why did you send for me?"

10:30 Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 10:31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.' 10:33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God."

10:30 Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until now, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house. Suddenly, a man appeared before me in bright clothing, 10:31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your donations to the needy are remembered by God. 10:32 So send someone to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying at the house of Simon the tanner, by the seaside. When he arrives, he will talk to you.' 10:33 Because of that, I immediately sent for you, and it's great that you came. Now we are all here in the presence of God, ready to hear everything that He has commanded you."

10:34 Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; 10:35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 10:36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all-- 10:37 that spoken word you yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 10:38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 10:39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 10:40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, 10:41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 10:43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins."

10:34 Peter opened his mouth and said, "I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism; 10:35 but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 10:37 you know the message that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism that John preached; 10:38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went around doing good and healing everyone who was oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. also killed him, hanging him on a tree. 10:40 God raised him on the third day and made him known, He commanded us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.

10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 10:45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 10:46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.

10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on everyone who heard the message. 10:45 The believers from the circumcision were astonished, along with everyone who had come with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also given to the Gentiles. 10:46 They could hear them speaking in different languages and praising God.

Then Peter answered, 10:47 "Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?" 10:48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.

Then Peter replied, 10:47 "Is there anyone who can prevent these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just like us, from being baptized?" 10:48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they requested that he stay with them for a few days.

11:1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 11:2 When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him, 11:3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!"

11:1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 11:2 When Peter arrived in Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued with him, 11:3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!"

11:4 But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying, 11:5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me. 11:6 When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky. 11:7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat!' 11:8 But I said, 'Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.' 11:9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, 'What God has cleansed, don't you call unclean.' 11:10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11:11 Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 11:12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house. 11:13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, 'Send to Joppa, and get Simon, whose surname is Peter, 11:14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.' 11:15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. 11:16 I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.' 11:17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"

11:4 But Peter started explaining to them step by step, saying, 11:5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I fell into a trance where I saw a vision: a large container coming down, like a big sheet lowered from heaven by its four corners. It came right down to me. 11:6 When I looked closely at it, I saw four-footed animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the air. 11:7 I also heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat!' 11:8 But I replied, 'No way, Lord, because nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 11:9 However, a voice answered me a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call unclean.' 11:10 This happened three times, and then everything was taken back up into heaven. 11:11 Suddenly, three men stood in front of the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me. 11:12 The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 11:13 He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying to him, 'Send to Joppa and get Simon, called Peter, 11:14 who will tell you words through which you and your entire household will be saved.' 11:15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like it did on us at the beginning. 11:16 I remembered the Lord's words, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 11:17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think I could stand in God's way?"

11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!"

11:18 When they heard this, they were silent and praised God, saying, "So God has also given the Gentiles the opportunity to turn their lives around!"

11:19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. 11:20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 11:21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 11:22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, 11:23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord. 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

11:19 So those who were scattered because of the trouble that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, sharing the message with no one but Jews. 11:20 However, some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they arrived in Antioch, began speaking to the Hellenists, about the Lord Jesus. 11:21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number believed and turned to the Lord. 11:22 The news about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was joyful. He encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts. 11:24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were added to the Lord.

11:25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul. 11:26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

11:25 Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul. 11:26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They spent an entire year with the group, teaching many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

11:27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 11:28 One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius. 11:29 As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea; 11:30 which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

11:27 During this time, prophets arrived from Jerusalem to Antioch. 11:28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and, guided by the Spirit, declared that there would be a severe famine worldwide, which indeed took place during the reign of Claudius. 11:29 Since some of the disciples had enough resources, each decided to send help to the brothers living in Judea; 11:30 and they followed through, sending it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.

12:1 Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly. 12:2 He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. 12:3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread. 12:4 When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him. 12:6 The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.

12:1 At that time, King Herod began to harass some members of the group. 12:2 He executed James, the brother of John, by sword. 12:3 When he saw that this pleased the Jewish leaders, he also arrested Peter. This happened during the days of unleavened bread. 12:4 After arresting him, he put Peter in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, planning to present him to the people after Passover. 12:5 So, Peter was kept in prison, but the group kept praying to God for him. 12:6 The night before Herod was about to present him, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards were stationed at the door of the prison.

12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands. 12:8 The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me." 12:9 And he went out and followed him. He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. 12:10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

12:7 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared beside him, and a light filled the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly!" His chains fell off his hands. 12:8 The angel told him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did. The angel said, "Put on your cloak and follow me." 12:9 So he went out and followed him. He didn't realize that what the angel was doing was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 12:10 After passing the first and second guards, they reached the iron gate leading into the city, which opened by itself. They went out, turned onto one street, and then the angel immediately left him.

12:11 When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting." 12:12 Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 12:13 When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 12:14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

12:11 When Peter finally came to his senses, he said, "Now I really know that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod and from everything the Jewish leaders were expecting." 12:12 As he thought about this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John (also known as Mark), where many people had gathered and were praying. 12:13 When Peter knocked at the door, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 12:14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she didn't open the door; instead, she ran back in to tell everyone that Peter was standing at the door.

12:15 They said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 12:16 But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. 12:17 But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, "Tell these things to James, and to the brothers." Then he departed, and went to another place.

12:15 They told her, "You're out of your mind!" But she kept saying it was true. They replied, "It's just his guardian angel." 12:16 But Peter kept knocking. When they opened the door, they saw him and were astonished. 12:17 He motioned for them to be quiet and told them how the Lord had rescued him from prison. He said, "Go tell these things to James and the other believers." Then he left and went to another place.

12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 12:19 When Herod had sought for him, and didn't find him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there. 12:20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 12:21 On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them. 12:22 The people shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 12:23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn't give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

12:18 As soon as it was morning, there was quite a commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. 12:19 When Herod looked for him and couldn’t find him, he questioned the guards and ordered that they be executed. He then went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 12:20 Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came together to him and, having made friends with Blastus, the king's personal aide, they asked for peace because their region relied on the king's territory for food. 12:21 On an appointed day, Herod put on royal robes, sat on the throne, and delivered a speech to them. 12:22 The people shouted, "It’s the voice of a god, not a man!" 12:23 Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died.

12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 12:25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

12:24 But the word of God spread and increased. 12:25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem after completing their mission, bringing along John, who was also called Mark.

13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 13:2 As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them."

13:1 In the gathering at Antioch, there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon also known as Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen who was Herod the tetrarch's foster brother, and Saul. 13:2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke, "Set apart Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work I have called them to."

13:3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 13:5 When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant. 13:6 When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar Jesus, 13:7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God. 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. 13:9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, 13:10 and said, "Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 13:11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!"

13:3 Then, after they had fasted and prayed and placed their hands on them, they sent them off. 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there, they sailed to Cyprus. 13:5 When they arrived at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. 13:6 After traveling through the island to Paphos, they encountered a sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew named Bar Jesus, 13:7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a wise man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul, wanting to hear the word of God. 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (that’s his name in translation) opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 13:9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 13:10 and said, "You are full of deceit and trickery, you son of the devil, you enemy of all that is right! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 13:11 Now, look, the Lord's hand is against you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time!"

Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 13:12 Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Immediately, a mist and darkness surrounded him. He went around looking for someone to guide him by the hand. 13:12 Then the proconsul, when he saw what happened, believed, amazed by the teaching of the Lord.

13:13 Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. 13:14 But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. 13:15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak."

13:13 Now Paul and his group set sail from Paphos and arrived in Perga, located in Pamphylia. John left them and went back to Jerusalem. 13:14 But they continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. They entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and took their seats. 13:15 After the law and the prophets were read, the leaders of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any words of encouragement for the people, please speak."

13:16 Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen. 13:17 The God of this people* chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it. 13:18 For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 13:19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land for an inheritance, for about four hundred fifty years. 13:20 After these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 13:21 Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 13:22 When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' 13:23 From this man's seed, God has brought salvation to Israel according to his promise, 13:24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel. 13:25 As John was fulfilling his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' 13:26 Brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you. 13:27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn't know him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 13:28 Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilate to have him killed. 13:29 When they had fulfilled all things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. 13:30 But God raised him from the dead, 13:31 and he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. 13:32 We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers, 13:33 that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm,

13:16 Paul stood up and motioned with his hand, saying, "Men of Israel, and you who worship God, listen. 13:17 The God of this people* chose our ancestors and lifted up the people while they were living as foreigners in Egypt, and with a powerful arm, he brought them out. 13:18 For about forty years, he put up with them in the wilderness. 13:19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years. 13:20 After that, he gave them judges until the prophet Samuel. 13:21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 13:22 After removing him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he also said, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart who will do all my will.' 13:23 From this man’s offspring, God has brought salvation to Israel according to his promise, 13:24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel. 13:25 As John was completing his mission, he said, 'What do you think I am? I’m not him. But look, one is coming after me whose sandals I’m not worthy to untie.' 13:26 Brothers, children of Abraham, and you who fear God, the message of this salvation is sent to you. 13:27 For those living in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they didn’t recognize him or the words of the prophets read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 13:28 Although they found no reason for the death penalty, they still asked Pilate to have him killed. 13:29 When they had completed everything written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 13:30 But God raised him from the dead, 13:31 and he was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. 13:32 We bring you the good news of the promise made to our ancestors, 13:33 that God has fulfilled that promise to us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm,

'You are my Son.
Today I have become your father.'*

13:34 "Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.'* 13:35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, 'You will not allow your Holy One to see decay.'* 13:36 For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw decay. 13:37 But he whom God raised up saw no decay. 13:38 Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins, 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:

13:34 "About raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has said: 'I will give you the holy and guaranteed blessings of David.'* 13:35 He also says in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'* 13:36 David, after serving God's purpose in his own time, died and was buried with his ancestors, and he experienced decay. 13:37 But the one God raised did not experience decay. 13:38 So, be aware, brothers, that through this man, you are given forgiveness of sins, 13:39 and everyone who believes in him is made right from everything that the law of Moses could not make you right from. 13:40 So be careful, lest what the prophets spoke comes upon you:

13:41 'Behold, you scoffers, and wonder, and perish;
for I work a work in your days,
a work which you will in no way believe, if one declares it to you.'"*

13:42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 13:43 Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. 13:44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God. 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

13:42 So when the Jews left the synagogue, the Gentiles asked them to keep sharing these messages the following Sabbath. 13:43 After the synagogue meeting ended, many Jews and devout converts followed Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to stay strong in the grace of God. 13:44 The next Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of God. 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they became jealous and argued against what Paul was saying, even slandering.

13:46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, "It was necessary that God's word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 13:47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying,

13:46 Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and said, "It was important for us to share God's message with you first. Since you have rejected it and deemed yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us, saying,

'I have set you as a light for the Gentiles,
that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"*

13:48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 13:49 The Lord's word was spread abroad throughout all the region. 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders. 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 13:52 The disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.

13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were happy and praised the word of God. Those who were chosen for eternal life believed. 13:49 The Lord's message spread throughout the entire region. 13:50 But the Jews incited the devout and important women and the leading men of the city, stirring up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 13:51 They shook the dust off their feet in protest and went to Iconium. 13:52 The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

14:1 It happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. 14:2 But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 14:4 But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 14:5 When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them, 14:6 they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region. 14:7 There they preached the Good News.

14:1 In Iconium, they went together into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in a way that caused many Jews and Greeks to believe. 14:2 But the disbelieving Jews stirred up trouble and upset the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. 14:3 So they stayed there a long time, speaking confidently in the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by allowing signs and wonders to be performed through them. 14:4 But the city was divided; some sided with the Jews, while others sided with the apostles. 14:5 When both Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, tried to mistreat and stone them, 14:6 they found out about it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding area. 14:7 There, they preached the Good News.

14:8 At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. 14:9 He was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, 14:10 said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet!" He leaped up and walked. 14:11 When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" 14:12 They called Barnabas "Jupiter," and Paul "Mercury," because he was the chief speaker. 14:13 The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes. 14:14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out, 14:15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them; 14:16 who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 14:17 Yet he didn't leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

14:8 In Lystra, there was a man sitting who couldn't walk, a cripple from birth who had never walked. 14:9 He was listening to Paul as he spoke, and when Paul looked directly at him and saw that he had the faith to be healed, 14:10 he called out loudly, "Stand up on your feet!" The man jumped up and began to walk. 14:11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 14:12 They called Barnabas "Jupiter" and Paul "Mercury," since Paul was the main speaker. 14:13 The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of the city, brought oxen and wreaths to the gates, wanting to offer sacrifices with the crowds. 14:14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard about it, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 14:15 "Men, why are you doing this? We are just like you, mere humans, and we bring you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; 14:16 who in the past allowed all nations to go their own ways.

14:18 Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them. 14:19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

14:18 Even after saying this, they still didn’t stop the crowds from making sacrifices to them. 14:19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium showed up, and after convincing the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.

14:20 But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. 14:21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 14:22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God. 14:23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

14:20 But as the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the city. The next day, he set out with Barnabas for Derbe. 14:21 After sharing the Good News in that city and making many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to stay committed to their faith, and teaching that we must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 14:23 Once they appointed elders for each gathering and prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had placed their faith.

14:24 They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. 14:25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 14:26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. 14:27 When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations. 14:28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

14:24 They traveled through Pisidia and arrived in Pamphylia. 14:25 After sharing their message in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 14:26 From there, they sailed to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to God's grace for the work they had completed. 14:27 Upon their arrival, they gathered the group together and reported all the things God had accomplished through them and that He had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. 14:28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

15:1 Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved." 15:2 Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 15:3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers. 15:4 When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.

15:1 Some men came down from Judea and told the brothers, "You can't be saved unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses." 15:2 Because Paul and Barnabas had a significant disagreement and debate with them, they were appointed to go up to Jerusalem along with some others to discuss this issue with the apostles and elders. 15:3 After being sent on their way by the assembly, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, sharing the news about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great joy to all the brothers. 15:4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly, the apostles, and the elders, and they shared everything that God had done through them.

15:5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

15:5 But some of the Pharisees who had believed stood up and said, "We need to circumcise them and require them to follow the law of Moses."

15:6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. 15:7 When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News, and believe. 15:8 God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us. 15:9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 15:10 Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 15:11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,* just as they are."

15:6 The apostles and the elders gathered together to discuss this issue. 15:7 After a lot of conversation, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a while back God chose among you that through me the nations would hear the message of the Good News and believe. 15:8 God, who knows the heart, confirmed this by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did for us. 15:9 He didn't make any distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 15:10 So why do you challenge God by putting a burden on the shoulders of the disciples that neither our ancestors nor we could bear? 15:11 We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,* just like they are."

15:12 All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them. 15:13 After they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me. 15:14 Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for his name. 15:15 This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

15:12 Everyone fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul share the amazing signs and wonders that God had performed among the nations through them. 15:13 Once they were done speaking, James addressed them, saying, "Brothers, please listen to me. 15:14 Simeon has explained how God first reached out to the nations to take from them a people for His name. 15:15 This aligns with what the prophets have said. As it is written,

15:16 'After these things I will return.
I will again build the tent of David, which has fallen.
I will again build its ruins.
I will set it up,
15:17 That the rest of men may seek after the Lord;
All the Gentiles who are called by my name,
Says the Lord, who does all these things.*
15:18 All his works are known to God from eternity.'

15:19 "Therefore my judgment is that we don't trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God, 15:20 but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. 15:21 For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

15:19 "So, my conclusion is that we shouldn't make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God, 15:20 but we should write to them telling them to avoid idol pollution, sexual immorality, consuming strangled animals, and blood. 15:21 Because Moses has had people preaching him in every city for generations, and his teachings are read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers. 15:23 They wrote these things by their hand:

15:22 Then the apostles and elders, along with the entire assembly, decided it would be good to select some men from their group and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, known as Barsabbas, and Silas, prominent leaders among the brothers. 15:23 They wrote these things by their own hand:

"The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings. 15:24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment; 15:25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 15:26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 15:29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell."

"The apostles, the elders, and the brothers send greetings to the brothers who are among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. 15:24 We have heard that some people who came from us have caused you trouble with their words, unsettling your hearts, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' which we did not command; 15:25 so it seemed good to us, being of one mind, to choose men and send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 15:26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:27 Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by mouth. 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 15:29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from animals that have been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell."

15:30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 15:31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. 15:32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them. 15:33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brothers to the apostles. 15:34 * 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

15:30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. After gathering the crowd, they delivered the letter. 15:31 When they read it, they rejoiced at the encouraging message. 15:32 Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, encouraged the believers with many words and strengthened them. 15:33 After spending some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the believers to the apostles. * 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, along with many others.

15:36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing." 15:37 Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also. 15:38 But Paul didn't think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn't go with them to do the work. 15:39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away to Cyprus, 15:40 but Paul chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God. 15:41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

15:36 After a few days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit our friends in every city where we shared the message of the Lord, to see how they're doing." 15:37 Barnabas wanted to take John, who was called Mark, with them too. 15:38 But Paul didn’t think it was a good idea to bring along someone who had dropped out in Pamphylia and didn’t continue the work with them. 15:39 The disagreement became so intense that they parted ways. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus, 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and set out, being commended by the community to the grace of God. 15:41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the groups of believers.

16:1 He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek. 16:2 The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him. 16:3 Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 16:4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 16:5 So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

16:1 He arrived in Derbe and Lystra, and there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 16:2 The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 16:3 Paul wanted him to join on the journey, so he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews in those regions, as they all knew his father was Greek. 16:4 As they traveled through the cities, they shared the guidelines set by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for everyone to follow. 16:5 So the congregations were strengthened in their faith and grew in numbers every day.

16:6 When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 16:7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn't allow them. 16:8 Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 16:9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." 16:10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them. 16:11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; 16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city.

16:6 After traveling through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, they were stopped by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in Asia. 16:7 When they reached Mysia, they attempted to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit didn’t let them. 16:8 Skipping Mysia, they went down to Troas. 16:9 That night, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia who stood there, begging him and saying, "Come to Macedonia and help us." 16:10 After seeing the vision, we immediately aimed to go to Macedonia, convinced that the Lord had called us to share the Good News with them. 16:11 So, we set sail from Troas and headed straight to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis; 16:12 then from there to Philippi, a major city in Macedonia and a Roman colony. We stayed in this city for several days.

16:13 On the Sabbath day we went forth outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together. 16:14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. 16:15 When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." So she persuaded us.

16:13 On the Sabbath, we went out of the city to a riverside, where we thought there was a place for prayer, and we sat down to talk with the women who had gathered. 16:14 A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, listened to us; the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. 16:15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you consider me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my home and stay." So she convinced us.

16:16 It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling. 16:17 Following Paul and us, she cried out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation!" 16:18 She was doing this for many days.

16:16 As we were heading to prayer, a girl with a spirit of divination approached us. She earned a lot of money for her owners through fortune telling. 16:17 She kept following Paul and us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they are telling us how to be saved!" 16:18 She did this for many days.

But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" It came out that very hour. 16:19 But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 16:20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Jews, are agitating our city, 16:21 and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans."

But Paul, really frustrated, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" It left her right away. 16:19 But when her owners realized that their source of income was gone, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 16:20 Once they brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Jews, are causing trouble in our city, 16:21 and they promote customs that it’s not legal for us to accept or follow since we are Romans."

16:22 The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 16:23 When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, 16:24 who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.

16:22 The crowd came together against them, and the officials tore their clothes off and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 16:23 After they had given them many blows, they threw them into prison, instructing the jailer to keep them safe, 16:24 who, having received this order, put them in the inner cell and secured their feet in the stocks.

16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened. 16:27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, "Don't harm yourself, for we are all here!"

16:25 But around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 16:26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison; immediately, all the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came undone. 16:27 The jailer, waking up and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped. 16:28 But Paul shouted loudly, "Don’t harm yourself; we’re all still here!"

16:29 He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 16:30 and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

16:29 He called for lights and rushed in, and fell down shaking before Paul and Silas, 16:30 and brought them out and said, "Gentlemen, what do I need to do to be saved?"

16:31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." 16:32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house.

16:31 They said, "Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your family will be saved." 16:32 They shared the message of the Lord with him and everyone in his home.

16:33 He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. 16:34 He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.

16:33 He took them that same hour of the night, washed their wounds, and was immediately baptized, along with everyone in his household. 16:34 He brought them into his home, set food in front of them, and celebrated greatly, along with his whole household, because they had believed in God.

16:35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, "Let those men go."

16:35 But when morning came, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go."

16:36 The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out, and go in peace."

16:36 The jailer told Paul, "The authorities have sent to release you; so now you can come out and go in peace."

16:37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!"

16:37 But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us without a trial, even though we are Romans, and thrown us into prison! Are they going to secretly release us now? Absolutely not! They should come themselves and let us out!"

16:38 The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 16:39 and they came and begged them. When they had brought them out, they asked them to depart from the city. 16:40 They went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia's house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, and departed.

16:38 The sergeants told the magistrates what was said, and they got scared when they found out that they were Romans, 16:39 so they came and pleaded with them. After they brought them out, they requested that they leave the city. 16:40 They exited the prison and went to Lydia's house. After they saw the brothers, they gave them encouragement and left.

17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 17:2 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 17:3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."

17:1 After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arrived in Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 17:2 Paul, as was his habit, went in to meet with them, and for three Sabbath days discussed the Scriptures with them, 17:3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and declaring, "This Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you, is the Christ."

17:4 Some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women. 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people. 17:6 When they didn't find them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 17:7 whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!" 17:8 The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things. 17:9 When they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 17:10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

17:4 Some of them were convinced and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of devout Greeks and many prominent women. 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along a group of troublemakers from the marketplace formed a crowd and caused chaos in the city. They attacked the house of Jason, looking to bring them out to the people. 17:6 When they couldn't find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city officials, shouting, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have come here too, 17:7 and Jason has welcomed them. They are all going against Caesar's decrees by saying there is another king, Jesus!" 17:8 The crowd and the city officials were upset when they heard this. 17:9 After taking a security from Jason and the others, they let them go. 17:10 The believers immediately sent Paul and Silas away at night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 17:12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men. 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes. 17:14 Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there. 17:15 But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.

17:11 These people were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica because they accepted the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were hearing was true. 17:12 As a result, many of them believed, including several prominent Greek women and quite a few men. 17:13 However, when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also preaching the word of God in Beroea, they came there to stir up the crowds. 17:14 The brothers immediately sent Paul away to the coast, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind. 17:15 Those who accompanied Paul took him as far as Athens. They received instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible, and then they left.

17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols. 17:17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him. 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?"

17:16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled when he saw that the city was full of idols. 17:17 So he discussed things in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout people, and every day in the marketplace with anyone who happened to be there. 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were chatting with him. Some asked, "What does this chatterbox want to say?"

Others said, "He seems to be advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

Others said, "It looks like he's promoting foreign gods," because he was preaching about Jesus and the resurrection.

17:19 They took hold of him, and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by you? 17:20 For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean." 17:21 Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

17:19 They seized him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "Can we know what this new teaching is that you’re presenting? 17:20 You’re bringing some strange ideas to our ears. We want to understand what these things mean." 17:21 Meanwhile, all the Athenians and the foreigners living there spent their time engaged in nothing else but either talking about or listening to something new.

17:22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, "You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things. 17:23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you. 17:24 The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn't dwell in temples made with hands, 17:25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things. 17:26 He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings, 17:27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 17:28 'For in him we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.' 17:29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man. 17:30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent, 17:31 because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead."

17:22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see that you are very religious in every way. 17:23 As I walked around and looked at the things you worship, I even found an altar with the inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What you worship without knowing, I am going to proclaim to you. 17:24 The God who created the world and everything in it, he is Lord of heaven and earth, and he doesn't live in man-made temples, 17:25 nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, since he himself gives all people life and breath and everything else. 17:26 From one man, he made every nation of mankind that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands, 17:27 so they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 17:28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.' 17:29 Since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 17:30 In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 17:31 for he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."

17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We want to hear you again concerning this."

17:32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed; but others said, "We want to hear more about this."

17:33 Thus Paul went out from among them. 17:34 But certain men joined with him, and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

17:33 So Paul left them. 17:34 But some men joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. 18:2 He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, 18:3 and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers. 18:4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks. 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 18:6 When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!"

18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 18:2 He met a Jew named Aquila, a man from Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. He joined them, 18:3 and since they were in the same trade, he lived and worked with them, as they were tent makers. 18:4 He argued in the synagogue every Sabbath, convincing both Jews and Greeks. 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was urged by the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 18:6 When they resisted and spoke badly of him, he shook out his clothes and said to them, "Your blood is on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!"

18:7 He departed there, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 18:8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized. 18:9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak and don't be silent; 18:10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city."

18:7 He left there and went into the house of a man named Justus, who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 18:8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord along with his entire household. Many Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. 18:9 The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision at night, saying, "Don't be afraid, but continue to speak and don’t hold back; 18:10 because I am with you, and no one will attack you or harm you, for I have many people in this city."

18:11 He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 18:12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 18:13 saying, "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."

18:11 He lived there for a year and a half, teaching the word of God to them. 18:12 But when Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia, the Jews united and confronted Paul, bringing him before the judgment seat, 18:13 saying, "This man is convincing people to worship God in a way that goes against the law."

18:14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you; 18:15 but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don't want to be a judge of these matters." 18:16 He drove them from the judgment seat.

18:14 But when Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If this were actually about a wrongdoing or a serious crime, it would make sense for me to listen to you; 18:15 but if they are just questions about words, names, and your own laws, take care of it yourselves. I don’t want to be the judge of these issues." 18:16 He dismissed them from the judgment seat.

18:17 Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn't care about any of these things.

18:17 Then all the Greeks grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right in front of the judgment seat. Gallio didn't care about any of this.

18:18 Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow. 18:19 He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 18:20 When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined; 18:21 but taking his leave of them, and saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus.

18:18 Paul stayed there for several more days, then said goodbye to the brothers, and sailed to Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae because he had a vow. 18:19 He arrived in Ephesus and left them there. He went into the synagogue and talked with the Jews. 18:20 When they asked him to stay longer, he refused; 18:21 but before leaving, he said, "I really have to celebrate this upcoming feast in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you if God wants me to," and then he set sail from Ephesus.

18:22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch. 18:23 Having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples. 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. 18:25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

18:22 When he arrived in Caesarea, he went up to greet the assembly and then went down to Antioch. 18:23 After spending some time there, he left and traveled through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 18:24 Meanwhile, a Jewish man named Apollos, originally from Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was well-versed in the Scriptures. 18:25 This man had been taught about the Lord's ways, and being passionate in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, even though he only knew about John’s baptism. 18:26 He started speaking boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more clearly.

18:27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 18:28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

18:27 When he decided to go to Achaia, the brothers supported him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly assisted those who had come to believe through grace; 18:28 for he convincingly argued against the Jews, publicly demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

19:1 It happened that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper country, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples. 19:2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

19:1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the region and arrived in Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 19:2 He asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

They said to him, "No, we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

They told him, "No, we haven't even heard of the Holy Spirit."

19:3 He said, "Into what then were you baptized?"

19:3 He asked, "So what were you baptized into?"

They said, "Into John's baptism."

They said, "For John's baptism."

19:4 Paul said, "John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."

19:4 Paul said, "John did baptize with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."

19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 19:6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with other languages and prophesied. 19:7 They were about twelve men in all. 19:8 He entered into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning the Kingdom of God.

19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 19:6 When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in different languages and prophesied. 19:7 There were about twelve men in total. 19:8 He went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, discussing and convincing people about the matters concerning the Kingdom of God.

19:9 But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 19:10 This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

19:9 But when some became stubborn and disobedient, speaking badly about the Way in front of the crowd, he left them and separated the disciples, discussing daily in the school of Tyrannus. 19:10 This went on for two years, so that everyone living in Asia heard the message of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

19:11 God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul, 19:12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the evil spirits went out. 19:13 But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." 19:14 There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.

19:11 God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, 19:12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and evil spirits left them. 19:13 However, some Jewish exorcists, who traveled around, tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits, saying, "We command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." 19:14 There were seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva who were doing this.

19:15 The evil spirit answered, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" 19:16 The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 19:17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 19:18 Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. 19:19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 19:20 So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.

19:15 The evil spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I've heard of Paul, but who are you?" 19:16 The man possessed by the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them, and defeated them, so they ran out of the house naked and injured. 19:17 This became known to everyone, both Jews and Greeks, living in Ephesus. A great fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was honored. 19:18 Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and admitting what they had done. 19:19 A number of those who practiced magic gathered their books and burned them publicly. They calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 19:20 So the word of the Lord continued to spread and became powerful.

19:21 Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

19:21 After these events, Paul felt compelled in his spirit, and after traveling through Macedonia and Achaia, he decided to go to Jerusalem, saying, "Once I’ve been there, I need to visit Rome too."

19:22 Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. 19:23 About that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way. 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen, 19:25 whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth. 19:26 You see and hear, that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands. 19:27 Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."

19:22 After sending two of his associates, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he stayed in Asia for a while. 19:23 Around that time, there was a significant uproar about the Way. 19:24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, was causing a lot of business for the craftsmen. 19:25 He called together the other craftsmen and workers in the same trade and said, "Gentlemen, you know that this business is how we make our living. 19:26 You see and hear that not only here in Ephesus but almost all over Asia, this Paul has convinced and turned away many people, claiming that gods made by human hands aren’t really gods. 19:27 There is not only a risk that our trade will lose its reputation, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as worthless, and her magnificence will be destroyed, the very one whom all Asia and the world worships."

19:28 When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 19:29 The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. 19:30 When Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn't allow him. 19:31 Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn't know why they had come together. 19:33 They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people. 19:34 But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

19:28 When they heard this, they got really angry and shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 19:29 The whole city was in chaos, and they rushed in a crowd to the theater, grabbing Gaius and Aristarchus, men from Macedonia and Paul's travel companions. 19:30 When Paul wanted to go into the crowd, the disciples wouldn’t let him. 19:31 Some of the Asiarchs, who were his friends, sent him messages begging him not to take the risk of entering the theater. 19:32 So some shouted one thing and others shouted something else, because the crowd was confused. Most of them didn't even know why they had gathered. 19:33 They brought Alexander out of the crowd, with the Jews pushing him forward. Alexander motioned for silence and wanted to address the crowd. 19:34 But when they realized he was Jewish, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

19:35 When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn't know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 19:36 Seeing then that these things can't be denied, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. 19:37 For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 19:38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another. 19:39 But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly. 19:40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn't be able to give an account of this commotion." 19:41 When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

19:35 When the town clerk managed to quiet the crowd, he said, "People of Ephesus, who doesn't know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the great goddess Artemis and the statue that came down from Zeus? 19:36 Since these facts can’t be disputed, you should remain calm and not act impulsively. 19:37 The men you've brought here are neither thieves of temples nor disrespectful to your goddess. 19:38 If Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are available, and there are proconsuls. They can file charges against each other. 19:39 But if you’re looking to address other issues, that will be dealt with in the regular assembly. 19:40 We really risk being accused of causing today’s riot without justification. We wouldn’t be able to explain this disorder." 19:41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

20:1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia. 20:2 When he had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece. 20:3 When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. 20:4 These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 20:5 But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas. 20:6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.

20:1 After the commotion died down, Paul called the disciples, said his goodbyes, and set off for Macedonia. 20:2 After traveling through those areas and encouraging them with many words, he arrived in Greece. 20:3 After spending three months there and learning about a plot against him by the Jews as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 20:4 These men accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater from Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. 20:5 However, they had gone ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. 20:6 We set sail from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread and reached Troas in five days, where we stayed for seven days.

20:7 On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and continued his speech until midnight. 20:8 There were many lights in the upper chamber where we were gathered together. 20:9 A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. 20:10 Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him said, "Don't be troubled, for his life is in him."

20:7 On the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together to share a meal, and Paul was speaking to them, planning to leave the next day, and he kept on talking until midnight. 20:8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were gathered. 20:9 A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window, feeling very sleepy. As Paul talked on and on, he got so drowsy that he fell out of the third-story window and was picked up dead. 20:10 Paul went down, fell on him, and hugged him, saying, "Don’t be alarmed, he’s alive!"

20:11 When he had gone up, and had broken bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, he departed. 20:12 They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.

20:11 After he had gone up, broken bread, eaten, and talked with them for a long time, even until dawn, he left. 20:12 They brought the boy in alive and were greatly relieved.

20:13 But we who went ahead to the ship set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for he had so arranged, intending himself to go by land. 20:14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard, and came to Mitylene. 20:15 Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus. 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

20:13 But we who went ahead to the ship set sail for Assos, planning to pick up Paul there, since he had arranged it that way, intending to go by land himself. 20:14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and sailed to Mitylene. 20:15 After leaving there, we arrived the next day across from Chios. The following day we stopped at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after that we reached Miletus. 20:16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he wouldn't have to spend time in Asia; he was eager, if possible, to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly. 20:18 When they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time, 20:19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews; 20:20 how I didn't shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house, 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.* 20:22 Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. 20:24 But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.

20:17 From Miletus, he sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus. 20:18 When they arrived, he said to them, "You know that from the very first day I set foot in Asia, I was with you the entire time, 20:19 serving the Lord with complete humility, with many tears, and facing trials that happened to me because of the plots of the Jews; 20:20 I didn't hold back from telling you anything that was beneficial, teaching you publicly and from house to house, 20:21 testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.* 20:22 Now, look, I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit has been telling me in every city that imprisonment and hardships are waiting for me. 20:24 But none of these things matter to me, nor do I consider my life precious, so that I may finish my race with joy and complete the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully declare the Good News of God's grace.

20:25 "Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men, 20:27 for I didn't shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 20:28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. 20:29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 20:30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 20:31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn't cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears. 20:32 Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 20:33 I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or clothing. 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. 20:35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

20:25 "Now, look, I know that all of you, among whom I’ve been preaching the Kingdom of God, will never see my face again. 20:26 So I testify to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all people, 20:27 because I didn’t hold back from sharing with you the whole message of God. 20:28 Pay attention to yourselves and to the entire flock, for the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to take care of the church of the Lord and God, which he bought with his own blood. 20:29 I know that after I leave, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 20:30 Even from your own group, men will rise up, distorting the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 20:31 So be alert, remembering that for three years I didn’t stop warning each of you night and day, with tears. 20:32 Now, brothers, I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace, which can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. 20:33 I didn't crave anyone's silver, gold, or clothes. 20:34 You know for yourselves that these hands provided for my needs and for those who were with me. 20:35 In everything I showed you that by working hard you ought to help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It’s more blessed to give than to receive.'"

20:36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 20:37 They all wept a lot, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, 20:38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

20:36 After he said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 20:37 They all cried a lot, hugged Paul, and kissed him, 20:38 especially upset because of what he had said, that they wouldn't see his face again. And they walked with him to the ship.

21:1 When it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 21:2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail. 21:3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 21:4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 21:5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

21:1 After we had said our goodbyes and set sail, we headed straight to Cos, then the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 21:2 We found a ship heading to Phoenicia, went on board, and set sail. 21:3 When we caught sight of Cyprus, leaving it to our left, we sailed to Syria and docked at Tyre, where the ship was supposed to unload its cargo. 21:4 We found some believers there and stayed for seven days. They, through the Spirit, told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 21:5 After we had completed our time there, we left and continued our journey. Everyone, including their wives and children, escorted us out of the city. We knelt on the beach and prayed. 21:6 After saying our goodbyes, we boarded the ship, and they went back home.

21:7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day. 21:8 On the next day, we, who were Paul's companions, departed, and came to Caesarea.

21:7 After we completed the trip from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We met up with the brothers and spent one day with them. 21:8 The next day, we, who were with Paul, left and headed to Caesarea.

We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 21:10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 21:11 Coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

We went to the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. 21:9 He had four unmarried daughters who could prophesy. 21:10 While we were there for a few days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 21:11 He approached us, took Paul's belt, and tied it around his own feet and hands, saying, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'The Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.'"

21:12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

21:12 When we heard this, both we and the people there urged him not to go to Jerusalem. 21:13 Then Paul replied, "Why are you crying and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be arrested, but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus."

21:14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The Lord's will be done."

21:14 When he wouldn’t be convinced, we stopped, saying, "Let it be as the Lord wills."

21:15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem. 21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.

21:15 After a few days, we packed our bags and headed to Jerusalem. 21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea joined us, bringing along a guy named Mnason from Cyprus, who was one of the early disciples and with whom we would be staying.

21:17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 21:18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. 21:19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry. 21:20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. 21:21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs. 21:22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 21:23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. 21:24 Take them, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law. 21:25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality."

21:17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly. 21:18 The next day, Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were there. 21:19 After greeting them, he shared in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 21:20 They glorified God when they heard it. They said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and they are all enthusiastic about the law. 21:21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or follow the customs. 21:22 What should we do? The assembly will definitely meet, for they will hear that you have arrived. 21:23 So, please do what we suggest. We have four men who have taken a vow. 21:24 Join them, purify yourself with them, and cover their expenses so they can shave their heads. Then everyone will know that the reports about you are untrue, and that you yourself also follow the law. 21:25 But regarding the Gentiles who believe, we have made our decision that they should not observe any such thing, except that they should abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from things that have been strangled, and from sexual immorality."

21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them. 21:27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him, 21:28 crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple, and has defiled this holy place!" 21:29 For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, he purified himself and went with them into the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days, until the offering was made for each of them. 21:27 When the seven days were nearly over, the Jews from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up the crowd, and seized him, 21:28 shouting, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, the law, and this place. He has also brought Greeks into the temple and has polluted this holy place!" 21:29 For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and they thought Paul had taken him into the temple.

21:30 All the city was moved, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut. 21:31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 21:32 Immediately he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul. 21:33 Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done. 21:34 Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn't find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.

21:30 The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They grabbed Paul and pulled him out of the temple. Immediately, the doors were locked. 21:31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commanding officer of the regiment that all of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 21:32 He quickly gathered soldiers and centurions and rushed down to them. When they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 21:33 The commanding officer approached, arrested him, ordered him to be tied with two chains, and asked who he was and what he had done. 21:34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing, and others shouted another. When he couldn't determine the truth because of the chaos, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.

21:35 When he came to the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd; 21:36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!" 21:37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, "May I speak to you?"

21:35 When he got to the stairs, the soldiers had to carry him because the crowd was so violent; 21:36 for the throng of people followed after, shouting, "Get rid of him!" 21:37 As Paul was about to be taken into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, "Can I talk to you?"

He said, "Do you know Greek? 21:38 Aren't you then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?"

He said, "Do you know Greek? 21:38 Aren't you the Egyptian who recently incited a rebellion and led four thousand Assassins into the wilderness?"

21:39 But Paul said, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."

21:39 But Paul said, "I'm a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. Please, let me speak to the people."

21:40 When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

21:40 After he got permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, waved his hand to get the people's attention. When there was complete silence, he spoke to them in Hebrew, saying,

22:1 "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."

22:1 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense I’m about to present to you."

22:2 When they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said, 22:3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are this day. 22:4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 22:5 As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished. 22:6 It happened that, as I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from the sky a great light around me. 22:7 I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 22:8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.'

22:2 When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they fell silent. He said, 22:3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated in the strict traditions of our ancestors, zealous for God, just as you all are today. 22:4 I persecuted this movement to the point of death, imprisoning both men and women. 22:5 The high priest and the entire council of elders can testify to that; I received letters from them to the followers and went to Damascus to bring those who were there back to Jerusalem, bound and ready for punishment. 22:6 As I was on my way to Damascus around noon, a bright light suddenly shone down from the sky around me. 22:7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 22:8 I replied, 'Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'

22:9 "Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn't understand the voice of him who spoke to me. 22:10 I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.' 22:11 When I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. 22:12 One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus, 22:13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' In that very hour I looked up at him. 22:14 He said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. 22:15 For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 22:16 Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

22:9 "The people with me definitely saw the light and were scared, but they didn't understand the voice of the one who spoke to me. 22:10 I asked, 'What should I do, Lord?' The Lord told me, 'Get up and go to Damascus. There you will be informed about all the things you are meant to do.' 22:11 When I couldn't see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me into Damascus. 22:12 A man named Ananias, a devout follower of the law and well respected by all the Jews living in Damascus, 22:13 came to me and, standing beside me, said, 'Brother Saul, regain your sight!' In that moment, I looked up at him. 22:14 He said, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. 22:15 For you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 22:16 So why are you waiting? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on the name of the Lord.'

22:17 "It happened that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance, 22:18 and saw him saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.' 22:19 I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in you. 22:20 When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.'

22:17 "When I got back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance, 22:18 and I saw him saying to me, 'Get out of Jerusalem fast, because they won’t accept your testimony about me.' 22:19 I replied, 'Lord, they know I locked up and beat up everyone who believed in you in every synagogue. 22:20 When they killed Stephen, your witness, I was right there, agreeing with his death and keeping an eye on the coats of those who murdered him.'

22:21 "He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.'"

22:21 "He told me, 'Go away, because I will send you far from here to the non-Jews.'"

22:22 They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice, and said, "Rid the earth of this fellow, for he isn't fit to live!"

22:22 They kept listening to him until he said that; then they raised their voices and said, "Get this guy out of here, he doesn't deserve to live!"

22:23 As they cried out, and threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air, 22:24 the commanding officer commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be examined by scourging, that he might know for what crime they shouted against him like that. 22:25 When they had tied him up with thongs, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and not found guilty?"

22:23 As they shouted and tossed off their cloaks, throwing dust into the air, 22:24 the commanding officer ordered him to be taken into the barracks, telling that he should be examined by flogging, so he could find out why they were shouting against him like that. 22:25 When they had bound him with straps, Paul asked the centurion nearby, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t been found guilty?"

22:26 When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer and told him, "Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!"

22:26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commanding officer and said, "Be careful about what you’re going to do, because this man is Roman!"

22:27 The commanding officer came and asked him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?"

22:27 The commanding officer approached him and asked, "So, are you a Roman?"

He said, "Yes."

He replied, "Yes."

22:28 The commanding officer answered, "I bought my citizenship for a great price."

22:28 The commanding officer replied, "I paid a high price for my citizenship."

Paul said, "But I was born a Roman."

Paul said, "But I was born a Roman."

22:29 Immediately those who were about to examine him departed from him, and the commanding officer also was afraid when he realized that he was a Roman, because he had bound him. 22:30 But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

22:29 Right away, those who were about to interrogate him left, and the officer became afraid when he found out that he was a Roman citizen because he had bound him. 22:30 The next day, wanting to find out the truth about why he was being accused by the Jews, he released him from his chains and summoned the chief priests and all the council to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and presented him before them.

23:1 Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

23:1 Paul, looking firmly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God with a clear conscience up until now."

23:2 The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

23:2 The high priest, Ananias, ordered those around him to slap him in the face.

23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God will hit you, you hypocrite! Do you sit here judging me based on the law while ordering me to be struck against the law?"

23:4 Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"

23:4 Those who were nearby said, "Are you speaking ill of God's high priest?"

23:5 Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"* 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

23:5 Paul said, "I didn't realize, brothers, that he was the high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak ill of a ruler of your people.'"* 23:6 But when Paul noticed that some of them were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he shouted out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am being judged for my hope in the resurrection of the dead!"

23:7 When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these. 23:9 A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let's not fight against God!"

23:7 When he said this, an argument broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group was divided. 23:8 The Sadducees believe that there is no resurrection, no angels, and no spirits; whereas the Pharisees believe in all of these. 23:9 A loud uproar started, and some of the scribes from the Pharisees stood up and argued, saying, "We find no wrongdoing in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, we shouldn't be fighting against God!"

23:10 When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

23:10 When a heated argument broke out, the commanding officer, worried that Paul would be attacked by the crowd, ordered the soldiers to go down and forcibly take him away from them and bring him into the barracks.

23:11 The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

23:11 The next night, the Lord was there with him and said, "Lift your spirits, Paul, for just as you have shared your testimony about me in Jerusalem, you will also share it in Rome."

23:12 When it was day, some of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 23:13 There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy. 23:14 They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 23:15 Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near."

23:12 During the day, some of the Jews got together and made a vow, declaring that they wouldn’t eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 23:13 More than forty people were involved in this plot. 23:14 They went to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "We have taken a serious oath to not eat anything until we have killed Paul. 23:15 So you and the council should inform the commanding officer to bring him down to you tomorrow, as if you need to examine his case more closely. We are ready to kill him before he gets close."

23:16 But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul. 23:17 Paul summoned one of the centurions, and said, "Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to tell him."

23:16 But Paul’s sister's son found out about their plot, so he went to the barracks and informed Paul. 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commanding officer, because he has something to report to him."

23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the commanding officer, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

23:18 So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer, saying, "Paul, the prisoner, called for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to say."

23:19 The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

23:19 The commanding officer took him by the hand and, stepping aside, asked him quietly, "What do you need to tell me?"

23:20 He said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him. 23:21 Therefore don't yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

23:20 He said, "The Jews have decided to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, pretending that they want to ask him some more specific questions. 23:21 So don’t give in to them, because more than forty men are lying in wait for him, having sworn an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are already prepared, waiting for your decision."

23:22 So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me." 23:23 He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night." 23:24 He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 23:25 He wrote a letter like this:

23:22 So the commander let the young man go, telling him, "Don’t tell anyone that you shared these things with me." 23:23 He called over two of the centurions and said, "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go as far as Caesarea, along with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night." 23:24 He asked them to get horses so they could place Paul on one and ensure he arrives safely to Felix the governor. 23:25 He wrote a letter like this:

23:26 "Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

23:26 "Claudius Lysias to the esteemed governor Felix: Hello.

23:27 "This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 23:28 Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council. 23:29 I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment. 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell."

23:27 "This man was captured by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I arrived with the soldiers and saved him, having found out that he was a Roman. 23:28 Wanting to understand why they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 23:29 I discovered that he was being accused regarding matters of their law, but there were no charges against him that warranted death or imprisonment. 23:30 When I was informed that the Jews were laying in wait for the man, I sent him to you right away, instructing his accusers to present their claims against him before you. Farewell."

23:31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 23:32 But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks. 23:33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 23:34 When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, 23:35 "I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive." He commanded that he be kept in Herod's palace.

23:31 So the soldiers, following their orders, took Paul and brought him to Antipatris at night. 23:32 The next day, they left the horsemen to accompany him and returned to the barracks. 23:33 When they arrived in Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also introduced Paul to him. 23:34 After the governor read it, he asked where Paul was from. When he found out he was from Cilicia, he said, 23:35 "I will listen to you in full when your accusers come." He ordered that Paul be kept in Herod's palace.

24:1 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul. 24:2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation, 24:3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 24:4 But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 24:6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.* 24:7 * 24:8 *By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."

24:1 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought charges against Paul to the governor. 24:2 When he was called in, Tertullus began his accusations, saying, "Since we enjoy a lot of peace because of you, and thanks to your excellent leadership, this nation is doing well, 24:3 we are grateful in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix. 24:4 But, to not take up too much of your time, I kindly ask you to listen to a few words. 24:5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among all the Jews around the world, and he is the leader of the sect of Nazarenes. 24:6 He even attempted to defile the temple, and we seized him.* 24:7 * 24:8 * By examining him yourself, you can confirm all these charges we are making against him."

24:9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so. 24:10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, 24:11 seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 24:12 In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. 24:13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 24:14 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 24:15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 24:16 Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men. 24:17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings; 24:18 amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil. 24:19 They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me. 24:20 Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council, 24:21 unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"

24:9 The Jews also joined in the attack, confirming that these things were true. 24:10 When the governor signaled for him to speak, Paul replied, "Since I know you've been a judge of this nation for many years, I happily make my case, 24:11 considering that you can see that it’s only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 24:12 In the temple, they didn't find me arguing with anyone or causing a scene, either in the synagogues or in the city. 24:13 They also can't prove the things they're accusing me of. 24:14 But I admit to you that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing in everything that is in the law and the prophets; 24:15 I have hope in God, which they also share, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both for the righteous and the wicked. 24:16 In this, I strive to always maintain a clear conscience before God and people. 24:17 After some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy of my nation and offerings; 24:18 during this time, some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob or causing chaos. 24:19 They should have been here to present their accusations if they had anything against me. 24:20 Or let these men explain what wrong they found in me when I stood before the council, 24:21 unless it's for this one thing that I shouted while standing among them, 'I am on trial today for my belief in the resurrection of the dead!'"

24:22 But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case." 24:23 He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him. 24:24 But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 24:25 As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you." 24:26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him. 24:27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

24:22 But Felix, knowing more about the situation, postponed their case, saying, "I'll decide your case when Lysias, the commanding officer, arrives." 24:23 He instructed the centurion to keep Paul in custody but allow him some privileges, and not to stop any of his friends from serving or visiting him. 24:24 After a few days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul to discuss his faith in Christ Jesus. 24:25 As he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the impending judgment, Felix became frightened and replied, "You can go for now, and when it’s convenient for me, I’ll call for you." 24:26 Meanwhile, he was also hoping that Paul would give him money to secure his release, so he called for him more often to talk. 24:27 But after two years, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus, and because he wanted to win favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.

25:1 Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 25:2 Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged him, 25:3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. 25:4 However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly. 25:5 "Let them therefore," said he, "that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."

25:1 Festus arrived in the province and, after three days, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 25:2 The high priest and the leading Jews informed him about Paul and requested, 25:3 asking him to do them a favor, that he would call Paul to Jerusalem; they were plotting to kill him on the way. 25:4 However, Festus replied that Paul would be kept in custody at Caesarea and that he was about to leave soon. 25:5 "So let those of you in power come down with me," he said, "and if there is any charge against the man, let them bring it."

25:6 When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. 25:7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove, 25:8 while he said in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all."

25:6 After staying with them for more than ten days, he traveled down to Caesarea, and the next day he took his seat on the judgment bench and ordered Paul to be brought in. 25:7 When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem gathered around him, presenting many serious accusations that they couldn't prove, 25:8 while he defended himself, saying, "I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews, the temple, or Caesar."

25:9 But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?"

25:9 But Festus, wanting to win over the Jews, asked Paul, "Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and be judged by me there about these matters?"

25:10 But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 25:11 For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don't refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

25:10 But Paul said, "I am here before Caesar's judgment seat, where I should be tried. I haven’t done anything wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 25:11 If I have done something wrong and deserve death, I won't hesitate to die; but if none of the accusations against me are true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go."

25:12 Then Festus, after talking with the council, replied, "You’ve requested to see Caesar. To Caesar you will go."

25:13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus. 25:14 As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; 25:15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him. 25:16 To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him. 25:17 When therefore they had come together here, I didn't delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought. 25:18 Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed; 25:19 but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 25:20 Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 25:21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar."

25:13 After a few days, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and greeted Festus. 25:14 While he was there for several days, Festus presented Paul's case to the king, saying, "There's a man who was left in prison by Felix; 25:15 about whom, when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Jewish elders told me, asking for a verdict against him. 25:16 I responded that it’s not the Romans' custom to hand someone over for punishment before the accused has the chance to confront their accusers and defend themselves against the charges. 25:17 So when they came together here, I didn’t waste any time, but the next day took my seat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought in. 25:18 When the accusers stood up, they didn’t bring charges as I expected; 25:19 instead, they had some disputes with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who was dead, but Paul claimed was alive. 25:20 Unsure how to investigate these issues, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be judged on these matters. 25:21 But since Paul had appealed to be held for the emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept until I could send him to Caesar."

25:22 Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself."

25:22 Agrippa said to Festus, "I also want to hear from the guy myself."

"Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him."

"Tomorrow," he said, "you'll hear him."

25:23 So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 25:24 Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him. 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write. 25:27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him."

25:23 The next day, when Agrippa and Bernice arrived with great ceremony and entered the courtroom along with the commanding officers and leading citizens, Festus commanded that Paul be brought in. 25:24 Festus said, "King Agrippa, and everyone else here with us, you see this man whom all the Jewish people have been asking me about, both in Jerusalem and here, claiming he shouldn’t be allowed to live any longer. 25:25 But when I discovered that he hadn’t done anything deserving of death, and since he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him to Rome. 25:26 However, I don’t have anything definite to write to my lord about him. So I’ve brought him here before you, especially you, King Agrippa, so that after questioning him, I might have something to include in my report. 25:27 It seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without also stating the charges against him."

26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself."

26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You can speak for yourself."

Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense. 26:2 "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews, 26:3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

Then Paul raised his hand and began his defense. 26:2 "I feel fortunate, King Agrippa, to have the chance to defend myself before you today regarding all the accusations made against me by the Jews, 26:3 especially since you are knowledgeable about all the customs and issues related to the Jews. So I kindly ask you to listen to me patiently.

26:4 "Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 26:5 having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 26:6 Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, 26:7 which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa! 26:8 Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?

26:4 "Surely, all the Jews know how I’ve lived my life since I was young, both among my own people and in Jerusalem. 26:5 They’ve known me for a long time and can testify, if they want, that I’ve lived as a Pharisee, which is the strictest group of our religion. 26:6 Now I’m here being judged because of the hope of the promise God made to our ancestors, 26:7 which our twelve tribes are sincerely serving day and night, hoping to reach. The Jews are accusing me because of this hope, King Agrippa! 26:8 Why is it so hard for you to believe that God raises the dead?"

26:9 "I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 26:10 This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them. 26:11 Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

26:9 "I definitely thought I should do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 26:10 I did this in Jerusalem too. I locked up many of the believers in prisons, having gotten permission from the chief priests, and when they were executed, I voted against them. 26:11 I often punished them in all the synagogues, trying to make them curse. I was so furious with them that I persecuted them even in foreign cities.

26:12 "Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests, 26:13 at noon, O King, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me. 26:14 When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

26:12 "While I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests, 26:13 at noon, Your Majesty, I saw a light from the sky that was brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. 26:14 When we all fell to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in Hebrew, saying, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It’s hard for you to fight against the goads.'

26:15 "I said, 'Who are you, Lord?'

26:15 "I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'"

"He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 26:16 But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you; 26:17 delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, 26:18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

"He said, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 26:16 But get up and stand on your feet, because I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a servant and a witness of both what you have seen and what I will show you; 26:17 protecting you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 26:18 to open their eyes so they can turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are made holy by faith in me.'”

26:19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 26:20 but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me. 26:22 Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 26:23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles."

26:19 "So, King Agrippa, I wasn’t disobedient to the vision I received from heaven, 26:20 but first told the people in Damascus, then in Jerusalem, and throughout all of Judea, as well as to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing things that show they’ve repented. 26:21 Because of this, the Jews grabbed me in the temple and tried to kill me. 26:22 But I’ve received help from God, and I’m standing here today, testifying to both the small and the great, sharing only what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 26:23 that the Christ had to suffer and that he would be the first to bring light to both these people and the Gentiles through his resurrection from the dead."

26:24 As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!"

26:24 As he made his defense, Festus shouted, "Paul, you're out of your mind! Your extensive knowledge is making you crazy!"

26:25 But he said, "I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness. 26:26 For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner. 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

26:25 But he said, "I'm not crazy, most excellent Festus, I’m just speaking the truth clearly and reasonably. 26:26 The king is aware of these matters, to whom I’m speaking openly. I’m convinced that nothing about this is a secret from him, since it hasn’t been done in secret. 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."

26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?"

26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you really trying to convince me to be a Christian with just a little persuasion?"

26:29 Paul said, "I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these bonds."

26:29 Paul said, "I pray to God that whether with little or with much, not only you but also everyone who hears me today might become like I am, except for these chains."

26:30 The king rose up with the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them. 26:31 When they had withdrawn, they spoke one to another, saying, "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds." 26:32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

26:30 The king stood up with the governor, and Bernice, and the others who were with them. 26:31 After they left, they talked to each other, saying, "This man hasn't done anything deserving of death or imprisonment." 26:32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been released if he hadn't requested to go to Caesar."

27:1 When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band. 27:2 Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 27:3 The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself. 27:4 Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 27:5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 27:6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. 27:7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 27:8 With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

27:1 When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and a few other prisoners over to a centurion named Julius from the Augustan cohort. 27:2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail to locations along the coast of Asia, and we set sail, with Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanying us. 27:3 The next day, we stopped at Sidon. Julius treated Paul well and allowed him to visit his friends for some rest. 27:4 After leaving there, we sailed along the south side of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 27:5 Once we had crossed the sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we arrived at Myra, a city in Lycia. 27:6 There, the centurion found a ship from Alexandria heading to Italy and put us on board. 27:7 After many days of slow sailing, we struggled to reach Cnidus as the wind prevented us from going further, so we sailed south of Crete, near Salmone. 27:8 With great difficulty along the coast, we arrived at a location called Fair Havens, close to the city of Lasea.

27:9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them, 27:10 and said to them, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." 27:11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul. 27:12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast.

27:9 After a long time had passed and the journey became risky because the Fast had already passed, Paul warned them, 27:10 saying, "Gentlemen, I can see that this trip will result in damage and great loss, not just of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." 27:11 However, the centurion paid more attention to the ship's captain and the owner than to what Paul had said. 27:12 Since the harbor wasn't a good place to spend the winter, most of them suggested going to sea from there, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port in Crete, facing northeast and southeast.

27:13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore. 27:14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon. 27:15 When the ship was caught, and couldn't face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along. 27:16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat. 27:17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along. 27:18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard. 27:19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's tackle with their own hands. 27:20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.

27:13 When the south wind blew gently, thinking they had achieved their goal, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, near the shore. 27:14 But soon, a violent wind blew down from the land, which is called Euroclydon. 27:15 When the ship was caught in it and couldn't withstand the wind, we gave in and were pushed along. 27:16 Taking shelter behind a small island called Clauda, we managed, with great difficulty, to secure the lifeboat. 27:17 After they hoisted it up, they used cables to reinforce the ship. Worried that they would run aground on the Syrtis sandbars, they dropped the sea anchor and were carried along. 27:18 As we struggled a lot with the storm, the next day they began to toss things overboard. 27:19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's equipment with their own hands. 27:20 When neither the sun nor the stars appeared for many days, and a serious storm pressed down on us, all hope of being saved was completely gone.

27:21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss. 27:22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve, 27:24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 27:25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me. 27:26 But we must run aground on a certain island."

27:21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, "Gentlemen, you should have listened to me and not set sail from Crete, which has led to this injury and loss. 27:22 Now I encourage you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, only the ship. 27:23 An angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood by me this night, 27:24 and said, 'Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Look, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 27:25 So, gentlemen, take heart! For I believe God that it will happen just as it was told to me. 27:26 But we must run aground on a certain island."

27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land. 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight. 27:30 As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow, 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these stay in the ship, you can't be saved." 27:32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.

27:27 But when the fourteenth night arrived, as we were tossed around in the Adriatic Sea, around midnight the sailors guessed that they were nearing land. 27:28 They took measurements and discovered twenty fathoms.. After a little while, they took measurements again and found fifteen fathoms.. 27:29 Worried that we might hit a rocky bottom, they dropped four anchors from the back of the ship and waited for daylight. 27:30 As the sailors were trying to escape from the ship by lowering the lifeboat into the sea, pretending they were going to drop anchors from the front, 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay on the ship, you can't be saved." 27:32 Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the lifeboat and let it drift away.

27:33 While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing. 27:34 Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads." 27:35 When he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it, and began to eat. 27:36 Then they all cheered up, and they also took food. 27:37 In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship. 27:38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. 27:39 When it was day, they didn't recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it. 27:40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. 27:41 But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.

27:33 As day broke, Paul urged everyone to eat, saying, "It's been fourteen days since you started fasting and you haven't had anything. 27:34 So I urge you to eat something, as it will be for your well-being; not a single hair on your heads will be lost." 27:35 After saying this, he took some bread, thanked God in front of everyone, broke it, and started eating. 27:36 Then they all felt better and also ate food. 27:37 In total, there were two hundred seventy-six people on the ship. 27:38 Once they had enough to eat, they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat into the sea. 27:39 When morning came, they didn't recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a beach and decided to try to run the ship onto it. 27:40 They cut the anchors and left them in the sea, untied the rudder ropes, and hoisted the foresail to catch the wind, aiming for the beach. 27:41 But as they got to a place where two seas met, the ship ran aground. The bow got stuck and wouldn't move, while the stern began to break apart because of the force of the waves.

27:42 The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape. 27:43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land; 27:44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So it happened that they all escaped safely to the land.

27:42 The soldiers advised killing the prisoners to prevent any from swimming away and escaping. 27:43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, stopped them from going through with it and ordered that those who could swim should jump overboard first to head for the shore; 27:44 and the rest should follow, some on planks and others on pieces of the ship. In the end, they all made it to safety on land.

28:1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live." 28:5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed. 28:6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

28:1 After we escaped, they found out that the island was called Malta. 28:2 The locals showed us incredible kindness; they built a fire and welcomed all of us because of the rain and the cold. 28:3 But when Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and added them to the fire, a viper came out due to the heat and bit his hand. 28:4 When the locals saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "There's no doubt this man is a murderer. He might have escaped the sea, but Justice won't let him live." 28:5 However, he shook off the snake into the fire and suffered no harm. 28:6 They expected him to swell up or suddenly drop dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days. 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 28:9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured. 28:10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

28:7 Now in the area around that place were lands owned by the island's chief, named Publius, who welcomed us and graciously hosted us for three days. 28:8 During our stay, Publius's father was sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, prayed, and laid his hands on him to heal him. 28:9 Once this was done, people from the island who had diseases came to him and were healed. 28:10 They also honored us with many gifts, and when we set sail, they provided us with the supplies we needed.

28:11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers." 28:12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 28:13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, 28:14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage. 28:16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

28:11 After three months, we set sail on a ship from Alexandria that had been wintering on the island, marked with the sign "The Twin Brothers." 28:12 We stopped at Syracuse, where we stayed for three days. 28:13 From there, we journeyed on and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind picked up, and by the second day, we reached Puteoli, 28:14 where we found brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days. So we made our way to Rome. 28:15 From there, the brothers, hearing about us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and felt encouraged. 28:16 Once we entered Rome, the centurion handed over the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay on his own with the soldier assigned to guard him.

28:17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 28:18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."

28:17 After three days, Paul gathered the leaders of the Jews. When they arrived, he said to them, "Brothers, even though I've done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem to the Romans, 28:18 who, after examining me, wanted to release me because they found no reason for my execution. 28:19 However, when the Jews protested, I felt compelled to appeal to Caesar, not because I had anything to charge my nation with. 28:20 That's why I asked to see you and talk with you. I am in chains because of the hope of Israel."

28:21 They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

28:21 They said to him, "We haven't received any letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers have come here to report or say anything bad about you. 28:22 But we want to hear from you what you think. As for this group, we know that it's talked about negatively everywhere."

28:23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 28:24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 28:25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers, 28:26 saying,

28:23 When they set a date for him to meet, a lot of people showed up at his place. He talked to them about the Kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus, using the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening. 28:24 Some believed what he said, while others did not. 28:25 When they couldn’t agree with each other, they left after Paul said one thing: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth through Isaiah, the prophet, to our ancestors, 28:26 saying,

'Go to this people, and say,
in hearing, you will hear,
but will in no way understand.
In seeing, you will see,
but will in no way perceive.
28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous.
Their ears are dull of hearing.
Their eyes they have closed.
Lest they should see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and would turn again,
and I would heal them.'*

28:28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."

28:28 "So let it be known to you that God's salvation is offered to the nations. They will listen too."

28:29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

28:29 After he said this, the Jews left, arguing among themselves.

28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 28:31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

28:30 Paul stayed for two full years in his own rented house, welcoming everyone who came to him, 28:31 sharing the message of the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete confidence, without any obstacles.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:20 Psalm 69:25

[1] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 69:25

[2] back to 1:20 Psalm 109:8

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 109:8

[3] back to 2:15 about 9:00 AM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ around 9:00 AM

[4] back to 2:21 Joel 2:28-32

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Joel 2:28-32

[5] back to 2:27 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[6] back to 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 16:8-11

[7] back to 2:31 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[8] back to 2:35 Psalm 110:1

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:1

[9] back to 3:1 3:00 PM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 3:00 PM

[10] back to 3:17 The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[10] back to 3:17 The word for "brothers" here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[11] back to 3:23 Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19

[11] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19

[12] back to 3:25 Genesis 22:18; 26:4

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 22:18; 26:4

[13] back to 4:11 Psalm 118:22

[13] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:22

[14] back to 4:26 Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean Anointed One.

[14] back to 4:26 Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean Anointed One.

[15] back to 4:26 Psalm 2:1-2

[15] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:1-2

[16] back to 6:1 The Hellenists used Greek language and culture, even though they were also of Hebrew descent.

[16] back to 6:1 The Hellenists spoke Greek and embraced Greek culture, even though they were also of Hebrew origin.

[17] back to 7:3 Genesis 12:1

[17] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 12:1

[18] back to 7:7 Genesis 15:13-14

[18] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 15:13-14

[19] back to 7:23 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[19] back to 7:23 The word for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[20] back to 7:28 Exodus 2:14

[20] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 2:14

[21] back to 7:32 Exodus 3:6

[21] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 3:6

[22] back to 7:34 Exodus 3:5,7-8,10

[22] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 3:5, 7-8, 10

[23] back to 7:37 TR adds "You shall listen to him."

[23] back to 7:37 TR adds "You will listen to him."

[24] back to 7:37 Deuteronomy 18:15

[24] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 18:15

[25] back to 7:40 Exodus 32:1

[25] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 32:1

[26] back to 7:42 This idiom could also be translatted "host of heaven," or "angelic beings," or "heavenly bodies."

[26] back to 7:42 This idiom could also be translated as "host of heaven," "angelic beings," or "heavenly bodies."

[27] back to 7:43 Amos 5:25-27

[27] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Amos 5:25-27

[28] back to 7:50 Isaiah 66:1-2

[28] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 66:1-2

[29] back to 8:33 Isaiah 53:7,8

[29] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:7,8

[30] back to 8:37 TR adds "Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' He answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'"

[30] back to 8:37 TR adds "Philip said, 'If you truly believe, you can.' He replied, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'"

[31] back to 9:5 TR adds "It's hard for you to kick against the goads."

[31] back to 9:5 TR adds "It's tough for you to resist the pressure."

[32] back to 9:6 TR omits "But"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "But"

[33] back to 9:11 or, Judas

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Judas

[34] back to 9:28 TR and NU add "and going out"

[34] back to 9:28 TR and NU add "and going out"

[35] back to 9:29 The Hellenists were Hebrews who used Greek language and culture.

[35] back to 9:29 The Hellenists were Hebrews who spoke Greek and embraced Greek culture.

[36] back to 9:30 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[36] back to 9:30 The word for "brothers" here, and in other contexts, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[37] back to 9:36 "Dorcas" is Greek for "Gazelle."

"Dorcas" means "Gazelle" in Greek.

[38] back to 9:38 Reading from NU, TR; MT omits "two men"

[38] back to 9:38 Reading from NU, TR; MT leaves out "two men"

[39] back to 10:3 3:00 PM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 3:00 PM

[40] back to 10:6 TR adds "This one will tell you what it is necessary for you to do."

[40] back to 10:6 TR adds "This will let you know what you need to do."

[41] back to 10:19 Reading from TR and NU. MT omits "three"

[41] back to 10:19 Reading from TR and NU. MT omits "three"

[42] back to 10:30 3:00 P. M.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 3:00 PM

[43] back to 10:39 TR omits "also"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "also"

[44] back to 11:1 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[44] back to 11:1 The word for "brothers" here, when the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[45] back to 11:20 A Hellenist is someone who keeps Greek customs and culture.

[45] back to 11:20 A Hellenist is someone who maintains Greek traditions and culture.

[46] back to 12:25 TR reads "from" instead of "to"

[46] back to 12:25 TR reads "from" instead of "to"

[47] back to 13:17 TR, NU add "Israel"

add "Israel"

[48] back to 13:23 TR, NU read "a Savior, Jesus" instead of "salvation"

[48] back to 13:23 TR, NU read "a Savior, Jesus" instead of "salvation"

[49] back to 13:24 TR, NU read "to all the people of Israel" instead of "to Israel"

[49] back to 13:24 TR, NU read "to everyone in Israel" instead of "to Israel"

[50] back to 13:33 Psalm 2:7

[50] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:7

[51] back to 13:34 Isaiah 55:3

[51] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 55:3

[52] back to 13:35 Psalm 16:10

[52] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 16:10

[53] back to 13:38 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[53] back to 13:38 The word for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be properly translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[54] back to 13:41 Habakkuk 1:5

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Habakkuk 1:5

[55] back to 13:47 Isaiah 49:6

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 49:6

[56] back to 14:2 or, disobedient

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, rebellious

[57] back to 14:17 TR reads "us" instead of "you"

[57] back to 14:17 TR says "us" instead of "you"

[58] back to 15:3 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[58] back to 15:3 The term for "brothers" here and in contexts where it's appropriate can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[59] back to 15:11 TR adds "Christ"

adds "Christ"

[60] back to 15:17 Amos 9:11-12

[60] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Amos 9:11-12

[61] back to 15:22 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[61] back to 15:22 The word for "brothers" here, where the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[62] back to 15:34 Some manuscripts add: But it seemed good to Silas to stay there.

[62] back to 15:34 Some manuscripts add: But Silas thought it was a good idea to stay there.

[63] back to 17:5 TR reads "And the Jews who were unpersuaded, becoming envious and taking along" instead of "But the unpersuaded Jews took along"

[63] back to 17:5 TR reads "And the Jews who were unconvinced, becoming jealous and taking along" instead of "But the unconvinced Jews took along"

[64] back to 17:6 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[64] back to 17:6 The word for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[65] back to 17:18 TR omits "also"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "also"

[66] back to 18:18 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[66] back to 18:18 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows can also be correctly translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[67] back to 19:19 The 50,000 pieces of silver here probably referred to 50,000 drachmas. If so, the value of the burned books was equivalent to about 160 man-years of wages for agricultural laborers

[67] back to 19:19 The 50,000 pieces of silver mentioned here likely referred to 50,000 drachmas. If that’s the case, the worth of the burned books was roughly equal to about 160 years of wages for agricultural workers.

[68] back to 20:8 TR reads "they" instead of "we"

[68] back to 20:8 TR reads "they" instead of "we"

[69] back to 20:21 TR adds "Christ"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "Christ"

[70] back to 20:28 TR, NU omit "the Lord and"

[70] back to 20:28 TR, NU omit "the Lord and"

[71] back to 20:32 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[71] back to 20:32 The word for "brothers" here, where the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[72] back to 23:5 Exodus 22:28

[72] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 22:28

[73] back to 23:23 about 9:00 PM

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ about 9 PM

[74] back to 24:6 TR adds "We wanted to judge him according to our law,"

[74] back to 24:6 TR adds "We wanted to evaluate him based on our laws,"

[75] back to 24:7 TR adds "but the commanding officer, Lysias, came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,"

[75] back to 24:7 TR adds "but the commanding officer, Lysias, showed up and forcefully took him out of our hands,"

[76] back to 24:8 TR adds "commanding his accusers to come to you."

[76] back to 24:8 TR adds "ordering his accusers to come to you."

[77] back to 27:14 Or, "a northeaster."

[77] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Or, "a nor'easter."

[78] back to 27:28 20 fathoms = 120 feet = 36.6 meters

[78] back to 27:28 20 fathoms = 120 feet = 36.6 meters

[79] back to 27:28 15 fathoms = 90 feet = 27.4 meters

[79] back to 27:28 15 fathoms = 90 feet = 27.4 meters

[80] back to 28:1 NU reads "we"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ NU reads "we"

[81] back to 28:14 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[81] back to 28:14 The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows can also be correctly translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[82] back to 28:27 Isaiah 6:9-10

[82] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 6:9-10














Paul's Letter to the Romans

1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, 1:2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 1:3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 1:5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake; 1:6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; 1:7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the Good News of God, 1:2 which he promised in advance through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 1:3 concerning his Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 1:5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for the purpose of bringing about the obedience of faith among all nations, for his name's sake; 1:6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; 1:7 to all who are in Rome, loved by God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, 1:10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you. 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; 1:12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is talked about all over the world. 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of His Son, how constantly I mention you in my prayers, 1:10 asking that somehow, by the will of God, I may finally be able to visit you. 1:11 For I really want to see you, so that I can share some spiritual gift with you, to help strengthen you; 1:12 that is, so that we can encourage each other in our faith, yours and mine.

1:13 Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. 1:14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 1:17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."* 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 1:19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. 1:21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

1:13 I want you to know, brothers, that I’ve often planned to visit you, but I’ve been prevented so far, so that I could have some positive impact among you, just like I have with other Gentiles. 1:14 I owe a debt to both Greeks and foreigners, to the wise and the foolish. 1:15 So, as much as I am able, I’m eager to share the Good News with you who are in Rome. 1:16 I’m not ashamed of the Good News about Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 1:17 In it, God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."* 1:18 God’s anger is revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 1:19 since what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 1:20 For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 1:23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

1:22 Claiming to be wise, they became foolish, 1:23 and traded the glory of the immortal God for images resembling corruptible humans, birds, four-legged animals, and creeping things. 1:24 So God gave them up to the desires of their hearts to impurity, leading to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

1:26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. 1:27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. 1:28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 1:30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 1:31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 1:32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

1:26 For this reason, God allowed them to follow their shameful desires. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 1:27 In the same way, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with desire for one another, men committing acts that are wrong with men, and receiving in themselves the appropriate consequence for their actions. 1:28 Just as they refused to acknowledge God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things that are not proper; 1:29 they were filled with all kinds of unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, greed, and malice; they were full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malicious behavior, gossiping 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, arrogant, proud, boasters, inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents, 1:31 senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless; 1:32 although they knew God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of others who practice them.

2:1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things. 2:2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 2:3 Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 2:5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; 2:6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"* 2:7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, 2:9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2:1 So you have no excuse, you who judge others. When you judge someone else, you condemn yourself because you do the same things. 2:2 We know that God's judgment is based on truth against those who do such things. 2:3 Do you really think, you who judge those that do these things and do them yourself, that you’ll escape God's judgment? 2:4 Or do you disregard the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed; 2:6 He "will repay each person according to what they have done:"* 2:7 to those who, by perseverance in doing good, seek glory, honor, and immortality, eternal life; 2:8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and anger, 2:9 trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

2:10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 2:11 For there is no partiality with God. 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 2:13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified 2:14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, 2:15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) 2:16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

2:10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every person who does good, first to the Jew and also to the Greek. 2:11 For God shows no favoritism. 2:12 Those who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. Those who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 2:13 It’s not the people who hear the law who are righteous before God, but the ones who do the law will be justified 2:14 (because when Gentiles who don’t have the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, 2:15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, with their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them) 2:16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of people, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

2:17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God, 2:18 and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 2:19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 2:20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth. 2:21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal? 2:22 You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 2:23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God? 2:24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,"* just as it is written. 2:25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 2:26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision? 2:27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law? 2:28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

2:17 You call yourself a Jew, rely on the law, and take pride in God, 2:18 and you know His will and recognize what is best because you’ve been taught by the law, 2:19 and you are sure that you can guide the blind and be a light for those in darkness, 2:20 a teacher for the foolish and a guide for the inexperienced, since you hold the knowledge and truth of the law. 2:21 So, you who teach others, are you not teaching yourself? You who tell others not to steal, do you steal? 2:22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who hate idols, do you rob temples? 2:23 You who take pride in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 2:24 As it is written, "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." * 2:25 Circumcision is indeed beneficial if you follow the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision is as if it didn’t happen. 2:26 If the uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will their uncircumcision not be considered as circumcision? 2:27 Won’t the uncircumcised who fulfills the law condemn you, even though you have the law and are circumcised but break the law? 2:28 A person is not a true Jew just because they are one outwardly, nor is true circumcision merely an external physical act; 2:29 rather, a true Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is a matter of the heart, in the spirit and not just by the letter; their praise comes not from people, but from God.

3:1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision? 3:2 Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3:3 For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God? 3:4 May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written,

3:1 So what’s the benefit of being a Jew? Or what’s the point of circumcision? 3:2 It’s a lot in many ways! First of all, they were given God’s messages. 3:3 But what if some of them lack faith? Does their lack of faith cancel out God’s faithfulness? 3:4 Absolutely not! Yes, let God be true, but every person a liar. As it is written,

"That you might be justified in your words,
and might prevail when you come into judgment."*

3:5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do. 3:6 May it never be! For then how will God judge the world? 3:7 For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 3:8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned. 3:9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin. 3:10 As it is written,

3:5 But if our wrongdoing showcases God’s righteousness, what are we supposed to say? Is God unjust for bringing down wrath? I'm speaking like people do. 3:6 Absolutely not! Because if that were the case, how could God judge the world? 3:7 If my lies highlight God’s truth and bring Him glory, then why am I still judged as a sinner? 3:8 Why not (as some have maliciously claimed we say), "Let’s do wrong so that good can result?" Those who say this are rightly condemned. 3:9 So what does that mean? Are we better off than they are? No, not at all. We have already warned both Jews and Greeks that everyone is under sin. 3:10 As it is written,

"There is no one righteous;
no, not one.
3:11 There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.
3:12 They have all turned aside.
They have together become unprofitable.
There is no one who does good,
no, not, so much as one."*
3:13 "Their throat is an open tomb.
With their tongues they have used deceit."*
"The poison of vipers is under their lips;"*
3:14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."*
3:15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood.
3:16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.
3:17 The way of peace, they haven't known."*
3:18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."*

3:19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. 3:20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 3:21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 3:24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; 3:25 whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; 3:26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it’s directed at those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 3:20 Because no one can be justified in His sight by the works of the law, for the law brings the awareness of sin. 3:21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as confirmed by the law and the prophets; 3:22 this is the righteousness of God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ to everyone who believes. There is no difference, 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 3:24 and we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; 3:25 whom God displayed as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood, to illustrate His righteousness in passing over sins committed beforehand, in His patience; 3:26 to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He may be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

3:27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 3:28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 3:29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 3:30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. 3:31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

3:27 So where does that leave bragging? It's out of the picture. By what kind of law? By the law of works? No, but by a law of faith. 3:28 So we say that a person is justified by faith, not by the works of the law. 3:29 Or is God just the God of the Jews? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles too, 3:30 because there is only one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 3:31 Do we then cancel the law through faith? Absolutely not! Instead, we uphold the law.

4:1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh? 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."* 4:4 Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as debt. 4:5 But to him who doesn't work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. 4:6 Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,

4:1 What can we say that Abraham, our ancestor, has discovered in his own actions? 4:2 If Abraham was made right by his deeds, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 4:3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."* 4:4 Now, to someone who works, their reward isn’t considered a gift, but a payment owed. 4:5 But to someone who doesn’t work and simply believes in the one who makes the ungodly right, their faith is credited as righteousness. 4:6 Just as David also speaks of blessing on the person to whom God credits righteousness without works,

4:7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
4:8 Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin."*

4:9 Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 4:10 How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them. 4:12 The father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision. 4:13 For the promise to Abraham and to his seed that he should be heir of the world wasn't through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 4:14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect. 4:15 For the law works wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience. 4:16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. 4:17 As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations."* This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were. 4:18 Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So will your seed be."* 4:19 Without being weakened in faith, he didn't consider his own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 4:20 Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn't waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God, 4:21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 4:22 Therefore it also was "reckoned to him for righteousness."* 4:23 Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone, 4:24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead, 4:25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.

4:9 So, is this blessing only for the circumcised, or for the uncircumcised too? We say that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. 4:10 How was it credited? Was it when he was circumcised or uncircumcised? It wasn’t while he was circumcised, but while he was still uncircumcised. 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision, which was a seal of the righteousness he had by faith before he was circumcised, so that he could be the father of all who believe, even if they are uncircumcised, so that righteousness could be credited to them as well. 4:12 He is also the father of the circumcised, not just those who follow the law, but also those who walk in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. 4:13 The promise to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world didn't come through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 4:14 If those who depend on the law are heirs, then faith is meaningless, and the promise is null and void. 4:15 For the law brings about wrath; where there is no law, there is no disobedience. 4:16 Therefore, it is by faith so that it may be by grace, ensuring that the promise is certain for all of Abraham's offspring—not just for those who are of the law, but also for those who share the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. 4:17 As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations."* This is in the presence of God, whom he believed: God, who brings the dead to life and calls things that are not as though they were. 4:18 He believed in hope against hope, so that he would become the father of many nations, in line with what had been said, "So shall your offspring be."* 4:19 Without weakening in faith, he didn't consider his own body, which was already old (about a hundred years), and he didn't consider the deadness of Sarah's womb. 4:20 Instead, he looked at God's promise and didn't waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 4:21 being fully convinced that God would do what he had promised. 4:22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."* 4:23 Now, it wasn't written that it was credited to him just for his benefit, 4:24 but also for our benefit, to whom it will be credited, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 4:25 who was handed over for our sins and raised for our justification.

5:1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 5:2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 5:3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5:5 and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 5:6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 5:7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die. 5:8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

5:1 Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 5:2 through whom we also gain access by faith to this grace in which we stand. We celebrate in the hope of God's glory. 5:3 Not only that, but we also take joy in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5:5 and hope doesn’t let us down, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 5:7 Rarely will someone die for a righteous person. Though perhaps for a good person someone might even dare to die. 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through him. 5:10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.

5:9 Now that we are justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's anger through him. 5:10 For if we were reconciled to God while we were his enemies through the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, we will be saved by his life.

5:11 Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 5:12 Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned. 5:13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law. 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren't like Adam's disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come. 5:15 But the free gift isn't like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 5:16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification. 5:17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. 5:18 So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life. 5:19 For as through the one man's disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous. 5:20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly; 5:21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

5:11 Not only that, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death came through sin; and so death spread to all people because all sinned. 5:13 Until the law was given, sin was in the world; but sin is not counted when there is no law. 5:14 Nevertheless, death ruled from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a symbol of the one to come. 5:15 But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if many died because of the trespass of one, much more did the grace of God, and the gift through the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, overflow for the many. 5:16 The gift is not based on one who sinned: for judgment came from one unto condemnation, but the free gift came from many trespasses unto justification. 5:17 For if death ruled through the trespass of one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness rule in life through one, Jesus Christ. 5:18 So just as one trespass brought condemnation to all people; likewise, one act of righteousness brought justification to life for all people. 5:19 Because just as many were made sinners through one man’s disobedience, so also many will be made righteous through the obedience of one. 5:20 The law was added so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased even more; 5:21 so that just as sin ruled in death, grace might also rule through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 6:2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer? 6:3 Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 6:4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 6:5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. 6:7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 6:8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; 6:9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him! 6:10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. 6:11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

6:1 So what should we say? Should we keep on sinning so that grace can increase? 6:2 Absolutely not! We died to sin; how can we keep living in it? 6:3 Or don't you realize that those of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too can live a new life. 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his; 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless, so we are no longer enslaved to sin. 6:7 For anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again. Death no longer has authority over him! 6:10 The death he died, he died once for all time to sin; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

6:12 Therefore don't let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 6:13 Neither present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 6:14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace. 6:15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be! 6:16 Don't you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered. 6:18 Being made free from sin, you became bondservants of righteousness.

6:12 So, don’t let sin control your body, making you follow its desires. 6:13 Don’t use your body parts as tools for wrongdoing, but offer yourselves to God as those who have been made alive from the dead, and use your body parts as tools for doing what is right for God. 6:14 Sin won’t rule over you, because you’re not living under the law, but under grace. 6:15 What does that mean? Should we sin because we’re not under the law, but under grace? Absolutely not! 6:16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves as servants to obey, you become the servants of the one you obey—whether it’s sin, which leads to death, or obedience, which leads to righteousness? 6:17 But thanks be to God, that even though you were enslaved to sin, you became obedient from the heart to the teaching you received. 6:18 Now that you’re free from sin, you’ve become servants of righteousness.

6:19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification. 6:20 For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 6:21 What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 6:22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

6:19 I speak in human terms because of your weakness, for just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and wickedness, now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness for your sanctification. 6:20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 6:21 So what benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? The outcome of those things is death. 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to sanctification, and the end result is eternal life. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

7:1 Or don't you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man for as long as he lives? 7:2 For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband. 7:3 So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man. 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit to God. 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit to death. 7:6 But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.

7:1 Don’t you know, brothers (since I'm talking to those who understand the law), that the law applies to a person as long as they are alive? 7:2 A woman is bound by law to her husband while he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from that law. 7:3 So if she joins with another man while her husband is still alive, she would be considered an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so she is no adulteress even if she marries another man. 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you can be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, so that we can bear fruit for God. 7:5 When we lived in the flesh, the sinful passions that were through the law operated in our bodies to produce fruit for death. 7:6 But now we are free from the law, having died to what once held us; so we serve in the newness of the Spirit, not in the old way of the written code.

7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn't have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn't have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."* 7:8 But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead. 7:9 I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 7:10 The commandment, which was for life, this I found to be for death; 7:11 for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me. 7:12 Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.

7:7 So what should we say? Is the law sin? Absolutely not! But I wouldn’t have known what sin was if it weren’t for the law. I wouldn’t have known about coveting if the law hadn’t said, “You shall not covet.”* 7:8 Yet, sin took the opportunity through the commandment to stir up all kinds of coveting in me. Without the law, sin is inactive. 7:9 I was once alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died. 7:10 The commandment, which was meant to give life, turned out to be a cause of death for me. 7:11 Sin, taking the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 7:12 So the law is indeed holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.

7:13 Did then that which is good become death to me? May it never be! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin. 7:15 For I don't know what I am doing. For I don't practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. 7:16 But if what I don't desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good. 7:17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me. 7:18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don't find it doing that which is good. 7:19 For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that I practice. 7:20 But if what I don't desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me. 7:21 I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present. 7:22 For I delight in God's law after the inward man, 7:23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God's law, but with the flesh, the sin's law.

7:13 Did what is good become death for me? Absolutely not! But sin, so it could be recognized as sin, worked death for me through what is good; so that through the commandment sin could be shown to be extremely sinful. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual, sold into sin. 7:15 I don't understand what I'm doing. I don't do what I want to do; instead, I do what I hate. 7:16 But if I do what I don't want to do, I agree that the law is good. 7:17 So now it’s no longer I who do it, but sin that lives in me. 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. I want to do what is good, but I can’t find the ability to do it. 7:19 For the good I want to do, I don't do; but the evil I don't want to do, that I keep doing. 7:20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, it’s no longer I who do it, but sin that lives in me. 7:21 So I discover this law: when I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 7:22 For I take pleasure in God's law in my inner self, 7:23 but I see a different law at work in my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin that is in my body. 7:24 What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So in my mind I am a slave to God's law, but in my flesh, I am a slave to the law of sin.

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. 8:3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh; 8:4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 8:6 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace; 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be. 8:8 Those who are in the flesh can't please God. 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his. 8:10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. 8:15 For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. 8:3 For what the law couldn't do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. He condemned sin in the flesh; 8:4 so that the requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 8:6 For the mindset on the flesh is death, but the mindset on the Spirit is life and peace; 8:7 because the mindset on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law, nor can it. 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 8:10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is alive because of righteousness. 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 8:12 So, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh. 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; 8:17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. 8:19 For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 8:20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 8:21 that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 8:23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. 8:24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? 8:25 But if we hope for that which we don't see, we wait for it with patience. 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered. 8:27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.

8:16 The Spirit himself confirms with our spirit that we are children of God; 8:17 and if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him. 8:18 For I believe that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. 8:19 For creation waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. 8:20 Creation was subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 8:21 that creation itself will also be freed from the bondage of decay and enjoy the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 8:22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 8:23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, also groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 8:24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, because we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that cannot be expressed. 8:27 He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. 8:29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 8:30 Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.

8:28 We know that everything works together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 8:29 For those he knew in advance, he also chose to be transformed into the likeness of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers. 8:30 Those he chose, he also called. Those he called, he also made right with him. Those he made right, he also honored.

8:31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 8:32 He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? 8:33 Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies. 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

8:31 What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, who can stand against us? 8:32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for all of us, so how will he not also give us everything else we need along with him? 8:33 Who can accuse those whom God has chosen? It is God who has declared them not guilty. 8:34 Who is the one who condemns? It is Christ who died, and more than that, who was raised to life, who is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 8:36 Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter."* 8:37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

8:35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, or hardship, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 8:36 As it is written, "For your sake, we face death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." * 8:37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor authorities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

9:1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit, 9:2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers' sake, my relatives according to the flesh, 9:4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises; 9:5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.

9:1 I speak the truth in Christ. I'm not lying; my conscience, supported by the Holy Spirit, 9:2 bears witness that I have deep sorrow and constant pain in my heart. 9:3 I would even wish that I could be cut off from Christ for the sake of my fellow Israelites, my biological relatives, 9:4 who are Israelites. They have the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 9:5 The patriarchs are theirs, and from them comes Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God, forever blessed. Amen.

9:6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel. 9:7 Neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children. But, "In Isaac will your seed be called."* 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as a seed. 9:9 For this is a word of promise, "At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son."* 9:10 Not only so, but Rebecca also conceived by one, by our father Isaac. 9:11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls, 9:12 it was said to her, "The elder will serve the younger."* 9:13 Even as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."*

9:6 But the word of God hasn’t failed. Not everyone from Israel is truly Israel. 9:7 Just because they are descendants of Abraham doesn’t mean they are all his children. But, "Your offspring will be named through Isaac."* 9:8 This means that it’s not the children born of the flesh who are considered children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as the true offspring. 9:9 For this is the promise: "At the right time, I will return, and Sarah will have a son."* 9:10 And not only that, but Rebecca also had children through one man, our father Isaac. 9:11 Before they were born and had done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose of election might stand, not based on works, but on the one who calls, 9:12 it was told to her, "The older will serve the younger."* 9:13 Just as it is written, "I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau."*

9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be! 9:15 For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."* 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy. 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."* 9:18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires. 9:19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?" 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"* 9:21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction, 9:23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, 9:24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? 9:25 As he says also in Hosea,

9:14 So what do we say? Is God unjust? Absolutely not! 9:15 For he told Moses, "I will show mercy to whom I choose, and I will show compassion to whom I choose."* 9:16 So it's not about who wants it or who works for it, but about God showing mercy. 9:17 The Scripture says to Pharaoh, "I raised you up for this very reason, so that I could show my power through you and so that my name would be known throughout the earth."* 9:18 So, he shows mercy to whom he wants, and he hardens whom he wants. 9:19 You might say to me, "Why does he still blame us? Who can resist his will?" 9:20 But seriously, who are you, a mere human, to argue with God? Will the creation ask the creator, "Why did you make me this way?"* 9:21 Does the potter not have the right over the clay to make one vessel for honor and another for disgrace from the same lump? 9:22 What if God, wanting to show his anger and make his power known, patiently put up with objects of wrath prepared for destruction, 9:23 and in doing so, revealed the greatness of his glory on objects of mercy that he had prepared in advance for glory, 9:24 us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 9:25 As he says in Hosea,

"I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people;
and her 'beloved,' who was not beloved."*
9:26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
There they will be called 'children of the living God.'"*

9:27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel,

Isaiah mourns for Israel,

"If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea,
it is the remnant who will be saved;
9:28 for He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."*

9:29 As Isaiah has said before,

As Isaiah mentioned before,

"Unless the Lord of Armies had left us a seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
and would have been made like Gomorrah."*

9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith; 9:31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness. 9:32 Why? Because they didn't seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone; 9:33 even as it is written,

9:30 So what should we say? That the Gentiles, who didn’t pursue righteousness, achieved righteousness, the righteousness that comes from faith; 9:31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, didn’t reach the law of righteousness. 9:32 Why? Because they didn’t seek it through faith, but instead through the works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone; 9:33 just as it is written,

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense;
and no one who believes in him will be disappointed."*

10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved. 10:2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 10:3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 10:4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 10:5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."* 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'* (that is, to bring Christ down); 10:7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?'* (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)" 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;"* that is, the word of faith, which we preach: 10:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."*

10:1 Brothers, my heartfelt wish and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved. 10:2 I can attest that they have a passion for God, but it isn't based on knowledge. 10:3 Because they don't understand God's righteousness and are trying to establish their own, they haven't submitted to the righteousness of God. 10:4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for everyone who believes. 10:5 Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."* 10:6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'* (that is, to bring Christ down); 10:7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?'* (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)" 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;"* that is, the word of faith, which we preach: 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."*

10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him. 10:13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."* 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? 10:15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

10:12 There's no difference between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of everyone and generously blesses all who call on Him. 10:13 For, "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."* 10:14 So how can they call on Him if they haven't believed in Him? How can they believe in Him if they haven't heard about Him? How can they hear without someone preaching? 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written:

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!"*

10:16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"* 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 10:18 But I say, didn't they hear? Yes, most certainly,

10:16 But not everyone accepted the good news. As Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"* 10:17 So faith comes from what we hear, and hearing comes through the word of God. 10:18 But I ask, did they hear? Yes, definitely,

"Their sound went out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."*

10:19 But I ask, didn't Israel know? First Moses says,

10:19 But I ask, didn't Israel know? First Moses says,

"I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation,
with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry."*

10:20 Isaiah is very bold, and says,

10:20 Isaiah is really bold and says,

"I was found by those who didn't seek me.
I was revealed to those who didn't ask for me."*

10:21 But as to Israel he says, "All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."*

10:21 But regarding Israel, he says, "All day long, I reached out my hands to a disobedient and stubborn people."*

11:1 I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 11:2 God didn't reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don't you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel: 11:3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life."* 11:4 But how does God answer him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal."* 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

11:1 So, I ask, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! Because I’m also an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 11:2 God hasn’t rejected his people that he knew in advance. Or don't you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he appeals to God against Israel: 11:3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars; and I’m the only one left, and they want to take my life."* 11:4 But what’s God’s response to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed to Baal."* 11:5 Likewise, even now there is a remnant chosen by grace. 11:6 And if it’s by grace, then it’s no longer based on works; otherwise, grace isn’t grace anymore. But if it’s based on works, it’s no longer grace; otherwise, work isn’t work anymore.

11:7 What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn't obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened. 11:8 According as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."* 11:9 David says,

11:7 So, what does this mean? The Israelites were searching for something, but they didn't get it. The chosen ones did obtain it, while the others were made stubborn. 11:8 As it's written, "God gave them a mindset of indifference, eyes that can't see, and ears that can't hear, until this very day."* 11:9 David says,

"Let their table be made a snare, and a trap,
a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.
11:10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see.
Bow down their back always."*

11:11 I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 11:12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? 11:13 For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry; 11:14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them. 11:15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead? 11:16 If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree; 11:18 don't boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. 11:19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." 11:20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don't be conceited, but fear; 11:21 for if God didn't spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 11:22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 11:23 They also, if they don't continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 11:24 For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written,

11:11 I ask, did they stumble just to fall? Absolutely not! But through their fall, salvation has come to the Gentiles, provoking them to jealousy. 11:12 Now, if their fall brings riches to the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater will their full acceptance be? 11:13 For I’m speaking to you Gentiles. Since I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry; 11:14 if by any means I can provoke those who are my own people to jealousy and possibly save some of them. 11:15 Because if their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean, other than life from the dead? 11:16 If the first part of the dough is holy, then the whole batch is holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 11:17 But if some branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root; 11:18 don’t brag about being better than those branches. If you do, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 11:19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." 11:20 That’s true; they were broken off because of their unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble; 11:21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness; otherwise, you also will be cut off. 11:23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 11:24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree? 11:25 For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you will not be wise in your own eyes: a partial hardening has come over Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 11:26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written,

"There will come out of Zion the Deliverer,
and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
11:27 This is my covenant to them,
when I will take away their sins."*

11:28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 11:30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 11:31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy. 11:32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
11:33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!

11:28 Regarding the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But regarding the election, they are loved for the sake of the ancestors. 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are unchangeable. 11:30 Just as you were once disobedient to God, but have now received mercy through their disobedience, 11:31 in the same way, these have now also been disobedient, so that through the mercy shown to you they may also receive mercy. 11:32 For God has confined everyone to disobedience, so that he may have mercy on all.
11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of both the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways beyond tracing!

11:34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"*
11:35 "Or who has first given to him,
and it will be repaid to him again?"*

11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.

11:36 For everything exists through him, for him, and to him. He deserves all the glory forever! Amen.

12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 12:7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; 12:8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

12:1 So I urge you, brothers, by the kindness of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. 12:2 Don’t conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind, so that you can test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will. 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given to me, to everyone among you, don’t think of yourself more highly than you should, but think of yourself with sober judgment, as God has allocated to each a measure of faith. 12:4 For just as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 12:5 so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given to us; if your gift is prophecy, prophesy in accordance with your faith; 12:7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 12:8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 12:19 Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."* 12:20 Therefore

12:9 Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. 12:10 Be devoted to each other with brotherly love; honor one another above yourselves; 12:11 never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord with enthusiasm; 12:12 be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer; 12:13 share with the Lord’s people who are in need; practice hospitality. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless them, and do not curse. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Don't be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.* 12:20 Therefore

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."*

12:21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

12:21 Don't let evil defeat you, but instead, defeat evil with good.

13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, 13:4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. 13:5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 13:6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. 13:7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

13:1 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, because there is no authority except that which comes from God, and those that exist are established by God. 13:2 Therefore, anyone who rebels against authority is opposing what God has set in place; and those who do so will face judgment. 13:3 Rulers are not a threat to those who do what is good, but to those who do what is wrong. Do you want to not be afraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will receive praise from them, 13:4 for they are God’s servants for your good. But if you do what is wrong, be afraid, for they do not carry the sword for no reason; they are God's servants, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 13:5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of possible punishment but also because of your conscience. 13:6 For this reason, you also pay taxes, because the authorities are God’s ministers, who serve continually in this matter. 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe: pay taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; and honor to whom honor is due. 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for whoever loves their neighbor has fulfilled the law.

13:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet,"** and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."* 13:10 Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. 13:12 The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light. 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

13:9 The commandments, "Don't commit adultery," "Don't murder," "Don't steal," "Don't give false testimony," "Don't covet,"** and all the other commandments are summed up in this saying: "Love your neighbor as yourself."* 13:10 Love doesn't hurt a neighbor. So, love is the fulfillment of the law. 13:11 Do this, aware of the time, because it's already time for you to wake up, as salvation is closer to us now than when we first believed. 13:12 The night is nearly over, and the day is coming. So let’s put aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13:13 Let’s live decently, as in the daytime; not in partying and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lust, and not in conflict and jealousy. 13:14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t make any plans to satisfy your desires.

14:1 Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. 14:2 One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 14:3 Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 14:4 Who are you who judge another's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.

14:1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but don't get into arguments about opinions. 14:2 Some people have the faith to eat anything, while those who are weak only eat vegetables. 14:3 Don't let those who eat look down on those who don’t eat. And don’t let those who don’t eat criticize those who do eat, because God has accepted them. 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? It is up to their own master whether they stand or fall. And they will stand, for God has the power to make them stand.

14:5 One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. 14:6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks. 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's. 14:9 For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

14:5 One person values one day more than another. Another person treats every day the same. Everyone should be fully convinced in their own mind. 14:6 The person who observes the day does so for the Lord; and the person who doesn’t observe the day, does it for the Lord too. The person who eats, eats for the Lord, because they give thanks to God. The person who doesn’t eat, doesn’t eat for the Lord, and gives thanks to God. 14:7 None of us lives for ourselves, and none of us dies for ourselves. 14:8 If we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 14:9 Christ died, rose, and came back to life so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

14:10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 14:11 For it is written,

14:10 But why do you judge your brother? And you, why do you look down on your brother? We will all stand before Christ’s judgment seat. 14:11 For it is written,

"'As I live,' says the Lord, 'to me every knee will bow.
Every tongue will confess to God.'"*

14:12 So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. 14:13 Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion for falling. 14:14 I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 14:15 Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 14:16 Then don't let your good be slandered, 14:17 for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 14:19 So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. 14:20 Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. 14:21 It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

14:12 So, each of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. 14:13 Therefore, let's stop judging each other and instead focus on this: don't let anyone put a stumbling block in their brother's path or cause them to fall. 14:14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to the person who thinks something is unclean, it is unclean to them. 14:15 If your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Don't let your food destroy someone for whom Christ died. 14:16 So don't let your good be spoken of negatively, 14:17 because the Kingdom of God isn't about eating and drinking, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 14:18 Anyone who serves Christ in these ways is pleasing to God and respected by people. 14:19 So, let's pursue what brings peace and what helps to build each other up. 14:20 Don't sabotage God's work for the sake of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for someone to make another person stumble by what they eat. 14:21 It’s better not to eat meat, drink wine, or do anything that causes your brother to stumble, be offended, or become weak.

14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn't judge himself in that which he approves. 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.

14:22 Do you have faith? Keep it between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who doesn’t pass judgment on what they approve. 14:23 But the one who has doubts is guilty if they eat, because it doesn’t come from faith; and anything that doesn’t come from faith is sin.

14:24 Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, 14:25 but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; 14:26 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

14:24 Now to him who can strengthen you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, in line with the revelation of the mystery that has been kept secret for ages, 14:25 but is now revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, as directed by the command of the eternal God, is made known for the obedience of faith to all nations; 14:26 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 15:2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up. 15:3 For even Christ didn't please himself. But, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."* 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 15:5 Now the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus, 15:6 that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:1 We who are strong should support the weaknesses of those who are weak, rather than just pleasing ourselves. 15:2 Each of us should aim to please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 15:3 For even Christ didn’t seek to please himself. But, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you fell on me."* 15:4 Everything that was written in the past was written for our learning, so that through patience and the encouragement found in the Scriptures, we might have hope. 15:5 May the God of patience and encouragement enable you to be like-minded with each other, following the example of Christ Jesus, 15:6 so that with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:7 Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God. 15:8 Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers, 15:9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

15:7 So, welcome each other, just as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. 15:8 I’m saying that Christ became a servant of the Jewish people to show the truth of God, so that he could fulfill the promises made to our ancestors, 15:9 and also so that the Gentiles could praise God for his mercy. As it is written,

"Therefore will I give praise to you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name."*

15:10 Again he says,

15:10 He says again,

"Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."*

15:11 Again,

Again,

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Let all the peoples praise him."*

15:12 Again, Isaiah says,

15:12 Once more, Isaiah says,

"There will be the root of Jesse,
he who arises to rule over the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles will hope."*

15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit. 15:14 I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others. 15:15 But I write the more boldly to you in part, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God, 15:16 that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 15:17 I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God's Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; 15:20 yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another's foundation. 15:21 But, as it is written,

15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 15:14 I am convinced about you, my brothers, that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and capable of instructing others. 15:15 However, I write to you more boldly partly to remind you because of the grace that God has given me, 15:16 so that I can be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest in delivering the Good News of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 15:17 So I have reason to be proud in Christ Jesus for what relates to God. 15:18 For I won’t even try to speak about anything except what Christ has accomplished through me for the obedience of the Gentiles, by what I said and did, 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, through the power of God’s Spirit; thus, from Jerusalem and all the way to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Good News of Christ; 15:20 yes, I strive to preach the Good News where Christ has not been named, so I don't build on someone else's foundation. 15:21 But, as it is written,

"They will see, to whom no news of him came.
They who haven't heard will understand."*

15:22 Therefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you, 15:23 but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you, 15:24 whenever I journey to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 15:25 But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. 15:26 For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. 15:27 Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things. 15:28 When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 15:29 I know that, when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.

15:22 So, I've been prevented from visiting you many times, 15:23 but now, with no more reason to stay in this area and having longed to see you for many years, 15:24 I plan to visit you whenever I travel to Spain. I hope to see you on my journey and to be supported by you along the way, if I can enjoy your company for a bit first. 15:25 However, I want to mention that I am going to Jerusalem to help the saints. 15:26 Macedonia and Achaia have been generous in contributing to the needs of the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 15:27 Yes, it has made them happy to do this, and they feel a sense of obligation. If the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they should also assist them in their physical needs. 15:28 Once I have completed this task and delivered this gift to them, I will travel through you on my way to Spain. 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come with the full blessing of the Good News of Christ.

15:30 Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 15:31 that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; 15:32 that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest. 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

15:30 Now I kindly ask you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you join me in your prayers to God for me, 15:31 so that I may be saved from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my work in Jerusalem may be welcomed by the saints; 15:32 so that I may come to you joyfully through God’s will, and together with you, find peace. 15:33 Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

16:1 I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, 16:2 that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

16:1 I recommend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae, 16:2 that you welcome her in the Lord, in a manner fitting for the saints, and that you help her with whatever she may need from you, for she has been a helper to many, including myself.

16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 16:4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. 16:6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 16:8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 16:9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 16:11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 16:12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. 16:13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 16:14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

16:3 Say hi to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 16:4 who risked their lives for me; I’m grateful to them, and so are all the churches of the Gentiles. 16:5 Say hi to the church that meets in their home. Greet Epaenetus, my dear friend, who is the first convert from Achaia to Christ. 16:6 Say hi to Mary, who worked really hard for us. 16:7 Say hi to Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and fellow prisoners, who are well-known among the apostles and were in Christ before I was. 16:8 Say hi to Amplias, my dear friend in the Lord. 16:9 Say hi to Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 16:10 Say hi to Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet everyone in the household of Aristobulus. 16:11 Say hi to Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 16:12 Say hi to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who work hard in the Lord. Say hi to Persis, the beloved, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 16:13 Say hi to Rufus, the chosen one in the Lord, and his mother, who is also mine. 16:14 Say hi to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the others who are with them. 16:15 Say hi to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ send their greetings.

16:17 Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. 16:18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. 16:19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. 16:20 And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, be on the lookout for those who are creating divisions and causing people to stumble, contrary to the teachings you received, and avoid them. 16:18 Anyone like that doesn't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own interests; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. 16:19 Your obedience is known to everyone, and I am glad for you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. 16:22 I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord. 16:23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen. 16:25 *

16:21 Timothy, my coworker, sends his greetings, along with Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. 16:22 I, Tertius, who am writing this letter, greet you in the Lord. 16:23 Gaius, my host and the host of the entire assembly, sends his greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends his greetings, as does Quartus, the brother. 16:24 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen. 16:25 *


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:17 Habakkuk 2:4

[1] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Habakkuk 2:4

[2] back to 2:6 Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12

[3] back to 2:24 Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22

[4] back to 3:4 Psalm 51:4

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 51:4

[5] back to 3:12 Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20

[6] back to 3:13 Psalm 5:9

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 5:9

[7] back to 3:13 Psalm 140:3

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 140:3

[8] back to 3:14 Psalm 10:7

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 10:7

[9] back to 3:17 Isaiah 59:7-8

[9] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 59:7-8

[10] back to 3:18 Psalm 36:1

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 36:1

[11] back to 3:25 or, a propitiation

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, an appeasement

[12] back to 4:3 Genesis 15:6

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 15:6

[13] back to 4:8 Psalm 32:1-2

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 32:1-2

[14] back to 4:17 Genesis 17:5

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 17:5

[15] back to 4:18 Genesis 15:5

[15] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 15:5

[16] back to 4:22 Genesis 15:6

[16] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 15:6

[17] back to 7:1 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[17] back to 7:1 The word for "brothers" here, when the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[18] back to 7:7 Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21

[18] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21

[19] back to 8:1 NU omits "who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"

[19] back to 8:1 NU leaves out "who don't live by their own desires, but by the Spirit"

[20] back to 8:15 Abba is an Aramaic word for father or daddy, often used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven.

[20] back to 8:15 Abba is an Aramaic term for father or daddy, commonly used with love and respect in prayers to our Father in heaven.

[21] back to 8:29 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[21] back to 8:29 The word for "brothers" here, where the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[22] back to 8:36 Psalm 44:22

[22] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 44:22

[23] back to 9:7 Genesis 21:12

[23] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 21:12

[24] back to 9:9 Genesis 18:10,14

[24] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 18:10,14

[25] back to 9:12 Genesis 25:23

[25] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 25:23

[26] back to 9:13 Malachi 1:2-3

[26] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Malachi 1:2-3

[27] back to 9:15 Exodus 33:19

[27] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 33:19

[28] back to 9:17 Exodus 9:16

[28] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 9:16

[29] back to 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

[29] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

[30] back to 9:25 Hosea 2:23

[30] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 2:23

[31] back to 9:26 Hosea 1:10

[31] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 1:10

[32] back to 9:28 Isaiah 10:22-23

[32] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 10:22-23

[33] back to 9:29 Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)

[34] back to 9:29 Isaiah 1:9

[34] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 1:9

[35] back to 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

[35] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

[36] back to 10:4 or, completion, or end

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, finish, or end

[37] back to 10:5 Leviticus 18:5

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 18:5

[38] back to 10:6 Deuteronomy 30:12

[38] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 30:12

[39] back to 10:7 Deuteronomy 30:13

[39] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 30:13

[40] back to 10:8 Deuteronomy 30:14

[40] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 30:14

[41] back to 10:11 Isaiah 28:16

[41] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 28:16

[42] back to 10:13 Joel 2:32

[42] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Joel 2:32

[43] back to 10:15 Isaiah 52:7

[43] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 52:7

[44] back to 10:16 Isaiah 53:1

[44] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:1

[45] back to 10:18 Psalm 19:4

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 19:4

[46] back to 10:19 Deuteronomy 32:31

[46] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 32:31

[47] back to 10:20 Isaiah 65:1

[47] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 65:1

[48] back to 10:21 Isaiah 65:2

[48] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 65:2

[49] back to 11:3 1 Kings 19:10,14

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 1 Kings 19:10,14

[50] back to 11:4 1 Kings 19:18

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 1 Kings 19:18

[51] back to 11:8 Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10

[52] back to 11:10 Psalm 69:22,23

[52] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 69:22,23

[53] back to 11:25 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[53] back to 11:25 The word for "brothers" here, when the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[54] back to 11:27 Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34

[55] back to 11:34 Isaiah 40:13

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:13

[56] back to 11:35 Job 41:11

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Job

[57] back to 12:19 Deuteronomy 32:35

[57] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 32:35

[58] back to 12:20 Proverbs 25:21-22

[58] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 25:21-22

[59] back to 13:9 TR adds "You shall not give false testimony,"

[59] back to 13:9 TR adds "You must not lie in court,"

[60] back to 13:9 Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21

[60] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:13-15, 17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19, 21

[61] back to 13:9 Leviticus 19:18

[61] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[62] back to 14:11 Isaiah 45:23

[62] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 45:23

[63] back to 14:26 TR places verses 24-26 after Romans 16:24 as verses 25-27.

[63] back to 14:26 TR places verses 24-26 after Romans 16:24 as verses 25-27.

[64] back to 15:3 Psalm 69:9

[64] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 69:9

[65] back to 15:7 TR reads "us" instead of "you"

[65] back to 15:7 TR reads "us" instead of "you"

[66] back to 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49

[67] back to 15:10 Deuteronomy 32:43

[67] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 32:43

[68] back to 15:11 Psalm 117:1

[68] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 117:1

[69] back to 15:12 Isaiah 11:10

[69] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 11:10

[70] back to 15:14 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[70] back to 15:14 The word for "brothers" here, when the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[71] back to 15:21 Isaiah 52:15

[71] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 52:15

[72] back to 16:1 or, deacon

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, deacon

[73] back to 16:14 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[73] back to 16:14 The word for "brothers" here, and where the context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[74] back to 16:25 TR places Romans 14:24-26 at the end of Romans instead of at the end of chapter 14, and numbers these verses 16:25-27.

[74] back to 16:25 TR places Romans 14:24-26 at the end of Romans instead of at the end of chapter 14, and numbers these verses 16:25-27.














Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians

1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 1:2 to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ called by God's will, along with our brother Sosthenes, 1:2 to the church of God in Corinth; you who are made holy in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, along with everyone who calls on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both for them and for us: 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4 I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; 1:5 that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge; 1:6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1:8 who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1:10 Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ." 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius, 1:15 so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name. 1:16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don't know whether I baptized any other.) 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News--not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void. 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written,

1:4 I always thank God for you because of the grace that you received in Christ Jesus; 1:5 that in every way you have been enriched in him, in all your speech and knowledge; 1:6 just as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 so you aren’t lacking in any gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1:8 who will also keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1:10 Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and judgment. 1:11 For it has been reported to me, my brothers, by those from Chloe's household, that there are disagreements among you. 1:12 What I mean is that each of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and "I follow Christ." 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 1:15 so no one can say that they were baptized in my name. 1:16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t know if I baptized anyone else.) 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn’t be emptied of its power. 1:18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written,

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."*

1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe. 1:22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; 1:28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are: 1:29 that no flesh should boast before God. 1:30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."*

1:20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made the wisdom of this world seem foolish? 1:21 For in God's wisdom, the world did not recognize God through its own wisdom; it was God's pleasure to save those who believe through what the world considers foolish in preaching. 1:22 The Jews ask for signs, the Greeks seek wisdom, 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks, 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1:25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. 1:26 For you see your calling, brothers, not many of you are wise by human standards, not many are powerful, not many come from noble backgrounds; 1:27 but God chose what the world considers foolish to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame what is strong; 1:28 and God chose what is low and despised in the world, and what is not, to nullify what is, 1:29 so that no one may boast before God. 1:30 And because of Him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness, holiness, and redemption: 1:31 so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."*

2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 2:3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 2:5 that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2:6 We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown; yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing. 2:7 But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory, 2:8 which none of the rulers of this world has known. For had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory. 2:9 But as it is written,

2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come with fancy speech or deep wisdom, declaring to you the message of God. 2:2 For I decided not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 2:3 I was with you in weakness, fear, and much trembling. 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 2:5 so that your faith wouldn't rely on human wisdom, but on the power of God. 2:6 We do speak wisdom, though, among those who are mature; but it’s not the wisdom of this world, or of the rulers of this world, who are headed for destruction. 2:7 Instead, we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom that God planned before the ages for our glory, 2:8 which none of the rulers of this world have known. If they had known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory. 2:9 But as it is written,

"Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear,
which didn't enter into the heart of man,
these God has prepared for those who love him."*

2:10 But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 2:11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit. 2:12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. 2:14 Now the natural man doesn't receive the things of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can't know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 2:15 But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is judged by no one. 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?"* But we have Christ's mind.

2:10 But God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit. The Spirit examines everything, even the deep things of God. 2:11 For who knows what's going on in a person except the person's own spirit? Similarly, no one understands the things of God except God's Spirit. 2:12 We didn't receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that comes from God, so we can know the things freely given to us by God. 2:13 We talk about these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual truths with spiritual truths. 2:14 The natural person doesn't accept the things of God's Spirit, because they seem foolish to him, and he can't understand them, because they're only understood spiritually. 2:15 But the spiritual person understands everything, and is not judged by anyone. 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?"* But we have the mind of Christ.

3:1 Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. 3:2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, 3:3 for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? 3:4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly? 3:5 Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? 3:6 I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase. 3:7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building. 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. 3:11 For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 3:12 But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 3:13 each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is. 3:14 If any man's work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. 3:15 If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

3:1 Brothers, I couldn't talk to you about spiritual things, but about worldly matters, like infants in Christ. 3:2 I gave you milk, not solid food, because you weren't ready for it yet. In fact, you’re still not ready, 3:3 because you are still worldly. As long as there's jealousy, conflict, and divisions among you, aren't you being worldly, and not walking in the ways of people? 3:4 When one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren’t you being worldly? 3:5 Who are Apollos and Paul, but servants through whom you believed, each doing what the Lord assigned? 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 3:7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own work. 3:9 For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building. 3:10 According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a skilled builder, I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each person should be careful how they build on it. 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 3:12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 3:13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. 3:14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 3:15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss, but yet will be saved, even though only as one escaping through the flames.

3:16 Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? 3:17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He has taken the wise in their craftiness."* 3:20 And again, "The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless."* 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 3:22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All are yours, 3:23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

3:16 Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is holy, and that temple is you. 3:18 Let no one fool themselves. If anyone thinks they are wise in this world, they should become a fool so they can become wise. 3:19 Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As it is written, "He has caught the wise in their own cunning."* 3:20 And again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."* 3:21 So, let no one take pride in human leaders. All things belong to you, 3:22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or present things, or future things. All are yours, 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

4:1 So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries. 4:2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful. 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment. Yes, I don't judge my own self. 4:4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

4:1 So let people regard us as Christ's servants and caretakers of God's secrets. 4:2 It's also required of caretakers that they be found trustworthy. 4:3 But honestly, it doesn't matter much to me if you or anyone else judges me. I don't even judge myself. 4:4 I don’t know anything against myself, but that doesn’t make me right; it’s the Lord who judges me. 4:5 So don’t judge anything before the right time, until the Lord comes, who will reveal what’s hidden in darkness and uncover the thoughts of people's hearts. Then everyone will receive praise from God.

4:6 Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another. 4:7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn't receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 4:8 You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you. 4:9 For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men. 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. 4:11 Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place. 4:12 We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now. 4:14 I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 4:15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. 4:16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me. 4:17 Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly. 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

4:6 Now, brothers, I've used myself and Apollos as an example for you, so you can learn not to think beyond what's written, and to avoid being arrogant towards each other. 4:7 Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you didn't receive? And if you did receive it, why do you act like you didn't? 4:8 You have everything you need. You're already rich. You've started to reign without us. I wish you did reign, so we could reign with you. 4:9 I believe God has shown us, the apostles, to be the last in line, like people sentenced to death. We’ve become a spectacle to the world, to both angels and humans. 4:10 We're fools for Christ, but you're wise in Christ. We're weak, but you're strong. You get honored, but we’re dishonored. 4:11 Right now, we’re hungry, thirsty, poorly dressed, beaten, and have no fixed home. 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless them. When we are persecuted, we stay strong. 4:13 When we are insulted, we respond with kindness. We’ve become like the trash of the world, the dirt that everyone wants to get rid of, even now. 4:14 I’m not writing this to shame you, but to guide you, my dear children. 4:15 You may have countless teachers in Christ, but not many fathers. I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Good News. 4:16 So I urge you to follow my example. 4:17 That's why I’m sending Timothy to you, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 4:18 Some of you are feeling overconfident as if I won’t be coming to see you. 4:19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord permits. I’ll find out not what the arrogant say, but what power they have. 4:20 Because the Kingdom of God is not just about words, but about power. 4:21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a stick, or with love and a gentle spirit?

5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father's wife. 5:2 You are puffed up, and didn't rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you. 5:3 For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing. 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:5 are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

5:1 I've heard that there's sexual immorality happening among you, and it's even worse than what the outsiders do—someone has taken his father's wife. 5:2 You're acting arrogant instead of mourning, thinking about how that person should be removed from your group. 5:3 Because I can tell you for sure, even though I'm not physically there, I'm with you in spirit, and I’ve already made a judgment about this situation as if I were there. 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you’re all gathered together, and with my spirit being present along with the authority of our Lord Jesus, 5:5 you need to hand that person over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus.

5:6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump? 5:7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place. 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 5:9 I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; 5:10 yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world. 5:11 But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person. 5:12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don't you judge those who are within? 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges. "Put away the wicked man from among yourselves."*

5:6 Your bragging isn't good. Don't you know that a little yeast affects the whole batch? 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast so you can be a new batch, just as you are unleavened. Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed for us. 5:8 So let’s celebrate, not with the old yeast or the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 5:9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; 5:10 but I didn’t mean the sexually immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or the idolaters; otherwise, you would need to leave the world. 5:11 But now I’m telling you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother but is a sexually immoral person, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with such a person. 5:12 What do I have to do with judging those outside? Isn’t it your job to judge those inside? 5:13 But God will judge those outside. "Remove the wicked person from among you."*

6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 6:2 Don't you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 6:3 Don't you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 6:4 If then, you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly? 6:5 I say this to move you to shame. Isn't there even one wise man among you who would be able to decide between his brothers? 6:6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers! 6:7 Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 6:8 No, but you yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that against your brothers. 6:9 Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God. 6:11 Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God. 6:12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything. 6:13 "Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods," but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 6:14 Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power. 6:15 Don't you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! 6:16 Or don't you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, "The two," says he, "will become one flesh."* 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 6:18 Flee sexual immorality! "Every sin that a man does is outside the body," but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 6:19 Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, 6:20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

6:1 How can any of you, when you have a dispute with your neighbor, take it to court before the unjust instead of the saints? 6:2 Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to judge even the smallest matters? 6:3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels? How much more the matters of this life? 6:4 So if you have to judge matters of this life, are you going to appoint those who have no standing in the church to be your judges? 6:5 I’m saying this to shame you. Is there not even one person among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow believers? 6:6 But instead, one believer goes to court against another, and that before unbelievers! 6:7 The fact that you have lawsuits with each other is already a major failure on your part. Why not just accept being wronged? Why not just accept being cheated? 6:8 No, you yourselves are doing wrong and cheating, and that against your own brothers. 6:9 Or do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be fooled. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, 6:10 nor thieves, nor greedy people, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor robbers will inherit the Kingdom of God. 6:11 Some of you used to be like that, but you were washed. You were set apart for God. You were made right in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be mastered by anything. 6:13 "Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food," but God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 6:14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 6:15 Don't you know that your bodies are parts of Christ? Should I take the parts of Christ and make them parts of a prostitute? Never! 6:16 Or do you not know that he who unites with a prostitute is one body with her? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." * 6:17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one spirit with Him. 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body. 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, 6:20 for you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies and with your spirits, which are God’s.

7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 7:2 But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 7:4 The wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife. 7:5 Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn't tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

7:1 Now regarding the topics you wrote to me about: it's good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. 7:2 However, due to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 7:3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise, the wife to her husband. 7:4 The wife doesn’t have control over her own body, but the husband does. Similarly, the husband doesn’t have control over his own body, but the wife does. 7:5 Don't deny each other, except by mutual consent for a time, so that you can devote yourselves to fasting and prayer, and then come together again, so that Satan won’t tempt you due to a lack of self-control.

7:6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment. 7:7 Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind. 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am. 7:9 But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn. 7:10 But to the married I command--not I, but the Lord--that the wife not leave her husband 7:11 (but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.

7:6 But this I say as a suggestion, not a rule. 7:7 I wish everyone could be like me. But each person has their own gift from God; one has this kind, and another has that kind. 7:8 I say to the unmarried and widows, it's good for them to stay single like I am. 7:9 But if they can't control themselves, they should get married. It's better to marry than to be consumed with passion. 7:10 To those who are married, I instruct—not my words, but the Lord's—that a wife should not leave her husband 7:11 (but if she does leave, she should stay unmarried or be reconciled to her husband), and that a husband should not leave his wife.

7:12 But to the rest I--not the Lord--say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her. 7:13 The woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave her husband. 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 7:15 Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace. 7:16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 7:17 Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.

7:12 But I say this, not the Lord: If a brother has a wife who doesn't believe and she is okay with living with him, he shouldn't leave her. 7:13 And if a woman has a husband who doesn't believe, and he is okay with living with her, she shouldn't leave her husband. 7:14 The unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through her husband. If it weren't for this, your children would be considered unclean, but now they are holy. 7:15 However, if the unbeliever chooses to leave, let there be a separation. In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound, but God has called us to live in peace. 7:16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 7:17 Each person should live according to what the Lord has assigned them and how God has called them, and I instruct this in all the churches.

7:18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 7:20 Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called. 7:21 Were you called being a bondservant? Don't let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it. 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord's free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ's bondservant. 7:23 You were bought with a price. Don't become bondservants of men. 7:24 Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.

7:18 Was anyone called while being circumcised? He shouldn’t try to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called while uncircumcised? He shouldn’t get circumcised. 7:19 Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing, but what matters is following God’s commandments. 7:20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when they were called. 7:21 Were you called as a slave? Don’t let that upset you, but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 7:22 For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s free person. Similarly, the one who was called as free is Christ’s slave. 7:23 You were bought at a price. Don’t become slaves of people. 7:24 Brothers, let each person, in whatever situation they were in when they were called, stay in that situation with God.

7:25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy. 7:26 I think that it is good therefore, because of the distress that is on us, that it is good for a man to be as he is. 7:27 Are you bound to a wife? Don't seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don't seek a wife. 7:28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you. 7:29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none; 7:30 and those who weep, as though they didn't weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn't rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn't possess; 7:31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away. 7:32 But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; 7:33 but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife. 7:34 There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband. 7:35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction. 7:36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn't sin. Let them marry. 7:37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own heart, to keep his own virgin, does well. 7:38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn't give her in marriage does better. 7:39 A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord. 7:40 But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

7:25 Now about unmarried women, I don’t have a command from the Lord, but I offer my opinion as someone who has received mercy from the Lord and can be trusted. 7:26 I believe it’s good, given the current distress we’re facing, for a person to stay as they are. 7:27 Are you married? Don’t look for a divorce. Are you single? Don’t look for a spouse. 7:28 But if you do marry, you haven't sinned. If an unmarried woman marries, she hasn’t sinned. But those who marry will face challenges in life, and I want to spare you from that. 7:29 Brothers, I’m saying this: the time is short, so from now on, those who have wives should live as though they don’t; 7:30 those who weep, as if they weren’t weeping; those who rejoice, as if they weren’t rejoicing; and those who buy, as if they didn’t own anything; 7:31 and those who use the world should do so without getting too caught up in it, because the way of this world is passing away. 7:32 But I want you to be free from worries. An unmarried person is focused on the Lord’s matters, trying to please the Lord; 7:33 but a married person is concerned with worldly matters, trying to please their spouse. 7:34 There’s also a difference between a wife and an unmarried woman. An unmarried woman is focused on the Lord, wanting to be holy in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned with the things of the world—how to please her husband. 7:35 I’m saying this for your benefit; not to trap you, but to encourage what is appropriate so that you can serve the Lord without distraction. 7:36 But if anyone thinks they’re acting inappropriately towards their unmarried woman, and she’s past her prime, and if it's necessary, they can do what they want without sinning. Let them marry. 7:37 However, someone who is firm in their decision, has no need, and can control their own feelings to keep their unmarried woman does well. 7:38 So, the person who marries off their unmarried woman does well, and the one who doesn’t marry her off does even better. 7:39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband is alive; but if her husband dies, she is free to marry whoever she wants, only in the Lord. 7:40 But I think she is happier if she stays as she is, in my opinion, and I believe I have God’s Spirit too.

8:1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 8:2 But if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn't yet know as he ought to know. 8:3 But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him. 8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 8:5 For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "lords;" 8:6 yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him. 8:7 However, that knowledge isn't in all men. But some, with consciousness of the idol until now, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8:8 But food will not commend us to God. For neither, if we don't eat, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better. 8:9 But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak. 8:10 For if a man sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol's temple, won't his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 8:11 And through your knowledge, he who is weak perishes, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 8:12 Thus, sinning against the brothers, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 8:13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forevermore, that I don't cause my brother to stumble.

8:1 Now about food offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge can make us arrogant, but love builds us up. 8:2 However, if anyone thinks he knows something, he doesn’t know as he should. 8:3 But if anyone loves God, God knows him. 8:4 So regarding eating food offered to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and there is only one God. 8:5 Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many "gods" and many "lords;" 8:6 for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come, and we exist for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist, and we live through him. 8:7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some, due to their previous association with idols, eat food as if it were offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is tainted. 8:8 But food doesn’t bring us closer to God. We aren’t worse off if we don’t eat, nor are we better off if we do eat. 8:9 But be careful that your freedom doesn’t become a stumbling block to the weak. 8:10 If someone sees you, with your knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, won't his weak conscience encourage him to eat food offered to idols? 8:11 And through your knowledge, the weak brother for whom Christ died is destroyed. 8:12 So by sinning against your brothers and wounding their weak conscience, you are actually sinning against Christ. 8:13 Therefore, if eating causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I don’t cause my brother to stumble.

9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Aren't you my work in the Lord? 9:2 If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 9:3 My defense to those who examine me is this. 9:4 Have we no right to eat and to drink? 9:5 Have we no right to take along a wife who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 9:6 Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work? 9:7 What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? 9:8 Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn't the law also say the same thing? 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."* Is it for the oxen that God cares, 9:10 or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. 9:11 If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? 9:12 If others partake of this right over you, don't we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ. 9:13 Don't you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? 9:14 Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News. 9:15 But I have used none of these things, and I don't write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. 9:16 For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don't preach the Good News. 9:17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 9:18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. 9:19 For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. 9:22 To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. 9:23 Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it. 9:24 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. 9:25 Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 9:26 I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, 9:27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Aren't you my work in the Lord? 9:2 If others don’t consider me an apostle, at least you do; for you are the proof of my apostleship in the Lord. 9:3 This is my defense to those who question me. 9:4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 9:5 Do we not have the right to take a believing wife with us, like the rest of the apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 9:6 Or do Barnabas and I alone not have the right to not work? 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at their own expense? Who plants a vineyard and doesn’t eat from its fruit? Or who looks after a flock and doesn’t drink from the flock's milk? 9:8 Am I saying this merely on human authority? Doesn't the law say the same thing? 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."* Is it for the oxen that God is concerned? 9:10 Or is He speaking entirely for our benefit? Yes, it was written for our sake, because the one who plows should plow in hope, and the one who threshes should share in that hope. 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 9:12 If others enjoy this right over you, shouldn't we have it even more? Nevertheless, we have not exercised this right, but we endure all things so as not to hinder the Good News of Christ. 9:13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 9:14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the Good News should live from the Good News. 9:15 But I have not used any of these rights, and I am not writing this to suggest that it should be done for me; I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my reason to boast. 9:16 For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; I am compelled to do it. Woe to me if I do not preach the Good News! 9:17 If I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if not willingly, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 9:18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the Good News I may offer it free of charge, and so not misuse my rights as a preacher of the Good News. 9:19 Although I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to everyone, to win as many as possible. 9:20 To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews; to those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law; 9:21 to those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 9:22 To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 9:23 I do all this for the sake of the Good News, that I may share in its blessings. 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 9:26 Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 9:27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

10:1 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 10:2 and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 10:3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 10:5 However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 10:7 Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."* 10:8 Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. 10:9 Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. 10:10 Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. 10:11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn't fall.

10:1 I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 10:2 and they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 10:3 and they all ate the same spiritual food; 10:4 and they all drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 10:5 But most of them were not pleased with God, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 10:6 Now these things happened to them as examples for us, so we shouldn't crave evil things as they did. 10:7 Don't be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to play."* 10:8 Don't engage in sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. 10:9 Don't test the Lord, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. 10:10 Don't grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 10:11 All these things happened to them as examples, and they were recorded for our warning, for those of us on whom the ends of the ages have come. 10:12 So let anyone who thinks he stands be careful not to fall.

10:13 No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 10:15 I speak as to wise men. Judge what I say. 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn't it a sharing of the body of Christ? 10:17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread. 10:18 Consider Israel according to the flesh. Don't those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?

10:13 No temptation has come upon you that's not common to everyone. God is faithful and won't let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. With the temptation, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 10:14 So, my dear friends, stay away from idolatry. 10:15 I speak to you as wise people. Think about what I’m saying. 10:16 Isn't the cup of blessing that we give thanks for a sharing in the blood of Christ? Isn't the bread that we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 10:17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all share in the one loaf. 10:18 Look at Israel in a physical sense. Don't those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar?

10:19 What am I saying then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 10:20 But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don't desire that you would have fellowship with demons. 10:21 You can't both drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can't both partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. 10:22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 10:23 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are profitable. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things build up. 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor's good. 10:25 Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience, 10:26 for "the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness."* 10:27 But if one of those who don't believe invites you to a meal, and you are inclined to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience. 10:28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," don't eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. For "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." 10:29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience? 10:30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced for that for which I give thanks? 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 10:32 Give no occasions for stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the assembly of God; 10:33 even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

10:19 So what am I saying? That something sacrificed to idols is real, or that an idol is real? 10:20 But I say that the things the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God, and I don't want you to have a connection with demons. 10:21 You can't drink from the Lord's cup and the cup of demons at the same time. You can't eat at the Lord's table and at the table of demons at the same time. 10:22 Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He is? 10:23 "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything builds up. 10:24 Let no one seek their own good, but everyone the good of their neighbor. 10:25 Eat whatever is sold in the butcher shop, without asking questions for your conscience's sake, 10:26 because "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." * 10:27 But if a non-believer invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you, without asking questions for conscience's sake. 10:28 But if someone says to you, "This was offered to idols," don't eat it for the sake of the person who told you, and for conscience's sake. For "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." 10:29 I mean conscience, not your own, but the conscience of the other person. Why should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience? 10:30 If I eat with thankfulness, why am I criticized for something I give thanks for? 10:31 So whether you eat, drink, or do anything, do it all for the glory of God. 10:32 Don't cause anyone to stumble, whether they are Jews, Greeks, or part of the church of God; 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

11:1 Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. 11:2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. 11:3 But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 11:5 But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonors her head. For it is one and the same thing as if she were shaved. 11:6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man. 11:8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man; 11:9 for neither was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 11:10 For this cause the woman ought to have authority on her head, because of the angels.

11:1 I want you to follow my example, just as I follow the example of Christ. 11:2 I’m grateful to you, friends, that you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I passed them on to you. 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. 11:4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame to his head. 11:5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered brings shame to her head. It’s the same as if she had her head shaved. 11:6 For if a woman isn’t covered, she might as well have her hair cut short. But if it’s shameful for a woman to have her hair cut short or shaved, then she should cover her head. 11:7 A man should not cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of man. 11:8 For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man; 11:9 nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 11:10 For this reason, the woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.

11:11 Nevertheless, neither is the woman independent of the man, nor the man independent of the woman, in the Lord. 11:12 For as woman came from man, so a man also comes through a woman; but all things are from God. 11:13 Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled? 11:14 Doesn't even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 11:15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering. 11:16 But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies.

11:11 However, neither the woman is independent of the man, nor the man independent of the woman, in the Lord. 11:12 For just as woman came from man, so man is also born through a woman; but everything comes from God. 11:13 Decide for yourselves. Is it appropriate for a woman to pray to God without a head covering? 11:14 Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it’s a disgrace to him? 11:15 But if a woman has long hair, it’s her glory, as her hair is given to her as a covering. 11:16 If any man wants to argue about this, we have no such custom, nor do God’s churches.

11:17 But in giving you this command, I don't praise you, that you come together not for the better but for the worse. 11:18 For first of all, when you come together in the assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it. 11:19 For there also must be factions among you, that those who are approved may be revealed among you. 11:20 When therefore you assemble yourselves together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 11:21 For in your eating each one takes his own supper first. One is hungry, and another is drunken. 11:22 What, don't you have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise God's assembly, and put them to shame who don't have? What shall I tell you? Shall I praise you? In this I don't praise you.

11:17 But in giving you this command, I'm not praising you for coming together for the worse, not the better. 11:18 First of all, when you gather for the meeting, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partially believe it. 11:19 It's necessary for there to be factions among you so that those who are approved can be recognized. 11:20 Therefore, when you come together, it’s not the Lord's supper that you’re eating. 11:21 Because when you eat, each person just goes ahead and eats their own meal first. One person is hungry, and another is drunk. 11:22 What? Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you disrespect God's assembly and embarrass those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you in this.

11:23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. 11:24 When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me." 11:25 In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 11:27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the Lord's cup in a manner unworthy of the Lord will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. 11:29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he doesn't discern the Lord's body. 11:30 For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep. 11:31 For if we discerned ourselves, we wouldn't be judged. 11:32 But when we are judged, we are punished by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 11:33 Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait one for another. 11:34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest your coming together be for judgment. The rest I will set in order whenever I come.

11:23 I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread. 11:24 After giving thanks, he broke it and said, "Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 11:25 In the same way, he also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in remembrance of me." 11:26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he returns. 11:27 Therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks the Lord's cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 11:28 But let each person examine themselves, and in that way, let them eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 11:29 For anyone who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment on themselves, if they do not recognize the Lord's body. 11:30 That is why many of you are weak and sick, and a number have died. 11:31 If we examined ourselves, we would not be judged. 11:32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so we won’t be condemned with the world. 11:33 Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 11:34 If anyone is hungry, let them eat at home, so that your coming together doesn’t result in judgment. The rest I will address when I come.

12:1 Now concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don't want you to be ignorant. 12:2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is accursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," but by the Holy Spirit. 12:4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

12:1 Now regarding spiritual matters, brothers, I don’t want you to be uninformed. 12:2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led to those silent idols, however you may have been guided. 12:3 Therefore, I want to remind you that no one speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is cursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 12:4 Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

12:5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. 12:6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. 12:8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; 12:9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; 12:10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. 12:11 But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.

12:5 There are different kinds of services, and the same Lord. 12:6 There are different kinds of activities, but the same God works in everything and everyone. 12:7 Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the benefit of all. 12:8 To one person, the Spirit gives a message of wisdom, and to another, a message of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; 12:9 to another, faith, by the same Spirit; and to another, the ability to heal, by the same Spirit; 12:10 to another, the performance of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the ability to discern spirits; to another, different kinds of languages; and to another, the interpretation of languages. 12:11 It is the same Spirit that does all these things, distributing to each person as he chooses.

12:12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 12:15 If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body. 12:16 If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired. 12:19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 12:20 But now they are many members, but one body. 12:21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you." 12:22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 12:23 Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety; 12:24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part, 12:25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 12:26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

12:12 Just like the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts, being many, make up one body; so is Christ. 12:13 For we were all baptized into one body by one Spirit, whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or free; and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 12:14 For the body isn't just one part, but many. 12:15 If the foot says, "Because I'm not a hand, I’m not part of the body," that doesn't mean it’s not part of the body. 12:16 If the ear says, "Because I'm not an eye, I'm not part of the body," that doesn’t mean it’s not part of the body. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? 12:18 But God has placed all the parts in the body, each one just as He wanted. 12:19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 12:20 But now there are many parts, yet one body. 12:21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I don’t need you," nor can the head say to the feet, "I don’t need you." 12:22 No, on the contrary, those parts of the body that seem weaker are actually necessary. 12:23 And those parts we think are less honorable, we treat with greater honor; and our unpresentable parts are given greater modesty; 12:24 while our presentable parts have no such need. But God has combined the body, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 12:25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 12:28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages. 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret? 12:31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.

12:27 You are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it. 12:28 God has placed people in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, then those with gifts of healing, helping, leading, and different kinds of languages. 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in different languages? Do all interpret? 12:31 But pursue the most desirable gifts. Also, I'll show you the most excellent way.

13:1 If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. 13:3 If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.

13:1 If I speak in the languages of people and of angels, but don't have love, I’m just a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, enough to move mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. 13:3 If I give away all my possessions to feed the poor, and even give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it doesn’t benefit me at all.

13:4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, 13:5 doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; 13:6 doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 13:10 but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. 13:13 But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.

13:4 Love is patient and kind; it doesn't envy or boast; it isn't proud. 13:5 It doesn't act rudely, it doesn't seek its own way, it isn't easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. 13:6 It doesn't celebrate injustice, but rejoices in the truth. 13:7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be fulfilled. Where there are different languages, they will stop. Where there is knowledge, it will be gone. 13:9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 13:10 but when what is complete comes, what is partial will be gone. 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I felt like a child, I thought like a child. Now that I am an adult, I have put away childish things. 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know completely, just as I am fully known. 13:13 But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.

14:1 Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 14:2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 14:4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. 14:5 Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

14:1 Pursue love and eagerly seek spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 14:2 Anyone who speaks in a different language doesn’t speak to people but to God; no one understands them. They are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. 14:4 The person who speaks in a different language builds themselves up, but the one who prophesies builds up the community. 14:5 I want all of you to speak in different languages, but even more, I wish you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in different languages, unless they interpret, so that the community may be edified.

14:6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 14:7 Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? 14:8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 14:9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air. 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 14:11 If then I don't know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. 14:12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly. 14:13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14:14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

14:6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in different languages, how would that benefit you, unless I communicate through revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching? 14:7 Even lifeless things that produce sound, like a flute or a harp, if they don't create distinct sounds, how would anyone know what is being played? 14:8 And if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who would get ready for battle? 14:9 Likewise, if you don’t speak clearly, how would anyone understand what you're saying? You’d just be talking into the air. 14:10 There may be many different kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them are without meaning. 14:11 If I don’t understand the meaning of the sound, I’d be like a foreigner to the one speaking, and they would be a foreigner to me. 14:12 So you, since you are eager for spiritual gifts, should seek to excel in building up the congregation. 14:13 Therefore, let anyone who speaks in another language pray that they may interpret. 14:14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind is not engaged.

14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 14:16 Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the "Amen" at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn't know what you say? 14:17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. 14:19 However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.

14:15 So what does this all mean? I will pray with my spirit, and I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, and I will also sing with my mind. 14:16 Otherwise, if you’re praising with your spirit, how will someone who doesn’t understand respond with "Amen" to your giving thanks, since they don’t know what you’re saying? 14:17 You’re definitely giving thanks well, but the other person isn’t being built up. 14:18 I thank my God that I speak in other languages more than all of you. 14:19 However, in the church, I’d rather speak five words that everyone can understand so I can teach others, than ten thousand words in a language no one understands.

14:20 Brothers, don't be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. 14:21 In the law it is written, "By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord."* 14:22 Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 14:23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won't they say that you are crazy? 14:24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. 14:25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.

14:20 Brothers, don’t think like kids, but be innocent in your malice; in your thinking, be adults. 14:21 It’s written in the law, "Through people speaking strange languages and from the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people. Even then, they won’t listen to me, says the Lord."* 14:22 So, speaking in other languages is a sign, not for believers, but for those who don’t believe; while prophesying is a sign, not for those who don’t believe, but for believers. 14:23 If the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in different languages, and uneducated or non-believers walk in, won’t they think you’re out of your minds? 14:24 But if everyone is prophesying and someone who doesn’t believe or is uneducated comes in, they are convicted by everyone and judged by everyone. 14:25 As a result, the secrets of their heart are revealed. They will fall on their face and worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.

14:26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 14:27 If any man speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 14:28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 14:29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 14:30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 14:31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. 14:32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

14:26 So, what’s up, brothers? When you gather, each of you has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a different language, or an interpretation. Everything should be done to encourage each other. 14:27 If anyone speaks in a different language, let it be two or at most three, and they should take turns; and let someone interpret. 14:28 But if there isn’t an interpreter, they should remain silent in the gathering and speak to themselves and to God. 14:29 Let the prophets speak, two or three at a time, and let the others evaluate. 14:30 But if a revelation comes to someone else sitting there, the first should keep silent. 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone can learn and be encouraged. 14:32 The spirits of the prophets are under the control of the prophets, 14:33 because God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.

As in all the assemblies of the saints, 14:34 let your wives keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says. 14:35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the assembly. 14:36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 14:37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 14:38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 14:39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking with other languages. 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

As in all gatherings of the saints, 14:34 let your wives remain quiet in the gatherings, for they are not allowed to speak; they should be in submission, as the law also states. 14:35 If they want to learn something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it's inappropriate for a woman to talk in the assembly. 14:36 What? Did the word of God originate with you? Or did it come to you alone? 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commands of the Lord. 14:38 But if anyone is unaware, let him be unaware. 14:39 Therefore, brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. 14:40 Let everything be done properly and in order.

15:1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, 15:2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 15:5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 15:6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 15:8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 15:11 Whether then it is I or they, so we preach, and so you believed.

15:1 Now I want to remind you, brothers, of the Good News that I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand, 15:2 and by which you are saved, if you hold firmly to the message I preached to you—unless you believed for nothing. 15:3 For I passed on to you what I received first: that Christ died for our sins as stated in the Scriptures, 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day as the Scriptures said, 15:5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 15:6 After that, he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive today, but some have died. 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 15:8 and finally, as if I were born at the wrong time, he appeared to me too. 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted God's church. 15:10 But by the grace of God, I am what I am. His grace that he gave me was not wasted; instead, I worked harder than all of them—yet it wasn’t me, but the grace of God that was with me. 15:11 Whether it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

15:12 Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. 15:14 If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 15:15 Yes, we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn't raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. 15:16 For if the dead aren't raised, neither has Christ been raised. 15:17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. 15:18 Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 15:19 If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.

15:12 Now, if we’re preaching that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say there’s no resurrection of the dead? 15:13 But if there's no resurrection of the dead, then Christ hasn’t been raised either. 15:14 If Christ hasn’t been raised, then our preaching is pointless, and your faith is pointless too. 15:15 Yes, we’d be false witnesses of God because we claimed that God raised Christ, whom he didn’t raise if it’s true that the dead aren’t raised. 15:16 For if the dead aren’t raised, then Christ hasn’t been raised. 15:17 If Christ hasn’t been raised, your faith is worthless; you’re still trapped in your sins. 15:18 Then those who have died in Christ are lost. 15:19 If we have only put our hope in Christ for this life, we are the most miserable people of all.

15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. 15:21 For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ's, at his coming. 15:24 Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 15:26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 15:27 For, "He put all things in subjection under his feet."* But when he says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. 15:28 When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all. 15:29 Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren't raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead? 15:30 Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour? 15:31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 15:32 If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."* 15:33 Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." 15:34 Wake up righteously, and don't sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 15:35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised?" and, "With what kind of body do they come?" 15:36 You foolish one, that which you yourself sow is not made alive unless it dies. 15:37 That which you sow, you don't sow the body that will be, but a bare grain, maybe of wheat, or of some other kind. 15:38 But God gives it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own. 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. 15:43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.

15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first of those who have died. 15:21 Since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first, then those who belong to Christ at his coming. 15:24 Then the end comes when he will hand over the Kingdom to God, the Father; when he has abolished all rule, authority, and power. 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 15:27 For, "He put all things in subjection under his feet."* But when he says, "All things are put in subjection," it is clear that he is not included who put all things in subjection to him. 15:28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things under him, so that God may be all in all. 15:29 Or else, what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren't raised at all, why are they baptized for the dead? 15:30 Why do we also face danger every hour? 15:31 I assure you, by the pride I have in you in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 15:32 If I fought wild beasts at Ephesus for human reasons, what did I gain from it? If the dead are not raised, "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."* 15:33 Don’t be fooled! "Bad company corrupts good character." 15:34 Wake up righteously, and don’t sin, for some are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame. 15:36 You foolish person, what you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 15:37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or some other kind. 15:38 But God gives it a body just as he has desired, and to each seed a body of its own. 15:39 All flesh is not the same; there is one flesh for humans, another for animals, another for fish, and another for birds. 15:40 There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; but the glory of the heavenly differs from that of the earthly. 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 15:42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. It is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable. 15:43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is also a spiritual body.

15:45 So also it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul."* The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 15:46 However that which is spiritual isn't first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. 15:47 The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 15:48 As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 15:49 As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let's also bear the image of the heavenly. 15:50 Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can't inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.

15:45 It is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living being."* The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 15:46 But first comes the natural, and then the spiritual. 15:47 The first man is from the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 15:48 Just as the one made of dust, so are those who are also made of dust; and just as the heavenly one is, so are those who are heavenly. 15:49 As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let's we will also bear the image of the heavenly. 15:50 Now, I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does decay inherit immortality.

15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 15:54 But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen:

15:51 Look, I’m sharing a secret with you. Not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed, 15:52 in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the final trumpet. Because the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised without decay, and we will be changed. 15:53 This decaying body must be replaced with a body that doesn’t decay, and this mortal body must become immortal. 15:54 But when this decaying body has been replaced with a body that doesn’t decay, and this mortal has become immortal, then what is written will come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."*
15:55 "Death, where is your sting?
Hades, where is your victory?"*

15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

15:56 The sting of death comes from sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 15:57 But thanks to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:58 So, my dear brothers, stand firm, be stable, and always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your efforts are not wasted in the Lord.

16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. 16:2 On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. 16:3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 16:4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me. 16:5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 16:6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. 16:7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 16:8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 16:9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 16:10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 16:11 Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

16:1 Now about the collection for the saints, just as I instructed the churches of Galatia, you should do the same. 16:2 On the first day of the week, everyone should set aside some money, based on how much they earn, so that we won’t have to collect money when I come. 16:3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to deliver your generous gift to Jerusalem. 16:4 If it's suitable for me to go as well, they will go with me. 16:5 But I will visit you after I’ve passed through Macedonia, since I’m traveling through Macedonia. 16:6 I might stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter there, so you can send me on my journey wherever I go. 16:7 I don't want to just drop by and see you quickly; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 16:8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 16:9 because a great and effective opportunity has opened up for me, and there are many challenges. 16:10 Now if Timothy comes, make sure he feels comfortable while he’s with you, because he is doing the work of the Lord just like I am. 16:11 So make sure no one looks down on him. Instead, send him off in peace so he can come to me, as I am expecting him with the brothers.

16:12 Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

16:12 Now about Apollos, our brother, I really encouraged him to visit you with the brothers; however, he wasn't keen on coming right now, but he will come when he gets the chance.

16:13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

16:13 Pay attention! Stay strong in your beliefs! Be brave! Be tough! 16:14 Let everything you do be done with love.

16:15 Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints), 16:16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 16:17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

16:15 Now I ask you, brothers (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first to accept Christ in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to serving the saints), 16:16 to also be respectful towards such people, and to everyone who helps with the work and puts in the effort. 16:17 I’m glad about the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; they made up for what you were lacking. 16:18 They refreshed my spirit and yours. So, recognize those who are like that.

16:19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. 16:20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

16:19 The churches in Asia send their regards to you. Aquila and Priscilla send their greetings in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home. 16:20 All the brothers send their greetings. Greet each other with a holy kiss.

16:21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 16:22 If any man doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord! 16:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 16:24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

16:21 This greeting is from me, Paul, written in my own hand. 16:22 If anyone doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord! 16:23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 16:24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:10 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:10 The term for "brothers" here, when the context permits, can also accurately be translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 1:19 Isaiah 29:14

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 29:14

[3] back to 1:31 Jeremiah 9:24

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 9:24

[4] back to 2:9 Isaiah 64:4

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 64:4

[5] back to 2:16 Isaiah 40:13

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:13

[6] back to 3:19 Job 5:13

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Job 5:13

[7] back to 3:20 Psalm 94:11

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 94:11

[8] back to 5:13 Deuteronomy 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21; 24:7

[8] back to 5:13 Deuteronomy 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21; 24:7

[9] back to 6:16 Genesis 2:24

[9] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:24

[10] back to 9:9 Deuteronomy 25:4

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 25:4

[11] back to 10:7 Exodus 32:6

[11] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 32:6

[12] back to 10:26 Psalm 24:1

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 24:1

[13] back to 12:2 or Gentiles

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or non-Jews

[14] back to 14:6 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[14] back to 14:6 The word for "brothers" here, where it fits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[15] back to 14:21 Isaiah 28:11-12

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 28:11-12

[16] back to 15:27 Psalm 8:6

[16] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 8:6

[17] back to 15:32 Isaiah 22:13

[17] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 22:13

[18] back to 15:45 Genesis 2:7

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:7

[19] back to 15:49 NU, TR read "we will" instead of "let's"

[19] back to 15:49 NU, TR read "we will" instead of "let's"

[20] back to 15:50 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[20] back to 15:50 The word for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[21] back to 15:54 Isaiah 25:8

[21] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 25:8

[22] back to 15:55 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[23] back to 15:55 Hosea 13:14

[23] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hosea 13:14

[24] back to 16:22 Greek: anathema.

anathema

[25] back to 16:22 Aramaic: Maranatha!

Maranatha!














Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Timothy, to the church of God in Corinth, along with all the saints in the entire region of Achaia: 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 1:4 who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ. 1:6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer. 1:7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so also are you of the comfort. 1:8 For we don't desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life. 1:9 Yes, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, 1:10 who delivered us out of so great a death, and does deliver; on whom we have set our hope that he will also still deliver us; 1:11 you also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed on us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf. 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. 1:13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end; 1:14 as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 1:15 In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, that you might have a second benefit; 1:16 and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent forward by you on my journey to Judea. 1:17 When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the "Yes, yes" and the "No, no?" 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not "Yes and no." 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not "Yes and no," but in him is "Yes." 1:20 For however many are the promises of God, in him is the "Yes." Therefore also through him is the "Amen," to the glory of God through us.

1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort; 1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 1:5 Just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 1:6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the same patient endurance of the sufferings we also endure. 1:7 Our hope for you is unwavering, knowing that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 1:8 We don’t want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the troubles we faced in Asia, that we were weighed down beyond our strength, so much that we despaired even of life. 1:9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death within ourselves, so that we would not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead, 1:10 who rescued us from such a deadly peril, and he will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will keep rescuing us; 1:11 as you help us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 1:12 Our confidence boasts in this: the testimony of our conscience, that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and sincerity from God, not by earthly wisdom but by divine grace. 1:13 For we are not writing you anything you can't read or understand, and I hope you will fully understand it, 1:14 just as you have partially understood us, that we are your source of pride, just as you are ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus. 1:15 In this confidence, I intended to visit you first, so that you might have a second benefit; 1:16 and to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be helped on my journey to Judea by you. 1:17 When I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans according to mere human standards, so that in my dealings with you there is “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? 1:18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes and no.” 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes and no,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

1:21 Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 1:22 who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts. 1:23 But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn't come to Corinth to spare you. 1:24 Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

1:21 Now the one who makes us strong together with you in Christ and has anointed us is God; 1:22 who also marked us with His seal and gave us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts. 1:23 But I call God as my witness that I didn't come to Corinth to make things easy for you. 1:24 Not that we control your faith, but we are partners with you for your joy. For you stand firm in your faith.

2:1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow. 2:2 For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but he who is made sorry by me? 2:3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn't have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you. 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you. 2:5 But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all. 2:6 Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many; 2:7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow. 2:8 Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him. 2:9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. 2:10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 2:11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

2:1 But I decided for myself that I wouldn’t come to you again feeling sad. 2:2 Because if I make you sad, then who will make me happy but the person I made sad? 2:3 I wrote this to you so that when I arrived, I wouldn’t have sadness from those I should be joyful about; I have confidence in all of you that my joy would be shared among you all. 2:4 I wrote to you with a lot of pain and tears, not to make you sad, but so you could understand the deep love I have for you. 2:5 But if anyone has made someone sad, they haven’t just saddened me, but to some extent (not to be too harsh) they've affected all of you. 2:6 The punishment given by the majority is enough for such a person; 2:7 therefore, you should rather forgive and comfort him, so he isn’t completely overwhelmed by his excessive sadness. 2:8 So I urge you to show your love for him. 2:9 This is why I wrote, to see if you are truly obedient in everything. 2:10 I also forgive anyone you forgive. If I have forgiven anything, I've done it for your sake in the presence of Christ, 2:11 so that Satan won’t gain any advantage over us; we are not unaware of his schemes.

2:12 Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord, 2:13 I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn't find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia. 2:14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. 2:15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish; 2:16 to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2:17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

2:12 When I arrived in Troas to share the Good News of Christ, and a door opened for me in the Lord, 2:13 I felt no peace in my spirit because I couldn’t find Titus, my brother. So, I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ and spreads through us the sweet fragrance of His knowledge everywhere. 2:15 For we are a pleasing aroma of Christ to God, both to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing; 2:16 to one, an odor of death leading to death; to the other, a fragrance of life leading to life. Who is capable of these things? 2:17 We are not like so many others, who twist the word of God for profit. Instead, we are sincere and speak in Christ, as in the sight of God.

3:1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 3:2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3:3 being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh. 3:4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God; 3:5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 3:6 who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 3:7 But if the service of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which was passing away: 3:8 won't service of the Spirit be with much more glory? 3:9 For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 3:10 For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses. 3:11 For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

3:1 Are we starting to brag about ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people do, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 3:2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by everyone; 3:3 showing that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not on tablets of stone, but on tablets that are hearts of flesh. 3:4 We have such confidence through Christ toward God; 3:5 not that we are capable on our own, so as to claim anything as coming from ourselves; but our capability comes from God; 3:6 who also made us capable as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 3:7 But if the ministry that brought death, written in engraved stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel couldn't look intently at Moses' face because of the glory that was fading away; 3:8 won't the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 3:9 For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness has even more glory. 3:10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison to the surpassing glory. 3:11 For if what was fading away came with glory, how much more will what is permanent be glorious?

3:12 Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, 3:13 and not as Moses, who put a veil on his face, that the children of Israel wouldn't look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away. 3:14 But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. 3:15 But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 3:16 But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

3:12 Therefore, since we have this hope, we speak boldly, 3:13 not like Moses, who covered his face with a veil so that the Israelites wouldn’t gaze intently at what was fading away. 3:14 But their minds were closed, for even to this day, when the old covenant is read, the same veil remains, because it is removed in Christ. 3:15 Even today, when Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts. 3:16 However, whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is lifted. 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 3:18 And we all, with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don't faint. 4:2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 4:3 Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish; 4:4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them. 4:5 For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake; 4:6 seeing it is God who said, "Light will shine out of darkness,"* who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

4:1 Since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy, we don’t give up. 4:2 Instead, we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God; but by clearly presenting the truth, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 4:3 Even if our Good News is concealed, it’s hidden from those who are lost; 4:4 the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, preventing the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, from shining on them. 4:5 For we don’t proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake; 4:6 for God, who said, "Light will shine out of darkness,"* has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

4:7 But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. 4:8 We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; 4:9 pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; 4:10 always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 4:11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. 4:12 So then death works in us, but life in you. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke."* We also believe, and therefore also we speak; 4:14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you. 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 4:16 Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 4:17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 4:18 while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

4:7 But we have this treasure in fragile containers, so that the extraordinary power may be from God and not from ourselves. 4:8 We are pressured on every side, but not crushed; confused, but not hopeless; 4:9 pursued, but not abandoned; knocked down, but not destroyed; 4:10 always carrying around in our bodies the death of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our bodies. 4:11 For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal bodies. 4:12 So, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 4:13 But since we have the same spirit of faith, in accordance with what is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke."* We also believe, and therefore we also speak; 4:14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and present us with you. 4:15 For everything is for your benefit, so that grace, being multiplied through many, may cause gratitude to abound for the glory of God. 4:16 Therefore, we do not give up, but although our outer self is deteriorating, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all; 4:18 so we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

5:1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. 5:2 For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven; 5:3 if so be that being clothed we will not be found naked. 5:4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5:5 Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.

5:1 We know that if our earthly body is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made by human hands, eternal in the heavens. 5:2 For this reason, we definitely groan, yearning to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling; 5:3 so that if we are clothed, we won't be found naked. 5:4 For we, who are in this body, do groan under the weight of it; not that we want to be without a body, but that we want to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be transformed by life. 5:5 Now, the one who created us for this purpose is God, who also gave us the guarantee of the Spirit.

5:6 Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 5:8 We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord. 5:9 Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. 5:10 For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 5:11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences. 5:12 For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart. 5:13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you. 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again. 5:16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. 5:18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; 5:19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. 5:20 We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 5:21 For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

5:6 So, we are always confident and know that while we are living in this body, we are away from the Lord; 5:7 because we walk by faith, not by sight. 5:8 We are brave, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 5:9 So, we aim to please Him, whether we're at home or away. 5:10 For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so that everyone may receive what they did while in the body, whether good or bad. 5:11 Knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others, but we are made known to God; and I hope we are also made known in your hearts. 5:12 We are not recommending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you a reason to boast on our behalf, so that you can respond to those who brag about appearances, not what’s in the heart. 5:13 For if we seem out of our minds, it's for God. If we are in our right mind, it's for you. 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us; because we conclude that one died for all, therefore all died. 5:15 He died for everyone, so those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again for them. 5:16 So, from now on, we don’t know anyone in a worldly way. Even though we used to know Christ this way, we no longer recognize Him that way. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away; look, everything has become new. 5:18 All of this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 5:19 that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and He has entrusted us with this message of reconciliation. 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We urge you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 5:21 For the one who had no sin, He made to be sin for us; so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

6:1 Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God in vain, 6:2 for he says,

6:1 Working together, we also urge you not to take the grace of God for granted, 6:2 for he says,

"At an acceptable time I listened to you,
in a day of salvation I helped you."*

Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. 6:3 We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, 6:4 but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; 6:6 in pureness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 6:7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 6:8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 6:9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and not killed; 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Look, now is the right time. Look, now is the day of salvation. 6:3 We give no reason for anyone to stumble in anything, so that our service isn't blamed, 6:4 but in everything we prove ourselves as servants of God, showing great endurance, in troubles, in hardships, in distress, 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in fasting; 6:6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 6:7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; wearing the armor of righteousness on our right and left, 6:8 through glory and dishonor, through bad reputation and good reputation; as deceivers, yet genuine; 6:9 as unknown, yet well-known; as dying, yet look, we live; as punished, yet not killed; 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

6:11 Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. 6:12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 6:13 Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also be open wide. 6:14 Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 6:15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? 6:16 What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people."* 6:17 Therefore,

6:11 We’re open to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are wide open. 6:12 You're not being held back by us, but by your own feelings. 6:13 So, in return, I’m speaking to you like my kids, you should also open up wide. 6:14 Don’t team up with those who don’t believe, because what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what does light have in common with darkness? 6:15 What does Christ have to do with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For you are the temple of the living God. Just as God said, "I will live in them and walk among them; I will be their God, and they will be my people." * 6:17 Therefore,

"'Come out from among them,
and be separate,' says the Lord.
'Touch no unclean thing.
I will receive you.*
6:18 I will be to you a Father.
You will be to me sons and daughters,'

says the Lord Almighty."*

says the Lord Almighty.*

7:1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 7:2 Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one. 7:3 I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together. 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction. 7:5 For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside. 7:6 Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7:7 and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.

7:1 So, with these promises in mind, dear friends, let's cleanse ourselves from all impurity of body and spirit, striving for holiness in the fear of God. 7:2 Open your hearts to us. We haven't wronged anyone. We haven't corrupted anyone. We haven't taken advantage of anyone. 7:3 I'm saying this not to condemn you, because I've said before that you are in our hearts to die and live together. 7:4 I am very bold in speaking to you. I have great pride in you. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy despite all our troubles. 7:5 Even when we arrived in Macedonia, we had no rest; we were troubled on every side. There were conflicts outside and fears inside. 7:6 Yet, the God who comforts the downcast comforted us through the arrival of Titus; 7:7 and not just through his arrival, but also through the comfort he received from you, as he shared your longing, your sorrow, and your enthusiasm for me; so that I was even more joyful.

7:8 For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while. 7:9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. 7:10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death. 7:11 For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter. 7:12 So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God. 7:13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 7:14 For if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth. 7:15 His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him. 7:16 I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.

7:8 Even though my letter made you feel sad, I don’t regret sending it, even though I did feel sorry at first. I realize that my letter upset you, but only for a short time. 7:9 Now I’m happy, not because you were sad, but because your sadness led you to change your ways. You felt sorry in a way that was meaningful, so you wouldn’t lose anything from us. 7:10 Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation, and that kind of sadness doesn't come with regrets. But the sadness of the world leads to death. 7:11 Look at how this very thing—your godly sorrow—has produced such a strong desire in you. Yes, it has led to defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and a desire for justice! In everything, you showed that you were right in this matter. 7:12 So, even though I wrote to you, it wasn’t for the sake of the one who did the wrong or for the one who was wronged, but to show your genuine concern for us in the eyes of God. 7:13 As a result, we have been comforted. We rejoiced even more for the joy of Titus, because he was refreshed by all of you. 7:14 If I bragged to him about you, I wasn't let down. Just as we spoke the truth to you, my confidence in you was proven true in front of Titus. 7:15 His affection for you is even stronger as he remembers all your obedience and how you received him with fear and trembling. 7:16 I’m glad that I feel confident about you in every way.

8:1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia; 8:2 how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. 8:3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, 8:4 begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints. 8:5 This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. 8:6 So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace. 8:7 But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace. 8:8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. 8:10 I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing. 8:11 But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability. 8:12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have. 8:13 For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed, 8:14 but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality. 8:15 As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."*

8:1 Brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God that has been shown in the churches of Macedonia; 8:2 how they, despite facing many challenges, overflowed with joy, and their deep poverty led to incredible generosity. 8:3 I can testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, voluntarily, 8:4 pleading with us earnestly to accept this grace and the opportunity to help God’s people. 8:6 So we encouraged Titus to finish the work he started among you in this grace as well. 8:7 Since you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, enthusiasm, and in your love for us—make sure you also excel in this grace. 8:8 I’m not commanding you, but I want to test your love by comparing it with the eagerness of others. 8:9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 8:10 Here’s my advice: It would be good for you, who were the first to desire to give a year ago, not just to want to help, 8:11 but to also complete the action, so that your willingness to help matches your ability. 8:12 If you are willing to help, it should be in proportion to what you have, not based on what you don’t have. 8:13 This isn’t so that others can have it easy while you have it hard, 8:14 but it’s about fairness. Your surplus at this time meets their needs, so that in turn, their surplus may supply your needs; this way, there’s fairness. 8:15 As the scripture says, "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little."*

8:16 But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 8:17 For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord. 8:18 We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known through all the assemblies. 8:19 Not only so, but who was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness. 8:20 We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. 8:21 Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 8:22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you. 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ. 8:24 Therefore show the proof of your love to them in front of the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.

8:16 But thanks to God, who has put the same genuine concern for you in Titus's heart. 8:17 He truly accepted our encouragement, and being very eager himself, he chose to go to you on his own. 8:18 We have sent along with him the brother whose reputation in the Good News is well known among all the congregations. 8:19 Moreover, he was also appointed by the congregations to travel with us in this grace, which we serve for the glory of the Lord and to demonstrate our readiness. 8:20 We are making sure that no one will blame us concerning this abundance we manage. 8:21 We are focusing on honorable things, not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of others. 8:22 We have sent with them our brother, who has proven himself diligent in many matters, and now is even more eager because of his great confidence in you. 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker on your behalf. Our brothers are representatives of the congregations, the glory of Christ. 8:24 Therefore, show your love for them in front of the congregations, and let us take pride in you.

9:1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints, 9:2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 9:3 But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, 9:4 so that I won't by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting. 9:5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. 9:6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 9:7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9:9 As it is written,

9:1 I really don't need to write to you about helping the saints, 9:2 because I know you're eager to assist, and I brag about you to the people in Macedonia, telling them that Achaia has been ready for this for over a year. Your enthusiasm has inspired many of them. 9:3 However, I have sent the brothers to make sure that our bragging about you doesn't turn out to be pointless, so that, as I mentioned, you will be prepared, 9:4 and I won’t be embarrassed if some people from Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared; we (not to mention you) would be disappointed in our confident boasting. 9:5 I thought it was necessary to ask the brothers to go ahead of you to prepare the generous gift you promised earlier, so that it would be ready as an act of generosity, not out of obligation. 9:6 Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 9:7 Each person should give what they've decided in their heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, because God loves a cheerful giver. 9:8 And God is able to provide you with all grace so that in all things at all times, you will have everything you need to abound in every good work. 9:9 As it is written,

"He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever."*

9:10 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; 9:11 you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God. 9:12 For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God; 9:13 seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all; 9:14 while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 9:15 Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

9:10 Now may the one who provides seed to the sower and bread for food supply and multiply your seed for planting, and grow the harvest of your righteousness; 9:11 you being enriched in everything to be generous, which results in us giving thanks to God. 9:12 For this act of giving that you do not only addresses the needs of the saints, but also leads to many expressions of thanks to God; 9:13 as they see the proof provided by this service, they glorify God for your obedience in sharing the Good News of Christ, and for your generosity in contributing to them and to everyone; 9:14 while they themselves are also praying for you, longing for you because of the incredible grace of God in you. 9:15 Now thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

10:1 Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you. 10:2 Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh; 10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, 10:5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; 10:6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full. 10:7 Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's. 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed, 10:9 that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. 10:10 For, "His letters," they say, "are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised." 10:11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present. 10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. 10:13 But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. 10:14 For we don't stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn't reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, 10:15 not boasting beyond proper limits in other men's labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence, 10:16 so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. 10:17 But "he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."* 10:18 For it isn't he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

10:1 Now I, Paul, appeal to you based on the humility and gentleness of Christ; I am lowly when I’m with you, but when I’m away, I am confident towards you. 10:2 Yes, I ask that when I am there, I won’t have to show boldness in the same way I plan to be bold against some who think we are acting according to human standards. 10:3 Even though we live in the world, we don't fight our battles in the same way the world does; 10:4 for the weapons we use in our struggle are not of this world, but have divine power to demolish strongholds, 10:5 demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ; 10:6 and we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. 10:7 Are you only looking at things as they appear on the surface? If anyone thinks he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, we are also Christ’s. 10:8 Although I might boast a bit about our authority (which the Lord gave us for building you up, not for tearing you down), I won’t be ashamed, 10:9 so that it doesn’t seem like I’m trying to frighten you with my letters. 10:10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” 10:11 Let such a person understand that what we are in our letters when we’re absent, we will also be in action when we’re present. 10:12 We don’t dare to classify or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves; when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show a lack of understanding. 10:13 We, however, will not boast beyond our proper limits, but will stay within the boundaries God has given us, which includes even you. 10:14 We are not overextending ourselves as if we had not come to you; we came to you with the Good News of Christ, 10:15 not boasting beyond our proper limits in the work of others, but having hope that as your faith increases, our influence will be greatly expanded among you, 10:16 so that we can preach the Good News even to those areas beyond you, not boasting about what someone else has already accomplished. 10:17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”* 10:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

11:1 I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me. 11:2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 11:3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 11:4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different "good news", which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough. 11:5 For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles. 11:6 But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things. 11:7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God's Good News free of charge? 11:8 I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you. 11:9 When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn't a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so. 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11:11 Why? Because I don't love you? God knows. 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ's apostles. 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. 11:15 It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

11:1 I hope you'll put up with me for a moment of foolishness, but I know you will. 11:2 I am really protective of you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, so I could present you as a pure bride to Christ. 11:3 But I’m worried that somehow, just as the serpent tricked Eve with his cleverness, your minds might be led astray from the simplicity that is in Christ. 11:4 If someone comes along and preaches a different Jesus than the one we preached, or if you accept a different spirit, or a different "good news" that you didn't receive before, you seem to tolerate that just fine. 11:5 I think I’m not at all less than the best apostles. 11:6 Even though I may not be great at speaking, I’m definitely knowledgeable. No, in every way, we have shown you everything. 11:7 Or did I do something wrong by humbling myself so you could be uplifted, because I preached God’s Good News to you for free? 11:8 I took support from other congregations so I could serve you. 11:9 When I was with you and needed help, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, because the brothers who came from Macedonia provided for my needs. I made sure not to be a burden to you, and I’ll keep doing that. 11:10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from bragging about this in the areas of Achaia. 11:11 Why? Is it because I don’t love you? God knows I do. 11:12 But I will keep doing what I’m doing to cut off any chance for those who want to brag, so that in their boasting they’ll be just like us. 11:13 For such people are false apostles, sneaky workers pretending to be Christ's apostles. 11:14 And it’s no surprise, because even Satan pretends to be an angel of light. 11:15 So it’s not a big deal if his servants also pretend to be servants of righteousness; their end will match their actions.

11:16 I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little. 11:17 That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 11:18 Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast. 11:19 For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise. 11:20 For you bear with a man, if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, if he strikes you on the face. 11:21 I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet however any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also. 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. 11:24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep. 11:26 I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; 11:27 in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.

11:16 I want to say again, don’t think I’m being foolish. But if you do, then just accept me as foolish so I can boast a little. 11:17 What I'm saying isn’t coming from the Lord; I’m speaking out of foolishness, with this confidence to boast. 11:18 Since many take pride in their human qualities, I’ll do the same. 11:19 You put up with foolishness willingly since you’re wise. 11:20 You tolerate someone who puts you in bondage, who devours you, who takes you captive, who elevates himself, who hits you in the face. 11:21 I’m saying this sarcastically, as if we were weak. But whatever anyone else is bold about (I’m speaking foolishly), I can be bold too. 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the descendants of Abraham? So am I. 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I’m speaking as someone out of my mind) I am even more; in hard work more than they, in prisons more than they, beaten more than they, and often facing death. 11:24 Five times I received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews. 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 11:26 I’ve traveled a lot, faced danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, and danger from false brothers; 11:27 in toil and hardship, in sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often going without food, and in cold and nakedness.

11:28 Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies. 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don't burn with indignation? 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness. 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, he who is blessed forevermore, knows that I don't lie. 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes desiring to arrest me. 11:33 Through a window I was let down in a basket by the wall, and escaped his hands.

11:28 Aside from everything else, I feel the daily pressure of anxiety for all the gatherings. 11:29 Who is weak, and I don’t feel weak? Who stumbles, and I don’t feel a burning indignation? 11:30 If I have to brag, I’ll brag about the things that highlight my weaknesses. 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I’m not lying. 11:32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was keeping the city of Damascus under guard, wanting to arrest me. 11:33 I was lowered down through a window in a basket by the wall, and I escaped his grasp.

12:1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 12:2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven. 12:3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows), 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 12:5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. 12:6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me. 12:7 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. 12:8 Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 12:9 He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

12:1 It's probably not worth it for me to brag. For I will share visions and revelations from the Lord. 12:2 I know a man in Christ who had an experience fourteen years ago (whether he was in his body or out of it, I don't know; God knows) where he was taken up to the third heaven. 12:3 I know this man (whether in his body or outside of it, I don't know; God knows), 12:4 how he was taken up to Paradise and heard things that cannot be expressed, which aren’t lawful for a man to say. 12:5 I will boast on behalf of this man, but I won't boast on my own, except in my weaknesses. 12:6 Because if I wanted to boast, I wouldn't be foolish; I would be speaking the truth. But I keep it to myself, so that no one thinks more of me than what they see or hear from me. 12:7 Because of the overwhelming greatness of the revelations, to prevent me from becoming too proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, so I wouldn't be too proud. 12:8 About this, I asked the Lord three times for it to leave me. 12:9 He told me, "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will gladly boast about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. 12:11 I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works. 12:13 For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.

12:10 So I take joy in my weaknesses, in hardships, in needs, in persecutions, in troubles for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 12:11 I’ve been foolish for bragging. You pushed me to it, since I should have been praised by you. In no way was I less than the top apostles, even though I’m nothing. 12:12 Truly, the signs of an apostle were evident among you with patience, signs, wonders, and powerful works. 12:13 What is it that makes you lesser than the other congregations, except that I wasn’t a burden to you? Forgive me for this slight.

12:14 Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 12:15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less? 12:16 But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception. 12:17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you? 12:18 I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps? 12:19 Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying. 12:20 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots; 12:21 that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed.

12:14 Look, this is the third time I’m getting ready to come to you, and I won’t be a burden. I’m not after your stuff, but after you. Children shouldn’t be saving up for their parents, but parents for their children. 12:15 I’m more than willing to give everything for your well-being. If I love you more, does that mean you love me less? 12:16 But that’s not the case; I haven’t burdened you. Instead, I used cleverness to win you over. 12:17 Did I take advantage of you through anyone I sent to you? 12:18 I encouraged Titus, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn’t we share the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same way? 12:19 Again, do you think we’re making excuses to you? In God’s eyes, we speak in Christ. But everything, dear ones, is for your growth. 12:20 I’m afraid that when I come, I might find you not as I hope, and you find me not as you’d like; that there would be quarrels, jealousy, anger, divisions, gossip, arrogance, disruptions; 12:21 and that when I arrive, my God would humble me before you, and I would have to grieve for many who have sinned and haven’t repented of their impurity, sexual immorality, and lustful behaviors.

13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."* 13:2 I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare; 13:3 seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. 13:4 For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you. 13:5 Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don't you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. 13:6 But I hope that you will know that we aren't disqualified.

13:1 This is the third time I’m coming to you. "Every word must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."* 13:2 I mentioned this before, and I’ll mention it again, just like I did when I was there the second time. Now, while I'm away, I'm writing to those who have sinned in the past and to all the others that if I come again, I won’t hold back; 13:3 since you seek proof of Christ who is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you, but is powerful in you. 13:4 He was crucified because of weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we are also weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God directed toward you. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or don't you realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test. 13:6 But I hope you will realize that we are not disqualified.

13:7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting. 13:10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

13:7 Now I pray to God that you don’t do anything wrong; not so that we seem approved, but so that you can do what’s right, even if we appear worthless. 13:8 Because we can’t do anything against the truth, only for it. 13:9 We are happy when we are weak and you are strong. And this is what we also pray for, your growth and improvement. 13:10 That’s why I’m writing this while I’m away, so I don’t have to speak harshly when I’m there, based on the authority the Lord gave me to build you up, not tear you down.

13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13:13 All the saints greet you. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

13:11 Finally, friends, be joyful. Aim for perfection, find comfort, be united in thought, and live peacefully, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 13:12 Greet each other with a sincere hug. 13:13 All the believers send their greetings. 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:8 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:8 The word for "brothers" here, and where appropriate, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 4:6 Genesis 1:3

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 1:3

[3] back to 4:13 Psalm 116:10

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 116:10

[4] back to 6:2 Isaiah 49:8

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 49:8

[5] back to 6:16 Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27

[5] back to 6:16 Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27

[6] back to 6:17 Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41

[7] back to 6:18 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8

[8] back to 8:15 Exodus 16:8

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 16:8

[9] back to 9:9 Psalm 112:9

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 112:9

[10] back to 10:17 Jeremiah 9:24

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 9:24

[11] back to 13:1 Deuteronomy 19:15

[11] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 19:15














Paul's Letter to the Galatians

1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 1:2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 1:4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father-- 1:5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

1:1 Paul, an apostle (not appointed by people, nor through any human, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 1:2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 1:4 who gave himself for our sins, to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father— 1:5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1:6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different "good news"; 1:7 and there isn't another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. 1:8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any "good news" other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. 1:9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any "good news" other than that which you received, let him be cursed. 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ. 1:11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. 1:12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. 1:13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it. 1:14 I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 1:15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, 1:16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood, 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. 1:19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord's brother. 1:20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I'm not lying. 1:21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 1:22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ, 1:23 but they only heard: "He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy." 1:24 And they glorified God in me.

1:6 I’m amazed that you are so quickly turning away from the one who called you by the grace of Christ to a different "good news"; 1:7 and there is no other "good news." There are just some people who are disturbing you and trying to distort the Good News of Christ. 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach any "good news" to you other than what we preached to you, let that person be cursed. 1:9 As we’ve said before, I now say again: if anyone preaches any "good news" to you other than what you received, let them be cursed. 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of people, or of God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ. 1:11 But I want you to know, brothers, that the Good News I preached isn’t from man. 1:12 I didn’t receive it from any person, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 1:13 You’ve heard about my previous way of life in Judaism, how I intensely persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 1:14 I was far ahead in Judaism compared to many of my contemporaries, being extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, 1:16 was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately consult with anyone, 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; instead, I went away to Arabia. Later, I returned to Damascus. 1:18 After three years, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter and stayed with him for fifteen days. 1:19 I didn’t see any of the other apostles, except for James, the Lord’s brother. 1:20 Regarding the things I’m writing to you, before God, I’m not lying. 1:21 Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 1:22 I was still unknown by face to the churches of Judea that are in Christ, 1:23 but they only heard: "The man who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 1:24 And they praised God because of me.

2:1 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2:2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. 2:3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 2:4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; 2:5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you. 2:6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)--they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me, 2:7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision 2:8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles); 2:9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision. 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor--which very thing I was also zealous to do.

2:1 After fourteen years, I went back up to Jerusalem with Barnabas and took Titus along with me. 2:2 I went because of a revelation and shared with them the Good News I preach among the Gentiles, but I did this privately with those who were respected, fearing that I might have been running in vain. 2:3 Even Titus, who was with me and a Greek, was not forced to be circumcised. 2:4 This was because of the false brothers who were secretly brought in, sneaking around to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, trying to bring us back into bondage; 2:5 we didn’t give them any place for that, not even for a moment, so that the truth of the Good News could remain with you. 2:6 From those who were thought to be important (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God doesn't show favoritism to anyone)—I’m saying that they didn't add anything to my message, 2:7 but on the contrary, when they recognized that I had been trusted with the Good News for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been trusted with the Good News for the circumcised 2:8 (for the one who appointed Peter to share the message with the circumcised also appointed me to the Gentiles); 2:9 when they saw the grace that had been given to me, James, Cephas, and John, the ones regarded as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they would go to the circumcised. 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor—which I was eager to do.

2:11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned. 2:12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 2:13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 2:14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?

2:11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I confronted him openly because he was wrong. 2:12 Before some people arrived from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they came, he pulled back and separated himself, fearing those who were circumcised. 2:13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 2:14 But when I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter in front of them all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles do and not like the Jews, why do you force the Gentiles to live like the Jews?"

2:15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners, 2:16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law. 2:17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not! 2:18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker. 2:19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. 2:21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

2:15 "We, being Jews by nature, not Gentile sinners, 2:16 but knowing that a person is not justified by following the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. 2:17 But if, while we are trying to be justified in Christ, we are also found to be sinners, is Christ a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 2:18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker. 2:19 For I, through the law, died to the law so that I might live for God. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 2:21 I do not disregard the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

3:1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified? 3:2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh? 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain? 3:5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? 3:6 Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." 3:7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham. 3:8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed."* 3:9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them."* 3:11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith."* 3:12 The law is not of faith, but, "The man who does them will live by them."*

3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has cast a spell on you not to follow the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified? 3:2 I just want to ask you this: Did you receive the Spirit by following the law, or by believing what you heard? 3:3 Are you really that foolish? After starting with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 3:4 Did you go through all that suffering for nothing, if it really was for nothing? 3:5 So, does the one who supplies the Spirit to you and performs miracles among you do so by following the law, or by believing what you heard? 3:6 Just like Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 3:7 Understand that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the Gospel in advance to Abraham, saying, "All nations will be blessed through you."* 3:9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 3:10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; as it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."* 3:11 Clearly, no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because "the righteous will live by faith."* 3:12 The law is not based on faith; instead, "the one who does these things will live by them."*

3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,"* 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 3:15 Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it. 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn't say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed,"* which is Christ. 3:17 Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect. 3:18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.

3:13 Christ freed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,"* 3:14 so that the blessing of Abraham could come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 3:15 Brothers, in human terms, even if it's just a man's agreement, once it has been confirmed, no one can nullify it or add to it. 3:16 Now, the promises were made to Abraham and his offspring. It doesn’t say, "to offsprings," referring to many, but rather, "to your offspring,”* which is Christ. 3:17 What I mean is this: a covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ cannot be canceled by the law that came four hundred thirty years later, making the promise ineffective. 3:18 For if the inheritance comes through the law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God granted it to Abraham through a promise.

3:19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. 3:20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one. 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law. 3:22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 3:24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 3:26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 3:29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.

3:19 What is the law, then? It was added because of wrongdoing, until the arrival of the promised one. It was established through angels by the hand of a mediator. 3:20 A mediator, however, is not needed for just one person, but God is one. 3:21 Is the law then against God's promises? Absolutely not! Because if there had been a law that could grant life, righteousness would certainly have come from the law. 3:22 But the Scriptures have locked everything under sin, so that the promise based on faith in Jesus Christ could be given to those who believe. 3:23 Before faith came, we were kept under the law, held in custody until the faith that was to be revealed. 3:24 Therefore, the law became our guide to lead us to Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guide. 3:26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

4:1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all; 4:2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father. 4:3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 4:5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children. 4:6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" 4:7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 4:8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods. 4:9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again? 4:10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years. 4:11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you. 4:12 I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong, 4:13 but you know that because of weakness of the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time. 4:14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn't despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

4:1 But I say that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a servant, even though he is the master of everything; 4:2 he is under guardians and managers until the time set by the father. 4:3 Similarly, when we were children, we were kept in bondage under the temporary principles of the world. 4:4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 4:5 so that he could redeem those under the law, so we could receive adoption as his children. 4:6 And because you are children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, calling out, "Abba, Father!" 4:7 So you are no longer a servant, but a son; and if you are a son, then you are an heir of God through Christ. 4:8 However, at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who, by nature, are not gods. 4:9 But now that you know God, or rather that you are known by God, why do you want to turn back to the weak and miserable principles, wanting to be in bondage to them again? 4:10 You observe special days, months, seasons, and years. 4:11 I am concerned for you, that I may have wasted my efforts on you. 4:12 I encourage you, brothers, become like me, for I have become like you. You did me no wrong, 4:13 but you know that it was because of a physical condition that I preached the Good News to you the first time. 4:14 What was a trial for you in my flesh, you did not despise or reject; but you welcomed me as an angel of God, just like Christ Jesus.

4:15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 4:16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 4:17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them. 4:18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.

4:15 What blessing did you experience? For I can say that, if you could have, you would have taken out your eyes and given them to me. 4:16 So, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 4:17 They are passionately pursuing you, but not for good reasons. No, they want to cut you off so you’ll seek them out. 4:18 But it’s always good to be passionate about something worthwhile, not just when I'm around.

4:19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you-- 4:20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. 4:21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don't you listen to the law? 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the free woman. 4:23 However, the son by the handmaid was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through promise. 4:24 These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar. 4:25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children. 4:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 4:27 For it is written,

4:19 My dear children, I am once again in pain until Christ is formed in you—4:20 but I wish I could be with you right now and change my tone because I am confused about you. 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not listening to what the law says? 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant woman and one by the free woman. 4:23 However, the son born by the servant woman was born according to the flesh, while the son born by the free woman was born through promise. 4:24 These things are an allegory, for they represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, giving birth to bondage, which is Hagar. 4:25 For this Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in bondage with her children. 4:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is the mother of us all. 4:27 For it is written,

"Rejoice, you barren who don't bear.
Break forth and shout, you that don't travail.
For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband."*

4:28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 4:29 But as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 4:30 However what does the Scripture say? "Throw out the handmaid and her son, for the son of the handmaid will not inherit with the son of the free woman."* 4:31 So then, brothers, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the free woman.

4:28 Now we, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 4:29 But just as back then, the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, it’s the same now. 4:30 So what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share in the inheritance with the son of the free woman."* 4:31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 5:2 Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. 5:3 Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 5:4 You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace. 5:5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. 5:7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth? 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 5:9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump. 5:10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

5:1 Stand firm then in the freedom that Christ has given us, and don’t get caught up again in a burden of slavery. 5:2 Look, I, Paul, am telling you that if you get circumcised, Christ won’t help you at all. 5:3 Yes, I’m saying again to every man who gets circumcised that he is obligated to follow the entire law. 5:4 You have become disconnected from Christ, you who want to be justified by the law. You have fallen from grace. 5:5 For we, through the Spirit and by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 5:6 Because in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters, but faith working through love. 5:7 You were doing so well! Who got in your way and stopped you from following the truth? 5:8 This influence didn’t come from the one who called you. 5:9 A little yeast affects the whole batch of dough. 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will think the same way. But the person who is troubling you will face judgment, whoever that may be.

5:11 But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed. 5:12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off. 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."* 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

5:11 But I, brothers, if I’m still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? Then the offensive nature of the cross has been removed. 5:12 I wish that those who are causing you trouble would cut themselves off. 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to be free. Just don’t use your freedom for selfish gain, but through love, serve each other. 5:14 For the entire law is summed up in a single statement: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."* 5:15 But if you keep attacking and destroying each other, be careful that you don’t end up destroying each other. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t satisfy the desires of the flesh. 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is contrary to the flesh; they are in conflict with each other, so that you don't do what you want to do. 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 5:19 Now the acts of the flesh are obvious, including: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 5:21 envy, murder, drunkenness, orgies, and the like; I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit. 5:26 Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. There’s no law against things like these. 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have put to death their sinful nature, along with its desires and cravings. 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s also follow the Spirit. 5:26 Let’s not be arrogant, provoking and envying each other.

6:1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted. 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 6:3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 6:4 But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor. 6:5 For each man will bear his own burden. 6:6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. 6:7 Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 6:9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should help restore them gently; be careful not to fall into temptation yourself. 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. 6:3 If someone thinks they are important when they are not, they are fooling themselves. 6:4 Each person should test their own actions, then they can take pride in themselves without comparing to others. 6:5 Each person will have to bear their own responsibilities. 6:6 Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher. 6:7 Don’t be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what they sow. 6:8 Whoever sows to please their flesh will reap destruction from that flesh, but whoever sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 6:9 Let us not become tired of doing good, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 6:10 Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let’s do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

6:11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 6:12 As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 6:13 For even they who receive circumcision don't keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. 6:14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 6:16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God's Israel. 6:17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body.

6:11 Look at the big letters I'm using to write to you with my own hand. 6:12 Those who want to appear good in front of others are pushing you to get circumcised so they won’t face persecution for the cross of Christ. 6:13 Even those who get circumcised don’t follow the law themselves; they just want you to get circumcised so they can brag about your flesh. 6:14 But I won’t brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been put to death for me, and I for the world. 6:15 For in Christ Jesus, it doesn’t matter if you’re circumcised or not; what matters is becoming a new creation. 6:16 Those who live by this principle will have peace and mercy, along with God’s Israel. 6:17 From now on, please don’t bother me anymore, because I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus on my body.

6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

6:18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:2 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:2 The word for "brothers" here, and in contexts where it makes sense, can also be translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 3:8 Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18

[3] back to 3:10 Deuteronomy 27:26

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 27:26

[4] back to 3:11 Habakkuk 2:4

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Habakkuk 2:4

[5] back to 3:12 Leviticus 18:5

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 18:5

[6] back to 3:13 Deuteronomy 21:23

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 21:23

[7] back to 3:16 Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7

[8] back to 4:6 Abba is a Greek spelling for the Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy" used in a familiar, respectful, and loving way.

[8] back to 4:6 Abba is the Greek spelling of the Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy," used in an affectionate, respectful, and loving manner.

[9] back to 4:27 Isaiah 54:1

[9] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 54:1

[10] back to 4:30 Genesis 21:10

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 21:10

[11] back to 5:14 Leviticus 19:18

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[12] back to 5:22 or, faithfulness

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, loyalty














Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God,
to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
to the believers in Ephesus and those who are faithful in Christ Jesus: 1:2 Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; 1:5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, 1:6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved, 1:7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 1:8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 1:10 to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him; 1:11 in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will; 1:12 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 1:13 in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation,--in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 1:14 who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of his glory. 1:15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, 1:16 don't cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 1:20 which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 1:21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. 1:22 He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through Christ; 1:4 for he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and blameless in his sight, in love; 1:5 having predestined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will, 1:6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves, 1:7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, in accordance with the riches of his grace, 1:8 which he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 1:9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 1:10 to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 1:19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 1:20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

2:1 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience; 2:3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, 2:5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 2:6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 2:7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 2:9 not of works, that no one would boast. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

2:1 You were brought to life when you were dead in your wrongdoings and sins, 2:2 in which you once lived according to the ways of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient; 2:3 among whom we all once lived, indulging in our fleshly desires and thoughts, and were by nature deserving of wrath, just like everyone else. 2:4 But God, being incredibly merciful, because of his great love for us, 2:5 even when we were dead in our wrongs, made us alive together with Christ (it’s by grace you have been saved), 2:6 and raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 2:7 so that in the coming ages he might show the unmatched riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 2:10 For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2:11 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands); 2:12 that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. 2:14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, 2:15 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; 2:16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby. 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. 2:18 For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 2:20 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; 2:21 in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 2:22 in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

2:11 So remember that you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcised" by those who are called "circumcised" (which is done in the flesh by human hands); 2:12 that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2:14 For he is our peace, who made both groups one and has broken down the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 2:15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations, so as to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace; 2:16 and to reconcile both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and to those who were near. 2:18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone; 2:21 in whom the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord; 2:22 and in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

3:1 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, 3:2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you; 3:3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, 3:4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 3:5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 3:6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, 3:7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. 3:8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 3:9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; 3:10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. 3:13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.

3:1 For this reason, I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles. 3:2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you. 3:3 Through revelation, the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote briefly before, 3:4 so that when you read it, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ; 3:5 which in past generations was not disclosed to people, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 3:6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, 3:7 of which I became a servant, according to the gift of God’s grace given to me through the working of his power. 3:8 This grace was given to me, the least of all the saints, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 3:9 and to make everyone see what is the administration of the mystery that has been hidden for ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; 3:10 so that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places, 3:11 in accordance with the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord; 3:12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through our faith in him. 3:13 So I ask you not to lose heart because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

3:14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 3:16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 3:18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 3:19 and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 3:20 Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 3:21 to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

3:14 For this reason, I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth gets its name. 3:16 I pray that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being; 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; so that you, being rooted and established in love, 3:18 may have the power to comprehend with all the saints what is the width, length, height, and depth, 3:19 and to know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; 4:3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all. 4:7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 4:8 Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."* 4:9 Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 4:10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

4:1 So, as a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love; 4:3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 4:7 But to each of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 4:8 This is why it says, "When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people."* 4:9 What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 4:10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

4:11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 4:14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 4:15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

4:11 He gave some people to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers; 4:12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, for building up the body of Christ; 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ; 4:14 so we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching, by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming; 4:15 instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, Christ; 4:16 from him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 4:18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; 4:19 who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 4:20 But you did not learn Christ that way; 4:21 if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 4:22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 4:24 and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

4:17 So, I say this and testify in the Lord: you should no longer live like the rest of the Gentiles do, in the emptiness of their minds, 4:18 having their understanding darkened and being separated from the life of God due to the ignorance within them and the hardening of their hearts; 4:19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to lust, indulging in all kinds of impurity with a greedy desire. 4:20 But that’s not how you learned about Christ; 4:21 if you really heard him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus: 4:22 you need to put off your old self, which is getting corrupted by deceitful desires; 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 4:24 and put on the new self, which has been created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

4:25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another. 4:26 "Be angry, and don't sin."* Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, 4:27 neither give place to the devil. 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. 4:30 Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

4:25 So, stop lying and speak the truth to each other, because we are all part of the same body. 4:26 "Be angry, but don’t sin."* Don't let the sun go down while you're still angry, 4:27 and don't give the devil a chance. 4:28 If you used to steal, stop stealing; instead, work hard and do good things with your hands, so you can help those in need. 4:29 Don't let any foul language come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, so it may benefit those who listen. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, who has sealed you for the day of redemption. 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, along with all types of malice. 4:32 Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you in Christ.

5:1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 5:2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. 5:3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

5:1 So, be imitators of God as His beloved children. 5:2 Live a life of love, just as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for us, a sacrifice offered to God, creating a sweet fragrance. 5:3 But let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you, as is fitting for saints; 5:4 nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which aren’t suitable; instead, let there be thanksgiving.

5:5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

5:5 Be certain of this: no one who is sexually immoral, impure, or greedy—and who is essentially an idolater—will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and God.

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 5:7 Therefore don't be partakers with them. 5:8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, 5:10 proving what is well pleasing to the Lord. 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. 5:12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. 5:13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. 5:14 Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

5:6 Don’t let anyone mislead you with meaningless talk. Because of these things, God’s anger comes upon those who are disobedient. 5:7 So don’t join in with them. 5:8 You used to be in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, 5:9 because the Spirit’s fruit is found in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, 5:10 showing what is pleasing to the Lord. 5:11 Do not share in the unproductive acts of darkness, but instead expose them. 5:12 The things they do in secret are shameful even to talk about. 5:13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes light. 5:14 That’s why it says, "Awake, you who sleep, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

5:15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 5:17 Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 5:18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Lord; 5:20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; 5:21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

5:15 So be careful how you live, not as foolish people, but as wise ones; 5:16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are bad. 5:17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 5:18 Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled with the Spirit, 5:19 speaking to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making music in your heart to the Lord; 5:20 always giving thanks for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, the Father; 5:21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

5:22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. 5:24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, just like you would to the Lord. 5:23 For the husband is the leader of the wife, as Christ is the leader of the church, being the savior of the body. 5:24 But just as the church submits to Christ, so let wives submit to their husbands in everything.

5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; 5:26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 5:27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 5:28 Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 5:29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; 5:30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 5:31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."* 5:32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. 5:33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

5:25 Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it; 5:26 so that he could make it holy, cleansing it with the washing of water through the word, 5:27 and to present the church to himself in glory, without spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 5:28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their own wives as they love their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 5:29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and take care of it, just as Christ does the church; 5:30 for we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 5:31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."* 5:32 This is a profound mystery, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 5:33 However, each one of you must also love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: 6:3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."*

6:1 Kids, listen to your parents because it's the right thing to do. 6:2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment that comes with a promise: 6:3 "so that things go well for you, and you live a long life on the earth."*

6:4 You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

6:4 You dads, don’t irritate your kids to anger, but raise them with the training and guidance of the Lord.

6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 6:7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters in the flesh, with respect and sincerity of heart, as you would to Christ; 6:6 not just when they’re watching, to please people; but as servants of Christ, doing God’s will from the heart; 6:7 with genuine goodwill in your service, as to the Lord, and not to people; 6:8 knowing that whatever good you do, you will receive the same back from the Lord, whether you are a slave or free.

6:9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

6:9 You bosses, treat them the same way, and stop the threats, knowing that their Master and yours is in heaven, and He shows no favoritism.

6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 6:13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 6:14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 6:16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken word of God; 6:18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: 6:19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so you can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 6:12 Our struggle is not against people, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 6:13 Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and the breastplate of righteousness in place, 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 6:18 and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people: 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

6:21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; 6:22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

6:21 But so you know what's happening with me, Tychicus, my dear brother and trusted servant in the Lord, will share everything with you; 6:22 I've sent him to you for this reason, so you can understand how we are doing and that he can encourage your hearts.

6:23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

6:23 Peace be with the brothers, and love along with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 6:24 Grace be with everyone who loves our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:18 TR reads "understanding" instead of "hearts"

[1] back to 1:18 TR reads "understanding" instead of "hearts"

[2] back to 3:9 TR reads "fellowship" instead of "administration"

[2] back to 3:9 TR reads "fellowship" instead of "administration"

[3] back to 4:8 Psalm 68:18

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 68:18

[4] back to 4:11 or, pastors

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, ministers

[5] back to 4:26 Psalm 4:4

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 4:4

[6] back to 5:31 Genesis 2:24

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:24

[7] back to 6:3 Deuteronomy 5:16

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 5:16














Paul's Letter to the Philippians

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants: 1:2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1:3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 1:4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, 1:5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 1:7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. 1:8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

To all the believers in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, along with the overseers and servants: 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1:3 I thank my God every time I think of you, 1:4 always praying with joy for all of you in my requests, 1:5 because of your partnership in spreading the Good News from the first day until now; 1:6 I am confident of this: that the one who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all share in God's grace with me. 1:8 God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

1:9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 1:10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; 1:11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

1:9 I pray that your love continues to grow more and more in knowledge and understanding; 1:10 so that you can recognize what is best; that you can be genuine and blameless until the day of Christ; 1:11 filled with the fruits of righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.

1:12 Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News; 1:13 so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; 1:14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. 1:16 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; 1:17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

1:12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually helped spread the Good News; 1:13 so much so that it's become clear to the entire praetorian guard and everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 1:14 and most of the brothers in the Lord, gaining confidence from my imprisonment, are speaking God’s word more boldly and without fear. 1:15 Some are indeed preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry, while others do so with good intentions. 1:16 The former preach Christ insincerely, driven by selfish ambition, thinking they're making my situation worse; 1:17 but the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am here to defend the Good News.

1:18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. 1:19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 1:20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose. 1:23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 1:24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 1:25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 1:26 that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

1:18 What does it matter? The important thing is that, whether it's in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed. I'm happy about this, and I will continue to be happy. 1:19 I know that this will lead to my salvation, thanks to your prayers and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 1:20 I expect and hope that I won't be let down, but that with all boldness, just like always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether I live or die. 1:21 For me, to live means Christ, and to die is gain. 1:22 But if I continue to live in this body, it will yield results from my work; yet I’m unsure of what I should choose. 1:23 I’m torn between the two options, wanting to leave and be with Christ, which is so much better. 1:24 However, staying in the body is more necessary for your benefit. 1:25 With this confidence, I know that I will stay and be with all of you, for your growth and joy in the faith, 1:26 so that your joy may overflow in Christ Jesus through my return to you.

1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News; 1:28 and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 1:29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, 1:30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.

1:27 Live in a way that reflects the Good News of Christ, so that whether I visit you or not, I’ll hear about how you're doing and see that you stand united in spirit and purpose, working together for the faith of the Good News; 1:28 and don’t be intimidated by your opponents, because this shows their defeat and proves your salvation, which comes from God. 1:29 It has been granted to you, on behalf of Christ, not only to have faith in him but also to face suffering for him, 1:30 experiencing the same struggle you saw in me and now hear I have.

2:1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2:2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 2:3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 2:4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

2:1 So, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, any comfort from love, any fellowship from the Spirit, any tenderness and compassion, 2:2 make my joy complete by being together in the same mindset, sharing the same love, working together with one purpose and one mind; 2:3 do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather, in humility value others above yourselves; 2:4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.

2:5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 2:6 who, existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 2:7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. 2:9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2:5 Keep this in mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 2:6 who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, 2:7 but made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2:12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes, 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 2:16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain. 2:17 Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. 2:18 In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.

2:12 So, my dear friends, just as you have always followed my guidance, not only when I was with you but even more now that I’m away, continue to work out your own salvation with respect and seriousness. 2:13 For it's God who is at work in you, enabling you to desire and to act according to his purpose. 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation, among whom you shine like stars in the sky, 2:16 holding firm to the word of life; so that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 2:17 Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 2:18 In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me.

2:19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing. 2:20 For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you. 2:21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 2:22 But you know the proof of him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News. 2:23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it will go with me. 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself also will come shortly. 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need; 2:26 since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick. 2:27 For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow. 2:28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor, 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

2:19 But I hope to send Timothy to you soon in the Lord Jesus, so I can be encouraged when I hear how you're doing. 2:20 I have no one else who thinks the same way and will genuinely care about you. 2:21 Everyone else is only looking out for their own interests, not the interests of Jesus Christ. 2:22 But you know what kind of person he is; he has served with me in spreading the Good News, just like a child serves his father. 2:23 So, I plan to send him as soon as I see how things turn out for me. 2:24 I trust in the Lord that I will also be able to come to you soon. 2:25 I felt it was important to send Epaphroditus to you, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and servant for my needs; 2:26 because he has been longing for all of you and has been very worried since you heard he was sick. 2:27 He was indeed sick, almost to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not just on him, but on me as well, so I wouldn’t have more sorrow. 2:28 I am sending him back to you more urgently, so that when you see him again, you can rejoice, and I can be less sad. 2:29 So, welcome him in the Lord with joy and honor people like him, 2:30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to fill in the gaps in your support for me.

3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe. 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 3:4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. Writing the same things to you is not a burden for me, but it's safe for you. 3:2 Watch out for those troublemakers, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who deceive with false teachings. 3:3 We are the true followers, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in our own strength; 3:4 although I could have confidence in my own achievements. If anyone thinks they have reason to be confident in their flesh, I have even more: 3:5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, I’m from the nation of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a true Hebrew; according to the law, I was a Pharisee; 3:6 for zeal, I persecuted the church; for righteousness based on the law, I was faultless.

3:7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 3:8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; 3:11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

3:7 But whatever was an advantage to me, I now consider a loss for the sake of Christ. 3:8 Yes, absolutely, I consider everything a loss compared to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have lost everything and consider it all garbage, in order to gain Christ 3:9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God based on faith; 3:10 so that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death; 3:11 if somehow I might reach the resurrection from the dead. 3:12 Not that I have already achieved all this, or have already been made perfect; but I strive to press on, so that I may take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

3:13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. 3:16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind. 3:17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 3:21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.

3:13 Friends, I don't think I've fully arrived yet, but there's one thing I do. I forget what’s behind me and focus on what’s ahead, 3:14 pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling from God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 So, let’s all, as many as are mature, think this way. If you have a different opinion about anything, God will reveal that to you as well. 3:16 However, as far as we’ve already come, let’s live by the same standard. Let’s share the same mindset. 3:17 Friends, join me in following my example, and keep an eye on those who live like we do, since you have us as a model. 3:18 Many live this way, and I've told you about them often, and I'm now telling you again with tears, they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, who focus on earthly things. 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ; 3:21 who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control.

4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 4:2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. 4:3 Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 4:6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

4:1 So, my dear brothers, whom I love and miss, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be on the same page in the Lord. 4:3 Yes, I also ask you, my true partner, to help these women since they have worked with me in spreading the Good News, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4:4 Always rejoice in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Rejoice! 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near. 4:6 Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with gratitude, let your requests be made known to God. 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will protect your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. 4:9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 4:10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 4:12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. 4:14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 4:15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. 4:17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. 4:18 But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 4:19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 4:20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, think about these things. 4:9 The things you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 4:10 But I’m really happy in the Lord that now you’ve finally gotten back to thinking about me; you were concerned before, but you just didn’t have the chance. 4:11 Not that I’m speaking about needing anything, for I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. 4:12 I know how to be humbled, and I know how to have plenty. In every situation and in all things, I’ve learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in want. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 4:14 Nevertheless, you did well to share in my troubles. 4:15 You know, Philippians, that in the early days of the Good News, when I left Macedonia, no other church partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 4:16 Even in Thessalonica, you sent help more than once for my needs. 4:17 Not that I’m looking for a gift, but I’m looking for the fruits that increase to your account. 4:18 But I have everything I need and more. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what came from you, a lovely fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 4:19 My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 4:20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever! Amen.

4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household. 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

4:21 Say hello to every believer in Christ Jesus. The brothers here with me send their greetings. 4:22 All the believers send their greetings, especially those from Caesar's household. 4:23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:1 or, superintendents, or bishops

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, superintendents, or bishops

[2] back to 1:1 Or, deacons

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Or, deacons

[3] back to 1:5 The word translated "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."

[3] back to 1:5 The word translated as "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."

[4] back to 1:12 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[4] back to 1:12 The term for "brothers" in this context may also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."














Paul's Letter to the Colossians

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 1:2 to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, along with our brother Timothy, 1:2 to the holy ones and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 1:4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints, 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News, 1:6 which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 1:7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 1:8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. 1:9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 1:10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 1:11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; 1:14 in whom we have our redemption,* the forgiveness of our sins; 1:15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 1:16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. 1:18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 1:19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

1:3 We thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we’re always praying for you, 1:4 having heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints, 1:5 because of the hope that’s stored up for you in heaven, which you heard about before in the message of the truth of the Good News, 1:6 that has come to you; just as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, just as it does in you also, since the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth; 1:7 just as you learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 1:8 and who also told us about your love in the Spirit. 1:9 Because of this, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t stop praying and asking for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 1:10 so that you may live in a way that’s worthy of the Lord, pleasing him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 1:11 being strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and patience with joy; 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light; 1:13 who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves; 1:14 in whom we have redemption,* the forgiveness of our sins; 1:15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 1:18 He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 1:19 For it was pleased that all the fullness should dwell in him; 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

1:21 You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, 1:22 yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him, 1:23 if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

1:21 You, who were once separated and hostile in your thoughts because of your evil actions, 1:22 but now he has reconciled you through his physical body by his death, to present you holy, without fault, and blameless before him. 1:23 This is true if you continue in your faith, rooted and firm, not shifting away from the hope of the Good News that you heard, which is being proclaimed to all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, became a servant.

1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly; 1:25 of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, 1:27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; 1:29 for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

1:24 Now I'm happy to endure my hardships for your benefit, and I contribute to filling what’s lacking in the sufferings of Christ in my own body for the sake of His church; 1:25 for which I became a servant, according to the responsibility God entrusted to me for you, to carry out the message of God, 1:26 the mystery that has been kept secret for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to His people, 1:27 to whom God chose to share the incredible riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory; 1:28 Him we announce, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ Jesus; 1:29 for which I also work hard, striving according to His energy, which works powerfully in me.

2:1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 2:6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. 2:8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, 2:10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 2:13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 2:14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; 2:15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

2:1 I want you to understand how much I struggle for you, for those in Laodicea, and for everyone who hasn’t seen me in person; 2:2 so that their hearts may be comforted, being united in love, and gaining all the riches of complete understanding, so they can know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 2:4 I say this so that no one can deceive you with persuasive arguments. 2:5 For even though I’m not with you in person, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order and the strength of your faith in Christ. 2:6 Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude. 2:8 Be careful not to let anyone take you captive through their philosophy and empty deceit, based on human traditions and the basic principles of the world, instead of on Christ. 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 2:10 and in him, you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority; 2:11 in him, you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands; your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ; 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 2:13 You were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, but God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 2:14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, 2:17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's. 2:18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 2:19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth. 2:20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch" 2:22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

2:16 Don't let anyone judge you for what you eat or drink, or in relation to a holiday, a new moon, or a Sabbath day, 2:17 which are just a preview of what’s to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 2:18 Don't let anyone steal your reward through false humility and worship of angels, focusing on things they haven’t seen, inflated with their own pride, 2:19 and not holding on to the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and connected by joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth. 2:20 If you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, why are you still living as if you belong to the world, submitting to rules like, 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch" 2:22 (all of which disappear with use), based on human teachings and doctrines? 2:23 These things may seem wise with self-imposed worship, humility, and harsh treatment of the body; but they hold no value against fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

3:1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 3:5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 3:6 for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 3:7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 3:8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 3:9 Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 3:10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 3:11 where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

3:1 If you've been raised with Christ, focus on the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your thoughts on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 3:5 Therefore, put to death the actions that belong to this earthly life: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry; 3:6 because of these things, the wrath of God comes upon those who are disobedient. 3:7 You used to live in those things; 3:8 but now you must also get rid of all of them: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 3:9 Don’t lie to each other since you have stripped off the old self with its practices, 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, 3:11 where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free; but Christ is all, and in all.

3:12 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

3:12 So, as God's chosen people, holy and loved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience; 3:13 support each other and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another; just as Christ forgave you, you should do the same.

3:14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

3:14 Above all else, live in love, which is the ultimate bond of unity. 3:15 And let the peace of God guide your hearts, to which you were also called as one body; and be grateful. 3:16 Allow the message of Christ to live in you abundantly; with all wisdom, teach and encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your heart to the Lord.

3:17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

3:17 Whatever you do, whether it's what you say or what you do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

3:18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is appropriate in the Lord.

3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.

3:19 Husbands, love your wives and don't hold grudges against them.

3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

3:20 Kids, listen to your parents in everything because it makes the Lord happy.

3:21 Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

3:21 Dads, don't push your kids too hard, or they might lose motivation.

3:22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 3:23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 3:25 But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

3:22 Employees, follow your bosses in everything, not just when they’re watching you, to please them, but with a sincere heart, fearing God. 3:23 And whatever you do, work hard, as if you’re doing it for the Lord and not for people, 3:24 knowing that from the Lord, you will get the reward of your inheritance; because you are serving the Lord Christ. 3:25 But anyone who does wrong will get what they’ve done wrong, and there is no favoritism.

4:1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

4:1 Employers, provide your workers with what is fair and right, knowing that you also have a higher authority in heaven.

4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 4:3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4:4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

4:2 Keep praying consistently, staying alert with gratitude; 4:3 pray together for us too, so that God can open a door for us to share the message, to explain the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in prison; 4:4 so that I can share it clearly as I should. 4:5 Act wisely towards those who aren’t part of the faith, making the most of every opportunity. 4:6 Let your words always be full of grace, with a hint of seasoning, so that you know how to respond to everyone.

4:7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 4:9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. 4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, men who have been a comfort to me.

4:7 Tychicus, my dear brother, loyal servant, and fellow believer in the Lord, will share all my news with you. 4:8 I’m sending him to you for this very reason: so he can find out how you’re doing and encourage your hearts. 4:9 He’ll be coming alongside Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother who is one of you. They’ll let you know everything that’s happening here. 4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends his greetings, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions, "if he comes to you, welcome him"), 4:11 and Jesus, who is called Justus, all of whom are from the Jewish community. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a source of comfort to me.

4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 4:13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 4:15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 4:16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 4:17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."

4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ, sends his greetings. He always prays for you, hoping that you will stand strong and complete in all of God's will. 4:13 I can attest that he has a lot of enthusiasm for you, as well as for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 4:14 Luke, the beloved doctor, and Demas send their regards. 4:15 Say hello to the brothers in Laodicea, to Nymphas, and to the church that meets in his house. 4:16 Once this letter has been read among you, make sure it’s also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and read the letter from Laodicea as well. 4:17 Tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you received from the Lord and make sure to carry it out."

4:18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

4:18 Greetings from me, Paul, written by my own hand: remember my chains. May grace be with you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:2 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:2 The term for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 1:14 TR adds "through his blood,"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "through his blood,"














Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the community of Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. 1:4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen, 1:5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake. 1:6 You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 1:7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out; so that we need not to say anything. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1:2 We always thank God for all of you, keeping you in our prayers, 1:3 remembering constantly your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. 1:4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen, 1:5 and that our Good News came to you not just in words but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. You know what kind of people we were among you for your benefit. 1:6 You became our imitators and of the Lord, having received the message in the midst of severe suffering, with the joy given by the Holy Spirit, 1:7 so that you became a model for all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 1:8 For from you the message of the Lord has rung out, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith in God has become known; therefore, we don’t need to say anything. 1:9 For they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn't in vain, 2:2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. 2:3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. 2:4 But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 2:5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), 2:6 nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. 2:7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

2:1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain, 2:2 but after suffering and being mistreated, as you know, in Philippi, we gained the courage in our God to share the Good News with you despite much conflict. 2:3 Our message doesn't come from error, impurity, or deception. 2:4 Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, we speak; not to please people, but God, who tests our hearts. 2:5 We never used flattery, as you know, nor did we cover up greed (God is our witness), 2:6 nor were we looking for praise from people (neither from you nor from anyone else), even though we could have insisted on our authority as apostles of Christ. 2:7 Instead, we were kind to you, like a nursing mother caring for her own children.

2:8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. 2:9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. 2:10 You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. 2:11 As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, 2:12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory. 2:13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. 2:14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews; 2:15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and didn't please God, and are contrary to all men; 2:16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.

2:8 Still, with deep affection for you, we were so pleased to share not only the Good News of God with you but also our very lives, because you had become very dear to us. 2:9 You remember, brothers, our hard work and efforts; we worked day and night so as not to burden any of you while we preached to you the Good News of God. 2:10 You are witnesses with God of how holy, righteous, and blameless we were among you who believe. 2:11 As you know, we encouraged, comforted, and urged each one of you, just like a father would do with his own children, 2:12 so that you would live in a way that honors God, who calls you into His own Kingdom and glory. 2:13 For this reason, we also thank God continually, because when you received the message of God from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also at work in you who believe. 2:14 You, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus, for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Jews; 2:15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, drove us out, and do not please God, and are against everyone; 2:16 preventing us from speaking to the Gentiles so they may be saved, thereby constantly filling up their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the very end.

2:17 But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire, 2:18 because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paul, once and again--but Satan hindered us. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn't it even you, before our Lord Jesus* at his coming? 2:20 For you are our glory and our joy.

2:17 But we, brothers, even though we've been separated from you for a little while, in presence but not in heart, have tried even harder to see you, longing to be with you. 2:18 We wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan kept us from you. 2:19 What is our hope, our joy, or our crown of rejoicing? Isn't it you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus* when he returns? 2:20 You are our glory and our joy.

3:1 Therefore, when we couldn't stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith; 3:3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. 3:4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 3:5 For this cause I also, when I couldn't stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain. 3:6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; 3:7 for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. 3:8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God; 3:10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; 3:12 and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 3:13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

3:1 So, when we couldn't take it anymore, we decided it was best to stay behind in Athens by ourselves, 3:2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to help you grow strong and to comfort you about your faith; 3:3 so that no one would be shaken by these troubles. Because you know that we are meant for this. 3:4 For sure, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would face challenges, and that’s exactly what happened, and you know it. 3:5 Because of this, when I could no longer wait, I sent to find out about your faith, worried that the tempter might have led you astray, and our efforts would have been useless. 3:6 But when Timothy arrived just now from you, he brought us good news about your faith and love, and that you always have fond memories of us, yearning to see us, just as we long to see you; 3:7 because of this, brothers, we found comfort in all our struggles and difficulties through your faith. 3:8 For now we truly live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 3:9 What thanks can we give back to God for you, for all the joy we feel because of you in front of our God; 3:10 night and day we pray passionately that we can see you again and make up for what is lacking in your faith? 3:11 Now may our God and Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, clear the way for us to come to you; 3:12 and may the Lord help you to grow and overflow in love for one another, and for everyone, just as we do for you, 3:13 so that he may make your hearts strong and innocent in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

4:1 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 4:3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4:4 that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 4:5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don't know God; 4:6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. 4:7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 4:8 Therefore he who rejects this doesn't reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.

4:1 Finally, brothers, we urge you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, just as you learned from us, and to continue growing in that. 4:2 You know the instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 4:3 This is God’s will: your sanctification, that you stay away from sexual immorality, 4:4 that each of you learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 4:5 not in passionate lust like those who don’t know God; 4:6 and make sure that no one wrongs or exploits a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord will punish all such sins, as we have warned you before. 4:7 God didn’t call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 4:8 So anyone who rejects this instruction doesn’t reject a human being but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

4:9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, 4:10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; 4:11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 4:12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.

4:9 When it comes to brotherly love, you don’t need anyone to write to you. God has taught you to love one another, 4:10 and you are already doing it for all the brothers and sisters in Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to keep growing in this love more and more; 4:11 and make it your goal to lead a peaceful life, mind your own business, and work with your hands, just as we instructed you; 4:12 so that you can live properly in front of those who are outside and not be in need of anything.

4:13 But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 4:15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 4:17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

4:13 But we don't want you to be uninformed, siblings, about those who have died, so that you don't grieve like others who have no hope. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, then God will bring with him those who have died in Jesus. 4:15 This is what we say to you based on the Lord's word: we who are alive and remain until the Lord's coming will not be ahead of those who have died. 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 4:17 then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 4:18 Therefore, encourage each other with these words.

5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 5:2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 5:3 For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. 5:4 But you, brothers, aren't in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5:5 You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don't belong to the night, nor to darkness, 5:6 so then let's not sleep, as the rest do, but let's watch and be sober. 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 5:8 But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 5:9 For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 5:11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 5:12 But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 5:13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake.

5:1 But regarding the times and seasons, brothers, you don't need anything written to you. 5:2 For you know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 5:3 When people say, "Peace and safety," sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman; and they won’t escape. 5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that day shouldn't surprise you like a thief. 5:5 You are all children of light and children of the day. We don't belong to the night or to darkness, 5:6 so let's not sleep, like the others do, but let’s stay alert and sober. 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 5:9 For God didn't appoint us to face His wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with Him. 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you’re already doing. 5:12 And we ask you, brothers, to recognize those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord, and who correct you, 5:13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work.

Be at peace among yourselves. 5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. 5:15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

Be at peace with each other. 5:14 We urge you, brothers, to warn those who are disruptive, encourage those who are struggling, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 5:15 Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil, but always strive for what is good for each other and for everyone.

5:16 Rejoice always. 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 5:19 Don't quench the Spirit. 5:20 Don't despise prophesies. 5:21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

5:16 Always be joyful. 5:17 Keep praying. 5:18 Give thanks in every situation, because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 5:19 Don't suppress the Spirit. 5:20 Don't disregard prophecies. 5:21 Evaluate everything, and cling to what is good. 5:22 Avoid all kinds of evil.

5:23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:23 May the God of peace himself make you completely holy. May your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept flawless at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it. 5:25 Brothers, pray for us. 5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 5:27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.

5:24 The one who calls you is trustworthy, and he will make it happen. 5:25 Brothers, please pray for us. 5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 5:27 I strongly urge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the holy brothers.

5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

5:28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:4 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:4 The word for "brothers" here, when context permits, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 2:19 TR adds "Christ"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "Christ"














Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the community of Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 1:2 Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; 1:4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. 1:5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 1:6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 1:8 giving vengeance to those who don't know God, and to those who don't obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 1:9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 1:10 when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.

1:3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers, because it's only right. Your faith is growing stronger, and the love each of you has for one another is overflowing; 1:4 we take pride in you in God's gatherings for your patience and faith during all your persecutions and the hardships you endure. 1:5 This clearly shows the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 1:6 Since it is just for God to repay those who cause you trouble, 1:7 and to provide relief to you who are troubled along with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his powerful angels in blazing fire, 1:8 bringing punishment on those who don’t know God and those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 1:9 who will face the consequences: eternal destruction away from the Lord and from the glory of his power, 1:10 when he comes to be glorified in his holy ones and admired by everyone who has believed (because our message to you was accepted) on that day.

1:11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus* may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:11 For this reason, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of your calling and fulfill every good desire and work of faith with His power; 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus* may be praised in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2:1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, we ask you 2:2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come. 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 2:4 he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. 2:5 Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? 2:6 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. 2:8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; 2:9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2:11 Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; 2:12 that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2:13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; 2:14 to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.

2:1 Now, brothers, regarding the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering to Him, we ask you 2:2 not to be easily shaken in your mind or troubled, either by spirit, message, or a letter supposedly from us, claiming that the day of Christ has already come. 2:3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way. It won't happen unless the departure comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 2:4 who opposes and elevates himself above everything called God or worshiped; so he sits as God in the temple of God, claiming to be God. 2:5 Don't you remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? 2:6 Now you know what's holding him back, so he can be revealed in his own time. 2:7 The mystery of lawlessness is already at work. There is still one who restrains him, until he is taken out of the way. 2:8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy with the breath of His mouth and eliminate by the display of His coming; 2:9 the one whose coming is according to the workings of Satan, with all power, signs, and false wonders, 2:10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost because they didn't accept the love of the truth to be saved. 2:11 For this reason, God sends them a strong delusion so they will believe a lie; 2:12 so that all who didn't believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness might be condemned. 2:13 But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; 2:14 to which He called you through our Good News, to gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2:15 So, brothers, stand firm and hold on to the traditions you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.

2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 2:17 comfort your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you; 3:2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one. 3:4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.

3:1 Finally, brothers, please pray for us, so that the word of the Lord can spread quickly and be honored, just like it is with you; 3:2 and that we may be kept safe from unreasonable and evil people, because not everyone has faith. 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will make you strong and protect you from the evil one. 3:4 We are confident in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 3:5 May the Lord guide your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. 3:7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 3:8 neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; 3:9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." 3:11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies. 3:12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

3:6 We are instructing you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to distance yourselves from anyone who behaves rebelliously and doesn't follow the traditions we passed on to you. 3:7 You know how you should look to us as an example. We didn't act rebelliously when we were with you, 3:8 nor did we accept any food without paying for it; instead, we worked hard day and night so we wouldn't be a burden to any of you. 3:9 Not because we didn’t have the right to ask for help, but to set an example for you to follow. 3:10 Even while we were with you, we instructed you: "If someone isn't willing to work, they shouldn't eat." 3:11 We hear that some of you are living in rebellion, not working at all, but getting involved in things that don't concern them. 3:12 For those people, we command and encourage them in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.

3:13 But you, brothers, don't be weary in doing well. 3:14 If any man doesn't obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 3:15 Don't count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

3:13 But you, brothers, don't get tired of doing good. 3:14 If anyone doesn’t follow the instructions in this letter, take note of that person and don’t associate with him, so that he may feel ashamed. 3:15 Don’t treat him like an enemy, but instead, warn him like a brother.

3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.

3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself grant you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

3:17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

3:17 This is my personal greeting, Paul, written by my own hand, which is the mark I use in every letter: this is how I write. 3:18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:3 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:3 The term "brothers" here, and in contexts where it's appropriate, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 1:12 TR adds "Christ"

"Christ" added by __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR














Paul's First Letter to Timothy

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; 1:2 to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; 1:2 to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 1:4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith-- 1:5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith; 1:6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; 1:7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, 1:9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 1:11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1:12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 1:13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1:14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1:16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1:3 As I urged you when I was heading to Macedonia, stay in Ephesus and command certain individuals not to teach a different doctrine, 1:4 or pay attention to myths and endless family trees that lead to disputes instead of God’s stewardship, which is based on faith-- 1:5 but the goal of this command is love, flowing from a pure heart, a good conscience, and genuine faith; 1:6 from which some, having strayed, have turned to meaningless talk; 1:7 wanting to be teachers of the law, even though they don’t understand what they’re saying or what they strongly affirm. 1:8 But we know that the law is good if it is used properly, 1:9 knowing this: the law is not made for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that goes against sound teaching; 1:11 in line with the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. 1:12 And I thank him who gave me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service; 1:13 even though I was previously a blasphemer, a persecutor, and arrogant. However, I received mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1:14 The grace of our Lord overflowed, along with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1:15 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 1:16 However, for this reason, I received mercy, so that in me first, Christ Jesus might display his perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life. 1:17 Now to the eternal King, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1:18 This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; 1:19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; 1:20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

1:18 I'm passing this instruction on to you, my child Timothy, based on the prophecies that paved the way for you, so that you can fight the good fight; 1:19 holding on to faith and a clear conscience. Some people have rejected these things and ended up shipwrecked in their faith; 1:20 among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so they would learn not to blaspheme.

2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2:2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 2:7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2:1 I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone: 2:2 for leaders and all those in authority; so that we can lead peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and respect. 2:3 For this is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior; 2:4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a complete understanding of the truth. 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony at the right time; 2:7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am speaking the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2:8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 2:9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; 2:10 but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. 2:11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 2:12 But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 2:14 Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 2:15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

2:8 I therefore want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or doubt. 2:9 Similarly, I want women to dress themselves in decent clothes, with modesty and appropriateness; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes; 2:10 but (which is fitting for women who claim to be godly) with good deeds. 2:11 Let a woman learn quietly with full submission. 2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 2:13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 2:14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 2:15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with self-control.

3:1 This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. 3:2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; 3:3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 3:5 (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) 3:6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 3:7 Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3:1 This is a trustworthy statement: if someone wants the position of an overseer, they desire a good task. 3:2 The overseer must therefore be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, welcoming, and skilled at teaching; 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not argumentative, not overly attached to material things; 3:4 someone who manages their own household well, with children who respect them; 3:5 (for if someone doesn't know how to manage their own household, how can they care for the church of God?) 3:6 not a recent convert, so that they don’t become arrogant and fall into the same judgment as the devil. 3:7 Additionally, they must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so as not to fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.

3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 3:10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 3:11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 3:12 Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 3:13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:8 Servants, similarly, should be respectful, not double-tongued, not addicted to too much wine, and not greedy for money; 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 3:10 They should also be tested first; then let them serve if they are blameless. 3:11 Their wives should also be respectful, not slanderers, sober, and trustworthy in everything. 3:12 Let servants be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 3:13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good reputation and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

3:14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; 3:15 but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 3:16 Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great:

3:14 I'm writing this to you with the hope of coming to you soon; 3:15 but if I take longer, I want you to know how people should conduct themselves in the house of God, which is the gathering of the living God, the foundation and support of the truth. 3:16 Without a doubt, the mystery of godliness is profound:

God was revealed in the flesh,
justified in the spirit,
seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world,
and received up in glory.

4:1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; 4:3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. 4:6 If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. 4:8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. 4:9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. 4:10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 4:11 Command and teach these things.

4:1 But the Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will turn away from the faith, paying attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons, 4:2 through the hypocrisy of people who lie, their consciences seared as if with a hot iron; 4:3 forbidding marriage and directing people to avoid foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5 For it is made holy through the word of God and prayer. 4:6 If you teach the brothers these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of faith and the good doctrine you have followed. 4:7 But avoid irreverent and silly myths. Train yourself for godliness. 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the life to come. 4:9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 4:10 For this reason, we toil and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 4:11 Command and teach these things.

4:12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 4:13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 4:14 Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 4:15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. 4:16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young; instead, be an example for those who believe, in what you say, how you live, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 4:13 Until I arrive, focus on reading, encouraging others, and teaching. 4:14 Don’t ignore the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. 4:15 Be dedicated to these things. Give yourself fully to them so that everyone can see your progress. 4:16 Keep an eye on yourself and your teaching. Stick with it, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

5:1 Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; 5:2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. 5:3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 5:4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is* acceptable in the sight of God. 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 5:6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. 5:7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. 5:8 But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 5:9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 5:10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.

5:1 Don't correct an older man harshly, but encourage him as you would a father; treat younger men like brothers; 5:2 older women like mothers; and younger women like sisters, with complete purity. 5:3 Honor widows who are truly in need. 5:4 However, if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show respect and care for their own family and repay their parents, because this is * pleasing to God. 5:5 A true widow, who is all alone, puts her hope in God and continues to pray and ask for help day and night. 5:6 But the one who indulges in pleasure is dead even though she is alive. 5:7 Also, make sure to teach these things so that no one can find fault. 5:8 If anyone doesn't take care of their own family, especially those in their own household, they have denied their faith and are worse than someone who doesn't believe. 5:9 No one should be put on the list as a widow unless they are at least sixty years old and have been faithful to one husband, 5:10 and are known for good deeds, such as raising children, being hospitable to strangers, washing the saints' feet, helping those in trouble, and consistently doing good works.

5:11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 5:12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. 5:13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 5:14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. 5:15 For already some have turned aside after Satan. 5:16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don't let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

5:11 But avoid younger widows, because when they get distracted from Christ, they want to remarry; 5:12 they face judgment for having broken their initial commitment. 5:13 Moreover, they start to become lazy, moving from house to house. Not only lazy, but also gossipers and meddlesome, saying things they shouldn't. 5:14 Therefore, I want the younger widows to marry, have children, manage their households, and not give the opponent any reason to speak ill. 5:15 Because some have already turned away to follow Satan. 5:16 If any believer has widows, they should support them, so the congregation isn't overwhelmed; this way, it can help those who are truly in need.

5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 5:18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain."* And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."*

5:17 Elders who lead well should be recognized with double honor, especially those who work hard in preaching and teaching. 5:18 For the Scripture says, "Don't muzzle the ox while it's treading out the grain."* And, "The worker deserves to be paid."*

5:19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. 5:20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 5:21 I command you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 5:22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men's sins. Keep yourself pure. 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

5:19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to support it. 5:20 Those who sin should be confronted publicly, so that others may also be cautious. 5:21 I charge you in the presence of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to follow these instructions without bias and not show favoritism. 5:22 Don’t be quick to lay hands on anyone, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 5:23 Don't just drink water anymore; use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent health issues.

5:24 Some men's sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. 5:25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.

5:24 Some men's sins are clear and show up before they face judgment, while others come to light later. 5:25 Similarly, there are good deeds that are obvious, and those that aren't obvious can't be hidden.

6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed. 6:2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

6:1 Let everyone who is a servant under authority consider their masters deserving of all respect, so that God's name and the teachings aren't discredited. 6:2 Those with believing masters shouldn't take them lightly just because they're family, but should serve them even more, since those who benefit are faithful and loved. Teach and encourage these things.

6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 6:5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn't agree with the true teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine that aligns with godliness, 6:4 he is arrogant, knows nothing, and is obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word fights. These lead to envy, conflict, insults, and evil suspicions, 6:5 as well as constant tension among people with corrupt minds who lack the truth and believe that godliness is a way to make money. Withdraw yourself from such.

6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. 6:8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 6:9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

6:6 But being godly and content is really valuable. 6:7 We came into this world with nothing, and we can't take anything with us when we leave. 6:8 If we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied with that. 6:9 Those who are determined to get rich fall into traps and create many silly and harmful desires that lead to ruin and destruction. 6:10 The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil. Some people have strayed from their faith because of greed and have inflicted a lot of pain on themselves.

6:11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 6:13 I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 6:15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

6:11 But you, person of God, steer clear of these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and kindness. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and made the good confession in front of many witnesses. 6:13 I charge you before God, who gives life to everything, and before Christ Jesus, who made the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 6:14 to keep the commandment without blemish, blameless, until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ; 6:15 which He will reveal in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 6:16 who alone has immortality, living in unapproachable light; whom no human has seen or can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

6:17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 6:18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 6:19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

6:17 Tell those who are wealthy in today’s world not to be arrogant or put their trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who generously provides us with everything to enjoy; 6:18 encourage them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be ready to share, and willing to communicate; 6:19 by building up a solid foundation for the future, so that they may grasp eternal life.

6:20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; 6:21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

6:20 Timothy, keep safe what has been entrusted to you, avoiding pointless talk and contradictions of so-called knowledge; 6:21 which some, claiming to know, have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 3:1 or, superintendents, or bishops

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, superintendents, or bishops

[2] back to 3:8 or, Deacons.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Deacons.

[3] back to 3:10 or, serve as deacons

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or serve as deacons

[4] back to 3:12 or, deacons

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, deacons

[5] back to 3:13 or, served well as deacons

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, served well as helpers

[6] back to 5:4 TR adds "good and"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "good and"

[7] back to 5:18 Deuteronomy 25:4

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 25:4

[8] back to 5:18 Luke 10:7; Leviticus 19:13

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Luke 10:7; Leviticus 19:13

[9] back to 6:5 NU omits "Withdraw yourself from such."

[9] back to 6:5 NU leaves out "Stay away from that."














Paul's Second Letter to Timothy

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 1:2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, based on the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 1:2 to Timothy, my dear child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 1:4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 1:5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve just like my ancestors did, with a clear conscience. I remember you constantly in my prayers, day and night 1:4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, so that I can be filled with joy; 1:5 I’ve been reminded of the genuine faith that’s in you, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I’m convinced it's in you too.

1:6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 1:8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. 1:11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 1:12 For this cause I also suffer these things.

1:6 For this reason, I want to remind you to fan into flame the gift of God that is inside you through the laying on of my hands. 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 1:8 So don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner; rather, share in the suffering for the Good News with the strength that comes from God, 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not based on our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 1:10 but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. 1:11 Because of this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 1:12 For this reason, I also endure these challenges.

Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.

Yet I am not ashamed, for I know the one I have believed in, and I am convinced that he is able to protect what I have entrusted to him until that day.

1:13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

1:13 Keep the sound teachings you’ve received from me, with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. 1:14 Protect the valuable thing that has been entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

1:15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, 1:17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 1:18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord's mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

1:15 You know that everyone in Asia turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 1:16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and wasn't ashamed of my chains. 1:17 When he was in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and found me 1:18 (may the Lord grant him to find mercy on that day); and you know very well how many ways he helped in Ephesus.

2:1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. 2:6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. 2:7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2:1 So you, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 The things you’ve heard from me in front of many witnesses, pass on to reliable people who will be able to teach others too. 2:3 You must endure hardship, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No soldier on duty gets caught up in civilian affairs, so that he can please the one who enlisted him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in sports, they aren’t crowned unless they compete according to the rules. 2:6 The hardworking farmers must be the first to enjoy the fruits of their labor. 2:7 Think about what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in everything.

2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, 2:9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2:11 This saying is faithful:

2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, a descendant of David, as I share in my Good News, 2:9 where I go through hardships to the point of being imprisoned like a criminal. But God's message isn't imprisoned. 2:10 So, I endure everything for the sake of the chosen ones, so they too can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory. 2:11 This saying is reliable:

"For if we died with him,
we will also live with him.
2:12 If we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we deny him,
he also will deny us.
2:13 If we are faithless,
he remains faithful.
He can't deny himself."

2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

2:14 Remind them of these things, urging them in front of the Lord, not to get into pointless arguments over words, which is of no benefit and only confuses those who listen.

2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 2:16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, 2:17 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 2:18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 2:19 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his,"* and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." 2:20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. 2:21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.

2:15 Make every effort to present yourself approved by God, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. 2:16 But avoid pointless arguments, because they will lead to more ungodliness, 2:17 and their message will spread like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus; 2:18 men who have strayed from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already happened, and undermining the faith of some. 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,"* and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness." 2:20 Now, in a big house, there are not just gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and clay. Some are for honor, and some are for dishonor. 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses themselves from these, they will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.

2:22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 2:24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 2:25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 2:26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

2:22 Run away from youthful desires; instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace alongside those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 2:23 Avoid foolish and ignorant questions, knowing they only lead to arguments. 2:24 The Lord's servant shouldn't argue but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach and patient, 2:25 gently correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God will grant them repentance that leads to a true understanding of the truth, 2:26 so they can escape the devil's trap, having been caught by him to do his will.

3:1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. 3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3:3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, 3:4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 3:5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also. 3:6 For of these are those who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 3:7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 3:8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. 3:9 But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be. 3:10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 3:11 persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. Out of them all the Lord delivered me. 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 3:14 But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. 3:15 From infancy, you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. 3:16 Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness, 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3:1 But know this: in the last days, difficult times will come. 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, disrespectful, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3:3 lacking natural affection, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, 3:4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such people, too. 3:6 For among them are those who sneak into homes and take captive gullible women burdened with sins and led away by various desires, 3:7 always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 3:8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, these men also oppose the truth; they are corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 3:9 But they won’t get very far, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just as it was with them. 3:11 persecutions, and sufferings—the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions; the Lord delivered me from them all. 3:12 Yes, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will face persecution. 3:13 But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 3:14 But you should continue in what you have learned and firmly believe, knowing from whom you learned it. 3:15 Since childhood, you have known the sacred writings that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 3:16 All scripture inspired by God is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, 3:17 so that the servant of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4:1 I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: 4:2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables. 4:5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

4:1 I urge you, then, in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearance and His Kingdom: 4:2 preach the message; be ready to share it whether it’s convenient or not; correct, rebuke, and encourage, with all patience and careful instruction. 4:3 For a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear; 4:4 they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 4:5 But you keep your cool in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, and carry out your ministry.

4:6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. 4:7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 4:8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. 4:9 Be diligent to come to me soon, 4:10 for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 4:12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 4:13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 4:14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, 4:15 of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.

4:6 For I am already being offered as a sacrifice, and my time to leave has come. 4:7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 4:8 From now on, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 4:9 Please make an effort to come to me soon, 4:10 because Demas has deserted me, loving this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 4:11 Only Luke is here with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is helpful to me in my ministry. 4:12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 4:13 Bring the cloak I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a lot of harm. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds, 4:15 of whom you should also be cautious; for he has opposed our message greatly.

4:16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. 4:17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

4:16 At my first defense, no one came to help me; everyone abandoned me. I don’t hold it against them. 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that the message could be fully shared, and all the Gentiles could hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will keep me safe for his heavenly Kingdom; to him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 4:20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. 4:21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

4:19 Say hi to Prisca and Aquila, and the family of Onesiphorus. 4:20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but I had to leave Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick. 4:21 Make sure to come before winter. Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. 4:22 May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:19 Numbers 16:5

[1] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Numbers 16:5

[2] back to 2:19 TR reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord"

[2] back to 2:19 TR says "Christ" instead of "the Lord"

[3] back to 3:16 literally, God-breathed

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ literally, inspired by God














Paul's Letter to Titus

1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who can't lie, promised before time began; 1:3 but in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; 1:4 to Titus, my true child according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, called to share the faith of God’s chosen people and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the beginning of time; 1:3 but at the right time revealed his message through the word I was entrusted with, as commanded by God our Savior; 1:4 to Titus, my true child in our shared faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

1:5 I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you; 1:6 if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior. 1:7 For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; 1:8 but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; 1:9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him. 1:10 For there are also many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons." 1:13 This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 1:14 not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 1:16 They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

1:5 I left you in Crete for this reason: to sort out what was lacking and to appoint elders in every city as I instructed you; 1:6 if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having believing children who are not accused of being rebellious or unruly. 1:7 For an overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-seeking, not quick to anger, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; 1:8 but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, fair, holy, and self-controlled; 1:9 holding firmly to the faithful word that aligns with the teaching, so he can encourage with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose him. 1:10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 1:11 whose mouths must be shut; men who disrupt whole families, teaching things they shouldn't for the sake of dishonest gain. 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons." 1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so they can be sound in the faith, 1:14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and the commands of men who turn away from the truth. 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 1:16 They claim to know God, but their actions deny him, being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

2:1 But say the things which fit sound doctrine, 2:2 that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience: 2:3 and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; 2:4 that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 2:5 to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God's word may not be blasphemed. 2:6 Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded; 2:7 in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, 2:8 and soundness of speech that can't be condemned; that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. 2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; 2:10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things. 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 2:12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 2:14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. 2:15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you.

2:1 But say the things that align with sound teaching, 2:2 that older men should be self-controlled, sensible, level-headed, strong in faith, in love, and in patience: 2:3 and that older women should likewise behave respectfully, not be slanderers or addicted to too much wine, but teachers of what is good; 2:4 so they can train younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 2:5 to be level-headed, pure, keepers of their homes, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that God's word isn’t disrespected. 2:6 Likewise, encourage younger men to be level-headed; 2:7 in everything, show yourself as a model of good deeds; in your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, 2:8 and soundness of speech that can’t be criticized; so that those who oppose you will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. 2:9 Encourage servants to be submissive to their own masters, and to please them in everything; not arguing; 2:10 not stealing, but showing complete honesty; so that they can reflect the teaching of God, our Savior, in everything. 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone, 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live self-controlled, fair, and godly in this present world; 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 2:14 who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for himself a people of his own, eager to do good. 2:15 Say these things and encourage and correct with full authority. Let no one look down on you.

3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 3:2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 3:5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 3:6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 3:7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 3:8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 3:9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 3:10 Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning; 3:11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

3:1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready for every good deed, 3:2 to speak no evil of anyone, to avoid conflict, to be gentle, and to show humility toward everyone. 3:3 For we were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 3:5 not by the works of righteousness that we did ourselves, but in accordance with his mercy, he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 3:6 whom he generously poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior; 3:7 that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs in hope of eternal life. 3:8 This saying is trustworthy, and regarding these matters, I urge you to affirm confidently so that those who have believed in God may be careful to do good works. These things are good and beneficial for people; 3:9 but avoid foolish questions, genealogies, arguments, and disputes about the law, for they are unproductive and pointless. 3:10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning; 3:11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, being self-condemned.

3:12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 3:13 Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 3:14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, please make an effort to come to me in Nicopolis, as I’ve decided to spend the winter there. 3:13 Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their way quickly, so they don’t lack anything. 3:14 Let our people also learn to do good deeds for essential needs, so they won’t be unproductive.

3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

3:15 Everyone who is with me sends their regards. Say hello to those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.














Paul's Letter to Philemon

1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, 1:2 to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear coworker, 1:2 to the dear Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home: 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 1:5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; 1:6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. 1:7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

1:4 I always thank God for you, mentioning you in my prayers, 1:5 knowing about your love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the saints; 1:6 so that the sharing of your faith may be effective in understanding every good thing that's in us through Christ Jesus. 1:7 We have a lot of joy and comfort in your love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

1:8 Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, 1:9 yet for love's sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 1:10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, 1:11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. 1:12 I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 1:13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 1:14 But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 1:15 For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 1:16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

1:8 So, even though I have every right in Christ to command you to do what’s appropriate, 1:9 I prefer to appeal to you out of love, as Paul, who is now old and also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 1:10 I’m asking you for my child, the one I’ve become a father to while in chains, Onesimus, 1:11 who was once useless to you, but is now helpful to both you and me. 1:13 whom I wanted to keep with me so he could serve me on your behalf while I’m in chains for the Good News. Maybe he was separated from you for a time so that you could have him back forever,

1:17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 1:18 But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account. 1:19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides). 1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. 1:21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

1:17 If you consider me a partner, treat him like you would treat me. 1:18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 1:19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention that you owe me your very self). 1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. 1:21 I am confident in your obedience, so I’m writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

1:22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

1:22 Also, please get a guest room ready for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be back with you soon.

1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 1:24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends his greetings, 1:24 along with Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. 1:25 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:10 Onesimus means "useful."

Onesimus means "useful."














The Letter to the Hebrews

1:1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 1:2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 1:3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 1:4 having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have. 1:5 For to which of the angels did he say at any time,

1:1 God, who spoke in the past to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in different ways, 1:2 has in these last days spoken to us through his Son, whom he made heir of everything, and through whom he created the universe. 1:3 His Son is the shining brightness of his glory, the exact representation of his being, and he sustains everything by his powerful word. After he made purification for our sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven; 1:4 having become so much greater than the angels, as he has inherited a name far superior to theirs. 1:5 For to which of the angels did he ever say at any time,

"You are my Son.
Today have I become your father?"*

and again,

and once more,

"I will be to him a Father,
and he will be to me a Son?"*

1:6 Again, when he brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him." 1:7 Of the angels he says,

1:6 Again, when he brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him." 1:7 Of the angels, he says,

"Who makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire."*

1:8 But of the Son he says,

1:8 But concerning the Son, he says,

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
1:9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."*

1:10 And,

And,

"You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the works of your hands.
1:11 They will perish, but you continue.
They all will grow old like a garment does.
1:12 As a mantle, you will roll them up,
and they will be changed;
but you are the same.
Your years will not fail."*

1:13 But which of the angels has he told at any time,

1:13 But which of the angels has he ever said at any time,

"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?"*

1:14 Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

1:14 Aren't they all spirits in service, sent to help those who will receive salvation?

2:1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2:2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; 2:3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation--which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; 2:4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will? 2:5 For he didn't subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 2:6 But one has somewhere testified, saying,

2:1 So we should pay more attention to what we’ve heard, so we don’t drift away. 2:2 If the message delivered by angels was reliable, and every act of disobedience got what it deserved; 2:3 how will we avoid consequences if we ignore such an incredible salvation—first announced by the Lord and confirmed to us by those who heard it; 2:4 God also bore witness alongside them, through signs and wonders, various powerful deeds, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, as He willed? 2:5 For He didn’t put the coming world, about which we’re speaking, under the authority of angels. 2:6 But someone has testified somewhere, saying,

"What is man, that you think of him?
Or the son of man, that you care for him?
2:7 You made him a little lower than the angels.
You crowned him with glory and honor.*
2:8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet."*

For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don't see all things subjected to him, yet. 2:9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone. 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 2:11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 2:12 saying,

For God has put everything under his authority, leaving nothing that isn't under him. But right now, we don't see everything fully submitted to him. 2:9 However, we do see Jesus, who was made a bit lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of his suffering and death, so that by God's grace, he could experience death for everyone. 2:10 It was fitting for the one through whom everything exists, and for whom everything exists, to bring many children to glory by making the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. 2:11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are from the same source, which is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 2:12 saying,

"I will declare your name to my brothers.
In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."*

2:13 Again, "I will put my trust in him."* Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."* 2:14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 2:15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 2:16 For most certainly, he doesn't give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. 2:17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 2:18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

2:13 Again, "I will put my trust in him."* Again, "Look, here I am with the children God has given me."* 2:14 Since the children share in flesh and blood, he also became like them, so that through death he could destroy the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 2:15 and free all those who were held in slavery by the fear of death throughout their lives. 2:16 For it is clear that he doesn’t help angels, but rather helps the descendants of Abraham. 2:17 Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every way, so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest in matters related to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 2:18 Because he himself suffered and was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 3:2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3:3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who built the house has more honor than the house. 3:4 For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God. 3:5 Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, 3:6 but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. 3:7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says,

3:1 So, dear brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, think about Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our faith; 3:2 who was faithful to the one who appointed him, just like Moses was faithful in all God's house. 3:3 He deserves more glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 3:4 Every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God. 3:5 Moses was indeed faithful in all of God's house as a servant, to testify to what would be said later, 3:6 but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; and we are that house if we hold on to our confidence and our hope firmly to the end. 3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says,

"Today if you will hear his voice,
3:8 don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation,
like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,
3:9 where your fathers tested me by proving me,
and saw my works for forty years.
3:10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation,
and said, 'They always err in their heart,
but they didn't know my ways;'
3:11 as I swore in my wrath,
'They will not enter into my rest.'"*

3:12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God; 3:13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today;" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end: 3:15 while it is said,

3:12 Watch out, brothers, so that none of you has a heart filled with unbelief that turns away from the living God; 3:13 but encourage each other day after day as long as it is called "today," so that none of you becomes hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 3:14 For we have become participants in Christ, if we hold firmly to the confidence we had at the beginning until the end: 3:15 while it is said,

"Today if you will hear his voice,
don't harden your hearts, as in the rebellion."*

3:16 For who, when they heard, rebelled? No, didn't all those who came out of Egypt by Moses? 3:17 With whom was he displeased forty years? Wasn't it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 3:18 To whom did he swear that they wouldn't enter into his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 3:19 We see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.

3:16 Who rebelled when they heard? Didn't all those who left Egypt with Moses? 3:17 Who was he upset with for forty years? Wasn't it those who sinned, whose bodies ended up in the wilderness? 3:18 Who did he swear wouldn't enter his rest, except those who were disobedient? 3:19 We see that they couldn't enter because of their lack of faith.

4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest. 4:2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard. 4:3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;"* although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4:4 For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all his works;"* 4:5 and in this place again, "They will not enter into my rest."*

4:1 So let's be careful that none of you seem to miss out on the promise of entering His rest. 4:2 We have received good news, just like they did, but the message they heard didn’t benefit them because it wasn’t combined with faith by those who listened. 4:3 For we who believe do enter that rest, just as He said, "As I swore in my anger, they will not enter my rest;"* even though the works were completed from the beginning of the world. 4:4 For somewhere it says about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all His works;"* 4:5 and in this place again, "They will not enter my rest."*

4:6 Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter therein, and they to whom the good news was before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, 4:7 he again defines a certain day, today, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said),

4:6 Since it is clear that some should enter, and those who first heard the good news didn't enter because of their disobedience, 4:7 he once again sets a specific day, today, as he says through David a long time later (just as has been mentioned),

"Today if you will hear his voice,
don't harden your hearts."*

4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. 4:9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 4:10 For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. 4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. 4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

4:8 Because if Joshua had given them rest, he wouldn’t have talked about another day later. 4:9 So there is still a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 4:10 For anyone who has entered into his rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from His. 4:11 Therefore, we should strive to enter that rest, so that no one falls into the same pattern of disobedience. 4:12 For the word of God is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

4:13 There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession. 4:15 For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.

4:13 Nothing is hidden from his view; everything is exposed and open before the one we have to deal with. 4:14 Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our faith. 4:15 We don’t have a high priest who isn’t sympathetic to our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. 4:16 So, let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5:1 For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 5:2 The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness. 5:3 Because of this, he must offer sacrifices for sins for the people, as well as for himself. 5:4 Nobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was. 5:5 So also Christ didn't glorify himself to be made a high priest, but it was he who said to him,

5:1 Every high priest is chosen from among people and is appointed to represent them in their relationship with God, so he can offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 5:2 The high priest is able to be understanding towards those who are unaware and have gone astray because he himself is weak too. 5:3 Because of this, he has to offer sacrifices for the people's sins, as well as for his own. 5:4 No one takes this honor for themselves; they are called by God, just like Aaron. 5:5 Similarly, Christ didn’t honor himself by becoming a high priest, but it was God who said to him,

"You are my Son.
Today I have become your father."*

5:6 As he says also in another place,

As he notes elsewhere,

"You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek."*

5:7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 5:8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered. 5:9 Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation, 5:10 named by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. 5:11 About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing. 5:12 For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. 5:14 But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

5:7 During his time on earth, he offered prayers and requests with intense cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and because of his reverent submission, he was heard. 5:8 Even though he was a Son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered. 5:9 Having been made complete, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 5:10 appointed by God as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 5:11 We have much to say about him, and it's hard to explain since you have become slow to understand. 5:12 By this time, you should be teachers, but you need someone to teach you the basics of God's message again. You need milk, not solid food. 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because they are still a child. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who, because of practice, have their senses trained to distinguish good from evil.

6:1 Therefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection--not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, 6:2 of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 6:3 This will we do, if God permits. 6:4 For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 6:5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, 6:6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame. 6:7 For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it, and brings forth a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God; 6:8 but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

6:1 So, let’s move beyond the basic teachings of Christ and strive for spiritual maturity—without going back to the fundamentals like repentance from dead actions, faith in God, 6:2 teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 6:3 We will do this if God allows. 6:4 For those who have been enlightened, experienced the heavenly gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit, 6:5 tasted the goodness of God's word, and witnessed the powers of the coming age, 6:6 but then turned away, it is impossible to bring them back to repentance; they are essentially re-crucifying the Son of God and shaming Him openly. 6:7 Because the land that regularly receives rain and produces a good crop for those who tend it receives blessings from God; 6:8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is rejected and is close to being cursed, with the end result being burnt.

6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this. 6:10 For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them. 6:11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end, 6:12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises. 6:13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he swore by himself, 6:14 saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."* 6:15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 6:16 For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation. 6:17 In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; 6:18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us. 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil; 6:20 where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

6:9 But, dear friends, we are confident that there are better things in store for you, things that go along with salvation, even though we speak this way. 6:10 For God is not unfair; He won’t forget your hard work and the love you have shown in His name by serving His people and continuing to do so. 6:11 We want each of you to show the same determination to fully realize your hope right to the end, 6:12 so that you won’t be lazy, but will instead be imitators of those who through faith and patience have received the promises. 6:13 When God made a promise to Abraham, since there was nothing greater for Him to swear by, He swore by Himself, 6:14 saying, "Certainly, I will bless you, and I will multiply you." * 6:15 So after he patiently endured, he received the promise. 6:16 People do indeed swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes, an oath is a final confirmation. 6:17 In this way, God, wanting to show even more clearly to those who are heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened with an oath; 6:18 that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge to hold on to the hope set before us. 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, a hope that is both certain and unwavering, entering into that which is beyond the curtain; 6:20 where Jesus, as our forerunner, has entered for us, becoming a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

7:1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 7:2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace; 7:3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually. 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils. 7:5 They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, 7:6 but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises. 7:7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 7:8 Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives. 7:9 We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes, 7:10 for he was yet in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him. 7:11 Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law. 7:13 For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 7:15 This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest, 7:16 who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life: 7:17 for it is testified,

7:1 This Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him, 7:2 to whom Abraham gave a tenth of everything (which means, first, he is the king of righteousness, and also the king of Salem, which means king of peace; 7:3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having no beginning or end, but made like the Son of God), continues to be a priest forever. 7:4 Now think about how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the ancestor, gave a tenth of the best plunder. 7:5 Those who are descendants of Levi, who hold the priesthood, are commanded by the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their own relatives, even though these are descendants of Abraham, 7:6 but the one whose lineage is not counted among them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7:7 Without a doubt, the lesser is blessed by the greater. 7:8 Here, mortal men receive tithes, but there, the one who is testified to be alive receives tithes. 7:9 We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has given tithes, 7:10 because he was still in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him. 7:11 Now, if perfection could have come through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise, in the order of Melchizedek, and not in the order of Aaron? 7:12 For if the priesthood is changed, there must also be a change in the law. 7:13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs to a different tribe, from which no one has served at the altar. 7:14 It is clear that our Lord came from Judah, concerning which tribe Moses said nothing about priesthood. 7:15 This is even more evident if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 7:16 who has become a priest not by a physical law but by the power of an indestructible life: 7:17 for it is testified,

"You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek."*

7:18 For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 7:19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 7:20 Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath 7:21 (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him,

7:18 Because a previous command has been set aside due to its weakness and ineffectiveness 7:19 (since the law couldn’t make anything perfect), and a better hope has been introduced, allowing us to get closer to God. 7:20 Since he wasn't made a priest without taking an oath 7:21 (because others have become priests without an oath), but he was appointed with an oath from the one who said about him,

"The Lord swore and will not change his mind,
'You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.'"*

7:22 By so much, Jesus has become the collateral of a better covenant. 7:23 Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. 7:24 But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. 7:25 Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.

7:22 Because of this, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better agreement. 7:23 Many people have been appointed as priests, but they can't continue because they die. 7:24 But he lives forever, so his priesthood doesn't change. 7:25 That's why he's able to completely save those who come to God through him, since he lives forever to intercede for them.

7:26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 7:27 who doesn't need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. 7:28 For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.

7:26 For such a high priest was suitable for us: holy, blameless, pure, separated from sinners, and elevated above the heavens; 7:27 who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices every day, first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. He did this once for all when he offered himself. 7:28 The law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath that came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been made perfect.

8:1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 8:2 a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 8:4 For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 8:5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, "See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."* 8:6 But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law. 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8:8 For finding fault with them, he said,

8:1 So, regarding what we’re discussing, the key point is this: we have a high priest who has taken a seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 8:2 a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, not human beings. 8:3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. So, it’s essential that this high priest also has something to offer. 8:4 If he were on earth, he wouldn’t even be a priest, since there are already priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 8:5 they serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to build the tabernacle. God said, "Make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain."* 8:6 But now he has received a more excellent ministry, as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. 8:7 If that first covenant had been perfect, there would have been no need to look for a second. 8:8 For finding fault with them, he said,

"Behold, the days come," says the Lord,
"that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
8:9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers,
in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
for they didn't continue in my covenant,
and I disregarded them," says the Lord.
8:10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel.
After those days," says the Lord;
"I will put my laws into their mind,
I will also write them on their heart.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
8:11 They will not teach every man his fellow citizen,
and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for all will know me,
from the least of them to the greatest of them.
8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness.
I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more."*

8:13 In that he says, "A new covenant," he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away.

8:13 By saying, "A new covenant," he has made the first one obsolete. But what is becoming old and is aging is close to disappearing completely.

9:1 Now indeed even the first* covenant had ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared. In the first part were the lampstand, the table, and the show bread; which is called the Holy Place. 9:3 After the second veil was the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 9:4 having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 9:5 and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, of which things we can't speak now in detail. 9:6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services, 9:7 but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself, and for the errors of the people. 9:8 The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn't yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing; 9:9 which is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshipper perfect; 9:10 being only (with meats and drinks and various washings) fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

9:1 Now, in fact, even the first* covenant had rules for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tabernacle was set up. In the first section were the lampstand, the table, and the showbread; this is called the Holy Place. 9:3 Behind the second curtain was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies, 9:4 which had a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered all around with gold. Inside it was a golden pot that held the manna, Aaron's rod that had budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 9:5 and above it were cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, concerning which we cannot speak in detail right now. 9:6 Now, having been arranged this way, the priests continually enter the first tabernacle to perform their duties, 9:7 but only the high priest goes into the second, once a year, and not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people. 9:8 The Holy Spirit is showing this, that the way into the Holy Place had not yet been revealed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing; 9:9 this is a symbol for the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot, regarding the conscience, make the worshipper perfect; 9:10 they are only (with food and drink and various washings) earthly regulations, imposed until the time of change.

9:11 But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 9:12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption. 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh: 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 9:15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 9:16 For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it. 9:17 For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives. 9:18 Therefore even the first covenant has not been dedicated without blood. 9:19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 9:20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you."*

9:11 But Christ came as a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and perfect tabernacle, not made by human hands, meaning not of this creation, 9:12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, he entered once and for all into the Holy Place, obtaining eternal redemption. 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkle those who are defiled, making them clean in the flesh, 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who offered himself without blemish to God through the eternal Spirit, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 9:15 This is why he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has happened for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 9:16 For where there is a last will and testament, the death of the one who made it must take place. 9:17 A will is valid only when there has been death, for it is never in effect while the one who made it is alive. 9:18 Therefore, even the first covenant was not dedicated without blood. 9:19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 9:20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you."*

9:21 Moreover he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry in like manner with the blood. 9:22 According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission. 9:23 It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 9:24 For Christ hasn't entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; 9:25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own, 9:26 or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 9:27 Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment, 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.

9:21 Furthermore, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the ministry vessels in the same way with the blood. 9:22 According to the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. 9:23 Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves need better sacrifices than these. 9:24 For Christ hasn't entered into man-made holy places, which are just symbols of the true, but into heaven itself, to now show himself in the presence of God for us; 9:25 nor does he need to offer himself repeatedly, like the high priest who enters the holy place year after year with blood that isn't his own, 9:26 otherwise he would have had to suffer many times since the beginning of the world. But now, once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to eliminate sin by sacrificing himself. 9:27 Just as it is appointed for people to die once, and after that comes judgment, 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to carry the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.

10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. 10:2 Or else wouldn't they have ceased to be offered, because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins? 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is yearly reminder of sins. 10:4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. 10:5 Therefore when he comes into the world, he says,

10:1 The law, which foreshadows the good things to come but isn't the actual reality of those things, can never make perfect those who come close to it with the same sacrifices offered year after year. 10:2 If that were the case, they would have stopped being offered, since the worshippers, once cleansed, would no longer feel guilty about their sins. 10:3 But those sacrifices remind people of their sins each year. 10:4 It’s impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 10:5 So when He comes into the world, He says,

"Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire,
but you prepared a body for me;
10:6 You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.
10:7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)
to do your will, O God.'"*

10:8 Previously saying, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you didn't desire, neither had pleasure in them" (those which are offered according to the law), 10:9 then he has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He takes away the first, that he may establish the second, 10:10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 10:11 Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, 10:12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; 10:13 from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. 10:14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 10:15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,

10:8 Earlier he said, "You didn’t desire sacrifices and offerings or burnt offerings and sin offerings" (those that are given according to the law). 10:9 Then he added, "Look, I have come to do your will." He removes the first to establish the second, 10:10 and through this will, we have been made holy by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 10:11 Every priest stands daily doing their work and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never remove sins. 10:12 But he, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God; 10:13 from that time on, he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 10:14 For by one offering, he has perfected forever those who are being made holy. 10:15 The Holy Spirit also confirms this to us, as after saying,

10:16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them:
'After those days,' says the Lord,
'I will put my laws on their heart,
I will also write them on their mind;'"*

then he says,

then he says,

10:17 "I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."*

10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 10:19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 10:21 and having a great priest over the house of God, 10:22 let's draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, 10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.

10:18 Now that there is forgiveness for these, there is no longer any need for an offering for sin. 10:19 Therefore, brothers, we have the confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 through the new and living way he opened for us, which is his flesh; 10:21 and we have a great priest over the house of God, 10:22 so let's approach with a sincere heart and full faith, having our hearts cleansed from a guilty conscience, and our bodies washed with clean water, 10:23 let us hold tightly to the hope we profess without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.

10:24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, 10:27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. 10:28 A man who disregards Moses' law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know him who said, "Vengeance belongs to me," says the Lord, "I will repay."* Again, "The Lord will judge his people."* 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 10:32 But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; 10:33 partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. 10:34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. 10:35 Therefore don't throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. 10:36 For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

10:24 Let’s think about how to encourage each other to love and do good deeds, 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another; and even more so as you see the Day approaching. 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins, 10:27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and a raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 10:29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay," says the Lord. Again, "The Lord will judge his people."* 10:31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 10:32 Remember the earlier days when, after you had received the light, you endured in a great conflict full of suffering; 10:33 sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 10:34 You not only sympathized with me in my chains but also joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions in heaven. 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

10:37 "In a very little while,
he who comes will come, and will not wait.
10:38 But the righteous will live by faith.
If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him."*

10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.

10:39 But we are not the ones who back down to destruction, but those who have faith that saves the soul.

11:1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. 11:2 For by this, the elders obtained testimony. 11:3 By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. 11:4 By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. 11:5 By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn't see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God. 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. 11:7 By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 11:8 By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. 11:9 By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 11:10 For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11:11 By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. 11:12 Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen* them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 11:14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 11:15 If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

11:1 Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the proof of what we can't see. 11:2 With this, the elders received their testimony. 11:3 By faith, we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what is seen was not made from visible things. 11:4 By faith, Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did, which gave him the testimony that he was righteous, with God confirming his gifts; and through this, even though he is dead, he still speaks. 11:5 By faith, Enoch was taken up, so he didn't see death and was not found, because God took him away. He received the testimony that before his removal, he was pleasing to God. 11:6 Without faith, it's impossible to please God, for whoever approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 11:7 By faith, Noah, warned about things not yet seen, acted with reverent fear and built an ark to save his household. Through this, he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes from faith. 11:8 By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place he would receive as an inheritance. He set out, not knowing where he was going. 11:9 By faith, he lived like a foreigner in the land of promise, as if it were not his own, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God. 11:11 By faith, even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, because she considered him faithful who had promised. 11:12 Therefore, as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore, were fathered by one man, who was as good as dead. 11:13 All these people died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and welcomed them from a distance, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 11:14 For those who say such things make it clear they are looking for a homeland of their own. 11:15 If they had been thinking of the country they left, they would have had a chance to go back. 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

11:17 By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son; 11:18 even he to whom it was said, "In Isaac will your seed be called;"* 11:19 concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead. 11:20 By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. 11:21 By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 11:22 By faith, Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning his bones. 11:23 By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 11:24 By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 11:25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with God's people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; 11:26 accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 11:27 By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 11:28 By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. 11:29 By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up. 11:30 By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. 11:31 By faith, Rahab the prostitute, didn't perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace. 11:32 What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets; 11:33 who, through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,* 11:34 quenched the power of fire,* escaped the edge of the sword,* from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. 11:35 Women received their dead by resurrection.* Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 11:36 Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment. 11:37 They were stoned.* They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword.* They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 11:38 (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and the holes of the earth. 11:39 These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn't receive the promise, 11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

11:17 By faith, Abraham, when tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was offering his only son; 11:18 even to him it was said, "In Isaac will your descendants be called;"* 11:19 concluding that God is able to raise him up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also received him back from the dead. 11:20 By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 11:21 By faith, Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 11:22 By faith, Joseph, when he was close to death, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions about his bones. 11:23 By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child and were not afraid of the king's command. 11:24 By faith, when he grew up, Moses refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 11:25 choosing rather to suffer with God's people than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin; 11:26 considering the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. 11:27 By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 11:28 By faith, he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. 11:29 By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 11:30 By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for seven days. 11:31 By faith, Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient because she had welcomed the spies in peace. 11:32 What more can I say? Time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets; 11:33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,* 11:34 quenched the power of fire,* escaped the edge of the sword,* became strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. 11:35 Women received their dead back by resurrection.* Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, so they might obtain a better resurrection. 11:36 Others faced trials of mockery and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 11:37 They were stoned.* They were sawn in two. They were tempted. They were killed by the sword.* They went about in sheep skins and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, and mistreated 11:38 (the world was not worthy of them), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. 11:39 All these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 11:40 since God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don't grow weary, fainting in your souls. 12:4 You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin; 12:5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children,

12:1 So let us also, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses, throw off everything that weighs us down and the sin that easily trips us up, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 12:2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 Consider him who endured such contradiction from sinners against himself, so that you don’t grow weary and lose heart. 12:4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your struggle against sin; 12:5 and you have forgotten the encouragement that addresses you as children,

"My son, don't take lightly the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when you are reproved by him;
12:6 For whom the Lord loves, he chastens,
and scourges every son whom he receives."*

12:7 It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? 12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. 12:9 Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? 12:10 For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. 12:11 All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. 12:12 Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,* 12:13 and make straight paths for your feet,* so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. 12:14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, 12:15 looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; 12:16 lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. 12:17 For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. 12:18 For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, 12:19 the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, 12:20 for they could not stand that which was commanded, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned*;"* 12:21 and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, "I am terrified and trembling."*

12:7 You endure for the sake of discipline. God treats you like His children; after all, what child is not disciplined by their father? 12:8 If you don’t receive discipline, which everyone experiences, then you’re not legitimate children. 12:9 Besides, we respected our earthly fathers when they corrected us. So shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 12:10 They disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but He does it for our good, so we can share in His holiness. 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful; later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12:12 Therefore, strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees,* 12:13 and make level paths for your feet,* so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, and strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord, 12:15 making sure that no one falls short of the grace of God; ensure that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many; 12:16 see that no one is sexually immoral or profane like Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal. 12:17 You know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to change his mind, even though he sought it with tears. 12:18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that’s burning with fire, and to gloom, darkness, and storm, 12:19 to the sound of a trumpet, and to the voice of words; those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 12:20 because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned*;"* 12:21 and so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am afraid and trembling."*

12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, 12:23 to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 12:24 to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,* and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel.

12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless angels, 12:23 to the gathering of those who are the firstborn registered in heaven, to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 12:24 to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,* and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than Abel's.

12:25 See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, 12:26 whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens."* 12:27 This phrase, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. 12:28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can't be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.*

12:25 Make sure you don't ignore the one who speaks. If people didn't escape when they rejected the one who warned them on Earth, how much more will we not escape if we turn away from the one who warns us from heaven? 12:26 His voice shook the earth back then, but now he has promised, saying, "Once more, I will shake not just the earth, but also the heavens."* 12:27 This statement, "Once more," indicates that the things that can be shaken will be removed, so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let's be grateful, and through that gratitude, serve God in a way that is pleasing to him, with reverence and awe, 12:29 because our God is a consuming fire.*

13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 13:2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. 13:3 Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body. 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

13:1 Keep showing love for one another. 13:2 Don't forget to be welcoming to strangers, because in doing so, some have unknowingly welcomed angels. 13:3 Remember those who are in prison, as if you were in prison with them; and those who are mistreated, since you are also part of the same body. 13:4 Honor marriage and keep the marriage bed pure, because God will judge those who are sexually immoral and adulterers.

13:5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."* 13:6 So that with good courage we say,

13:5 Be free from the love of money, content with what you have, because he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you."* 13:6 So that with confidence we say,

"The Lord is my helper. I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"*

13:7 Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith. 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 13:9 Don't be carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not by food, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

13:7 Remember your leaders, those who taught you the word of God, and look at the outcome of their lives, imitating their faith. 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 13:9 Don't get caught up in different and strange teachings, for it's good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by food, which didn't benefit those who were focused on it.

13:10 We have an altar from which those who serve the holy tabernacle have no right to eat. 13:11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside of the camp.* 13:12 Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. 13:13 Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. 13:14 For we don't have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. 13:15 Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God* continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. 13:16 But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

13:10 We have an altar from which those who serve in the holy tabernacle have no right to eat. 13:11 For the bodies of the animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.* 13:12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13:13 Let us go out to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. 13:14 For we do not have an enduring city here; we seek the one to come. 13:15 Through him, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God*, which is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

13:17 Follow your leaders and trust them, because they care for your well-being and will have to answer for it. Let them do their job with joy, not frustration, because that wouldn’t be helpful for you.

13:18 Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. 13:19 I strongly urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.

13:18 Please pray for us, because we truly believe we have a clear conscience and want to live righteously in all aspects. 13:19 I really encourage you to do this so that I can be reunited with you sooner.

13:20 Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, 13:21 make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

13:20 Now may the God of peace, who raised from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, 13:21 equip you for every good work to fulfill his will, producing in you what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

13:22 But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 13:23 Know that our brother Timothy has been freed, with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. 13:24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you. 13:25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

13:22 But I encourage you, friends, to take in this message of encouragement, since I’ve written to you briefly. 13:23 Know that our brother Timothy has been released, and if he comes soon, I will see you. 13:24 Please greet all your leaders and all the believers. The Italians send their greetings. 13:25 May grace be with all of you. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:5 Psalm 2:7

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:7

[2] back to 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13

[2] back to 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13

[3] back to 1:7 Psalm 104:4

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 104:4

[4] back to 1:9 Psalm 45:6-7

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 45:6-7

[5] back to 1:12 Psalm 102:25-27

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 102:25-27

[6] back to 1:13 Psalm 110:1

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:1

[7] back to 2:7 TR adds "and set him over the works of your hands"

[7] back to 2:7 TR adds "and put him in charge of what you've made"

[8] back to 2:8 Psalm 8:4-6

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 8:4-6

[9] back to 2:11 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[9] back to 2:11 The word for "brothers" here, when the context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[10] back to 2:12 Psalm 22:22

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 22:22

[11] back to 2:13 Isaiah 8:17

[11] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 8:17

[12] back to 2:13 Isaiah 8:18

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 8:18

[13] back to 3:11 Psalm 95:7-11

[13] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 95:7-11

[14] back to 3:15 Psalm 95:7-8

[14] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 95:7-8

[15] back to 4:3 Psalm 95:11

[15] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 95:11

[16] back to 4:4 Genesis 2:2

[16] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 2:2

[17] back to 4:5 Psalm 95:11

[17] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 95:11

[18] back to 4:7 Psalm 95:7-8

[18] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 95:7-8

[19] back to 5:5 Psalm 2:7

[19] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:7

[20] back to 5:6 Psalm 110:4

[20] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:4

[21] back to 6:14 Genesis 22:17

[21] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 22:17

[22] back to 7:17 Psalm 110:4

[22] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:4

[23] back to 7:21 Psalm 110:4

[23] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 110:4

[24] back to 8:5 Exodus 25:40

[24] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 25:40

[25] back to 8:11 TR reads "neighbor" instead of "fellow citizen"

[25] back to 8:11 TR reads "neighbor" instead of "fellow citizen"

[26] back to 8:12 Jeremiah 31:31-34

[26] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 31:31-34

[27] back to 9:1 TR adds "tabernacle"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "tent"

[28] back to 9:20 Exodus 24:8

[28] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 24:8

[29] back to 10:7 Psalm 40:6-8

[29] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 40:6-8

[30] back to 10:16 Jeremiah 31:33

[30] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 31:33

[31] back to 10:17 Jeremiah 31:34

[31] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 31:34

[32] back to 10:30 Deuteronomy 32:35

[32] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 32:35

[33] back to 10:30 Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 135:14

[33] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 135:14

[34] back to 10:38 Habakkuk 2:3-4

Habakkuk 2:3-4

[35] back to 11:13 TR adds "and being convinced of"

[35] back to 11:13 TR adds "and being sure of"

[36] back to 11:18 Genesis 21:12

[36] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 21:12

[37] back to 11:33 Daniel 6:22-23

[37] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 6:22-23

[38] back to 11:34 Daniel 3:1-30

[38] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 3:1-30

[39] back to 11:34 1 Kings 19:1-3; 2 Kings 6:31-7:20

[39] back to 11:34 1 Kings 19:1-3; 2 Kings 6:31-7:20

[40] back to 11:35 1 Kings 19:1-3; 2 Kings 6:31-7:20

[40] back to 11:35 1 Kings 19:1-3; 2 Kings 6:31-7:20

[41] back to 11:37 2 Chronicles 24:20-21

[41] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 2 Chronicles 24:20-21

[42] back to 11:37 Jeremiah 26:20-23; 1 Kings 19:10

[42] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 26:20-23; 1 Kings 19:10

[43] back to 12:6 Proverbs 3:11-12

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 3:11-12

[44] back to 12:12 Isaiah 35:3

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 35:3

[45] back to 12:13 Proverbs 4:26

[45] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 4:26

[46] back to 12:20 TR adds "or shot with an arrow" [see Exodus 19:12-13]

[46] back to 12:20 TR adds "or hit by an arrow" [see Exodus 19:12-13]

[47] back to 12:20 Exodus 19:12-13

[47] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 19:12-13

[48] back to 12:21 Deuteronomy 9:19

[48] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 9:19

[49] back to 12:24 Jeremiah 31:31

[49] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Jeremiah 31:31

[50] back to 12:26 Haggai 2:6

[50] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Haggai 2:6

[51] back to 12:29 Deuteronomy 4:24

[51] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 4:24

[52] back to 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:6

[52] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Deuteronomy 31:6

[53] back to 13:6 Psalm 118:6-7

[53] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:6-7

[54] back to 13:11 Leviticus 16:27

[54] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 16:27

[55] back to 13:15 Psalm 50:23

[55] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 50:23














The Letter from James

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings. 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 1:4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 1:6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 1:7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 1:8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad: Greetings. 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face various trials, 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 1:4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 1:7 Those who doubt should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 1:8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

1:9 But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; 1:10 and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. 1:11 For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.

1:9 But the brother in difficult times should take pride in his elevated status; 1:10 and the rich should take pride in their humility, because just like the flower in the grass, they will wither away. 1:11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind, drying up the grass, and the flower within it falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich man will also fade in his endeavors.

1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 1:14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 1:15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. 1:16 Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers. 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

1:12 Blessed is the person who endures temptation, because once they have proven themselves, they will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love Him. 1:13 Let no one say when they are tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt anyone. 1:14 Instead, each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own desires and lured in. 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fully grown, leads to death. 1:16 Don't be misled, my dear brothers. 1:17 Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creations.

1:19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 1:20 for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. 1:21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; 1:24 for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1:19 So, my dear brothers, let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry; 1:20 because human anger doesn’t produce the righteousness that God desires. 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not just listeners, deceiving yourselves. 1:23 For anyone who listens to the word but doesn’t do what it says is like a person who looks at their face in a mirror; 1:24 they see themselves, go away, and immediately forget what they look like.

1:26 If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless. 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

1:26 If anyone among you thinks they are religious but doesn’t control their tongue, deceiving their heart, that person’s religion is meaningless. 1:27 True and genuine religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself untainted by the world.

2:1 My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. 2:2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; 2:3 and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" and you tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool;" 2:4 haven't you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Don't the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? 2:7 Don't they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? 2:8 However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"* you do well. 2:9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 2:11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery,"* also said, "Do not commit murder."* Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 2:12 So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom. 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

2:1 My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is glorious, with favoritism. 2:2 For if a man with a gold ring and fine clothes comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in; 2:3 and you pay special attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here in a good spot;" but you tell the poor man, "Stand over there," or "Sit by my feet;" 2:4 haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 2:5 Listen, my dear brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him? 2:6 But you’ve dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court? 2:7 Don’t they slander the good name by which you are called? 2:8 However, if you truly follow the royal law as stated in Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"* you’re doing well. 2:9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 2:11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery,"* also said, "Do not commit murder."* If you don’t commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 2:12 Speak and act as those who are to be judged by a law that gives freedom. 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? 2:15 And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, 2:16 and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it? 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. 2:18 Yes, a man will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but doesn’t show it through actions? Can that kind of faith save them? 2:15 And if a brother or sister is cold and lacks basic necessities like food, 2:16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, stay warm, and eat well;" but you don’t provide them with what their body needs, what good is that? 2:17 Similarly, faith without action is dead. 2:18 Sure, someone might say, "You have faith, and I have actions." Show me your faith without actions, and I will show you my faith through my actions.

2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. 2:20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? 2:21 Wasn't Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 2:22 You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;"* and he was called the friend of God. 2:24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. 2:25 In like manner wasn't Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

2:19 You believe that God is one. That's great. Even demons believe that and shudder. 2:20 But do you really want to understand, foolish person, that faith without actions is useless? 2:21 Wasn't our ancestor Abraham shown to be right with God by what he did when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 2:22 You see that his faith was working together with his actions, and his faith became complete by what he did; 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness;"* and he was called God's friend. 2:24 So you see that a person is justified by what they do and not by faith alone. 2:25 Similarly, wasn't Rahab the prostitute also shown to be right with God by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off in another direction? 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is dead.

3:1 Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. 3:2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. 3:3 Indeed, we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. 3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. 3:5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! 3:6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna. 3:7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. 3:8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 3:9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 3:11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

3:1 Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will face a stricter judgment. 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone doesn’t stumble in what they say, they’re a perfect person, able to control their whole body as well. 3:3 Indeed, we put bits in the mouths of horses so they will obey us, and we guide their entire body. 3:4 Look at ships; although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a small rudder, wherever the pilot wants. 3:5 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. Consider how a small fire can ignite a huge forest! 3:6 The tongue is also a fire. It’s a world of evil among our body parts; it corrupts the whole body, sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire by Gehenna.. 3:7 Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is tamed and has been tamed by humanity. 3:8 But no one can tame the tongue. It’s a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 3:9 With it, we bless our God and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who are made in the image of God. 3:10 Out of the same mouth come blessings and curses. My brothers, this should not be! 3:11 Does a spring pour out fresh and bitter water from the same opening? 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show by their good conduct that their actions are done in the gentleness of wisdom. 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and don't lie against the truth. 3:15 This wisdom is not the kind that comes from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is chaos and every kind of evil deed. 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, without favoritism, and without hypocrisy. 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? 4:2 You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask. 4:3 You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. 4:4 You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 4:5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"? 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."* 4:7 Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 4:9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

4:1 Where do conflicts and fights among you come from? Don't they stem from your desires that battle within you? 4:2 You desire things but don’t have them. You kill, covet, and can't get what you want. You fight and wage war. You don’t have because you don’t ask. 4:3 You ask but don’t receive because you ask with the wrong intentions, wanting to use it for your own pleasures. 4:4 You who are unfaithful, don’t you know that being friends with the world means being enemies with God? So anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 4:5 Or do you think the Scripture is saying this for no reason: "The Spirit who lives in us longs for us with jealousy"? 4:6 But he gives us more grace. Therefore, it says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."* 4:7 Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. 4:8 Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 4:9 Grieve, mourn, and cry. Let your laughter turn into mourning, and your joy into gloom. 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

4:11 Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 4:12 Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

4:11 Don’t talk badly about each other, brothers. If you criticize a brother and judge him, you’re criticizing the law and judging the law. But if you judge the law, you’re not following it; you’re judging it instead. 4:12 There is only one lawgiver who can save or destroy. So who are you to judge someone else?

4:13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." 4:14 Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. 4:15 For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that." 4:16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. 4:17 To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

4:13 Come on, you who say, "Let's go to this city today or tomorrow, and spend a year there, trading and making money." 4:14 You don't even know what your life will be like tomorrow. What is your life? You are like a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. 4:15 You should say, "If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that." 4:16 But now you take pride in your bragging. All such boasting is wrong. 4:17 So, if someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it, for them it is a sin.

5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you. 5:2 Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten. 5:3 Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days. 5:4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Armies. 5:5 You have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 5:6 You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn't resist you.

5:1 Listen up, you wealthy people, weep and wail for the troubles that are coming your way. 5:2 Your riches are ruined and your clothes are full of holes. 5:3 Your gold and silver are tarnished, and their rust will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded your treasure for the last days. 5:4 Look, the wages of the workers who harvested your fields, which you have withheld through dishonesty, are crying out, and the cries of those who reaped have reached the ears of the Lord of Armies. 5:5 You have lived in luxury on the earth and indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts like it's a day of slaughter. 5:6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one. He doesn't resist you.

5:7 Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

5:7 So, brothers, be patient until the Lord comes. Look at how the farmer waits for the valuable harvest from the field, being patient until it gets the early and late rain. 5:8 You too, be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near.

5:9 Don't grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won't be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door. 5:10 Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 5:11 Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 5:12 But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

5:9 Don’t complain, brothers, about each other, so you won’t be judged. Look, the judge is at the door. 5:10 Consider, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as examples of suffering and patience. 5:11 Notice that we consider those who endured to be blessed. You’ve heard about Job’s patience and seen how the Lord had a good outcome for him, showing that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 5:12 But above all, my brothers, don’t swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath; instead, let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no” be “no,” so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy.

5:13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 5:14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 5:15 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 5:16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months. 5:18 He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.

5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let them pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let them sing praises. 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call for the elders of the community, and let them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord, 5:15 and the prayer of faith will heal the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed sins, they will be forgiven. 5:16 Confess your wrongs to each other, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 5:17 Elijah was just like us, and he prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months. 5:18 He prayed again, and the sky produced rain, and the earth yielded its crops.

5:19 Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

5:19 Brothers, if any of you strays from the truth and someone helps bring him back, 5:20 let that person know that by turning a sinner away from their mistakes, they will save that soul from death and cover up a lot of sins.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:2 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:2 The word for "brothers" here, and in contexts where it's appropriate, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[2] back to 1:21 or, preserve your life.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, save your life.

[3] back to 2:2 or, meeting

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, gathering

[4] back to 2:8 Leviticus 19:18

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 19:18

[5] back to 2:11 Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18

[6] back to 2:11 Exodus 10:13; Deuteronomy 5:17

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 10:13; Deuteronomy 5:17

[7] back to 2:23 Genesis 15:16

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Genesis 15:16

[8] back to 3:6 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or Hell

[9] back to 4:6 Proverbs 3:34

[9] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 3:34

[10] back to 5:4 Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)

[11] back to 5:12 TR reads "under judgment" instead of "into hypocrisy"

[11] back to 5:12 TR reads "under judgment" instead of "into hypocrisy"














Peter's First Letter

1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1:4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 1:5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1:6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 1:7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ-- 1:8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don't see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory-- 1:9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 1:11 searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. 1:12 To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctification of the Spirit, so you can obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be multiplied to you. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his great mercy, has given us new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1:4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, kept in Heaven for you, 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1:6 In this, you greatly rejoice, even though, for a little while, if necessary, you may have been grieved by various trials, 1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ-- 1:8 whom you love even though you have never seen him; in whom, though you do not now see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory-- 1:9 receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets diligently sought and searched, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, 1:11 trying to find out the time or circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; these are things angels long to look into.

1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ-- 1:14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, 1:15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; 1:16 because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."* 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man's work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear: 1:18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, 1:19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; 1:20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake, 1:21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

1:13 So, be clear-minded and put all your hope in the grace that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed-- 1:14 as obedient children, don’t go back to the way you lived before, following your old desires in ignorance, 1:15 but just like the one who called you is holy, be holy in everything you do; because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."* 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who judges each person’s work without favoritism, live your life as strangers here in reverent fear: 1:18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with things that perish, like silver or gold, from the empty way of life you inherited from your ancestors, 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect; 1:20 he was chosen before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for your sake, 1:21 through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory; so your faith and hope are in God.

1:22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently: 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. 1:24 For,

1:22 Now that you have cleansed your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit with genuine brotherly love, love each other deeply from the heart: 1:23 having been born again, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable, through the word of God, which lasts and endures forever. 1:24 For,

"All flesh is like grass,
and all of man's glory like the flower in the grass.
The grass withers, and its flower falls;
1:25 but the Lord's word endures forever."*

This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

This is the message of Good News that was shared with you.

2:1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, 2:3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: 2:4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. 2:5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 2:6 Because it is contained in Scripture,

2:1 So, put away all the bad stuff: all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all harmful talk. 2:2 Like newborn babies craving pure milk, desire the true message of the Word so you can grow, 2:3 if you have really experienced how good the Lord is. 2:4 Come to Him, a living stone, rejected by people but chosen and precious to God. 2:5 You too, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 2:6 Because it’s written in Scripture,

"Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious:
He who believes in him will not be disappointed."*

2:7 For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient,

2:7 For you who believe, there is honor, but for those who are disobedient,

"The stone which the builders rejected,
has become the chief cornerstone,"*

2:8 and,

2:8 and,

"a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense."*

For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed. 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 2:10 who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 2:12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation. 2:13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 2:14 or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well. 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 2:16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

For they stumble at the message, being disobedient, to which they were also appointed. 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who belong to God, that you may proclaim the greatness of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light: 2:10 who once were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not received mercy, but now have received mercy. 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and visitors, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against the soul; 2:12 maintaining good conduct among the nations, so that in the thing they accuse you of as wrongdoers, they may by your good deeds, which they observe, glorify God on the day he visits. 2:13 Therefore submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as the highest authority; 2:14 or to governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish people: 2:16 live as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as servants of God.

2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 2:18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. 2:19 For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. 2:20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, 2:22 who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth."* 2:23 Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; 2:24 who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. 2:25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

2:17 Respect everyone. Love your fellow believers. Fear God. Honor the king. 2:18 Workers, submit to your bosses with full respect; not just to the good and kind, but also to the harsh. 2:19 It’s commendable if someone endures pain for doing what’s right, especially for the sake of their conscience toward God. 2:20 What’s the point of being praised for taking a beating when you do something wrong? But if you do what’s right and patiently endure suffering, that pleases God. 2:21 You were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example for us to follow, 2:22 who did not sin, "nor was deceit found in his mouth."* 2:23 Who, when he was insulted, didn’t retaliate. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but entrusted himself to the one who judges fairly; 2:24 who himself carried our sins in his body on the cross, so that we could die to sins and live for what is right; by whose wounds you were healed. 2:25 For you were wandering like lost sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

3:1 In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; 3:2 seeing your pure behavior in fear. 3:3 Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; 3:4 but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. 3:5 For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

3:1 In the same way, wives, be submissive to your own husbands; so that, even if some do not follow the Word, they may be won over by the behavior of their wives without saying a word; 3:2 observing your pure and reverent behavior. 3:3 Don't let your beauty come from outward adornment—such as elaborate hairstyles, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes; 3:4 but let it be from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 3:5 This is how the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful, being submissive to their own husbands: 3:6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

3:7 You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

3:7 You husbands, similarly, live with your wives thoughtfully, honoring them as the gentler partners, since they are also equal heirs of the grace of life; so that your prayers may not be obstructed.

3:8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, 3:9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. 3:10 For,

3:8 Finally, be united in your thoughts, warm-hearted, loving like family, kind, 3:9 not returning harm for harm, or insults for insults; but instead, offer blessings; knowing that this is what you were called to do, so you can receive a blessing. 3:10 For,

"He who would love life,
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
3:11 Let him turn away from evil, and do good.
Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears open to their prayer;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."*

3:13 Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."* 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: 3:16 having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ. 3:17 For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. 3:18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 3:19 in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, 3:20 who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 3:21 This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you--not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

3:13 Who is going to hurt you if you follow what is good? 3:14 But even if you do face suffering for doing what's right, you are blessed. "Don't be afraid of what they fear, and don’t let it trouble you."* 3:15 Set apart the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to explain to anyone who asks you about the hope that's in you, with gentleness and respect: 3:16 maintain a clear conscience so that when you are falsely accused as wrongdoers, those who slander your good conduct in Christ will be ashamed. 3:17 It’s better, if it's God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 3:18 For Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God; he was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 3:19 in that state, he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, 3:20 who were disobedient back when God was patient in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. Only a few people, eight in total, were saved through water. 3:21 This is a representation of baptism, which now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the appeal of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, with angels, authorities, and powers being made subject to him.

4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 4:2 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries. 4:4 They think it is strange that you don't run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: 4:5 who will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 4:6 For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit. 4:7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer. 4:8 And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. 4:11 If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

4:1 Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, prepare yourselves with the same mindset; for whoever has suffered in the flesh has stopped sinning. 4:2 So you should no longer spend the rest of your time in the flesh chasing human desires, but instead doing the will of God. 4:3 We have already wasted enough time pursuing the desires of the nonbelievers, engaging in immorality, lust, heavy drinking, wild parties, and detestable idolatries. 4:4 They find it strange that you don’t join them in their reckless behavior, and they insult you. 4:5 They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 4:6 For this reason, the Good News was preached even to those who are dead, so they might be judged like people in the flesh, but live for God in the spirit. 4:7 But the end of all things is near. So be clear-minded, self-controlled, and focused in prayer. 4:8 Above all, maintain fervent love for each other, because love covers a multitude of sins. 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 4:10 As each of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as though they were speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and authority forever and ever. Amen.

4:12 Beloved, don't be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 4:13 But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified. 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. 4:16 But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter. 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God? 4:18 "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?"* 4:19 Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.

4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery trial that has come upon you to test you, as if something unusual is happening. 4:13 But because you share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; so that when his glory is revealed, you may also rejoice with overwhelming joy. 4:14 If you are insulted for being associated with Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. They may speak ill of him, but you bring him glory. 4:15 Make sure none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evil-doer, or a meddler in others' affairs. 4:16 But if you suffer for being a Christian, don’t be ashamed; rather, glorify God in this matter. 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it starts with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God? 4:18 "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?"* 4:19 Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will while doing good, entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.

5:1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; 5:3 neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. 5:4 When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.

5:1 I urge the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings, who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. 5:2 Care for the flock of God that is with you, taking charge, not because you have to, but willingly; not for dishonest gain, but eagerly; 5:3 not as domineering over those in your care, but by being examples to the flock. 5:4 When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that won’t fade away.

5:5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."* 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 5:7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

5:5 Similarly, you younger people, be respectful to the elders. Yes, all of you, put on humility and be willing to serve one another; for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."* 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the powerful hand of God, so that he may lift you up at the right time; 5:7 cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

5:8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 5:9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 5:11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

5:8 Stay sober and self-controlled. Be alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 5:9 Stand firm against him in your faith, knowing that your fellow believers around the world are facing the same struggles. 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus, after you have suffered for a little while, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 5:11 To him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

5:12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 5:13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you; and so does Mark, my son. 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

5:12 I've written to you briefly through Silvanus, our loyal brother, as I see him, encouraging and affirming that this is the genuine grace of God that you stand in. 5:13 The one in Babylon, chosen along with you, sends her greetings; and Mark, my son, does too. 5:14 Greet each other with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:13 literally, "gird up the waist of your mind"

[1] back to 1:13 literally, "prepare your mind for action"

[2] back to 1:16 Leviticus 11:44-45

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Leviticus 11:44-45

[3] back to 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8

[3] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 40:6-8

[4] back to 2:6 Isaiah 28:16

[4] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 28:16

[5] back to 2:7 Psalm 118:22

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 118:22

[6] back to 2:8 Isaiah 8:14

[6] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 8:14

[7] back to 2:21 TR reads "us" instead of "you"

[7] back to 2:21 TR reads "us" instead of "you"

[8] back to 2:22 Isaiah 53:9

[8] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 53:9

[9] back to 2:25 "Overseer" is from the Greek episkopon, which can mean overseer, curator, guardian, or superintendent.

[9] back to 2:25 "Overseer" is derived from the Greek episkopon, which can mean overseer, curator, guardian, or superintendent.

[10] back to 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16

[10] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 34:12-16

[11] back to 3:14 Isaiah 8:12

[11] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Isaiah 8:12

[12] back to 4:18 Proverbs 11:31

[12] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 11:31

[13] back to 5:5 Proverbs 3:34

[13] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 3:34














Peter's Second Letter

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 1:2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 1:3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 1:5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 1:6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; 1:7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. 1:8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 1:11 For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who share the same precious faith as us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 1:2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 1:3 as his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness; 1:4 through these, he has given us his precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 1:6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 1:7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 1:8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 1:11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1:12 Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. 1:13 I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you; 1:14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 1:15 Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure. 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 1:17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."* 1:18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

1:12 So, I won't hesitate to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are grounded in the current truth. 1:13 I feel it's important, while I'm still here in this body, to encourage you by reminding you; 1:14 knowing that my time in this body is coming to an end, just as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 1:15 Yes, I will do my best to ensure that you can always remember these things even after I'm gone. 1:16 For we didn’t follow cleverly invented stories when we shared with you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were witnesses of his greatness. 1:17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."* 1:18 We heard this voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

1:19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 1:21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

1:19 We have a more reliable message of prophecy, and it’s a good idea to pay attention to it, like a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day breaks and the morning star rises in your hearts: 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy in Scripture is from personal interpretation. 1:21 For no prophecy ever originated from human will, but rather, holy men of God spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. 2:3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn't linger, and their destruction will not slumber. 2:4 For if God didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 2:5 and didn't spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; 2:6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; 2:7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked 2:8 (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds): 2:9 the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment; 2:10 but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries; 2:11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don't bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord. 2:12 But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, 2:13 receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceit while they feast with you; 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and who can't cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; 2:15 forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrong-doing; 2:16 but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man's voice and stopped the madness of the prophet. 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. 2:18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 2:19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him.

2:1 But false prophets also came up among the people, just like false teachers will be among you. They will secretly introduce harmful teachings, rejecting even the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be slandered. 2:3 In their greed, they will exploit you with misleading words; their judgment has been hanging over them since the beginning, and their destruction will not be delayed. 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into Tartarus and locked them in pits of darkness, holding them for judgment; 2:5 and did not spare the ancient world but preserved Noah and seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when He brought a flood upon the wicked; 2:6 and turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes and condemned them to destruction, making them an example for those who would live ungodly lives; 2:7 and rescued righteous Lot, who was deeply troubled by the immoral behavior of the wicked 2:8 (for that righteous man living among them was tormented in his righteous soul day after day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds): 2:9 the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment; 2:10 especially those who follow their own sinful nature and reject authority. They are bold, self-willed, and not afraid to speak against dignitaries; 2:11 whereas angels, who are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against them before the Lord. 2:12 But these, like irrational animals, born to be caught and destroyed, speak evil about things they don't understand; they will be destroyed along with their own corruption, 2:13 receiving the penalty for their wrongdoing; people who find pleasure in indulging during the daytime, blemishes and defects, indulging in their deceit while they feast with you; 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, unable to stop sinning; enticing unstable souls; their hearts trained in greed; they are cursed children; 2:15 having left the right way, they have gone astray, following the path of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the reward for wrongdoing; 2:16 but he was rebuked for his disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the madness of the prophet. 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for them, the blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 2:18 For, with loud and empty claims, they entice people into sinful desires, promising freedom while they themselves are slaves to corruption; because a person is a slave to whatever conquers them.

2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again,"* and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire."

2:20 For if, after they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they become entangled in it again and are defeated, their final condition is worse than their first. 2:21 It would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the holy commandment they received. 2:22 But this has happened to them as the true proverb says, "A dog returns to its own vomit,"* and "a pig, after being washed, goes back to rolling in the mud."

3:1 This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; 3:2 that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior: 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 3:5 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God; 3:6 by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. 3:7 But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 3:8 But don't forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 3:11 Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, 3:12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

3:1 This is now, dear friends, the second letter that I’ve written to you; and in both of them I’m trying to awaken your sincere minds by reminding you; 3:2 that you should remember the words spoken earlier by the holy prophets and the teachings of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior: 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days scoffers will come, following their own desires, 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his return? For since the day our ancestors died, everything has continued as it was from the beginning of creation." 3:5 For this they deliberately forget that there were heavens long ago, and an earth created from water and through water, by the word of God; 3:6 through which the world that existed then, flooded with water, was destroyed. 3:7 But the heavens that now exist, and the earth, have been kept for fire, reserved for the day of judgment and the destruction of wicked people. 3:8 But don’t overlook this one thing, dear friends, that with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 3:9 The Lord is not slow in fulfilling his promise, as some see slowness; but he is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night; at that time the heavens will vanish with a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and everything done on it will be burned up. 3:11 Therefore, since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be in holy living and godliness, 3:12 looking forward to and eagerly expecting the coming of the day of God, which will cause the heavens to be set on fire and the elements to melt with intense heat? 3:13 But, according to his promise, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

3:14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in his sight. 3:15 Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; 3:16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

3:14 So, dear friends, since you are looking for these things, make every effort to be at peace, without any faults and blameless in his eyes. 3:15 Consider the patience of our Lord as a chance for salvation; just as our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him; 3:16 as he does in all his letters, discussing these matters. In them are some things that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable distort, just as they do with the other Scriptures, leading to their own ruin. 3:17 So, beloved, knowing these things in advance, be careful, so you don’t get swept away by the error of the wicked and lose your own stability. 3:18 Instead, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and forever. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:10 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[1] back to 1:10 The term "brothers" used here can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings," depending on the context.

[2] back to 1:17 Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35

[2] back to 1:17 Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35

[3] back to 2:2 TR reads "destructive" instead of "immoral"

[3] back to 2:2 TR reads "harmful" instead of "wrong"

[4] back to 2:4 Tartarus is another name for Hell

[4] back to 2:4 Tartarus is another name for Hell.

[5] back to 2:22 Proverbs 26:11

[5] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Proverbs 26:11














John's First Letter

1:1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life 1:2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us); 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1:4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

1:1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked at, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life 1:2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen it, and we testify and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us); 1:3 what we have seen and heard we declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us. Indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 1:4 And we write these things to you so that our joy may be complete.

1:5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don't tell the truth. 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1:10 If we say that we haven't sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1:5 This is the message we heard from him and are passing on to you: God is light, and in him, there is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we claim to have a relationship with him but walk in darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth. 1:7 But if we walk in the light, just as he is in the light, we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1:8 If we claim we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wrongdoing. 1:10 If we claim we haven't sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2:1 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. 2:2 And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. 2:3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. 2:4 One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him. 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: 2:6 he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.

2:1 My dear children, I’m writing this to you so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. 2:2 He is the atonement for our sins, and not just for ours, but for the entire world. 2:3 We can be sure we know him if we keep his commandments. 2:4 Anyone who says, "I know him," but doesn’t keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth isn’t in them. 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, truly has God’s love perfected in them. This is how we can tell that we are in him: 2:6 whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

2:7 Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 2:8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines. 2:9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now. 2:10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. 2:11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

2:7 Brothers, I'm not giving you a new command, but an old one that you’ve had from the start. The old command is the message you’ve heard from the beginning. 2:8 Once again, I’m giving you a new command, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is fading away, and the true light is already shining. 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. 2:10 Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there’s no reason for them to stumble. 2:11 But anyone who hates his brother is in darkness, walks in darkness, and doesn’t know where they’re going because the darkness has blinded their eyes.

2:12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

2:12 I’m writing to you, kids, because your sins have been forgiven because of his name.

2:13 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

2:13 I’m writing to you, fathers, because you know the one who has been here since the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.

I’m writing to you, young men, because you’ve defeated the evil one.

I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.

I’m writing to you, kids, because you know the Father.

2:14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

2:14 I've written to you, fathers, because you know the one who has been here since the start.

I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

I’ve written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word lives in you, and you have defeated the evil one.

2:15 Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him. 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's. 2:17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.

2:15 Don’t love the world or anything in it. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in them. 2:16 Everything in the world—the cravings of sinful people, the lust of their eyes, and the pride in their achievements—doesn’t come from the Father but from the world. 2:17 The world is fading away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

2:18 Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour. 2:19 They went out from us, but they didn't belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that they might be revealed that none of them belong to us. 2:20 You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know the truth. 2:21 I have not written to you because you don't know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 2:22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 2:23 Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.

2:18 Little children, these are the last days, and as you've heard that the Antichrist is coming, many antichrists have already appeared. This is how we know it's the final hour. 2:19 They left us, but they weren't really part of us; if they had been, they would have stayed with us. But they left so it could be shown that none of them were truly part of us. 2:20 You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you understand the truth. 2:21 I haven't written to you because you don't understand the truth, but because you do, and because no lie comes from the truth. 2:22 Who is the liar except the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 2:23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father. Whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father as well.

2:24 Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father. 2:25 This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life. 2:26 These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray. 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don't need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him. 2:28 Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of him.

2:24 So, for you, keep in you what you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning stays in you, you will also stay in the Son and in the Father. 2:25 This is the promise he gave us: eternal life. 2:26 I’ve written these things to you about those who would mislead you. 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. His anointing teaches you about everything, is true, and is not a lie; just as it taught you, you will remain in him. 2:28 Now, dear children, stay in him, so that when he appears, we can have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn't know us, because it didn't know him. 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 3:3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 3:4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. 3:5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. 3:6 Whoever remains in him doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him.

3:1 Look at how amazing the love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God! That's why the world doesn't recognize us, because it didn't recognize him. 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and it hasn’t been revealed what we will become. But we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, because we will see him as he is. 3:3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies themselves, just as he is pure. 3:4 Anyone who sins also breaks the law; sin is lawlessness. 3:5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him there is no sin. 3:6 Anyone who remains in him doesn’t sin. Anyone who sins hasn’t seen him and doesn't know him.

3:7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 3:9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God. 3:10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother. 3:11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 3:12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 3:13 Don't be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn't love his brother remains in death. 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

3:7 Little kids, don't let anyone mislead you. Whoever does what is right is righteous, just like He is righteous. 3:8 Whoever sins belongs to the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the start. The Son of God was revealed to put an end to the devil's work. 3:9 Anyone born of God doesn’t sin, because His seed remains in them; and they can’t sin because they have been born of God. 3:10 This is how we can tell the children of God from the children of the devil: Anyone who doesn't do what is right is not of God, nor is the one who doesn't love their brother. 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: we should love one another; 3:12 not like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his actions were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. 3:13 Don't be surprised, my siblings, if the world hates you. 3:14 We know that we have moved from death to life because we love our siblings. Anyone who doesn’t love their brother remains in death. 3:15 Whoever hates their brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in them.

3:16 By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him? 3:18 My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth. 3:19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him, 3:20 because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts don't condemn us, we have boldness toward God; 3:22 and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. 3:23 This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded. 3:24 He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.

3:16 We know what love is because he gave his life for us. And we should also give our lives for our brothers. 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but shuts his heart against him, how can the love of God be in him? 3:18 Dear children, let's not just say we love each other, or show it only with words, but let’s love in action and truth. 3:19 This is how we know we belong to the truth and can reassure our hearts before him, 3:20 because if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we can be confident in our relationship with God; 3:22 and whatever we ask, we receive from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 3:23 This is his commandment: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another, just as he commanded. 3:24 Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them. This is how we know he remains in us: by the Spirit he gave us.

4:1 Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 4:3 and every spirit who doesn't confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

4:1 Dear friends, don't trust every spirit; instead, test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 4:2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 4:3 and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and it is already in the world. 4:4 You are from God, dear children, and you have overcome them; because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 4:5 They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we can recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God. 4:8 He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love. 4:9 By this God's love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 4:11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. 4:12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.

4:7 Dear friends, let's love one another, because love comes from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 4:9 This is how God's love was shown to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. 4:10 This is love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 4:11 Dear friends, if God loved us this way, we also should love one another. 4:12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.

4:13 By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 4:14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world. 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. 4:16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 4:17 In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world. 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. 4:19 We love Him, because he first loved us. 4:20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 4:21 This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

4:13 This is how we know that we stay in him and he stays in us: he has given us his Spirit. 4:14 We have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 4:15 Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he remains in God. 4:16 We know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in God, and God lives in him. 4:17 This love has been made complete among us, so we can have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 4:18 There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 4:19 We love him because he first loved us. 4:20 If anyone says, "I love God," but hates his brother, he is a liar; for anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 4:21 We have this command from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever loves the father also loves the child who is born of him. 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous. 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith. 5:5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 5:6 This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 5:7 For there are three who testify*: 5:8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one. 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God's testimony which he has testified concerning his Son. 5:10 He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn't believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. 5:11 The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 5:12 He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn't have God's Son doesn't have the life. 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

5:1 Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Anyone who loves the Father also loves the child born of Him. 5:2 We know that we love the children of God when we love God and follow His commandments. 5:3 This is what it means to love God: to keep His commandments. His commandments aren’t burdensome. 5:4 Whatever is born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: your faith. 5:5 Who overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 5:6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only with water, but with water and blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 5:7 For there are three that testify*: 5:8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three are in agreement. 5:9 If we accept human testimony, God’s testimony is greater; because this is the testimony God has given about His Son. 5:10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony in them. Whoever doesn’t believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they haven’t believed the testimony God has given about His Son. 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 5:13 I’ve written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life and continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

5:14 This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 5:15 And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.

5:14 This is the confidence we have in him, that if we ask for anything that aligns with his will, he hears us. 5:15 And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask for, we know we have what we've requested from him.

5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death. I don't say that he should make a request concerning this. 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death. 5:18 We know that whoever is born of God doesn't sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn't touch him. 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, he should ask, and God will give him life for those who sin without leading to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I’m not saying he should pray about that. 5:17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is a sin that doesn’t lead to death. 5:18 We know that anyone born of God doesn’t sin, but the one born of God protects himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him. 5:19 We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we can know the one who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

5:21 Little kids, stay away from idols.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 2:1 Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comfortor.

[1] back to 2:1 Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comforter.

[2] back to 2:2 "atoning sacrifice" is from the Greek "hilasmos," an appeasing, propitiating, or the means of appeasement or propitiation--the sacrifice that turns away God's wrath because of our sin.

[2] back to 2:2 "atoning sacrifice" comes from the Greek "hilasmos," which means something that appeases or calms, or the way to gain favor or forgiveness—it's the sacrifice that turns away God's anger because of our sin.

[3] back to 4:10 "atoning sacrifice" is from the Greek "hilasmos," an appeasing, propitiating, or the means of appeasement or propitiation--the sacrifice that turns away God's wrath because of our sin.

[3] back to 4:10 "atoning sacrifice" comes from the Greek "hilasmos," meaning an act of appeasement or a way to make things right—the sacrifice that turns away God's anger because of our sin.

[4] back to 5:7 Only a few recent manuscripts add "in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth"

[4] back to 5:7 Only a few recent manuscripts include "in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth."














John's Second Letter

1:1 The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; 1:2 for the truth's sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever: 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

1:1 To the chosen woman and her children, whom I genuinely love; and I’m not the only one, but everyone who knows the truth loves you too; 1:2 because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever: 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

1:4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father. 1:5 Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 1:6 This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don't confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 1:8 Watch yourselves, that we don't lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 1:10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, 1:11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

1:4 I’m really happy to hear that I’ve found some of your children living by the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 1:5 Now I urge you, dear lady, not as if I’m writing to you a new command, but rather the one we’ve had from the very beginning: that we love one another. 1:6 This is love—that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 1:7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world—those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 1:8 Be careful not to lose the things we’ve worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and doesn’t stay in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. Whoever remains in that teaching has both the Father and the Son. 1:10 If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t welcome him into your home and don’t greet him, 1:11 because whoever welcomes him shares in his evil deeds.

1:12 Having many things to write to you, I don't want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full. 1:13 The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.

1:12 I have a lot to say to you, but I'd rather share it in person than write it down. I hope I can visit you soon and talk face to face so that we can be completely joyful. 1:13 Your chosen sister's children send their greetings. Amen.














John's Third Letter

1:1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

1:1 The elder to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I truly love.

1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

1:2 Dear friend, I hope you are doing well in everything and staying healthy, just as your soul is thriving. 1:3 I was so happy when some fellow believers came and shared how you’re living out your truth. 1:4 There’s nothing that brings me more joy than knowing my children are living in truth.

1:5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 1:6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, 1:7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 1:8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

1:5 Dear friend, you’re doing great work in everything you do for fellow believers and for those you don’t know. 1:6 They have shared your love with the group. It’s a good idea to support them on their journey in a way that honors God, 1:7 because they set out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from non-believers. 1:8 Therefore, we should welcome such people, so that we can be partners in spreading the truth.

1:9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn't accept what we say. 1:10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly. 1:11 Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God. 1:12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

1:9 I wrote to the group, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the top dog, doesn't accept what we say. 1:10 So, if I come, I will point out his actions where he unjustly accuses us with malicious words. Not only this, but he also doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who want to, he stops and kicks out of the group. 1:11 Dear friends, don’t follow what is wrong, but what is right. The person who does good is from God. The person who does evil hasn’t seen God. 1:12 Demetrius has the support of everyone, and of the truth itself; yes, we also give our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

1:13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 1:14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

1:13 I had a lot to say to you, but I don't want to write it down with ink and paper; 1:14 I hope to see you soon so we can talk in person. Peace to you. Your friends send their greetings. Please greet the friends by name.














The Letter from Jude

1:1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 1:2 Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied.

1:1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and James' brother, to everyone who is called, set apart by God the Father, and preserved for Jesus Christ: 1:2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

1:3 Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 1:4 For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1:3 Dear friends, I really wanted to write to you about our shared salvation, but I felt the need to urge you to fight hard for the faith that was given to the saints once and for all. 1:4 Because certain individuals have secretly slipped in, people who have been marked out for this condemnation a long time ago: ungodly individuals who twist the grace of our God into something extreme and deny our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1:5 Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn't believe. 1:6 Angels who didn't keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day. 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. 1:8 Yet in like manner these also in their dreaming defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings. 1:9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, "May the Lord rebuke you!" 1:10 But these speak evil of whatever things they don't know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, they are destroyed in these things. 1:11 Woe to them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in Korah's rebellion. 1:12 These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 1:13 wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. 1:14 About these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 1:15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage.

1:5 I want to remind you, even though you already know this, that the Lord saved a people from Egypt but later destroyed those who didn’t believe. 1:6 He has kept angels who abandoned their proper place in eternal darkness, bound for the judgment of the great day. 1:7 Just like Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities, which indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desires, they serve as examples, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. 1:8 Similarly, these dreamers defile their flesh, reject authority, and insult celestial beings. 1:9 Yet Michael, the archangel, when disputing with the devil about Moses’ body, didn’t dare to accuse him with slander, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” 1:10 But these people insult whatever they don’t understand. Like irrational animals, they destroy themselves in what they know instinctively. 1:11 Woe to them! They have gone the way of Cain, rushed into Balaam’s error for profit, and perished in Korah’s rebellion. 1:12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, feasting with you, shepherds who selfishly feed themselves; they are clouds without rain, blown around by the wind; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted; 1:13 wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame; wandering stars for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved forever. 1:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them, saying, “Look, the Lord is coming with thousands of his holy ones, 1:15 to judge everyone and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodly ways, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 1:16 These are grumblers and faultfinders, following their own desires (and their mouths boast loudly), showing favoritism to gain advantage.

1:17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:18 They said to you that "In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts." 1:19 These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. 1:20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 1:22 On some have compassion, making a distinction, 1:23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

1:17 But you, dear friends, remember the words that the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ spoke before. 1:18 They told you that "In the last days, there will be mockers, following their own ungodly desires." 1:19 These are the ones who create divisions and are driven by their senses, lacking the Spirit. 1:20 But you, dear friends, keep building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 1:21 Stay in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 1:22 Show compassion to some, making a distinction, 1:23 and save others, rescuing them from the fire with fear, even hating the clothing that has been stained by the flesh.

1:24 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 1:25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

1:24 Now to the one who can keep them from falling and present you blameless in the presence of His glory with amazing joy, 1:25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory, majesty, authority, and power, both now and forever. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:1 or, Judah

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Judah

[2] back to 1:24 TR and NU read "you"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR and NU read "you"














The Revelation to John

1:1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John, 1:2 who testified to God's word, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.

1:1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants what must happen soon. He sent it and made it known through his angel to his servant, John, 1:2 who testified to God's word and the testimony of Jesus Christ about everything he saw.

1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

1:3 Blessed is the one who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and take to heart what’s written in it, because the time is near.

1:4 John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood; 1:6 and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests* to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1:4 John, to the seven churches in Asia: Grace and peace to you from God, who is, who was, and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits in front of his throne; 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood; 1:6 and he has made us a kingdom, priests* to his God and Father; to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

1:7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who crucified him. All the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So be it, Amen.

1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega,*" says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

1:8 "I am the beginning and the end," says the Lord "who is, who was, and who will be, the All-Powerful."

1:9 I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet 1:11 saying, "*What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies*: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

1:9 I, John, your brother and fellow participant in suffering, the Kingdom, and endurance in Christ Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 1:11 saying, "*Write down what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches*: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

1:12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 1:13 And among the lampstands was one like a son of man,* clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. 1:14 His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. 1:15 His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. 1:16 He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.

1:12 I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 1:13 And among the lampstands was someone resembling a son of man,* dressed in a robe that reached down to his feet, with a golden sash around his chest. 1:14 His head and hair were as white as wool, like snow. His eyes were like flames of fire. 1:15 His feet were like polished bronze, as if they had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 1:16 He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp, double-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead person.

He laid his right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last, 1:18 and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. 1:19 Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter; 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.

He put his right hand on me and said, "Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, 1:18 and the Living one. I was dead, and look, I am alive forever. Amen. I hold the keys of Death and of Hades. 1:19 So write down what you have seen, what is happening now, and what will happen next; 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies."

2:1 "To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write:

2:1 "Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus:

"He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things:

"He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things:

2:2 "I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. 2:3 You have perseverance and have endured for my name's sake, and have* not grown weary. 2:4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love. 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent. 2:6 But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.

2:2 "I know what you've done, your hard work and perseverance, and that you can't stand wicked people. You've tested those who claim to be apostles, but aren't, and found them to be false. 2:3 You have endured and stayed strong for my name's sake, and you have* not grown tired. 2:4 But I have this against you: you have left your first love. 2:5 Remember where you have fallen from, repent, and do the works you did at first; otherwise, I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 2:6 But you do have this: you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 2:7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God.

2:8 "To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:

2:8 "Write to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna:

"The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

"The first and the last, who was dead and has come back to life, says these things:

2:9 "I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 2:10 Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won't be harmed by the second death.

2:9 "I see what you’re doing—your struggles and your poverty (but you’re actually rich)—and the false claims of those who say they’re Jews but are really a gathering of Satan. 2:10 Don’t be afraid of what’s about to happen. Look, the devil is going to put some of you in prison to test you, and you’ll face hardships for ten days. Stay faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 2:11 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes won’t be hurt by the second death.

2:12 "To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write:

2:12 "Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum:

"He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:

"He who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:"

2:13 "I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn't deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 2:15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise*. 2:16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.

2:13 "I know what you do and where you live, where Satan's throne is. You stay true to my name and did not deny my faith during the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. 2:14 But I have a few issues with you because you have some people there who follow the teachings of Balaam, who advised Balak to put a stumbling block in front of the children of Israel, encouraging them to eat food sacrificed to idols and to engage in sexual immorality. 2:15 So you also have some who follow the teachings of the Nicolaitans. 2:16 Therefore, repent, or I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. 2:17 Whoever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give them a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written that no one knows except the one who receives it.

2:18 "To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write:

2:18 "Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira:

"The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:

"The Son of God, whose eyes are like flaming fire and whose feet are like polished bronze, says these things:

2:19 "I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first. 2:20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 2:21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 2:22 Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works. 2:23 I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 2:24 But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don't have this teaching, who don't know what some call 'the deep things of Satan,' to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you. 2:25 Nevertheless, hold firmly that which you have, until I come. 2:26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. 2:27 He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots;* as I also have received of my Father: 2:28 and I will give him the morning star. 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

2:19 "I know what you do, your love, faith, service, and patience, and that your recent actions are greater than the earlier ones. 2:20 But I have a problem with you; you allow a woman, Jezebel, who claims to be a prophetess, to mislead my servants into committing sexual immorality and eating food offered to idols. 2:21 I gave her time to change her ways, but she refuses to stop her immoral actions. 2:22 Look, I will throw her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they change their behavior. 2:23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches hearts and minds. I will reward each of you according to your actions. 2:24 But to you, the rest in Thyatira, who do not hold to this teaching and aren’t familiar with what some call 'the deep things of Satan,' I say, I’m not imposing any further burden on you. 2:25 However, hold on tightly to what you have until I come. 2:26 To the one who overcomes and keeps my actions until the end, I will give authority over the nations. 2:27 He will rule them with an iron scepter, shattering them like pottery; * as I have also received from my Father: 2:28 and I will give him the morning star. 2:29 Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

3:1 "And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write:

3:1 "And to the messenger of the community in Sardis write:

"He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things:

"He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things:

"I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 3:2 Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God. 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won't watch, I will come as a thief, and you won't know what hour I will come upon you. 3:4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 3:5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

"I know what you’ve been doing; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. 3:2 Wake up, and hold on to what is left that you were about to throw away, because I have found no works of yours that are complete before my God. 3:3 Remember how you received and heard. Keep it, and change your ways. If you don’t stay alert, I will come like a thief, and you won’t know what time I will come to you. 3:4 However, you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not stained their clothes. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 3:5 The one who overcomes will be dressed in white, and I will definitely not erase his name from the book of life, and I will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 3:6 Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

3:7 "To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write:

3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

"He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:

"He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:

3:8 "I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. 3:9 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 3:10 Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 3:11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. 3:12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

3:8 "I see what you have done (look, I have opened a door for you that no one can close), that you have a bit of strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name. 3:9 Look, I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are not, come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure, I will protect you from the coming hour of trial that will test everyone living on the earth. 3:11 I am coming soon! Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 3:12 To the one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave that place again. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven from my God, and my own new name. 3:13 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

3:14 "To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write:

3:14 "Write this to the angel of the church in Laodicea:

"The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things:

"The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Leader of God's creation, says these things:

3:15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. 3:17 Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. 3:21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. 3:22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."

3:15 "I know what you do; you’re neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other. 3:16 So, since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 3:17 You say, 'I am rich, and have acquired wealth, and don't need anything;' but you don't realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. 3:18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so you can become truly rich; and white clothes to wear, so you won’t be ashamed of your nakedness; and eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see. 3:19 Those I love, I correct and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me. 3:21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 3:22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

4:1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this."

4:1 After these things, I looked and saw a door open in heaven, and the first voice I heard, like a trumpet speaking to me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you the things that must happen after this."

4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne 4:3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. 4:5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 4:6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. 4:7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. 4:8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

4:2 Suddenly, I was in the Spirit. Look, there was a throne set in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne 4:3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, looking like an emerald. 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four other thrones. On those thrones sat twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with crowns of gold on their heads. 4:5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, noises, and thunder. There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 4:6 In front of the throne was something like a glassy sea, clear as crystal. In the center of the throne, and around it, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 4:7 The first creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes all around and within. They never rest day or night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

4:9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, 4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!"

4:9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him, worshiping the one who lives forever and ever, and they throw their crowns before the throne, saying, 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, the Holy One,, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created!"

5:1 I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. 5:2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?" 5:3 No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it. 5:4 And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it. 5:5 One of the elders said to me, "Don't weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals." 5:6 I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 5:7 Then he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 5:8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 5:9 They sang a new song, saying,

5:1 I saw, in the right hand of the one sitting on the throne, a book written on both sides, sealed with seven seals. 5:2 I saw a powerful angel shouting with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?" 5:3 No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open the book or even look at it. 5:4 And I cried a lot because no one was found worthy to open the book or look inside it. 5:5 One of the elders said to me, "Don't cry. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed; he is able to open the book and its seven seals." 5:6 I saw in the center of the throne and the four living creatures, and in the center of the elders, a Lamb standing, as if it had been slaughtered, with seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 5:7 Then he came and took the book from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 5:8 When he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 5:9 They sang a new song, saying,

"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its seals:
for you were killed,
and bought us for God with your blood,
out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
5:10 and made us kings and priests to our God,
and we will reign on earth."

5:11 I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!"

5:11 I saw and heard something like the voices of many angels surrounding the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and their number was countless—ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!"

5:13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!"

5:13 I heard every living being in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To the one who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the power, forever and ever! Amen!"

5:14 The four living creatures said, "Amen!" The *elders fell down and worshiped.*

5:14 The four living beings said, "Amen!" The *elders fell down and worshiped.*

6:1 I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!" 6:2 And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.

6:1 I watched as the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures shout, as if with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!" 6:2 And there was a white horse, and its rider had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he went out to conquer.

6:3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come!" 6:4 Another came forth, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.

6:3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 6:4 Another horse appeared, it was red. The rider was granted the power to take peace from the earth, causing people to kill each other. A large sword was given to him.

6:5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come and see!" And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. 6:6 I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don't damage the oil and the wine!"

6:5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see!" And there was a black horse, and the one who sat on it had a scale in his hand. 6:6 I heard a voice in the middle of the four living creatures say, "A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three measures of barley for a denarius! Don't harm the oil and the wine!"

6:7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see!" 6:8 And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him.

6:7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature say, "Come and see!" 6:8 And look, a pale horse, and the one who sat on it was named Death. Hades followed right behind him. He was given power over a quarter of the earth to kill with the sword, with famine, with disease, and by the wild animals of the earth.

6:9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. 6:10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 6:11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.

6:9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God and for the testimony of the Lamb they had. 6:10 They cried out loudly, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who live on the earth?" 6:11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told to rest for a little longer until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed just as they were, completed their task.

6:12 I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. 6:13 The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. 6:14 The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 6:15 The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. 6:16 They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 6:17 for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?"

6:12 I witnessed when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a massive earthquake. The sun turned as dark as sackcloth made of hair, and the entire moon looked like blood. 6:13 The stars in the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when shaken by a strong wind. 6:14 The sky was rolled up like a scroll. Every mountain and island was moved from its place. 6:15 The kings of the earth, the leaders, the military commanders, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 6:16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne, and from the anger of the Lamb, 6:17 for the great day of his anger has arrived; and who can endure it?"

7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. 7:2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 7:3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!" 7:4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:

7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so that no wind would blow on the land, the sea, or any tree. 7:2 I saw another angel rise from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. He shouted with a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to harm the earth and the sea, 7:3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have marked the servants of our God on their foreheads!" 7:4 I heard the number of those who were marked, one hundred forty-four thousand, taken from every tribe of the children of Israel:

7:5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,
7:6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,
7:7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,
7:8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. 7:10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

7:9 After this, I looked, and there was a huge crowd that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches. 7:10 They shouted loudly, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

7:11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 7:12 saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

7:11 All the angels were gathered around the throne, along with the elders and the four living creatures; they fell on their faces before His throne and worshiped God, 7:12 saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

7:13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?"

7:13 One of the elders replied to me, "Who are those in white robes, and where did they come from?"

7:14 I told him, "My lord, you know."

7:14 I said to him, "My lord, you know."

He said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood. 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 7:16 They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; 7:17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

He said to me, "These are the people who came out of the huge suffering. They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 7:15 So they are before the throne of God; they serve him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will cover them with his tent. 7:16 They will never be hungry or thirsty anymore; the sun will not beat down on them, and there won’t be any heat. 7:17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will take care of them and lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 8:2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 8:3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. 8:5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake.

8:1 When he broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 8:2 I saw seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. 8:3 Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer. A lot of incense was given to him, so he could add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. 8:4 The smoke of the incense, along with the saints' prayers, went up before God from the angel's hand. 8:5 The angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it down to the earth. Then there were thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake.

8:6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 8:7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8:6 The seven angels with the seven trumpets got ready to blow their trumpets. 8:7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood, which was thrown down to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

8:8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood, 8:9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.

8:8 The second angel blew his trumpet, and something that looked like a massive burning mountain was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, 8:9 and a third of the living creatures in the sea died. A third of the ships were destroyed.

8:10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. 8:11 The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

8:10 The third angel blew the trumpet, and a huge star fell from the sky, burning like a flame. It landed on a third of the rivers and on the water sources. 8:11 The star is called "Wormwood." A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water because it was bitter.

8:12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn't shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way. 8:13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!"

8:12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was darkened, along with a third of the moon and a third of the stars; so that a third of them were obscured, and the day would be dark for a third of its time, and the night too. 8:13 I saw and heard an eagle, flying across the sky, saying with a loud voice, "Disaster! Disaster! Disaster for those who live on the earth, because of the other sounds from the trumpets of the three angels who are yet to blow!"

9:1 The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. 9:2 He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a* burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. 9:3 Then out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 9:4 They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those people who don't have God's seal on their foreheads. 9:5 They were given power not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes a person. 9:6 In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 9:7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people's faces. 9:8 They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like those of lions. 9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war. 9:10 They have tails like those of scorpions, and stings. In their tails they have power to harm men for five months. 9:11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon," but in Greek, he has the name "Apollyon." 9:12 The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this.

9:1 The fifth angel blew his horn, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. He was given the key to the bottomless pit. 9:2 He opened the pit, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. 9:3 Then locusts emerged from the smoke and spread across the earth, and they were given power like the scorpions of the earth. 9:4 They were instructed not to harm the grass of the earth, any green plant, or any tree, but only those people who did not have God's seal on their foreheads. 9:5 They were given the ability not to kill them but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a person. 9:6 During those days, people will look for death and not find it. They will wish to die, but death will evade them. 9:7 The locusts looked like horses equipped for battle. On their heads were what seemed like golden crowns, and their faces looked like human faces. 9:8 They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9:9 They wore armor that looked like iron. The sound of their wings was like the noise of chariots or many horses rushing into battle. 9:10 They had tails like scorpions and stingers, and in their tails, they had the power to harm people for five months. 9:11 Their king was the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon,", but in Greek, he is called "Apollyon.". 9:12 The first woe has passed. Look, there are still two more woes coming after this.

9:13 The sixth angel sounded. I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God, 9:14 saying to the sixth angel who had one trumpet, "Free the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!"

9:13 The sixth angel blew his trumpet. I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar in front of God, 9:14 telling the sixth angel with the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are held captive at the great river Euphrates!"

9:15 The four angels were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year, so that they might kill one third of mankind. 9:16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard the number of them. 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them, having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of lions. Out of their mouths proceed fire, smoke, and sulfur. 9:18 By these three plagues were one third of mankind killed: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur, which proceeded out of their mouths. 9:19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths, and in their tails. For their tails are like serpents, and have heads, and with them they harm. 9:20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn't repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn't worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk. 9:21 They didn't repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.

9:15 The four angels were released who had been prepared for that hour, day, month, and year, so that they could kill one third of humanity. 9:16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard their number. 9:17 Then I saw the horses in the vision, and those riding them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of lions. Fire, smoke, and sulfur came out of their mouths. 9:18 A third of humanity was killed by these three plagues: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came out of their mouths. 9:19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails. Their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them, they inflict harm. 9:20 The rest of humanity, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so they would not worship demons, and the idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood; which cannot see, hear, or walk. 9:21 They did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries,, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.

10:1 I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 10:2 He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land. 10:3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 10:4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

10:1 I saw a powerful angel coming down from the sky, wrapped in a cloud. There was a rainbow on his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet looked like columns of fire. 10:2 He was holding a small open book in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 10:3 He shouted with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he shouted, the seven thunders responded. 10:4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was ready to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things that the seven thunders said, and don’t write them."

10:5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 10:6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 10:7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets. 10:8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, "Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land."

10:5 The angel I saw standing on the sea and the land raised his right hand to the sky, 10:6 and swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything on it, and the sea and everything in it, that there will be no more delay, 10:7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to blow his trumpet, then the mystery of God will be complete, as he declared to his servants, the prophets. 10:8 The voice I heard from heaven, speaking to me again, said, "Go, take the book that is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and the land."

10:9 I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book.

10:9 I approached the angel and asked him to hand me the little book.

He said to me, "Take it, and eat it up. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."

He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach feel bitter, but in your mouth, it will be as sweet as honey."

10:10 I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 10:11 They told me, "You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."

10:10 I took the small book from the angel's hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But after I ate it, my stomach turned bitter. 10:11 They said to me, "You need to prophesy again to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."

11:1 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, "Rise, and measure God's temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 11:2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don't measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. 11:3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, standing before the Lord of the earth. 11:5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 11:6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. 11:7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. 11:8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 11:9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 11:10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11:11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 11:12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them. 11:13 In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven. 11:14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly.

11:1 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, "Get up, and measure God's temple, the altar, and those who worship there. 11:2 Don't include the outer courtyard of the temple; do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations. They will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 11:3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for one thousand two hundred sixty days, dressed in sackcloth." 11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth. 11:5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire will come out of their mouths and consume their enemies. If anyone tries to harm them, they must be killed this way. 11:6 They have the power to shut the sky so that it doesn't rain during the time of their prophecy. They can turn the waters into blood and strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. 11:7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war against them, defeat them, and kill them. 11:8 Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city, spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also crucified. 11:9 People from every nation, tribe, language, and ethnicity will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and won't allow them to be buried. 11:10 Those who live on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate. They will exchange gifts with each other, because these two prophets had tormented those living on the earth. 11:11 After three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 11:12 I heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here!" They ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 11:13 That day, there was a massive earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people died in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 11:14 The second woe is finished. Look, the third woe is coming quickly.

11:15 The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!"

11:15 The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven shouted, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. He will rule forever and ever!"

11:16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 11:17 saying: "We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was*; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. 11:18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

11:16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones in front of God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 11:17 saying: "We thank you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was*; because you have taken your great power and begun to reign. 11:18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to reward your servants, the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear your name, both the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

11:19 God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.

11:19 God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant was revealed in His temple. Then there were flashes of lightning, loud noises, thunder, an earthquake, and huge hail.

12:1 A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 12:2 She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to give birth. 12:3 Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. 12:4 His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. 12:5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne. 12:6 The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one thousand two hundred sixty days.

12:1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman dressed with the sun, the moon at her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 12:2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain, struggling to give birth. 12:3 Another sign appeared in heaven. Look, a massive red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven crowns. 12:4 His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as it was born. 12:5 She gave birth to a son, a male child destined to rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Her child was taken up to God and to his throne. 12:6 The woman escaped into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her, to be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.

12:7 There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. 12:8 They didn't prevail, neither was a place found for him any more in heaven. 12:9 The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 12:10 I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. 12:11 They overcame him because of the Lamb's blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life, even to death. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time."

12:7 There was a war in the sky. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back. 12:8 They didn’t win, and no place was found for them in heaven anymore. 12:9 The great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, known as the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 12:10 I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now has come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. 12:11 They defeated him because of the Lamb's blood and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their lives, even to death. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, filled with great anger, knowing that he has a short time."

12:13 When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 12:14 Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 12:15 The serpent spewed water out of his mouth after the woman like a river, that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. 12:16 The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon spewed out of his mouth. 12:17 The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony.

12:13 When the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he targeted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 12:14 The woman was given two wings of a great eagle so she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she would be cared for for a time, times, and half a time, away from the serpent. 12:15 The serpent poured water out of his mouth after the woman like a river, trying to sweep her away with the flood. 12:16 The earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had poured out. 12:17 The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God's commandments and hold onto the testimony of Jesus.

13:1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. 13:2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 13:3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 13:4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" 13:5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. 13:6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. 13:7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. 13:9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 13:10 If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.

13:1 Then I stood on the shore of the sea. I saw a beast rising up out of the water, with ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads were names that blasphemed. 13:2 The beast I saw looked like a leopard, with feet like a bear's, and a mouth like a lion's. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 13:3 One of his heads seemed to have been fatally wounded, but his deadly wound was healed, and the whole earth was amazed at the beast. 13:4 They worshiped the dragon because he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who can fight against him?" 13:5 A mouth was given to him that spoke arrogant words and blasphemies. He was given authority to wage war for forty-two months. 13:6 He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, to insult his name, and His dwelling, and those who live in heaven. 13:7 It was given to him to make war against the saints and to conquer them. He was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. 13:8 All the people who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the beginning in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 13:9 If anyone has an ear, let them listen. 13:10 If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the patience and faith of the saints.

13:11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. 13:12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13:13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people. 13:14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. 13:15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed. 13:16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads; 13:17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name. 13:18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.

13:11 I saw another creature rising up from the ground. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 13:12 It has all the authority of the first beast in its presence. It makes the people on earth worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13:13 It performs amazing signs, even bringing fire down from the sky to the earth in front of people. 13:14 It deceives the people living on earth because of the signs it was allowed to perform in front of the beast, telling those who inhabit the earth to make an image of the beast who had the sword wound and lived. 13:15 It was given the power to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image could speak and cause anyone who wouldn’t worship the image of the beast to be killed. 13:16 It forces everyone, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive marks on their right hands or on their foreheads; 13:17 and no one can buy or sell unless he has that mark, the name of the beast, or the number of its name. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. Its number is six hundred sixty-six.

14:1 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. 14:2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. 14:3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. 14:4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 14:5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.*

14:1 I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him was a group of one hundred forty-four thousand, with his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. 14:2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the roar of rushing waters and like the clap of thunder. The sound I heard was like harpists playing their harps. 14:3 They sang a new song before the throne and in front of the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except for the one hundred forty-four thousand, who had been redeemed from the earth. 14:4 These are the ones who were not defiled by women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were redeemed by Jesus from among humanity, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 14:5 In their mouths was found no lie, for they are blameless.*

14:6 I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 14:7 He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!"

14:6 I saw an angel flying high in the sky, carrying an everlasting message to share with everyone on earth, including every nation, tribe, language, and people. 14:7 He shouted loudly, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the time of his judgment has come. Worship him who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water!"

14:8 Another, a second angel, followed, saying, "Babylon the great has fallen, which has made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality."

14:8 Another angel followed, saying, "Babylon the great has fallen, and she has made all the nations drink the wine of her immoral desires."

14:9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand, 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. 14:11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

14:9 A third angel followed them, shouting in a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on their forehead or on their hand, 14:10 they will also drink from the wine of God’s wrath, which is prepared undiluted in the cup of His anger. They will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 14:11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and his image, and anyone who receives the mark of his name. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

14:13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'"

14:13 I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: 'Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on.'"

"Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "so they can enjoy peace from their hard work; because their deeds stay with them."

14:14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man,* having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 14:15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" 14:16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

14:14 I looked, and there was a white cloud; and on the cloud sat someone like a son of man,* wearing a golden crown on his head and holding a sharp sickle in his hand. 14:15 Another angel came out from the temple, shouting with a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud, "Use your sickle and harvest; the time to harvest has come; the earth's crop is ready!" 14:16 The one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

14:17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 14:18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" 14:19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 14:20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

14:17 Another angel came out from the temple in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 14:18 Another angel came out from the altar, the one who has power over fire, and he called out loudly to the one with the sharp sickle, saying, "Use your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, because the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" 14:19 The angel swung his sickle into the earth, gathered the harvest of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of God’s wrath. 14:20 The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, reaching up to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

15:1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. 15:2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image,* and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 15:3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

15:1 I saw another amazing sign in the sky: seven angels with the seven final plagues, because in them God's anger is complete. 15:2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who defeated the beast, his image,* and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding the harps of God. 15:3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

"Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
15:4 Who wouldn't fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you only are holy.
For all the nations will come and worship before you.
For your righteous acts have been revealed."

15:5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 15:6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.

15:5 After this, I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 15:6 The seven angels with the seven plagues came out, dressed in pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes across their chests.

15:7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 15:8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.

15:7 One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the anger of God, who lives forever. 15:8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power. No one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

16:1 I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!"

16:1 I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth!"

16:2 The first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth, and it became a harmful and evil sore on the people who had the mark of the beast, and who worshiped his image.

16:2 The first one went and poured out his bowl onto the ground, and it turned into a painful and evil sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.

16:3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man. Every living thing in the sea died.

16:3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person. Every living thing in the sea died.

16:4 The third poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 16:5 I heard the angel of the waters saying, "You are righteous, who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things. 16:6 For they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this." 16:7 I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments."

16:4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood. 16:5 I heard the angel of the waters say, "You are righteous, you who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things. 16:6 They spilled the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this." 16:7 I heard the altar say, "Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments."

16:8 The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire. 16:9 People were scorched with great heat, and people blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn't repent and give him glory.

16:8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and he was allowed to scorch people with fire. 16:9 People were burned by intense heat, and they insulted the name of God, who has authority over these plagues. They didn’t repent or give Him glory.

16:10 The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, 16:11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They didn't repent of their works.

16:10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl onto the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. They bit their tongues in agony, 16:11 and they cursed the God of heaven because of their suffering and sores. They didn’t change their ways.

16:12 The sixth poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up, that the way might be made ready for the kings that come from the sunrise. 16:13 I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, something like frogs; 16:14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go forth to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of that great day of God, the Almighty.

16:12 The sixth angel poured his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water dried up to prepare the way for the kings coming from the east. 16:13 I saw three unclean spirits coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, looking like frogs; 16:14 for they are spirits of demons performing signs, going out to the kings of the entire world to gather them for the battle of that great day of God, the Almighty.

16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn't walk naked, and they see his shame." 16:16 He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.

16:15 "Look, I'm coming unexpectedly. Happy is the one who stays alert and keeps their clothes on, so they don't walk around exposed and reveal their shame." 16:16 He gathered them together in a place called Megiddo in Hebrew.

16:17 The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 16:18 There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty. 16:19 The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 16:20 Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 16:21 Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.

16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came from the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 16:18 There were flashes of lightning, loud noises, and thunder; and there was a massive earthquake, such as had not occurred since humans have been on the earth, so great an earthquake, so powerful. 16:19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to make her drink the cup of the wine of His fierce anger. 16:20 Every island disappeared, and the mountains could not be found. 16:21 Huge hailstones, about the weight of a talent, fell from the sky on people. They cursed God because of the plague of hail, for this plague was extremely severe.

17:1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 17:2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality." 17:3 He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 17:4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth. 17:5 And on her forehead a name was written, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." 17:6 I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. 17:7 The angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. 17:9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 17:10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 17:11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 17:12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. 17:13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 17:14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful." 17:15 He said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 17:16 The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, and will make her desolate, and will make her naked, and will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire. 17:17 For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, and to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished. 17:18 The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth."

17:1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke to me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 17:2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and those who live on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her sexual immorality." 17:3 He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, with seven heads and ten horns. 17:4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, holding a golden cup full of abominations and impurities from her sexual immorality. 17:5 And on her forehead was written a name, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." 17:6 I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly amazed. 17:7 The angel said to me, "Why are you amazed? I will explain the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will be amazed when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. 17:9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 17:10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 17:11 The beast that was, and is not, is also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 17:12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 17:13 These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful." 17:15 He said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 17:16 The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute, make her desolate, strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her utterly with fire. 17:17 For God has put it in their hearts to carry out his purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled. 17:18 The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."

18:1 After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory. 18:2 He cried with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird! 18:3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality, the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from the abundance of her luxury."

18:1 After this, I saw another angel coming down from heaven, with great authority. The earth was brightened by his glory. 18:2 He shouted with a loud voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a dwelling place for demons, a prison for every unclean spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird! 18:3 For all the nations have drunk the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality; the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth got rich from the abundance of her luxury."

18:4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don't receive of her plagues, 18:5 for her sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered her iniquities. 18:6 Return to her just as she returned, and repay her double as she did, and according to her works. In the cup which she mixed, mix to her double. 18:7 However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, 'I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.' 18:8 Therefore in one day her plagues will come: death, mourning, and famine; and she will be utterly burned with fire; for the Lord God who has judged her is strong. 18:9 The kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with her, will weep and wail over her, when they look at the smoke of her burning, 18:10 standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.' 18:11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more; 18:12 merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble; 18:13 and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and people's bodies and souls. 18:14 The fruits which your soul lusted after have been lost to you, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous have perished from you, and you will find them no more at all. 18:15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand far away for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning; 18:16 saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, she who was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls! 18:17 For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.' Every shipmaster, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away, 18:18 and cried out as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?' 18:19 They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!' For in one hour is she made desolate.

18:4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you don't share in her sins and don’t receive any of her plagues, 18:5 because her sins have piled up to the sky, and God has not forgotten her wrongdoings. 18:6 Pay her back just as she has paid you, and give her double for what she has done, based on her actions. In the cup she mixed, mix her a double portion. 18:7 As much as she glorified herself and indulged, give her that much torment and sorrow. For she says in her heart, 'I am a queen, I'm not a widow, and I’ll never experience sorrow.' 18:8 Therefore, in one day her plagues will come: death, sorrow, and famine; and she will be completely burned with fire; for the Lord God who judged her is powerful. 18:9 The kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived extravagantly with her, will cry and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her destruction, 18:10 standing far away in fear of her suffering, saying, 'Alas, alas, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! Your judgment has come in just one hour.' 18:11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her because no one buys their goods anymore; 18:12 goods of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all kinds of expensive wood, every kind of ivory, every kind of precious wood, brass, iron, and marble; 18:13 and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and the bodies and souls of people. 18:14 The fruits that your soul craved have disappeared from you, and everything that was luxurious and marvelous has vanished, and you won't find them anymore at all. 18:15 The merchants of these goods, who grew rich from her, will stand far away in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning; 18:16 saying, 'Alas, alas, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 18:17 For in an hour, such incredible wealth has been ruined.' Every ship captain, everyone who sails anywhere, sailors, and anyone who makes a living at sea stood far away, 18:18 and cried out as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?' 18:19 They threw dust on their heads and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Alas, alas, the great city, in which everyone who had ships at sea grew rich because of her incredible wealth!' For in just one hour, she has been brought to ruin.

18:20 "Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has judged your judgment on her." 18:21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all. 18:22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftsman, of whatever craft, will be found any more at all in you. The sound of a mill will be heard no more at all in you. 18:23 The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 18:24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on the earth."

18:20 "Celebrate her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has avenged you against her." 18:21 A powerful angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "This is how violently Babylon, the great city, will be destroyed, and it will not be found anymore. 18:22 The sounds of harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again. No craftsmen of any trade will be found in you again. The sound of a mill will never be heard in you again. 18:23 The light of a lamp will no longer shine in you. The voices of the bridegroom and the bride will never be heard in you again; for your merchants were the leaders of the earth; and through your magic, all the nations were deceived. 18:24 In her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."

19:1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: 19:2 for true and righteous are his judgments. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand."

19:1 After these things, I heard what sounded like a loud voice from a huge crowd in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: 19:2 for his judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who polluted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has taken revenge on her for the blood of his servants."

19:3 A second said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever." 19:4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, "Amen! Hallelujah!"

19:3 A second person said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever." 19:4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, "Amen! Hallelujah!"

19:5 A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!"

19:5 A voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you who serve him, you who fear him, both the small and the great!"

19:6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! 19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready." 19:8 It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

19:6 I heard something like the voice of a huge crowd, like the sound of many waters, and like the rumble of powerful thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! 19:7 Let us celebrate and be extremely joyful, and let us give glory to Him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself." 19:8 She was given the privilege to dress in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen represents the good deeds of the saints.

19:9 He said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" He said to me, "These are true words of God."

19:9 He said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" He told me, "These are the true words of God."

19:10 I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, "Look! Don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."

19:10 I fell at his feet to worship him. He said to me, "Look! Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."

19:11 I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. 19:12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. 19:13 He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called "The Word of God." 19:14 The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. 19:15 Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod.* He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 19:16 He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

19:11 I saw heaven open up, and there was a white horse, and the one sitting on it is called Faithful and True. He judges righteously and makes war. 19:12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and he wears many crowns on his head. He has names written on him, and one name that no one knows except for him. 19:13 He is dressed in a robe drenched in blood. His name is "The Word of God." 19:14 The armies in heaven followed him on white horses, dressed in pure, white linen. 19:15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword, which he will use to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter.* He treads the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. 19:16 He has a name written on his robe and on his thigh, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

19:17 I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, "Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God, 19:18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, and small and great." 19:19 I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army. 19:20 The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 19:21 The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh.

19:17 I saw an angel standing in the sun. He shouted with a loud voice, calling to all the birds flying in the sky, "Come! Gather together at the great supper of God, 19:18 so you can eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, both free and slave, small and great." 19:19 I saw the beast, along with the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered to make war against the one who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 19:20 The beast was captured, along with the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 19:21 The rest were killed by the sword of the one sitting on the horse, the sword that came out of his mouth. All the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

20:1 I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 20:2 He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, 20:3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time. 20:4 I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn't worship the beast nor his image, and didn't receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived, and reigned with Christ for the thousand years. 20:5 The rest of the dead didn't live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.

20:1 I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key to the abyss and a big chain in his hand. 20:2 He grabbed the dragon, that old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the entire world, and locked him up for a thousand years, 20:3 then threw him into the abyss, closed it, and sealed it over him so he wouldn’t deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were over. After that, he must be released for a little while. 20:4 I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. I saw the souls of those who had been executed for their testimony about Jesus and for sharing the word of God, as well as those who didn't worship the beast or its image, and didn't accept the mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and ruled with Christ for a thousand years. 20:5 The rest of the dead didn’t come back to life until the thousand years were over. This is the first resurrection. 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who take part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him for one thousand years.

20:7 And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison, 20:8 and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 20:9 They went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God, and devoured them. 20:10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

20:7 After a thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison, 20:8 and he will come out to mislead the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, gathering them for battle; their number will be like the sand on the seashore. 20:9 They spread across the whole earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. Fire came down from heaven from God and consumed them. 20:10 The devil who misled them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are as well. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

20:11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. 20:12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. 20:14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 20:15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

20:11 I saw a great white throne, and someone sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the sky disappeared. There was no place found for them. 20:12 I saw the dead, both the great and the small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged based on what was written in the books, according to their actions. 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one based on their actions. 20:14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 20:15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, they were thrown into the lake of fire.

21:1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 21:2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. 21:3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 21:4 He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."

21:1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. 21:2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 21:3 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Look, God’s home is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, and there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain. The old order has passed away."

21:5 He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true." 21:6 He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 21:7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 21:8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

21:5 The one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new." He said, "Write this down, for these words of God are trustworthy and true." 21:6 He told me, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to anyone who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 21:7 To those who conquer, I will give these gifts. I will be their God, and they will be my children. 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the unbelieving, the sinful, the disgusting, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their fate is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

21:9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb's bride." 21:10 He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 21:11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 21:12 having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. 21:13 On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 21:14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. 21:15 He who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 21:16 The city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. He measured the city with the reed, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 21:17 Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 21:18 The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass. 21:19 The foundations of the city's wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 21:20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst. 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 21:22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. 21:23 The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 21:24 The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 21:25 Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there), 21:26 and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter. 21:27 There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

21:9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the last seven plagues came and said to me, "Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb's bride." 21:10 He took me in the Spirit to a huge high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, from God, 21:11 shining with the glory of God. Its light was like a precious stone, like a clear crystal jasper; 21:12 it had a massive, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates were twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. 21:13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. 21:14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. 21:15 The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 21:16 The city was laid out like a square, and its length was the same as its width. He measured the city with the stick, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, width, and height were all equal. 21:17 Its wall was one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measurement of a man, that is, of an angel. 21:18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 21:19 The foundations of the city's wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 21:20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst. 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made from a single pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 21:22 I saw no temple there, because the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb are its temple. 21:23 The city doesn’t need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 21:24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the earth will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 21:25 Its gates will never be shut during the day (since there will be no night there), 21:26 and they will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 21:27 Nothing unclean or anyone who does anything detestable or false will enter it, only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

22:1 He showed me a* river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 22:2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 22:3 There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants serve him. 22:4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 22:5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.

22:1 He showed me a* river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, 22:2 right in the middle of its street. On both sides of the river was the tree of life, producing twelve different kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 22:3 There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. 22:4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 22:5 There will be no night, and they won’t need lamp light, because the Lord God will shine on them. They will reign forever and ever.

22:6 He said to me, "These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon."

22:6 He said to me, "These words are trustworthy and genuine. The Lord God, the spirit of the prophets, sent his angel to reveal to his servants what is going to happen soon."

22:7 "Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

22:7 "Look, I am coming soon. Happy is the one who holds on to the words of the prophecy in this book."

22:8 Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. 22:9 He said to me, "See you don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." 22:10 He said to me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 22:11 He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."

22:8 Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. 22:9 He said to me, “Don’t do that! I’m a fellow servant with you and your brothers, the prophets, and with everyone who keeps the words of this book. Worship God.” 22:10 He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 22:11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong. Let the filthy one stay filthy. Let the righteous one keep doing what is right. Let the holy one continue to be holy.”

22:12 "Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star."

22:12 "Look, I’m coming soon. My reward is with me, to give each person based on what they’ve done. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who keep his commandments, so they can have the right to the tree of life and enter the city through the gates. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lies. 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to share these messages with you for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David; the Bright and Morning Star."

22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" He who hears, let him say, "Come!" He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely. 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book. 22:19 If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. 22:20 He who testifies these things says, "Yes, I come quickly."

22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Anyone who hears should say, "Come!" If you're thirsty, come. If you want it, take the water of life freely. 22:18 I declare to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy in this book, if anyone adds to them, may God bring upon him the plagues written in this book. 22:19 If anyone removes from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his share from the tree of life and from the holy city, as described in this book. 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."

Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.

Amen! Yes, come, Jesus.

22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.

22:21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.


Notes:

Notes:

[1] back to 1:1 or, messenger (here and wherever angel is mentioned)

[1] back to 1:1 or, messenger (here and wherever angel is mentioned)

[2] back to 1:6 Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6

[2] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6

[3] back to 1:8 TR adds "the Beginning and the End"

[3] back to 1:8 TR adds "the Start and the Finish"

[4] back to 1:8 TR omits "God"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "God"

[5] back to 1:11 TR adds "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last."

[5] back to 1:11 TR adds "I am the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

[6] back to 1:11 TR adds "which are in Asia"

[6] back to 1:11 TR adds "that are in Asia"

[7] back to 1:13 Daniel 7:13

[7] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 7:13

[8] back to 1:18 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[9] back to 1:20 or, messengers (here and wherever angels are mentioned)

[9] back to 1:20 or, messengers (here and whenever angels are mentioned)

[10] back to 2:3 TR adds "have labored and"

[10] back to 2:3 TR adds "have worked hard and"

[11] back to 2:15 TR reads "which I hate" instead of "likewise"

[11] back to 2:15 TR reads "which I hate" instead of "also"

[12] back to 2:17 Manna is supernatural food, named after the Hebrew for "What is it?". See Exodus 11:7-9.

[12] back to 2:17 Manna is supernatural food, named after the Hebrew for "What is it?". See Exodus 11:7-9.

[13] back to 2:20 TR, NU read "that" instead of "your"

[13] back to 2:20 TR, NU read "that" instead of "your"

[14] back to 2:27 Psalm 2:9

[14] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:9

[15] back to 4:8 Hodges/Farstad MT reads "holy" 9 times instead of 3.

[15] back to 4:8 The Hodges/Farstad MT versions mention "holy" 9 times instead of 3.

[16] back to 4:11 TR omits "and God, the Holy One,"

[16] back to 4:11 TR leaves out "and God, the Holy One,"

[17] back to 5:13 TR omits "Amen!"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR omits "Amen!"

[18] back to 5:14 TR adds "twenty-four"

"24"

[19] back to 5:14 TR adds "the one living forever and ever"

[19] back to 5:14 TR adds "the one who lives forever."

[20] back to 6:6 A choenix is a dry volume measure that is a little more than a litre (a little more than a quart).

[20] back to 6:6 A choenix is a dry volume measurement that is just over a liter (a bit more than a quart).

[21] back to 6:8 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[22] back to 6:11 The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[22] back to 6:11 The word for "brothers" here, when context allows, can also be accurately translated as "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

[23] back to 8:7 TR omits "One third of the earth was burnt up"

[23] back to 8:7 TR leaves out "A third of the earth was burned up"

[24] back to 8:13 TR reads "angel" instead of "eagle"

[24] back to 8:13 TR says "angel" instead of "eagle"

[25] back to 9:2 TR adds "great"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "awesome"

[26] back to 9:11 "Abaddon" is a Hebrew word that means ruin, destruction, or the place of destruction

[26] back to 9:11 "Abaddon" is a Hebrew term that translates to ruin, destruction, or the location of destruction.

[27] back to 9:11 "Apollyon" means "Destroyer."

"Apollyon" means "Destroyer."

[28] back to 9:16 literally, "ten thousands of ten thousands"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ literally, "tens of thousands"

[29] back to 9:21 The word for "sorceries" (pharmakeia) also implies the use of potions, poisons, and drugs

[29] back to 9:21 The term for "sorceries" (pharmakeia) also suggests the use of potions, poisons, and drugs.

[30] back to 11:17 TR adds "and who is coming"

[30] back to 11:17 TR adds "and who is coming"

[31] back to 13:10 TR reads "If anyone leads into captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed with a sword." instead of "If anyone has captivity, he goes away. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed."

[31] back to 13:10 TR reads "If someone takes someone captive, they will be taken captive. If someone kills with a sword, they must be killed by a sword." instead of "If someone has captivity, they go away. If someone is with the sword, they must be killed."

[32] back to 14:5 TR adds "before the throne of God"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "before God's throne"

[33] back to 14:14 Daniel 7:13

[33] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Daniel 7:13

[34] back to 14:20 1600 stadia = 296 kilometers or 184 miles

[34] back to 14:20 1600 stadia = 296 kilometers or 184 miles

[35] back to 15:2 TR adds "his mark,"

"his mark,"

[36] back to 16:21 1 talent is about 34 kilograms or 75 pounds

[36] back to 16:21 1 a talent weighs about 34 kilograms or 75 pounds

[37] back to 17:8 TR reads "yet is" instead of "shall be present"

[37] back to 17:8 TR reads "yet is" instead of "will be present"

[38] back to 19:15 Psalm 2:9

[38] __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Psalm 2:9

[39] back to 19:17 TR reads "supper of the great God" instead of "great supper of God"

[39] back to 19:17 TR reads "supper of the great God" instead of "great supper of God"

[40] back to 20:13 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[41] back to 20:14 or, Hell

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, Hell

[42] back to 21:8 The word for "sorcerers" here also includes users of potions and drugs.

[42] back to 21:8 The term "sorcerers" here also refers to those who use potions and drugs.

[43] back to 21:16 12,012 stadia = or 2,221 kilometers or 1,380 miles. TR reads 12,000 stadia instead of 12,012 stadia.

[43] back to 21:16 12,012 stadia = or 2,221 kilometers or 1,380 miles. The TR reads 12,000 stadia instead of 12,012 stadia.

[44] back to 21:17 144 cubits is about 65.8 meters or 216 feet

[44] back to 21:17 144 144 cubits is approximately 65.8 meters or 216 feet

[45] back to 21:19 or, lapis lazuli

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ or, lapis lazuli

[46] back to 22:1 TR adds "pure"

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ TR adds "genuine"
















World English Bible Glossary

The following words used in the World English Bible (WEB) are not very common, either because they refer to ancient weights, measures, or money, or because they are in some way unique to the Bible.

The following words used in the World English Bible (WEB) aren't very common, either because they relate to old weights, measures, or currency, or because they are uniquely associated with the Bible.


CONTENTS



Abaddon
Abba
adultery
alpha
amen
angel
Apollyon
apostle
Armageddon     
assarion
aureus
baptize
bath
batos
Beersheba
behold
cherub
cherubim
choenix
concubine
cor
corban
crucify
cubit
cummin
darnel
denarii
denarius
devil
didrachma
distaff
drachma
El-Elohe-Israel     
ephah
Gehenna
gittith
goad
gospel
Hades
Har-magedon
hin
homer
hypocrite
Ishmael
Jehovah
Jesus
kodrantes
lepta
Leviathan
Mahalath
manna
Maschil
michtam
mina
myrrh
Nicolaitans     
omega
Peniel
phylactery
Praetorium
quadrans
rabbi
Rahab
Rhabboni
Sabbath
saints
Samaritan
sata
Satan
scribe
selah
sexual immorality
shekel
Sheol
Shibah
shigionoth
soul
span
spirit
stadia
stater
talent
Tartarus
teraphim
Yah
Yahweh










Abaddon

Abaddon is Hebrew for destruction.

Abaddon means destruction in Hebrew.

Abba

Abba is a Chaldee word for father, used in a respectful, affectionate, and familiar way, like papa, dad, or daddy. Often used in prayer to refer to our Father in Heaven.

Abba is a Chaldean word for father, used in a respectful, loving, and familiar way, like papa, dad, or daddy. It's often used in prayer to refer to our Father in Heaven.

adultery

Adultery is having sexual intercourse with someone besides your own husband or wife. In the Bible, the only legitimate sexual intercourse is between a man and a woman who are married to each other.

Adultery is having sex with someone other than your own husband or wife. In the Bible, the only accepted sexual relationship is between a man and a woman who are married to each other.

alpha

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. It is sometimes used to mean the beginning or the first.

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. It is sometimes used to mean the beginning or the first.

amen

Amen means "so be it" or "it is certainly so."

Amen means "so be it" or "it’s definitely true."

angel

"Angel" literally means "messenger" or "envoy," and is usually used to refer to spiritual beings who normally are invisible to us, but can also appear as exceedingly strong creatures or as humans.

"Angel" literally means "messenger" or "envoy" and is typically used to refer to spiritual beings that are usually invisible to us, but can also show up as incredibly strong beings or as humans.

Apollyon

Apollyon is Greek for destroyer.

Apollyon means destroyer in Greek.

apostle

"Apostle" means a delegate, messenger, or one sent forth with orders. This term is applied in the New Testament in both a general sense connected with a ministry of establishing and strengthening church fellowships, as well as in a specific sense to "The 12 Apostles of the Lamb" (Revelation 21:14). The former category applies to a specific ministry that continues in the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13) and which includes many more than 12 people, while the latter refers to the apostles named in Matthew 10:2-4, except with Judas Iscariot replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).

"Apostle" refers to a delegate, messenger, or someone sent out with instructions. This term is used in the New Testament both in a general sense related to a ministry focused on establishing and strengthening church communities, and in a specific sense referring to "The 12 Apostles of the Lamb" (Revelation 21:14). The first category relates to a specific ministry that continues in the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13) and involves many more than 12 individuals, while the latter pertains to the apostles listed in Matthew 10:2-4, except that Judas Iscariot is replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).

Armageddon

See Har-magedon.

See Armageddon.

assarion

An assarion is a small Roman copper coin worth one tenth of a drachma, or about an hour's wages for an agricultural laborer.

An assarion is a small Roman copper coin worth one-tenth of a drachma, or about an hour's pay for a farm worker.

aureus

An aureus is a Roman gold coin, worth 25 silver denarii. An aureus weighed from 115 to 126.3 grains (7.45 to 8.18 grams).

An aureus is a Roman gold coin, valued at 25 silver denarii. An aureus weighed between 115 and 126.3 grains (7.45 to 8.18 grams).

baptize

Baptize means to immerse in, or wash with something, usually water. Baptism in the Holy Spirit, fire, the Body of Christ, and suffering are also mentioned in the New Testament, along with baptism in water. Baptism is not just to cleanse the body, but as an outward sign of an inward spiritual cleansing and commitment. Baptism is a sign of repentance, as practiced by John the Baptizer, and of faith in Jesus Christ, as practiced by Jesus' disciples.

Baptize means to immerse in or wash with something, usually water. Baptism in the Holy Spirit, fire, the Body of Christ, and suffering are also mentioned in the New Testament, along with baptism in water. Baptism is not just for cleansing the body, but an outward sign of an inward spiritual cleansing and commitment. Baptism is a symbol of repentance, as practiced by John the Baptizer, and of faith in Jesus Christ, as practiced by Jesus' disciples.

bath

A bath is a liquid measure of about 22 liters, 5.8 U. S. gallons, or 4.8 imperial gallons.

A bath is a liquid measure of about 22 liters, 5.8 U.S. gallons, or 4.8 imperial gallons.

batos

A batos is a liquid measure of about 39.5 liters, 10.4 U. S. gallons, or 8.7 imperial gallons.

A batos is a liquid measure of about 39.5 liters, 10.4 U.S. gallons, or 8.7 imperial gallons.

Beersheba

Beersheba is Hebrew for "well of the oath" or "well of the seven." A city in Israel.

Beersheba means "well of the oath" or "well of the seven" in Hebrew. It's a city in Israel.

behold

Look! See! Wow! Notice this! Lo!

Look! See! Wow! Notice this! Look!

cherub

A cherub is a kind of angel with wings and hands that is associated with the throne room of God and guardian duty. See Ezekiel 10.

A cherub is a type of angel with wings and hands that is linked to God's throne room and serves as a guardian. See Ezekiel 10.

cherubim

Cherubim means more than one cherub or a mighty cherub.

Cherubim means more than one cherub or a powerful cherub.

choenix

A choenix is a dry volume measure that is a little more than a liter (which is a little more than a quart). A choenix was the daily ration of grain for a soldier in some armies.

A choenix is a dry volume measure that's just over a liter (which is just over a quart). A choenix was the daily grain allowance for a soldier in some armies.

concubine

a woman who is united to a man for the purpose of providing him with sexual pleasure and children, but not being honored as a full partner in marriage; a second-class wife. In Old Testament times (and in some places now), it was the custom of middle-eastern kings, chiefs, and wealthy men to mary multiple wives and concubines, but God commanded the Kings of Israel not to do so (Deuteronomy 17:17) and Jesus encouraged people to either remain single or marry as God originally intended: one man married to one woman (Matthew 19:3-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-13).

a woman who is joined to a man to provide him with sexual pleasure and children, but is not recognized as a full partner in marriage; a second-class wife. In Old Testament times (and in some places today), it was common for Middle Eastern kings, chiefs, and wealthy men to marry multiple wives and concubines, but God instructed the Kings of Israel not to do so (Deuteronomy 17:17) and Jesus encouraged people to either stay single or marry as God originally intended: one man united with one woman (Matthew 19:3-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-13).

cor

A cor is a dry measure of about 391 liters, 103 U. S. gallons, or 86 imperial gallons.

A cor is a dry measurement of about 391 liters, 103 U.S. gallons, or 86 imperial gallons.

corban

Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering devoted to God.

Corban is a Hebrew word for a gift dedicated to God.

crucify

Crucify means to execute someone by nailing them to a cross with metal spikes. Their hands are stretched out on the crossbeam with spikes driven through their wrists or hands. Their feet or ankles are attached to a cross with a metal spike. The weight of the victim's body tends to force the air out of his lungs. To raise up to breathe, the victim has to put weight on the wounds, and use a lot of strength. The victim is nailed to the cross while the cross is on the ground, then the cross is raised up and dropped into a hole, thus jarring the wounds. Before crucifiction, the victim was usually whipped with a Roman cat of nine tails, which had bits of glass and metal tied to its ends. This caused chunks of flesh to be removed and open wounds to be placed against the raw wood of the cross. The victim was made to carry the heavy crossbeam of his cross from the place of judgment to the place of crucifixion, but often was physically unable after the scourging, so another person would be pressed into involuntary service to carry the cross for him. Roman crucifixion was generally done totally naked to maximize both shame and discomfort. Eventually, the pain, weakness, dehydration, and exhaustion of the muscles needed to breathe make breathing impossible, and the victim suffocates.

Crucifixion means to execute someone by nailing them to a cross using metal spikes. Their hands are stretched out on the crossbeam with spikes driven through their wrists or hands. Their feet or ankles are fixed to the cross with a metal spike. The weight of the victim's body tends to push the air out of their lungs. To take a breath, the victim has to put weight on the wounds and use a lot of strength. The victim is nailed to the cross while it’s on the ground, then the cross is raised and dropped into a hole, jarring the wounds. Before crucifixion, the victim was usually whipped with a Roman cat o' nine tails, which had bits of glass and metal tied to its ends. This caused chunks of flesh to be torn away and open wounds to be pressed against the rough wood of the cross. The victim was forced to carry the heavy crossbeam from the place of judgment to the site of crucifixion, but often couldn’t manage after the beating, so another person would be forced to carry it for him. Roman crucifixion was typically done completely naked to maximize both shame and discomfort. Eventually, the pain, weakness, dehydration, and exhaustion of the muscles needed to breathe make it impossible to breathe, leading to suffocation.

cubit

A cubit is a unit of linear measure, from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger of a man. This unit is commonly converted to 0.46 meters or 18 inches, although that varies with height of the man doing the measurement. There is also a "long" cubit that is longer than a regular cubit by a handbreadth. (Ezekiel 43:13)

A cubit is a unit of length, measured from the elbow to the tip of a person's longest finger. This measurement usually converts to 0.46 meters or 18 inches, though it can vary based on the height of the person measuring. There's also a "long" cubit, which is longer than a standard cubit by the width of a hand. (Ezekiel 43:13)

cummin

Cummin is an aromatic seed from Cuminum cyminum, resembling caraway in flavor and appearance. It is used as a spice.

Cummin is a fragrant seed from Cuminum cyminum, similar in flavor and look to caraway. It is used as a spice.

darnel

Darnel is a weed grass (probably bearded darnel or Lolium temulentum) that looks very much like wheat until it is mature, when the seeds reveal a great difference. Darnel seeds aren't good for much except as chicken feed or to burn to prevent the spread of this weed.

Darnel is a type of weed grass (probably bearded darnel or Lolium temulentum) that closely resembles wheat until it matures, at which point the seeds show a significant difference. Darnel seeds are mostly useful as chicken feed or for burning to stop this weed from spreading.

denarii

denarii: plural form of denarius, a silver Roman coin worth about a days wages for a laborer.

denarii: the plural form of denarius, a silver Roman coin valued at around a day's wages for a laborer.

denarius

A denarius is a silver Roman coin worth about a day's wages for an agricultural laborer. A denarius was worth 1/25th of a Roman aureus.

A denarius is a silver Roman coin worth roughly a day's pay for a farm worker. A denarius was worth 1/25th of a Roman aureus.

devil

The word "devil" comes from the Greek "diabolos," which means "one prone to slander; a liar." "Devil" is used to refer to a fallen angel, also called "Satan," who works to steal, kill, destroy, and do evil. The devil's doom is certain, and it is only a matter of time before he is thrown into the Lake of Fire, never to escape.

The word "devil" originates from the Greek "diabolos," which means "one who slanders; a liar." "Devil" refers to a fallen angel, also known as "Satan," who aims to steal, kill, destroy, and spread evil. The devil's fate is sealed, and it’s only a matter of time before he is cast into the Lake of Fire, never to escape.

didrachma

A didrachma is a Greek silver coin worth 2 drachmas, about as much as 2 Roman denarii, or about 2 days wages. It was commonly used to pay the half-shekel temple tax.

A didrachma is a Greek silver coin worth 2 drachmas, roughly equivalent to 2 Roman denarii, or about 2 days' wages. It was commonly used to pay the half-shekel temple tax.

distaff

part of a spinning wheel used for twisting threads.

part of a spinning wheel that’s used for twisting threads.

drachma

A drachma is a Greek silver coin worth about one Roman denarius, or about a day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

A drachma is a Greek silver coin that is worth approximately one Roman denarius, or roughly a day's pay for a farm worker.

El-Elohe-Israel

El-Elohe-Israel means "God, the God of Israel" or "The God of Israel is mighty."

El-Elohe-Israel means "God, the God of Israel" or "The God of Israel is powerful."

ephah

An ephah is a measure of volume of about 22 liters, 5.8 U. S. gallons, 4.8 imperial gallons, or a bit more than half a bushel.

An ephah is a volume measurement of about 22 liters, 5.8 U.S. gallons, 4.8 imperial gallons, or just over half a bushel.

Gehenna

Gehenna is one word used for Hell. It comes from the Hebrew Gey-Hinnom, literally "valley of Hinnom." This word originated as the name for a place south of the old city of Jerusalem where the city's rubbish was burned. At one time, live babies were thrown crying into the fire under the arms of the idol, Moloch, to die there. This place was so despised by the people after the righteous King Josiah abolished this hideous practice that it was made into a garbage heap. Bodies of diseased animals and executed criminals were thrown there and burned.

Gehenna is one term for Hell. It comes from the Hebrew Gey-Hinnom, which means "valley of Hinnom." This term initially referred to a location south of the old city of Jerusalem where the city's trash was burned. At one point, live babies were thrown into the fire, crying, under the arms of the idol Moloch, to die there. This place became so reviled by the people after the righteous King Josiah put an end to this horrific practice that it was turned into a garbage dump. Bodies of sick animals and executed criminals were tossed there and burned.

gittith

Gittith is a musical term possibly meaning "an instrument of Gath."

Gittith is a musical term that likely means "an instrument from Gath."

goad

a sharp, pointed prodding device used to motivate reluctant animals (such as oxen and mules) to move in the right direction.

a sharp, pointed tool used to encourage unwilling animals (like oxen and mules) to move in the desired direction.

gospel

Gospel means "good news" or "glad tidings," specifically the Good News of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our salvation, healing, and provision; and the hope of eternal life that Jesus made available to us by God's grace.

Gospel means "good news" or "glad tidings," specifically the Good News of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our salvation, healing, and provision; and the hope of eternal life that Jesus made available to us by God's grace.

Hades

Hades: The nether realm of the disembodied spirits.

Hades: The underworld of the souls without bodies.

Har-magedon

Har-magedon, also called Armegeddon, is most likely a reference to hill ("har") of Megiddo, near the Carmel Range in Israel. This area has a large valley plain with plenty of room for armies to maneuver.

Har-magedon, also known as Armageddon, probably refers to the hill ("har") of Megiddo, near the Carmel Range in Israel. This region has a vast valley plain that provides ample space for armies to move around.

hin

A hin was about 6.5 liters or 1.7 gallons.

A hin was roughly 6.5 liters or 1.7 gallons.

homer

One homer is about 220 liters, 6.2 U. S. bushels, 6.1 imperial bushels, 58 U. S. gallons, or 48.4 imperial gallons.

One homer is about 220 liters, 6.2 U.S. bushels, 6.1 imperial bushels, 58 U.S. gallons, or 48.4 imperial gallons.

hypocrite

a stage actor; someone who pretends to be someone other than who they really are; a pretender; a dissembler

a stage actor; someone who acts like someone else; a pretender; a dissembler

Ishmael

Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar. Ishmael literally means, "God hears."

Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar. Ishmael literally means "God hears."

Jehovah

See "Yahweh."

See "God."

Jesus

"Jesus" is Greek for the Hebrew name "Yeshua," which is a short version of "Yehoshua," which comes from "Yoshia," which means "He will save."

"Jesus" is the Greek version of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," which is a shortened form of "Yehoshua," which comes from "Yoshia," meaning "He will save."

kodrantes

A kodrantes is a small coin worth one half of an Attic chalcus or two lepta. It is worth less than 2% of a day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

A kodrantes is a small coin worth half of an Attic chalcus or two lepta. It is worth less than 2% of a day's wages for a farmworker.

lepta

Lepta are very small, brass, Jewish coins worth half a Roman quadrans each, which is worth a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of an agricultural worker's daily wages.

Lepta are tiny brass coins from Jewish culture, each worth half a Roman quadrans, which is a quarter of a copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of what an agricultural worker earns in a day.

Leviathan

Leviathan is a poetic name for a large aquatic creature, posssibly a crocodile or a dinosaur.

Leviathan is a poetic term for a large water creature, possibly a crocodile or a dinosaur.

Mahalath

Mahalath is the name of a tune or a musical term.

Mahalath is a name for a tune or a musical term.

manna

Name for the food that God miraculously provided to the Israelites while they were wandering in the wilderness between Egypt and the promised land. From Hebrew man-hu (What is that?) or manan (to allot). See Exodus 16:14-35.

Name for the food that God miraculously provided to the Israelites while they were wandering in the wilderness between Egypt and the promised land. From Hebrew man-hu (What is that?) or manan (to allot). See Exodus 16:14-35.

Maschil

Maschil is a musical and literary term for "contemplation" or "meditative psalm."

Maschil is a musical and literary term for "reflection" or "meditative psalm."

michtam

A michtam is a poem.

A michtam is a poem.

mina

A mina is a Greek coin worth 100 Greek drachmas (or 100 Roman denarii), or about 100 day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

A mina is a Greek coin worth 100 Greek drachmas (or 100 Roman denarii), which is about 100 days' wages for an agricultural worker.

myrrh

Myrrh is the fragrant substance that oozes out of the stems and branches of the low, shrubby tree commiphora myrrha or comiphora kataf native to the Arabian deserts and parts of Africa. The fragrant gum drops to the ground and hardens into an oily yellowish-brown resin. Myrrh was highly valued as a perfume, and as an ingredient in medicinal and ceremonial ointments.

Myrrh is a fragrant substance that seeps from the stems and branches of the low, bushy tree Commiphora myrrha or Commiphora kataf, which is native to the Arabian deserts and parts of Africa. The fragrant gum falls to the ground and solidifies into a yellowish-brown oily resin. Myrrh was highly prized as a perfume and as a key ingredient in medicinal and ceremonial ointments.

Nicolaitans

Nicolaitans were most likely Gnostics who taught the detestable lie that the material and physical realms were entirely separate and that immorality in the physical realm wouldn't harm your spiritual health.

Nicolaitans were probably Gnostics who promoted the awful belief that the material and physical worlds were completely separate and that immoral actions in the physical world wouldn't affect your spiritual well-being.

omega

Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It is sometimes used to mean the last or the end.

Omega is the final letter of the Greek alphabet. It's often used to refer to the last or the end.

Peniel

Peniel is Hebrew for "face of God."

Peniel means "face of God" in Hebrew.

phylactery

a leather container for holding a small scroll containing important Scripture passages that is worn on the arm or forehead in prayer. These phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are still used by orthodox Jewish men. See Deuteronomy 6:8.

a leather container for holding a small scroll with important Scripture passages that is worn on the arm or forehead during prayer. These phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are still used by Orthodox Jewish men. See Deuteronomy 6:8.

Praetorium

Praetorium: the Roman governor's residence and office building, and those who work there.

Praetorium: the Roman governor's home and office, along with the people who work there.

quadrans

A quadrans is a Roman coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius is about one day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

A quadrans is a Roman coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius is about one day's pay for a farmworker.

rabbi

Rabbi is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "my teacher," used as a title of respect for Jewish teachers.

Rabbi is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "my teacher," used as a title of respect for Jewish educators.

Rahab

Rahab is either (1) The prostitute who hid Joshua's 2 spies in Jericho (Joshua 2,6) and later became an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) and an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). (2) Literally, "pride" or "arrogance" -- possibly a reference to a large aquatic creature (Job 9:13; 26:12; Isaiah 51:9) or symbolically referring to Egypt (Psalm 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 30:7).

Rahab is either (1) the prostitute who hid Joshua's two spies in Jericho (Joshua 2:6) and later became an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) and an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). (2) Literally, "pride" or "arrogance" -- possibly a reference to a large aquatic creature (Job 9:13; 26:12; Isaiah 51:9) or symbolically referring to Egypt (Psalm 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 30:7).

Rhabboni

Rhabboni: a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "great teacher."

Rhabboni: a way of writing the Hebrew word for "great teacher."

Sabbath

The seventh day of the week, set aside by God for man to rest.

The seventh day of the week, designated by God for people to take a break.

saints

The Greek word for "saints" literally means "holy ones." Saints are people set apart for service to God as holy and separate, living in righteousness. Used in the Bible to refer to all Christians and to all of those who worship Yahweh in Old Testament times.

The Greek word for "saints" literally means "holy ones." Saints are people set apart for service to God as holy and distinct, living righteously. In the Bible, it refers to all Christians and to everyone who worshiped Yahweh in Old Testament times.

Samaritan

A Samaritan is a resident of Samaria. The Samaritans and the Jews generally detested each other during the time that Jesus walked the Earth.

A Samaritan is someone who lives in Samaria. The Samaritans and the Jews usually hated each other during the time when Jesus was alive.

sata

A sata is: a dry measure of capacity approximately equal to 13 liters or 1.5 pecks.

A sata is a dry measurement of capacity that's roughly equal to 13 liters or 1.5 pecks.

Satan

Satan means "accuser." This is one name for the devil, an enemy of God and God's people.

Satan means "accuser." This is one name for the devil, an enemy of God and God's people.

scribe

A scribe is one who copies God's law. They were often respected as teachers and authorities on God's law.

A scribe is someone who copies God's law. They were often seen as respected teachers and experts on God's law.

selah

Selah is a musical term indicating a pause or instrumental interlude for reflection.

Selah is a musical term that signifies a pause or an instrumental break for reflection.

sexual immorality

The term "sexual immorality" in the New Testament comes from the Greek "porneia," which refers to any sexual activity besides that between a husband and his wife. In other words, prostitution (male or female), bestiality, homosexual activity, any sexual intercourse outside of marriage, and the production and consumption of pornography all are included in this term.

The term "sexual immorality" in the New Testament comes from the Greek "porneia," which refers to any sexual activity outside of that between a husband and wife. In other words, this term includes prostitution (whether male or female), bestiality, homosexual activity, any sexual intercourse outside of marriage, and the production and consumption of pornography.

shekel

A measure of weight, and when referring to that weight in gold, silver, or brass, of money. A shekel is approximately 16 grams, about a half an ounce, or 20 gerahs (Ezekiel 45:12).

A unit of weight, and when talking about that weight in gold, silver, or brass, it refers to money. A shekel is about 16 grams, roughly half an ounce, or 20 gerahs (Ezekiel 45:12).

Sheol

Sheol is the place of the dead.

Sheol is the place where the dead go.

Shibah

Shibah is Hebrew for "oath" or "seven." See Beersheba.

Shibah means "oath" or "seven" in Hebrew. Check out Beersheba.

shigionoth

Victorious music.

Victory music.

soul

"Soul" refers to the emotions and intellect of a living person, as well as that person's very life. It is distinguished in the Bible from a person's spirit and body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12)

"Soul" refers to the feelings and mind of a living person, as well as that person's life itself. It is differentiated in the Bible from a person's spirit and body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12)

span

The length from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is stretched out (about 9 inches or 22.8 cm.).

The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is stretched out (about 9 inches or 22.8 cm).

spirit

Spirit, breath, and wind all derive from the same Hebrew and Greek words. A person's spirit is the very essence of that person's life, which comes from God, who is a Spirit being (John 4:24, Genesis 1:2; 2:7). The Bible distinguishes between a person's spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12). Some beings may exist as spirits without necessarily having a visible body, such as angels and demons (Luke 9:39, 1 John 4:1-3).

Spirit, breath, and wind all come from the same Hebrew and Greek terms. A person's spirit is the core of their life, which originates from God, who is a Spirit (John 4:24, Genesis 1:2; 2:7). The Bible makes a distinction between a person's spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12). Some beings can exist as spirits without needing a physical body, like angels and demons (Luke 9:39, 1 John 4:1-3).

stadia

stadia: plural for "stadion," a linear measure of about 184.9 meters or 606.6 feet (the length of the race course at Olympia).

stadia: the plural of "stadion," a linear measurement of about 184.9 meters or 606.6 feet (the length of the race course at Olympia).

stater

A stater is a Greek silver coin equivalent to four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, or a Jewish shekel: just exactly enough to cover the half-shekel Temple Tax for two people.

A stater is a Greek silver coin worth four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, or a Jewish shekel: just enough to pay the half-shekel Temple Tax for two people.

talent

A measure of weight or mass of 3000 shekels.

A weight or mass of 3000 shekels.

Tartarus

Tartarus is the Greek name for an underworld for the wicked dead; another name for Gehenna or Hell.

Tartarus is the Greek term for an underworld for the evil dead; it’s another name for Gehenna or Hell.

teraphim

Teraphim are household idols that may have been associated with inheritance rights to the household property.

Teraphim are household idols that might have been linked to inheritance rights for the family property.

Yah

"Yah" is a shortened form of "Yahweh," which is God's proper name. This form is used occasionally in the Old Testament, mostly in the Psalms. See "Yahweh."

"Yah" is a shortened version of "Yahweh," which is God's proper name. This form is used occasionally in the Old Testament, mostly in the Psalms. See "Yahweh."

Yahweh

"Yahweh" is God's proper name. In Hebrew, the four consonants roughly equivalent to YHWH were considered too holy to pronounce, so the Hebrew word for "Lord" (Adonai) was substituted when reading it aloud. When vowel points were added to the Hebrew Old Testament, the vowel points for "Adonai" were mixed with the consonants for "Yahweh," which if you pronounced it literally as written, would be pronounced "Yehovah" or "Jehovah." When the Old Testament was translated to Greek, the tradition of substituting "Lord" for God's proper name continued in the translation of God's name to "Lord" (Kurios). Some English Bibles translate God's proper name to "LORD" or "GOD" (usually with small capital letters), based on that same tradition. This can get really confusing, since two other words ("Adonai" and "Elohim") translate to "Lord" and "God," and they are sometimes used together. The ASV of 1901 (and some other translations) render YHWH as "Jehovah." The most probable pronunciation of God's proper name is "Yahweh." In Hebrew, the name "Yahweh" is related to the active declaration "I AM." See Exodus 3:13-14. Since Hebrew has no tenses, the declaration "I AM" also implies "I WAS" and "I WILL BE." Compare Revelation 1:8.

"Yahweh" is God's proper name. In Hebrew, the four consonants roughly equivalent to YHWH were considered too sacred to pronounce, so the Hebrew word for "Lord" (Adonai) was used instead when reading it aloud. When vowel points were added to the Hebrew Old Testament, the vowel points for "Adonai" were combined with the consonants for "Yahweh," which, if pronounced as written, would sound like "Yehovah" or "Jehovah." When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, the practice of substituting "Lord" for God's proper name continued, and God's name was translated as "Lord" (Kurios). Some English Bibles translate God's proper name as "LORD" or "GOD" (often in small capital letters) based on that same tradition. This can be quite confusing since two other words ("Adonai" and "Elohim") also translate to "Lord" and "God," and they are sometimes used together. The ASV of 1901 (and some other translations) render YHWH as "Jehovah." The most likely pronunciation of God's proper name is "Yahweh." In Hebrew, the name "Yahweh" is connected to the active declaration "I AM." See Exodus 3:13-14. Since Hebrew has no tenses, the declaration "I AM" also suggests "I WAS" and "I WILL BE." Compare Revelation 1:8.











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